Autoimmune Thyroiditis

An inflammation in the thyroid glands is called thyroiditis and there are different types of thyroiditis. Autoimmune thyroiditis being one of the types and the other common ones are, De Quervain's thyroiditis and silent thyroiditis. It is popularly referred as Hashimoto's thyroiditis as this condition was first recognized by a Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto in 1912, and is therefore named after him. Other common names used to refer this condition include chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism as it causes inflammation in the thyroid glands, and because of the inflammation, the body is left with insufficient thyroid hormones which are responsible to run the body's metabolism. It is a condition that is commonly found in women, more specifically in middle-aged women. Besides women, those with a family history of thyroid disorder are more likely to be affected by it.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Although it takes a long time to detect this condition, knowing the symptoms can help one to identify thyroid problems and get the right treatment and restrict it from getting more severe.

• Enlarged neck or goiter
• Mild weight gain
• Difficulty in thinking and concentrating
• Heavy and irregular periods
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Dry skin
• Hair loss, dry and coarse hair
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Low appetite
• Swelling of the face, more prominent around the eyes
• Muscle pain and muscle weakness
• Easily affected by infections and cold
• Excessive sweating
• Trembling hands
• Lethargy
• Swelling of the legs
• High cholesterol levels
• Intolerant to cold and also heat sensitivity
• Depression

Diagnosis

Once the symptoms are identified as thyroiditis symptoms, the diagnosis of this condition involves a clinical evaluation by a trained physician. After conducting a thorough physical examination, the physician will prescribe certain thyroid blood tests to determine the thyroid levels. Given below is the list of blood tests.

• T4 Test
• T3 Test
• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Test
• T3 Resin Uptake/ T3RU
• Antithyroglobulin antibodies
• Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibodies
• Antimicrosomal Antibodies
• Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins
• Thyroid Receptor Antibodies
• Radioactive Iodine Uptake

Treatment Options

If autoimmune thyroiditis results in insufficient production of thyroid glands, then thyroid replacement therapy/levothyroxine will be recommended as a treatment. It may also be given in cases of subclinical hypothyroidism wherein the patient experiences signs and symptoms of mild thyroid failure such as elevated TSH levels. In most cases, a general observation is enough to keep normal thyroid levels until thyroid hormone deficiency is detected in the body. One can also resort to natural thyroid treatment for good results.

Autoimmune thyroiditis can be controlled, provided it is detected at an early stage and a right diagnosis is done to identify the thyroiditis causes and severity of the condition. If you happen to experience any of the above mentioned symptoms, go see a doctor immediately! Take care.