Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis heal itself?

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that varies in severity. If a patient merely has elevated antibodies but normal thyroid function, there is no need for treatment; regular thyroid function monitoring is sufficient. If a patient has Hashimoto's thyroiditis combined with reduced thyroid function, they should visit an endocrinology specialist and timely supplement thyroid hormones. Therefore, it cannot be categorically stated whether it can be cured or not; it depends on the severity of the condition. Some patients, if their thyroid function is normal, need only monitor their thyroid function.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
1min 41sec home-news-image

How is Hashimoto's thyroiditis treated?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune disease and is the most common form of thyroid inflammation clinically. It can be diagnosed through thyroid function tests, iodine-131 uptake tests, thyroid antibody tests, and ultrasound examinations. If there are changes in imaging or if serum anti-thyroglobulin antibodies and anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies are positive, a diagnosis can be confirmed. Regarding treatment, if thyroid function is normal in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, no treatment is necessary, but close monitoring and observation are advised. If Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accompanied by transient hyperthyroidism, symptomatic treatment with beta-blockers can be administered. If there is a decrease in thyroid gland function, thyroid hormone replacement therapy should be initiated, typically with levothyroxine tablets, until thyroid function tests return to normal. Additionally, daily care is important, such as avoiding high doses of iodine intake, maintaining regular sleep patterns, avoiding staying up late, maintaining a positive and optimistic mood, avoiding anxiety and stress, preventing common cold and trauma infections, and ensuring a balanced diet with high protein, low fat, high carbohydrate, and high vitamin content.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
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How to test for Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is a common type of autoimmune thyroid disease and the main cause of primary hypothyroidism. Often, Hashimoto's thyroiditis may present no symptoms, having hidden onset and slow development. Typical symptoms include general fatigue, throat discomfort, localized pressure, or dull pain. Hashimoto's thyroiditis can lead to damage by the autoimmune system, causing permanent hypothyroidism. Diagnosis can be facilitated through thyroid function tests, iodine-131 uptake tests, anti-thyroid antibody tests, thyroid ultrasound, and thyroid nuclear scanning.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Is the ESR high in Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis belongs to autoimmune thyroiditis, which is caused by the presence of autoantibodies that destroy the thyroid follicular cells, leading to the failure of thyroid cells. For patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) generally does not increase. However, if a patient experiences neck discomfort or sore throat, and the ESR increases, even accompanied by fever, it is necessary to rule out whether subacute thyroiditis is present. If the patient has subacute thyroiditis, it indicates that a viral infection has caused the destruction of the thyroid cells, which might increase the ESR.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease. Its main manifestation includes possible enlargement of the thyroid in some people. If Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accompanied by hypothyroidism, symptoms may include general fatigue, constipation, bradycardia, and edema. If these symptoms are present, it is important to visit an endocrinology specialist promptly for further thyroid function tests, thyroid ultrasonography, thyroid peroxidase antibody tests, and other examinations to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Chen Li Ping
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Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Clinical Symptoms

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common clinical type of thyroiditis, with over 90% occurring in women. The typical clinical presentation involves middle-aged women with a long disease duration. The thyroid is diffusely, painlessly, and mildly to moderately enlarged, with a tough texture, slow development, possibly slight tenderness, local compression in the neck area, and no significant general symptoms, often accompanied by a feeling of discomfort in the throat. Thyroid enlargement is the most prominent clinical manifestation of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, usually of moderate size and diffuse, which can be asymmetrical. Therefore, thyroid enlargement can potentially compress the trachea, esophagus, and recurrent laryngeal nerve, although this is relatively rare. Thyroid pain and touch sensitivity are also rare. In the later stages, the condition may progress to primary hypothyroidism due to destruction of the thyroid. Most patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis have normal thyroid function, but 20% of patients may show signs of hypothyroidism.