What kind of salt should be consumed for Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroiditis that can manifest as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or normal thyroid function during its progression. Therefore, there are different requirements for the type of salt to consume depending on the state of thyroid function. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis presents with hyperthyroidism, it is recommended to consume non-iodized salt. When thyroid function is normal in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iodized salt can be consumed. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accompanied by hypothyroidism, there is no specific requirement for consuming iodized or non-iodized salt. Because at this stage, the thyroid has largely lost its ability to synthesize thyroid hormones, and treatment involves replacing them with levothyroxine to maintain thyroid function. Therefore, the intake of iodine does not matter, and one can freely choose to consume iodized or non-iodized salt. Thus, the choice of salt in Hashimoto's thyroiditis should be based on thyroid function testing.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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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.)

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Hashimoto's thyroiditis symptoms

In the early stages, when the autoimmune destruction from Hashimoto's thyroiditis is not particularly severe and does not cause either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, there may be no symptoms at all. As the immune response intensifies and leads to increased destruction of thyroid cells, transient thyrotoxicosis can occur, resulting in symptoms such as heat intolerance, trembling hands, and palpitations. The duration of these symptoms is related to the severity of the destruction. Generally, symptomatic relief can be achieved by administering beta-blockers. In the later stages, when the destruction of thyroid function in Hashimoto's is exacerbated, leading to hypothyroidism, symptoms such as cold intolerance, fatigue, and hair loss may occur. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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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.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Is the ESR high in Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis belongs to autoimmune thyroiditis, which is caused by the presence of autoantibodies that destroy the thyroid follicular cells, leading to the failure of thyroid cells. For patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) generally does not increase. However, if a patient experiences neck discomfort or sore throat, and the ESR increases, even accompanied by fever, it is necessary to rule out whether subacute thyroiditis is present. If the patient has subacute thyroiditis, it indicates that a viral infection has caused the destruction of the thyroid cells, which might increase the ESR.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis need to be treated?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. Whether it requires treatment mainly depends on whether thyroid function is normal. If the thyroid function is normal in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, treatment is not needed; only regular monitoring of thyroid function is necessary. If Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accompanied by reduced thyroid function, then thyroid hormone replacement therapy is needed. If there is a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is essential to regularly monitor thyroid function and, under the guidance of a doctor, determine whether medication is necessary.