Hashimoto’s disease or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is gradually destroyed by variety of cell and antibody mediated immune processes. It was first described by the Japanese specialist Dr Hakaru Hashimoto in Germany in 1912.
* Causes: The cause of Hashimoto’s is thought to be a combination of a genetic predisposition along with an environmental trigger that starts the process of autoimmune destruction. In the case of Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. The autoimmune process causes inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis), resulting in an impaired ability of the thyroid gland to produce hormones, leading to hypothyroidism.
* Symptoms: The signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease are the same as those of hypothyroidism. The disease is slow to progress, and it may take years for true hypothyroidism to develop.
* Treatment: If there is no evidence of hormone deficiency and only antibodies tests are positive, the use of medications is one that must be discussed in detail by the patient and doctor. If thyroid hormone deficiency is noted on blood tests, the treatment involves daily dosing of a synthetic form of thyroid hormone. Dosing is adjusted based on blood levels. Levels are usually checked every 6-12 weeks when the medication is actively being adjusted, and 6-12 months thereafter once stable.
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