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Jan 15, 2022 · Hypothyroidism associated with Hashimoto's disease is treated with a synthetic hormone called levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, others). The synthetic hormone works like the T-4 hormone naturally produced by the thyroid. The treatment goal is to restore and maintain adequate T-4 hormone levels and improve symptoms of hypothyroidism.
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Hashimoto's disease progresses slowly over the years. You...
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Hashimoto's disease progresses slowly over the years. You may not notice signs or symptoms of the disease. Eventually, the decline in thyroid hormone production can result in any of the following:
•Fatigue and sluggishness
•Increased sensitivity to cold
•Increased sleepiness
•Dry skin
•Constipation
Signs and symptoms of Hashimoto's disease vary widely and are not specific to the disorder. Because these symptoms could result from any number of disorders, it's important to see your health care provider as soon as possible for a timely and accurate diagnosis.
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Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system creates antibodies that attack thyroid cells as if they were bacteria, viruses or some other foreign body. The immune system wrongly enlists disease-fighting agents that damage cells and lead to cell death.
What causes the immune system to attack thyroid cells is not clear. The onset of disease may be related to:
•Genetic factors
•Environmental triggers, such as infection, stress or radiation exposure
The following factors are associated with an increased risk of Hashimoto's disease:
•Sex. Women are much more likely to get Hashimoto's disease.
•Age. Hashimoto's disease can occur at any age but more commonly occurs during middle age.
•Other autoimmune disease. Having another autoimmune disease — such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes or lupus — increases your risk of developing Hashimoto's disease.
•Genetics and family history. You're at higher risk for Hashimoto's disease if others in your family have thyroid disorders or other autoimmune diseases.
•Pregnancy. Typical changes in immune function during pregnancy may be a factor in Hashimoto's disease that begins after pregnancy.
Thyroid hormones are essential for the healthy function of many body systems. Therefore, when Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism are left untreated, many complications can occur. These include:
•Goiter. A goiter is enlargement of the thyroid. As thyroid hormone production declines due to Hashimoto's disease, the thyroid receives signals from the pituitary gland to make more. This cycle may result in a goiter. It's generally not uncomfortable, but a large goiter can affect your appearance and may interfere with swallowing or breathing.
•Heart problems. Hypothyroidism can result in poor heart function, an enlarged heart and irregular heartbeats. It can also result in high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol — that is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and heart failure.
•Mental health issues. Depression or other mental health disorders may occur early in Hashimoto's disease and may become more severe over time.
•Sexual and reproductive dysfunction. In women, hypothyroidism can result in a reduced sexual desire (libido), an inability to ovulate, and irregular and excessive menstrual bleeding. Men with hypothyroidism may have a reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and a lowered sperm count.
•Poor pregnancy outcomes. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy may increase the risk of a miscarriage or preterm birth. Babies born to women with untreated hypothyroidism are at risk for decreased intellectual abilities, autism, speech delays and other developmental disorders.
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Jul 14, 2020 · Watch for these common symptoms of hypothyroidism in your pooch: Sores, scabs and repeated superficial skin infections that don’t clear up. Weight gain. Muscle loss. Slow heart rate. Ear or toenail infections. Darkening of skin. Rough, dull coat. Thinning of fur.
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Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disease of dogs. It occurs when the thyroid glands fail to produce adequate amounts of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Primary hypothyroidism resulting from idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy or immune-mediated lymphocytic thyroiditis is the most common diagnosis.
Sep 3, 2024 · Symptoms. Signs of hypothyroidism include hair loss, usually on your dog’s trunk, back of the rear legs, and tail. Their coat will be dull and thin, their skin flaky, but not itchy or red (which ...
Treatment involves increasing or replacing the missing thyroid hormone. Thyroxine (T 4) is the thyroid hormone replacement most often used in dogs. The success of treatment can be measured by the amount of improvement in signs. Usually, treatment must be tried for 4 to 8 weeks before any changes in coat and body weight can be evaluated.
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Jun 13, 2024 · General lethargy and disinterest. Symmetrical hair loss on the torso and tail tip. Infections (especially skin and ears) vm via Getty Images. However, clinical signs are wide-ranging and variable ...
