How is Hashimoto's thyroiditis treated?

Written by Chen Li Ping
Endocrinology
Updated on March 10, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
1min 2sec home-news-image

What is the heart rate for Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease. The course of the disease can include hyperthyroidism, euthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis is at different stages of thyroid function, the changes in heart rate are also inconsistent. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis coincides with hyperthyroidism, the heart rate may be fast, even exceeding 100bpm. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis coincides with normal thyroid function, the heart rate may be within the normal range, around 60bpm to 100bpm. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis coincides with hypothyroidism, the heart rate may slow down, possibly dropping below 60bpm. Therefore, in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, as the thyroid function varies, so does the heart rate.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
35sec home-news-image

Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis affect pregnancy?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
1min 13sec home-news-image

What kind of salt should be consumed for Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroiditis that can manifest as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or normal thyroid function during its progression. Therefore, there are different requirements for the type of salt to consume depending on the state of thyroid function. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis presents with hyperthyroidism, it is recommended to consume non-iodized salt. When thyroid function is normal in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iodized salt can be consumed. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accompanied by hypothyroidism, there is no specific requirement for consuming iodized or non-iodized salt. Because at this stage, the thyroid has largely lost its ability to synthesize thyroid hormones, and treatment involves replacing them with levothyroxine to maintain thyroid function. Therefore, the intake of iodine does not matter, and one can freely choose to consume iodized or non-iodized salt. Thus, the choice of salt in Hashimoto's thyroiditis should be based on thyroid function testing.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
40sec home-news-image

Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis heal itself?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
47sec home-news-image

Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis cause weight loss?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis where autoantibodies within the body cause the destruction of thyroid follicular cells, leading to thyroid cell failure. During the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism may occur. Due to the destruction of thyroid follicles by autoantibodies, a significant release of thyroid hormones into the blood occurs, resulting in a hyperthyroid state. Therefore, symptoms such as weight loss, heat intolerance, and excessive sweating which are typical of hyperthyroidism may also appear in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, as the disease progresses, the condition gradually leads to decreased thyroid function.