What should I do about Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Written by Gan Jun
Endocrinology
Updated on December 25, 2024
00:00
00:00

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune inflammatory thyroid disease caused by the diffuse enlargement of thyroid follicular cells, and may present with transient hyperthyroidism during different clinical stages. During the period of normal thyroid function as well as the eventual phase of reduced thyroid function, appropriate anti-hyperthyroidism medications can be administered symptomatically when the patient is clinically hyperthyroid. When the patient is hypothyroid, it is necessary to timely supplement with thyroid hormones for treatment, and it is essential to dynamically monitor the individual’s thyroid hormone levels, thyroid hormone antibodies, and thyroid ultrasound to make a comprehensive assessment. It is always important to maintain a low iodine diet and avoid consuming foods that are high in iodine.

Other Voices

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 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
1min 3sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
44sec home-news-image

Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis require medication?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis refers to the destruction of thyroid tissue by autoimmune cells. Therefore, during the course of the disease, three states of thyroid function can be manifested: hyperthyroidism, euthyroid state, and hypothyroidism. When the patient presents with hyperthyroidism, it is possible to treat with anti-thyroid drugs, but the dosage of the anti-thyroid drugs should be reduced. When thyroid function is normal, no special treatment is needed, and regular thyroid function testing is sufficient. When there is concurrent hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is required to achieve clinical healing.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
42sec home-news-image

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.