More and more often we hear that one of our close or distant friends suffers from Hashimoto’s disease. What is this disease? It is one of the most common thyroid disorders. It is defined as chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. As a result of the abnormal effect of the immune system on the thyroid gland in people suffering from Hashimoto’s disease, thyroid tissue is damaged and, consequently, the production of hormones is reduced.
Hashimoto – what is this disease?
Hashimoto’s disease most often leads to hypothyroidism. It is a disease that affects the functioning of the entire human body, causing symptoms on various levels. For this reason, the first symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease are sometimes misinterpreted and ignored by people suffering from this disease. What symptoms should be an alarm signal?
Hashimoto – symptoms of the disease. What symptoms do you need to look out for?
How to recognize? The symptoms of chronic thyroiditis involve various aspects. A person suffering from Hashimoto’s disease experiences a decrease in energy, constant fatigue, lack of willingness to act, and problems with concentration. The above-mentioned symptoms are often ignored and considered to be a temporary condition resulting from, for example, temporary workload and daily duties.
Hashimoto’s disease reduces metabolism, so people affected by it may complain about weight gain despite watching their diet and frequent physical activity. You should also pay attention to annoying muscle and joint pain and a feeling of muscle stiffness. Additionally, there are problems with the digestive system such as constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease may also include cold hands and feet and brittle hair and nails.
In the case of women, one of the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease is cycle disruption. One of the most typical symptoms of Hashimoto’s is an enlargement of the thyroid gland (so-called thyroid goiter). However, this symptom is not always visible at first glance and sometimes reveals itself as the disease progresses.
Hashimoto – mental symptoms of chronic thyroiditis
How else does Hashimoto manifest itself? Psychiatric symptoms accompanying the disease include: deteriorated mood, which may manifest itself in a decrease in willingness to act, lack of strength and apathy. A state of depressed mood caused by improper functioning of the thyroid gland is very dangerous for humans, because in the long run it can lead to… Depression is one of the most common complications of Hashimoto’s disease, which is why it is so important to carefully observe your body and consult a specialist with any unusual symptoms.
Hashimoto: what tests are performed to diagnose the disease?
Hashimoto’s disease – what tests are performed to diagnose it? If we observe any disturbing symptoms, we should see an endocrinologist for specialist advice. When diagnosing Hashimoto’s disease, blood tests are performed to assess the level of thyroid hormones, i.e. TSH, FT3 and FT4.
In Hashimoto’s disease, the level of TSH in the body is increased, while the levels of FT3 and FT4 are decreased. Moreover, if Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is suspected, anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies are also tested. The endocrinologist also performs an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, during which changes in the gland may be detected.
Hashimoto: diet and lifestyle.
What to do if you are diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease? Diet and a healthy lifestyle – these are two aspects that support the recommended pharmacological treatment. What products should you avoid if you have Hashimoto’s disease? Highly processed products, i.e. those rich in trans and simple sugars, should be limited or excluded from the daily menu. It is also recommended to exclude soy from the diet because the substances it contains may affect the level of thyroid hormones.
People with Hashimoto’s disease are also often diagnosed with food intolerances, especially lactose and gluten. In this case, products containing these ingredients should be excluded from the diet. People suffering from Hashimoto’s disease should also be careful about products rich in iodine, because too high a concentration in the body may contribute to the intensification of the symptoms of the disease. If you have Hashimoto’s disease, you need to take special care of your mental health. It is recommended to avoid stress and find time for daily relaxation and rest.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
