What Is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Or Hashimoto's Disease?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism in North America and Europe. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine1, it affects between 0.1% and 5% of adults in Western countries.
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists says that about 14 million Americans are affected by Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is seven times more common in females than males. It is most prevalent among people aged between 45 and 65 years.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is less common among children. However, in areas where iodine is a dietary scarcity, a significant proportion of children can develop the disease.
Hashimoto's disease is a major cause of goiter (a non-cancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland).
What are the signs and symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis develops gradually over several years, causing progressive thyroid damage along the way. The patient's levels of thyroid hormones gradually decrease.
Most of signs and symptoms are those of a person with an underactive thyroid, and may include some of the following symptoms:
- Abnormal sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Blood cholesterol levels rise
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Enlarged neck
- Face may appear swollen, puffed up
- General tiredness
- In females, menstruation is prolonged and abnormally bloody
- Muscle pains
- Pale skin
- Stiffness, especially the hands and feet
- Voice becomes hoarse
- Weight gain which does not appear to be the result of overeating
Excerpt from Medical News Today, click here to read more.