What is Hashimoto disease?
“Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple. The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate many functions in the body”.
Hashimoto disease is caused by immune system attacking healthy cells. This may lead to death of the thyroid hormone-producing cells. Because that the level of this hormone is going down, causing hypothyroidism.
Everyone can suffer from this disease, however, the middle age women are the most prone to this health problem.
Some of the symptoms of Hashimoto disease are;
Fatigue and sluggishness
Increased sensitivity to cold
Increased sleepiness
Dry skin
Constipation
Muscle weakness
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
Joint pain and stiffness
Irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding
Depression
Problems with memory or concentration
Swelling of the thyroid (goiter)
A puffy face
Brittle nails
Hair loss
Enlargement of the tongue
How to check your thyroid function?
Test TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone )
T-4 test (Thyroxine)
There are some complications when this disease is not treated properly;
Goiter
Heart problems
Sexual and reproductive disfunction
Mental health problems
Poor pregnancy outcomes
How to treat it?
T-4 hormone replacement therapy (involved synthetic hormone works like the T-4 hormone naturally produced by the thyroid)
T-3 replacement therapy (Naturally produced T-4 is converted into hormone called triiodothyronine (T-3))
For most people Hashimoto disease can be well controlled. Taking medication and regular blood testing should be enough to stay on top of the disease. Eating healthy diet and doing regular exercise should help when fighting this condition.
Are you having some of the symptoms from the list above? Maybe it is worth to check your THS and T-4?
If you have any concerns do not wait too long.
Check with your GP and make sure you are on the right truck to healthy and happy life:)
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