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Do I need a thyroid test if I have Hashimoto's disease?
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How is Hashimoto's disease diagnosed?
Apr 22, 2021 · Hashimoto’s disease should more properly be called chronic immune thyroiditis and can be detected chemically by the presence of antibodies, the rise in TSH, and low blood levels of thyroid hormones. Where the TSH rises, but the thyroid hormone levels remain in range, the condition can be called subclinical hypothyroidism.
Jan 15, 2022 · Diagnosis. A number of conditions may lead to the signs and symptoms of Hashimoto's disease. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, your health care provider will conduct a thorough physical exam, review your medical history and ask questions about your symptoms. Testing thyroid function.
Jan 24, 2022 · If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism but the thyroid function tests are normal, then it is most likely that the symptoms are coming from a different cause than the thyroid. The most effective treatment is a synthetic (man-made) T4 medicine called levothyroxine.
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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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Jun 26, 2023 · You might not feel different if you have Hashimoto’s disease without hypothyroidism. However, if you develop hypothyroidism, it can make you feel “off.” “Hypo-” means “low” or “under.” So you can think of symptoms of hypothyroidism as a slowing down of various bodily functions.
Apr 21, 2021 · Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be diagnosed even though you have no symptoms. Your thyroid antibody levels are high, but your thyroid hormone levels are normal. Repeating and monitoring your thyroid antibody levels is not needed.
May 3, 2024 · Hashimoto’s is typically diagnosed through a combination of your signs and symptoms, as well as blood tests. Your healthcare provider will review your health history, symptoms, and perform a physical exam to check for goiters.
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