What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

Updated on September 24, 2024

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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

48sec

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Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis be cured?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis where the body itself has autoantibodies that lead to the destruction of thyroid follicular cells, resulting in the failure of thyroid cells. Therefore, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can manifest as hyperthyroidism, euthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Ultimately, Hashimoto's thyroiditis may develop into hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is proliferative and generally cannot be completely cured, but clinical remission can be achieved through oral administration of levothyroxine. However, Hashimoto's thyroiditis cannot be completely cured and requires lifelong replacement therapy.

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Written by Li Hu Chen

Imaging Center

52sec

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Ultrasonic manifestations of Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Under ultrasound observation, Hashimoto's thyroiditis generally presents as a diffuse enlargement of the thyroid, often symmetrically, although there are cases of unilateral enlargement as well. Additionally, the surface of the thyroid appears irregular and nodular. The ultrasound often reveals uneven echogenicity in the gland, sometimes with nodular changes and unclear boundaries. However, the ultrasonographic characteristics of Hashimoto's thyroiditis are not particularly specific unless it's a typical case of the disease, which can be roughly diagnosed via ultrasound. For atypical or early cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, diagnosis typically requires thyroid function tests, known as the "thyroid function six-item test," which remains the gold standard for diagnosing Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

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Written by Gan Jun

Endocrinology

52sec

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What should I do about Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune inflammatory thyroid disease caused by the diffuse enlargement of thyroid follicular cells, and may present with transient hyperthyroidism during different clinical stages. During the period of normal thyroid function as well as the eventual phase of reduced thyroid function, appropriate anti-hyperthyroidism medications can be administered symptomatically when the patient is clinically hyperthyroid. When the patient is hypothyroid, it is necessary to timely supplement with thyroid hormones for treatment, and it is essential to dynamically monitor the individual’s thyroid hormone levels, thyroid hormone antibodies, and thyroid ultrasound to make a comprehensive assessment. It is always important to maintain a low iodine diet and avoid consuming foods that are high in iodine.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

40sec

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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.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

1min 8sec

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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.