What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Hashimoto's disease affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces thyroid hormones, which are important for regulating the body's metabolism.
In Hashimoto's disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and damage to the gland. This leads to a decrease in thyroid hormone production, which is known as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Symptoms of Hashimoto's disease can vary, but may include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, depression, and an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter). Some people with the condition may also experience heavy or irregular menstrual periods, or difficulty getting pregnant.

Hashimoto's disease is typically diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests. The most common blood tests used to diagnose Hashimoto's disease include Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test, Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies test, and Thyroglobulin antibodies test.

The primary treatment for Hashimoto's disease is hormone replacement therapy, which replaces the thyroid hormone that the body is not producing enough of. It's important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan and to monitor the condition regularly.