Hashimoto's thyroiditis (patient information)
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What is Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s disease, also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis, is a form of chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. The inflammation results in damage to the thyroid gland and reduced thyroid function or “hypothyroidism,” meaning the gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone for the needs of the body. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck below the larynx, or voice box. The thyroid gland makes two thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones circulate throughout the body in the bloodstream and act on virtually every tissue and cell in the body. These hormones affect metabolism, brain development, breathing, heart rate, nervous system functions, body temperature, muscle strength, skin moisture levels, menstrual cycles, weight, cholesterol levels, and more.
Thyroid hormone production is regulated by another hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is made by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland located in the brain. When thyroid hormone levels in the blood are low, the pituitary releases more TSH. When thyroid hormone levels are high, the pituitary responds by dropping TSH production.
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. In Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system makes antibodies that attack cells in the thyroid and interfere with their ability to produce thyroid hormone. Large numbers of white blood cells called lymphocytes accumulate in the thyroid. Lymphocytes make the antibodies that drive the autoimmune process.
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
What are the causes of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Who is at risk for Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
How to know you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Prevention of Hashimoto's thyroiditis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
Sources
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