Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Description

HashimotoÕs thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that frequently results in hypothyroidism, or decreased thyroid gland function.

In HashimotoÕs autoimmune hypothyroidism, antibodies destroy thyroid gland cells preventing the gland from being able to release normal amounts of thyroid hormones.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis results in a goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland, that is visible as a lump on the neck.

Causes

HashimotoÕs thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where antibodies destroy thyroid gland cells preventing the gland from being able to release normal amounts of thyroid hormones.

HashimotoÕs thyroiditis is associated with other autoimmune diseases, especially type 1 diabetes or adrenal insufficiency.

HashimotoÕs thyroiditis is strongly associated with celiac disease, which suggests that digestive problems may trigger an autoimmune cascade.

Conventional Labs

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are not normally present, so a high value usually indicates autoimmune damage to the thyroid, including HashimotoÕs thyroiditis and GravesÕ disease.

Thyroid hormones include: TSH, T4, and T3.

Reverse T3 (rT3) may also be measured. T4 can form either T3 or reverse T3.

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