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 Zhao Xin Lan
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Hashimoto's thyroiditis symptoms

In the early stages, when the autoimmune destruction from Hashimoto's thyroiditis is not particularly severe and does not cause either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, there may be no symptoms at all. As the immune response intensifies and leads to increased destruction of thyroid cells, transient thyrotoxicosis can occur, resulting in symptoms such as heat intolerance, trembling hands, and palpitations. The duration of these symptoms is related to the severity of the destruction. Generally, symptomatic relief can be achieved by administering beta-blockers. In the later stages, when the destruction of thyroid function in Hashimoto's is exacerbated, leading to hypothyroidism, symptoms such as cold intolerance, fatigue, and hair loss may occur. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
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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 Xie
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Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis be cured?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis in which the body itself has autoimmune antibodies, leading to the destruction of thyroid follicular cells and the release of a large amount of thyroid hormones, possibly resulting in hyperthyroidism. Some patients may experience hyperthyroidism for years or even decades, which requires anti-hyperthyroidism treatment. However, as the disease progresses, further destruction of thyroid function may occur, resulting in hypothyroidism. For patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, once hypothyroidism occurs, it is usually progressive. Therefore, once hypothyroidism occurs in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, lifelong replacement therapy with levothyroxine is necessary, as Hashimoto's thyroiditis cannot be completely cured, but clinical remission can be achieved through replacement therapy.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease. Some patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis have normal thyroid function and generally do not require treatment, but it is recommended to regularly review thyroid function and have thyroid ultrasonography. Some patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may also suffer from hypothyroidism, which can manifest clinically as fatigue, constipation, and edema. If these symptoms are present, it is advisable to visit an endocrinology specialist promptly, complete thyroid function tests, and use thyroid hormone supplements under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Chen Li Ping
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How is Hashimoto's thyroiditis treated?

After being diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, treatment decisions should be made based on the size of the thyroid and the presence of symptoms. If the thyroid is relatively small and there are no significant compression symptoms, it is possible to follow up and observe without treatment. If the thyroid is significantly enlarged and there are compression symptoms, thyroid hormone preparations can be used to reduce thyroid swelling. If there is hypothyroidism, it is necessary to use thyroid hormone or levothyroxine for supplementary replacement therapy. In cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis with hyperthyroidism, short-term treatment should follow the treatment for Graves' disease, using antithyroid treatments such as thioamides or thioureas. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician, and self-medication without guidance is strongly discouraged.)