Hashimoto's thyroiditis symptoms

Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
Updated on December 18, 2024
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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 Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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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.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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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.

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Endocrinology
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Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis cause weight loss?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis where autoantibodies within the body cause the destruction of thyroid follicular cells, leading to thyroid cell failure. During the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism may occur. Due to the destruction of thyroid follicles by autoantibodies, a significant release of thyroid hormones into the blood occurs, resulting in a hyperthyroid state. Therefore, symptoms such as weight loss, heat intolerance, and excessive sweating which are typical of hyperthyroidism may also appear in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, as the disease progresses, the condition gradually leads to decreased thyroid function.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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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
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What kind of salt should be consumed for Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

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.