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Abstract. This review of literature attempts to identify the factors that are involved in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto thyroiditis, an immune defect in an individual with genetic susceptibility accompanied with environmental factors. The frequency of Hashimoto's disease is a growing trend and among Caucasians it is estimated at approximately 5%.
- Hashimoto Thyroiditis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that destroys...
- Hashimoto's Disease - NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes ...
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause...
- Hashimoto Thyroiditis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
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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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Causes. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is when your thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormone thyroxine (also called T4). Most cases of an underactive thyroid are caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland and damaging it, or by damage that occurs as a result of treatments for thyroid cancer or an overactive ...
May 19, 2022 · It does this by producing white blood cells and antibodies that attack infectious organisms. The process brings on symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and inflammation. In the case of an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks otherwise healthy tissues. Thyroid autoimmune conditions can cause either:
Jul 29, 2023 · Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that destroys thyroid cells by cell and antibody-mediated immune processes. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries. In contrast, worldwide, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is an inadequate dietary intake of iodine. This disease is also known as chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis ...
- Dana L. Mincer, Ishwarlal Jialal
- 2023/07/29
- VA MEDICAL CENTER, MATHER , CA
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. Rarely, the disease can cause hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. In people with Hashimoto’s disease. the immune system makes antibodies that attack the thyroid gland
People also ask
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Hashimoto’s disease happens when your immune system makes antibodies that destroy thyroid tissue. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder, and the cause is usually unknown. Certain things may trigger immune system changes that lead to Hashimoto’s disease. Possible triggers include radiation exposure, stress and viral infections.
