Autoimmune thyroiditis
Key points
- Chronic thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that frequently results in hypothyroidism (lowered thyroid function).
- Chronic thyroiditis or Hashimoto's disease is a common thyroid gland disorder that can occur at any age, but it is most often seen in middle aged women.
- A deficiency of thyroid hormone may develop at a later time.
- The outcome is usually very good because the disease remains stable for years or progresses slowly to a condition of thyroid hormone deficiency (hypothyroidism) that can be treated with thyroid replacement therapy.
Alternative names
Hashimoto's thyroiditis; Struma lymphomatosa; Lymphadenoid goiter; Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis; Chronic thyroiditis
Definition
Chronic thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that frequently results in hypothyroidism (lowered thyroid function).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Chronic thyroiditis or Hashimoto's disease is a common thyroid gland disorder that can occur at any age, but it is most often seen in middle aged women. It is caused by a reaction of the immune system against the thyroid gland.
The onset of the disease is slow, and it may take months or even years for the condition to be detected. Chronic thyroiditis is most common in women and individuals with a family history of thyroid disease. It is estimated to affect between 0.1% and 5% of all adults in Western countries.
Hashimoto's disease may rarely be associated with other endocrine disorders caused by the immune system. When Hashimoto's disease occurs with adrenal insufficiency and type 1 diabetes mellitus, the condition is called type 2 polyglandular autoimmune syndrome (PGA II).
Less commonly, Hashimoto's disease occurs with hypoparathyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and fungal infections of the mouth and nails in a condition called type 1 polyglandular autoimmune syndrome (PGA I).
Symptoms
- Intolerance to cold
- Weight gain - mild
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Enlarged neck or presence of goiter
- Small or atrophic thyroid gland (late in the disease)
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Heavy and irregular menses
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Weight gain (unintentional)
- Joint stiffness
- Facial swelling
Note: There may be no symptoms.
Signs and tests
Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include:
- Free T4 test
- Serum TSH
- T3
- Thyroid autoantibodies are frequently present:o antithyroid peroxidase antibodyo antithyroglobulin antibody
Frequently asked questions
What is autoimmune thyroiditis?
Chronic thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that frequently results in hypothyroidism (lowered thyroid function).
What are the risk factors for autoimmune thyroiditis?
Chronic thyroiditis or Hashimoto's disease is a common thyroid gland disorder that can occur at any age, but it is most often seen in middle aged women. It is caused by a reaction of the immune system against the thyroid gland. The onset of the disease is slow, and it may take months or even years for the condition to be detected. Chronic thyroiditis is most common in women and individuals with a family history of thyroid disease. It is estimated to affect between 0.1% and 5% of all adults in Western countries. Hashimoto's disease may rarely be associated with other endocrine disorders caused by the immune system.
What are the symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis?
- Intolerance to cold
- Weight gain - mild
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Enlarged neck or presence of goiter
- Small or atrophic thyroid gland (late in the disease)
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Heavy and irregular menses
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Weight gain (unintentional)
- Joint stiffness
- Facial swelling Note: There may be no symptoms.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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