Hashimoto's thyroiditis symptoms

Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
Updated on December 18, 2024
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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
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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Is Hashimoto's thyroiditis easy to treat?

Regarding whether Hashimoto's thyroiditis is easy to treat, it needs to be analyzed based on specific circumstances. Generally, after diagnosing Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the treatment decision depends on the size of the thyroid and whether there are any symptoms. For patients with a smaller thyroid who do not have noticeable compression symptoms, follow-up observation without immediate treatment is possible. However, for patients with significant thyroid enlargement and compression symptoms, treatment with levothyroxine can be adopted to reduce thyroid size. In some patients who develop hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is used. Moreover, some patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis may also develop thyroid nodules. It is necessary to dynamically track changes in the morphology of the thyroid nodules. Patients with obvious compression symptoms, significant local pain, progressive enlargement of the nodules, or suspected malignant changes should undergo surgical treatment.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
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Can you get pregnant with Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis can lead to pregnancy, but the prerequisite is that you must visit an endocrinology specialist before pregnancy to check your thyroid function, ensuring that the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is controlled below 2.5. This situation is suitable for pregnancy because if TSH is greater than 2.5, it is likely to have a certain impact on the fetus's intelligence. Therefore, if you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and are planning to conceive, you first need to check the thyroid function. If this indicator is normal, then you can consider pregnancy.

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Is Hashimoto's thyroiditis hereditary?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease and is not hereditary. However, it tends to cluster in families, meaning if one's parents have a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, their offspring have a relatively higher risk of developing the disease. However, this is not absolute heredity; it simply indicates a familial clustering tendency. Treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis is relatively effective. If hypothyroidism occurs, one only needs to take lifelong replacement therapy with levothyroxine to maintain thyroid function within the normal range, which has minimal impact on the body. Therefore, there is no need for excessive worry.

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Written by Chen Xie
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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.