Hashimoto's thyroiditis


Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis affect pregnancy?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is a type of autoimmune disease. Some people might have normal thyroid function, while others may develop hypothyroidism. Therefore, if someone with Hashimoto's thyroiditis plans to become pregnant, it is essential to test thyroid function before pregnancy. For patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, we recommend that the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) should be controlled below 2.5 mIU/L before suggesting pregnancy, as this can prevent potential impacts on the fetus's intelligence.


Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis heal itself?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that varies in severity. If a patient merely has elevated antibodies but normal thyroid function, there is no need for treatment; regular thyroid function monitoring is sufficient. If a patient has Hashimoto's thyroiditis combined with reduced thyroid function, they should visit an endocrinology specialist and timely supplement thyroid hormones. Therefore, it cannot be categorically stated whether it can be cured or not; it depends on the severity of the condition. Some patients, if their thyroid function is normal, need only monitor their thyroid function.


What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease. Its main manifestation includes possible enlargement of the thyroid in some people. If Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accompanied by hypothyroidism, symptoms may include general fatigue, constipation, bradycardia, and edema. If these symptoms are present, it is important to visit an endocrinology specialist promptly for further thyroid function tests, thyroid ultrasonography, thyroid peroxidase antibody tests, and other examinations to confirm the diagnosis.


Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnostic indicators
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroiditis, which can present in various phases regarding thyroid function, manifesting as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or normal thyroid function. Therefore, for patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is necessary to check thyroid function to understand its status. Since Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis, the thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies are generally elevated. Additionally, it is necessary to perform thyroid ultrasound to assess the thyroid's condition. For some difficult-to-distinguish patients, a further examination such as a 131I uptake test can be conducted, where the uptake rate in Hashimoto's thyroiditis is reduced. Even further, a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid can be performed, where we can observe significant lymphocyte infiltration.


Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients eat iodized salt?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease, which can manifest in three thyroid function states: hyperthyroidism, euthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. The dietary requirements for iodized salt vary depending on the thyroid state. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis coexists with hyperthyroidism, an iodine-restricted diet is necessary. When thyroid function is normal in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iodine intake should still be limited, as excessive iodine can cause a thyroiditis that changes from euthyroid to dysfunctional. Therefore, iodized salt can be consumed, but the intake of iodine-rich foods such as kelp, seaweed, and seafood should be restricted. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis coincides with hypothyroidism, iodized salt can be consumed without specific restrictions; both iodized and non-iodized salt are acceptable. This is because, at this stage, thyroid function primarily requires hormone replacement therapy, so the consumption of iodized salt has no effect.


Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis cause fever?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis belongs to autoimmune thyroiditis, where the body's own antibodies destroy the thyroid follicular cells, leading to apoptosis of thyroid cells. As the disease progresses, it may lead to hypothyroidism. Generally, Hashimoto's thyroiditis does not cause fever. If a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis experiences a fever, it is necessary to exclude other infectious diseases. If a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis has a fever, especially if there is significant tenderness in the thyroid area, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of concomitant subacute thyroiditis. If Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accompanied by subacute thyroiditis, small doses of hormones can be used for treatment. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)


Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease. Some patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis have normal thyroid function and generally do not require treatment, but it is recommended to regularly review thyroid function and have thyroid ultrasonography. Some patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may also suffer from hypothyroidism, which can manifest clinically as fatigue, constipation, and edema. If these symptoms are present, it is advisable to visit an endocrinology specialist promptly, complete thyroid function tests, and use thyroid hormone supplements under the guidance of a doctor.


Hashimoto's thyroiditis should be seen in which department?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, should be seen by an endocrinologist as it is an autoimmune disease. How do we know if it's Hashimoto's thyroiditis? It is typically identified during routine physical examinations that include a thyroid function test. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by a specific antibody, the anti-thyroperoxidase antibody, also known as Tpoab. Many people may have elevated levels of this antibody, yet their thyroid function, such as free T3, T4, and TSH levels, remains normal. In such cases, it is advisable to initially observe the condition dynamically and to regularly recheck thyroid function, as some individuals may gradually develop reduced thyroid function. Thus, regular monitoring of thyroid function is very important.


How to cure Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by autoimmune antibodies destroying the thyroid gland, leading to a gradual decline in thyroid function and manifesting symptoms of hypothyroidism. Currently, this disease is incurable. Treatment mainly includes restricting iodine intake to keep it within a safe range to prevent the progression of autoimmune destruction of the thyroid. Patients who only have thyroid swelling without hypothyroidism generally do not require treatment. However, once hypothyroidism occurs, it can be treated with levothyroxine to alleviate the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Nevertheless, current levothyroxine treatment cannot stop the progression of the disease. When the thyroid swells rapidly with local pain or compressive symptoms, treatment with glucocorticoids can be considered. However, if the symptoms do not improve or the compressive symptoms are significant, surgical treatment may be considered, although the likelihood of developing hypothyroidism post-surgery is higher.


Can you get pregnant with Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis can lead to pregnancy, but the prerequisite is that you must visit an endocrinology specialist before pregnancy to check your thyroid function, ensuring that the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is controlled below 2.5. This situation is suitable for pregnancy because if TSH is greater than 2.5, it is likely to have a certain impact on the fetus's intelligence. Therefore, if you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and are planning to conceive, you first need to check the thyroid function. If this indicator is normal, then you can consider pregnancy.