Hashimoto's disease, the most common cause of hypothyroidism, is a multi-faceted condition. The variety of the clinical picture makes the final diagnosis sometimes difficult even for specialist physicians. What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's disease and how should this disease be differentiated?

Hashimoto's diseasecan have a wide variety ofsymptoms . Irregular menstruation, depressed mood or constipation are often explained by excessive stress. However, these seemingly insignificant ailments may indicate chronic thyroiditis. In order for the disease to be diagnosed, specialized tests are required, including the determination of TSH, T4, and T3 levels and testing for the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies. It is also worth having an ultrasound of the thyroid gland.

Hashimoto's disease - what is it?

Hashimoto's diseaseischronic thyroiditisbased on autoimmune phenomena. In this condition, the immune system (i.e. the immune system) is abnormally stimulated, leading to the production of antibodies against thyroid cells.

This means that the body destroys one of the most important endocrine glands in its body - the thyroid gland. This leads to a decrease in the synthesis of thyroid hormones and thus to the development of hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto's disease is significantly more common in women. It may also coexist with other autoimmune diseases, e.g.

  • Vitiligo,
  • celiac,
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • or type 1 diabetes.

How do thyroid hormones work?

Thyroid hormones (thyroxin, or in short T4 and triiodothyronine - T3) affect many tissues and systems of the body. These hormones are responsible, among others, for:

  • regulating the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins,
  • increasing oxygen consumption by cells,
  • regulating the concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood - thyroid hormones reduce this concentration,
  • acceleration of cell division as well as cell growth, differentiation and maturation,
  • proper development of the central nervous system (including the brain) in children,
  • regulation of the system operationcardiovascular - thyroid hormones increase the heart rate (accelerate the heart rate), increase the dynamics of blood circulation, increase the volume of circulating blood, and dilate blood vessels in the skin,
  • regulating the functioning of the excretory system - thyroid hormones increase the amount of urine produced (and thus increase diuresis), and reduce the excretion of sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphates.

These are just some of the functions of thyroid hormones in the human body. Due to the variety of their interactions, the deficiency of these hormones accompanying Hashimoto's disease may be associated with very diverse clinical symptoms.

8 symptoms of Hashimoto's disease:

Cardiac arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmias in the form of bradycardia (slowing the heart rate) and heart blocks (i.e. conduction disturbances between the atria and the ventricles) are mainly associated with:

  • organic heart diseases,
  • ionic disturbances,
  • or heart conduction disturbances.

A patient presenting such symptoms is usually referred to a cardiologist.

However, these symptoms can also be due to the hormonal imbalance that accompanies Hashimoto's disease. Therefore, if the cause of the heart rhythm disturbance cannot be found in the cardiovascular system itself, then it is worth considering thyroid control.

Menstrual disorders

Irregular bleeding, heavy periods are just some of the menstrual disorders that can result from Hashimoto's disease and thyroid endocrine disorders.

Although we instinctively refer to the gynecologist with such symptoms, it is also worth considering checking the thyroid hormones.

The same for ovulation disorders and fertility problems. This problem may be due to an underactive thyroid in the course of Hashimoto's disease.

Deterioration of mental functions

Memory and concentration disorders, such as problems with learning, work problems, and worse coping with everyday tasks, may also result from a deficiency of thyroid hormones.

We often think that these symptoms are due to overwork, lack of sleep or excessive stress. If they are prolonged, it is worth considering a thyroid gland test.

Depressed mood

Hashimoto's disease can also cause symptoms of depression, including:

  • depressed mood,
  • not being able to feel joy,
  • sleep disorders,
  • no interest in the outside world,
  • concentration disorders.

Although these symptoms suggest that the patient should contact a psychiatrist, it is also worth checking the functioning of his thyroid gland.

Hashimoto's disease often requires differentiation from depression, so keep this in mind.

Dermatological symptoms

Autoimmune thyroiditis can also manifest as problems with the skin, hair, and nails. We can observe:

  • tissue swelling, especially eyelid edema and facial edema - edema in Hashimoto's disease results from the deposition of mucopolysaccharides in the subcutaneous tissue,
  • dry skin and peeling of the skin,
  • change in skin tone - it may be slightly yellowish, which results from disturbances in the transformation of carotene (provitamin A) into vitamin A,
  • hair loss, deterioration of hair condition, brittleness,
  • deterioration of the condition of the nails.

If these problems persist despite proper skin care (including moisturizing), it is worth thinking about disturbances in the thyroid function.

Constipation

One of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in Hashimoto's disease is constipation. In the case of constipation, we often think that the fault is:

  • incorrect diet,
  • bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, functional defecation disorders
  • or chronic medications (medications causing constipation include, but are not limited to, opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, iron preparations, some antiepileptic drugs, or some medications for high blood pressure).

Chronic constipation does not have to be caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, but due to a deficiency of thyroid hormones.

Anemia

Anemia (i.e. lowering hemoglobin in the blood) is most often associated with a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, or a deficiency of folic acid. However, you should be aware that anemia can also occur in the course of Hashimoto's disease.

Furthermore, the symptoms of Hashimoto's disease can mimic anemia (if not associated with the condition).

Patients with hypothyroidism may develop symptoms such as:

  • fatigue,
  • drowsiness,
  • weakness,
  • or deterioration of exercise tolerance.

Chrypka

Another interesting symptom that may appear in patients with Hashimoto's disease is hoarseness. It results from the thickening of the vocal cords in the course of this disease.

We associate this symptom primarily with ENT diseases, in particular with diseases of the larynx.If the ENT examination shows no abnormalities - it is worth checking the level of thyroid hormones.

Other symptoms of Hashimoto's disease

This article does not present all the symptoms of Hashimoto's disease that patients may present.

Other symptoms of Hashimoto's disease, not directly suggesting thyroid disease, are also:

  • ophthalmic symptoms (e.g. dry conjunctiva or photosensitivity),
  • and muscle and joint pains, suggesting rheumatic problems.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is a disease with many faces. Therefore, in the event of symptoms that cannot be explained in a simple way, it is worth remembering to check the thyroid parameters.

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