Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – also called Hashimoto’s disease, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, or autoimmune thyroiditis – is an autoimmune disorder and a common cause of hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid.
The condition occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. This damage prevents your thyroid from making enough hormones.
Thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism. Without enough of these hormones, the body’s metabolism slows down and can cause symptoms like weight gain, cold intolerance, a slowed heart rate, constipation, and memory problems.
Because Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be challenging to diagnose and may mimic other conditions, it’s important to seek care from a specialist with expertise in endocrine disorders.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is unknown, but potential triggers may include bacteria, viruses, and genetic factors. You may be at greater risk if you:
- Are female – women are more likely to have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Are between the ages of 40 and 60, although it may occur in teens and young women
- Have a family history of Hashimoto’s disease
- Are pregnant, as hormonal shifts may trigger the disease
- Have another autoimmune disease, such as:
- Addison’s disease
- Lupus
- Celiac disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Pernicious anemia
- Type 1 diabetes
- Vitiligo
- Autoimmune hepatitis
Symptoms
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may not cause symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses and thyroid hormone levels drop, symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Intolerance to cold
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Slowed heart rate
- Dry, thinning hair, including hair loss in the outer eyebrows
- Goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland)
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Difficulty getting pregnant
Treatment
Treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis depends on whether your thyroid gland is damaged enough to cause hypothyroidism. If Hashimoto’s disease has damaged your thyroid enough to cause hypothyroidism, treatment involves taking a synthetic thyroid hormone pill (called levothyroxine) every daily to replace the hormone that your thyroid can no longer make.
Your doctor will monitor your thyroid hormone levels regularly and adjust your medication as needed until you reach a dose that works for you.
If your thyroid levels remain normal, your doctor may recommend periodic monitoring without starting medication.
Why Choose Cooper to Diagnose and Treat Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Cooper is home to South Jersey’s largest and most experienced team of endocrinologists specializing in autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. When you choose Cooper, you can expect:
- Expert, personalized care: Our board-certified endocrinologists are highly experienced in diagnosing and managing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, including complex cases and hypothyroidism during pregnancy.
- A team approach to care: Because Hashimoto’s can affect multiple body systems, we coordinate care with specialists across cardiology, gastroenterology, behavioral health, and more to support your whole health.
- Convenient access to multiple specialties: With experts in more than 75 specialties across Cooper, you’ll have seamless access to the care you need – all in one health system.
- Academic excellence: As faculty at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, our physicians bring the latest knowledge, research, and clinical expertise to your care.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis expert at Cooper, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).