Understanding Hashimoto's - What is Hashimoto's disease and what does it mean for you?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies against its own tissues. These antibodies attack the thyroid gland, leading to its gradual destruction. This leads to hypothyroidism, or impaired thyroid function. Hypothyroidism can be asymptomatic or cause a range of symptoms, including lethargy, malaise, drowsiness, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and more.

Hashimoto's disease requires regular check-ups with an endocrinologist and monitoring of thyroid function.

How to recognize thyroiditis?

Symptoms of Hashimoto's disease are similar to those of other thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism. They may include:

• Weakness and fatigue;
• Immune system disorders;
• Depression or other mood disorders;
• Eating disorders;
• Weight fluctuations;
• Skin changes such as flaking and dry skin;
• Hair and nail changes;
• Low blood pressure;
• Muscle and joint pain;
• Irregular periods and infertility;
• Changes in the thyroid gland, such as nodules, swelling, enlargement of the thyroid gland, or swelling of the neck;
• Changes in thyroid hormone levels.

Hashimoto's – diagnosis

If your doctor suspects Hashimoto's disease, he or she may refer you for the following tests:

1. Thyroid ultrasound – assessment of the thyroid gland condition, its size and structure
2. TSH, FT3, FT4 – basic thyroid hormones, the levels of which allow us to assess whether the gland is functioning properly and whether there is hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
3. Anti-TPO antibodies (anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies) – blood tests that help determine the current thyroid status and detect early symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease.
4. Iron and ferritin – Hashimoto's disease can cause low iron and ferritin levels. In this case, your doctor will recommend appropriate supplementation. 
5. Anti-Tg (antibodies against thyroglobulin) – a blood test that assesses the level of anti-Tg antibodies, which are produced by the body in response to Hashimoto’s disease.

Hashimoto and pregnancy

People with Hashimoto's disease may have difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. The condition can affect thyroid function. Hypothyroidism can cause fertility problems, menstrual irregularities, and anemia. If a woman with Hashimoto's disease becomes pregnant, she should be under the constant care of her doctor. Monitoring thyroid hormone levels and hemoglobin concentration is essential. If a doctor determines that thyroid hormone levels are too low, they will recommend appropriate treatment to ensure optimal health for both mother and baby.

How medications and supplements help treat Hashimoto's disease

Medical treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis primarily involves regularly taking thyroid hormone medications, such as levothyroxine. These medications are used to correct thyroid hormone deficiency, which is the most common cause of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Treatment may also include other medications, such as anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive medications, which can help reduce inflammation caused by the disease.

Supplements like iodine and selenium can also help treat Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, and selenium helps the body use iodine to produce these hormones. It's best to consult a doctor before using these supplements.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is often associated with chronic fatigue, low mood, irritability, and even depressive symptoms, which can impair quality of life. In such cases, antidepressants help stabilize mood, improve well-being, and support daily functioning. Their use does not cure the underlying cause of the disease, but alleviates the symptoms associated with hormonal and autoimmune disorders. The decision to implement them should be made individually, after consultation with an endocrinologist or psychiatrist. Psychiatric clinic>>

Additionally, a healthy lifestyle is recommended , including regular physical activity, a proper diet, and stress prevention. To develop a diet tailored to the needs of someone with Hashimoto's, it's worth consulting with a dietitian .

The decision on the treatment of Hashimoto's disease should be made by an endocrinologist. Endocrinology clinic>>

Because each case is individual, choosing the wrong treatment method can cause more harm than good.

Regular medical checkups are equally important. They allow for monitoring the thyroid condition and the overall course of the disease.

Diet and exercise in the treatment of Hashimoto's

It's currently recognized that diet is an important element of treatment for patients with Hashimoto's disease. Foods consumed should be rich in vitamins and minerals and contain fiber. People with Hashimoto's disease should avoid foods high in sugar and trans fats, highly processed foods, and foods that may cause allergies or autoimmune reactions. It's important to eat regularly to prevent nutrient deficiencies. It's worth considering food intolerance testing and seeing a good dietitian, who will develop a personalized diet plan.  

Exercise is also an important part of treating Hashimoto's disease. Physical activity is an effective way to reduce stress, boost immunity, improve metabolism, and alleviate low mood. Light exercise, such as walking or cycling, triggers the production of endorphins, or feel-good hormones, which reduce stress and induce relaxation. Intense exercise, such as running, brisk walking, or brisk treadmill walking, increases stress levels in the body in the short term, but also allows for better coping with stressful situations in the long term. Remember that the most important thing is to adapt the type and intensity of exercise to your individual abilities. 

Hashimoto's disease – causes. How does stress affect Hashimoto's disease?

The causes of Hashimoto's disease are not clearly defined. It is known to be caused by genetic factors, as well as environmental factors such as stress and an unhealthy diet. The direct cause of Hashimoto's is the presence of antibodies against a protein called thyroglobulin, which is found in the thyroid gland. As a result, the body attacks and damages the thyroid gland itself, leading to reduced thyroid hormone production, which can cause difficulties regulating body temperature, metabolism, and sensitivity to stress.

The impact of stress on Hashimoto's thyroiditis is still being studied. Some studies have shown that stress can increase symptoms or worsen the condition. Stress can also disrupt thyroid hormone production and lead to hyperthyroidism. In some cases, stress can also trigger or worsen autoimmune thyroiditis. To alleviate Hashimoto's symptoms, it's important to learn how to manage stress. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, or massage can help reduce stress levels. It's also important to avoid stressors such as overwork, excessive work hours, sleep deprivation, and pointless arguments.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ