Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid)
Hashimoto thyroiditis is a disease in which the body's own immune system attacks the thyroid gland and hinders the production of thyroid hormones. Two forms are known:
- the shrinking thyroid (hypotrophic form)
- the growing thyroid (hypertrophic form)
The disease is chronic and the thyroid loses over the years more and more function. About 25% of the patients also have several other autoimmune diseases.
Causes
Hashimoto thyroiditis is triggered by various causes. One reason alone is not usually too sick to be.
- an inherited genetic predisposition
- Infections still unknown pathogens (bacteria, viruses)
- Jodbelastungen eg by drugs or iodinated contrast medium
- hormonal changes such as puberty, stopping the pill, hormonal changes after childbirth or miscarriage, menopause
- psychological stress of various kinds
Symptoms
The complaints are individually very different characteristics. 80% of stakeholders have hormonal treatment with a custom little or no discomfort. 20% of patients show a number of complaints which do not disappear with hormonal therapy always complete. Typical symptoms are:
- Fatigue
- Freeze
- Increase in weight
- Impaired concentration
- Depression
- dry skin
- Muscle and joint pain
- cycle disorders in women
In addition, you may experience a variety of other symptoms. Ocular involvement as in Graves disease is possible but rare.
Complications
Often found in the HashimotoThyreoiditis an impaired glucose metabolism (insulin resistance). Here is a treatment by a specialist doctor required (diabetologist), the occurrence of diabetes (type 2 diabetes to prevent).
Women with additional disorders of the female hormones (symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, male hair growth, breast tenderness), is an important treatment by an experienced gynecologist.
Men with Hashimoto thyroiditis showing occasional disturbances of the male hormones. Here is the visit to a hormone specialist (endocrinologist) is necessary.
In a vague nodularity in the thyroid gland (in the ultrasound or scintigraphy) regular inspections are essential to exclude malignant neoplasms in the thyroid. With strong growth in size or dubious research findings, a thyroid surgery may be necessary. Unclear additional symptoms should always be reason to exclude other autoimmune diseases.
Therapy
To compensate for the lack of thyroid hormones, thyroid hormones are added as required. Here different hormone preparations are available. Early treatment with thyroid hormone has a beneficial effect on disease progression. Iodine (iodized salt, sea fish, iodine-containing medications) should be avoided as this encourages disease.
Research
According to recent studies may have to take selenium and zinc, a beneficial effect on the disease. Further studies must be awaited.
As with Graves' disease may treat the previous therapy with thyroid hormones just the symptoms. A therapy that treats the cause of the disease and cure the underlying disorder of the immune system has not bekannt. Weitere scientific study is necessary.