Hashimoto's disease or Hashimoto's disease is disease inflammation of the thyroid gland due to the immune system (immune system) attacks the cells and tissues of the thyroid. Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate various body functions, including metabolism, muscle strength, and body temperature. When affected by Hashimoto's disease, a person will experience a decrease in thyroid hormone levels.
Hashimoto's disease can affect men and women of all ages, including children. However, this condition is most common in women between the ages of 40-60 years.
Symptoms of Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto's disease progresses slowly over years to cause hypothyroidism or a disorder caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones.
When people with Hashimoto's disease have hypothyroidism, the following symptoms will appear:
- Tired and lethargic
- Hoarseness
- Pale and dry skin
- Constipation
- Nails become brittle
- Hair loss
- Weight gain for no reason
- Muscle weakness, pain, stiffness, or pain to the touch
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Enlarged tongue
- Menorrhagia
- Sensitive to cold
- Depression
- It's hard to remember something
Prolonged hypothyroidism can also trigger an enlarged thyroid gland that makes the neck look swollen. This swelling will make the sufferer feel his throat is full and have difficulty swallowing.
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience the complaints and symptoms mentioned above, especially if you experience fatigue that doesn't improve after resting, facial swelling, and paleness.
You are also advised to have regular consultations with your doctor if you have had thyroid surgery, radiotherapy, or treatment with radioactive iodine or antithyroid drugs.
If you have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease and are undergoing hormone therapy, be sure to check with your doctor according to the prescribed schedule. This is so that thyroid hormone levels can be monitored, so that complications can be prevented.
Causes of Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto's disease is caused by the immune system damaging the thyroid gland. However, the exact cause of the immune system attacks the thyroid gland is not known.
Although the exact cause is unknown, this condition is thought to be related to viral, bacterial, genetic infection, or a combination of the three. In addition, there are factors that are thought to increase a person's risk of developing Hashimoto's disease, namely:
- Have a family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune disease
- Have another autoimmune disease, such as Addison's disease, celiac disease, pernicious anemia, type 1 diabetes, lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, or vitiligo
- Female gender
- Aged over 40-60
- Have a history of radiation exposure
Hashimoto's Disease Diagnosis
The doctor will ask the patient's complaints, then find out if the patient has had thyroid disease before or has a family member who suffers from thyroid disease. Then the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, including examining the patient's neck and head.
To confirm the diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease, the doctor will ask the patient to perform several supporting tests, such as:
- Hormone test, to determine the level and amount of the hormones T3, T4, and TSH produced by the thyroid gland
- Antibody test, to determine the presence of antibodies that attack the thyroid gland
- Ultrasound of the neck, to check the size of the gland Ultrasound is also used to make sure there are no other causes of thyroid enlargement, such as thyroid nodules
Hashimoto's Disease Treatment
There are several treatments that doctors will do to treat Hashimoto's disease, including:
Observation
Observations were made to monitor the patient's condition. The doctor will monitor the patient's condition from time to time. Observations are made if the patient is not experiencing hormone deficiency and his thyroid gland is functioning normally.
Hormone therapy
If the patient has a thyroxine deficiency, the doctor will prescribe synthetic thyroid hormone. One type is levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is useful for treating symptoms of hypothyroidism.
The dose and duration of use of levothyroxine will be adjusted according to thyroid hormone levels and the patient's condition. Dosage adjustments will be made by checking TSH levels about 1-2 months after therapy.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes also need to be made because there are some foods and drugs that can inhibit the absorption of levothyroxine. Some types of foods, drugs, and supplements to consider are:
- Foods that contain soybeans or are high in fiber
- Iron supplements
- Calcium Supplements
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as cholestyramine
- Aluminum hydroxide which is usually contained in antacids
- Stomach ulcer medications, such as sucralfate
Tell your doctor if you take any of the above foods, medicines or supplements while taking levothyroxine.
Hashimoto's Disease Complications
If Hashimoto's disease is not treated immediately, thyroid hormone deficiency experienced by the patient can cause various health problems, such as:
- Heart problems, including heart failure
- Anemia
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Decreased libido (sexual desire)
- Depression
If it occurs in pregnant women, Hashimoto's disease can increase the risk of babies being born with congenital disorders of the heart, brain, and kidneys.
Hashimoto's Disease Prevention
Hashimoto's disease is difficult to prevent. However, you can reduce your risk of developing this disease by regularly seeing your doctor if you have a history of autoimmune disease or previous thyroid disease.
In addition, the risk of developing Hashimoto's disease can also be reduced by avoiding areas with radiation exposure.