Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis affect pregnancy?

Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

Updated on September 27, 2024

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Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is a type of autoimmune disease. Some people might have normal thyroid function, while others may develop hypothyroidism. Therefore, if someone with Hashimoto's thyroiditis plans to become pregnant, it is essential to test thyroid function before pregnancy. For patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, we recommend that the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) should be controlled below 2.5 mIU/L before suggesting pregnancy, as this can prevent potential impacts on the fetus's intelligence.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

47sec

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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 Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

1min 3sec

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Hashimoto's thyroiditis should be seen in which department?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, should be seen by an endocrinologist as it is an autoimmune disease. How do we know if it's Hashimoto's thyroiditis? It is typically identified during routine physical examinations that include a thyroid function test. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by a specific antibody, the anti-thyroperoxidase antibody, also known as Tpoab. Many people may have elevated levels of this antibody, yet their thyroid function, such as free T3, T4, and TSH levels, remains normal. In such cases, it is advisable to initially observe the condition dynamically and to regularly recheck thyroid function, as some individuals may gradually develop reduced thyroid function. Thus, regular monitoring of thyroid function is very important.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

48sec

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Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis be cured?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis where the body itself has autoantibodies that lead to the destruction of thyroid follicular cells, resulting in the failure of thyroid cells. Therefore, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can manifest as hyperthyroidism, euthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Ultimately, Hashimoto's thyroiditis may develop into hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is proliferative and generally cannot be completely cured, but clinical remission can be achieved through oral administration of levothyroxine. However, Hashimoto's thyroiditis cannot be completely cured and requires lifelong replacement therapy.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

1min 8sec

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Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnostic indicators

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroiditis, which can present in various phases regarding thyroid function, manifesting as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or normal thyroid function. Therefore, for patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is necessary to check thyroid function to understand its status. Since Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis, the thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies are generally elevated. Additionally, it is necessary to perform thyroid ultrasound to assess the thyroid's condition. For some difficult-to-distinguish patients, a further examination such as a 131I uptake test can be conducted, where the uptake rate in Hashimoto's thyroiditis is reduced. Even further, a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid can be performed, where we can observe significant lymphocyte infiltration.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

1min 19sec

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Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients eat iodized salt?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease, which can manifest in three thyroid function states: hyperthyroidism, euthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. The dietary requirements for iodized salt vary depending on the thyroid state. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis coexists with hyperthyroidism, an iodine-restricted diet is necessary. When thyroid function is normal in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iodine intake should still be limited, as excessive iodine can cause a thyroiditis that changes from euthyroid to dysfunctional. Therefore, iodized salt can be consumed, but the intake of iodine-rich foods such as kelp, seaweed, and seafood should be restricted. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis coincides with hypothyroidism, iodized salt can be consumed without specific restrictions; both iodized and non-iodized salt are acceptable. This is because, at this stage, thyroid function primarily requires hormone replacement therapy, so the consumption of iodized salt has no effect.