Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, is simply an under active thyroid. Afflicted with this disease, your thyroid gland does not make a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones for maintenance of a healthy balanced functioning body.
Not everyone has symptoms associated with their Hashimoto disease. But those that do may experience:
- fatigue
- dry skin
- confusion
- slow pulse
- depression
- drowsiness
- weight gain
- constipation
- forgetfulness
- muscle cramps
- puffy eyes/face
- cold sensitivity
- mental slowness
- muscle weakness
- dry and coarse hair
- increased menstrual flow
- enlarged/swelling of thyroid gland
Treatment for hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is with thyroid hormone replacement. A single daily dose taken for the rest of your life.
The amount required of this treating hormone varies, so initially, the dosage may need to be adjusted to find you body’s comfortable level. Annual thyroid tests are recommended to monitor dosage effectiveness and to maintain overall health.
If Hashimoto’s disease is left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to serious consequences, such as heart failure. Also, if you take more than your body requires of the thyroid replacement hormone, you may experience hyperthyroidism symptoms.
