THYROID DISEASE

Read and learn more about hashimoto’s thyroiditis. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: How long until Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is gone if taking meds properly?
I know that it’s never really GONE, but how long until the person is back to normal.

****ALSO does Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis cause a person to be hard to handle and become a completely different person?

A: I had the tumor remove thirty years ago, and no I didn’t change at all, I don’t even take syntheroid now, but losing weight is a problem.
Generally you perk up more when you get your thyroid or thyroid substitute working again.
So you might be more active or cheerful. But not manic or crazy or a completely different person.

Q: What body systems are affected with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
And how are they affected?

A: Technically all body systems (and cells for that matter) are affected because your thyroid is controlling T4/T3 levels… In reality, however, only the thyroid should be of concern, and chances are you probably have already noticed it is enlarged and warm to the touch… It is fairly easy to treat as well, I might add…

Good Luck and I Hope this Helps…

Q: Difference between hashimoto’s thyroiditis and subacture thyroiditis?
I understand that subacute can be set off by a viral infection that triggers T-cells which attack the thyroid gland after the infection has been killed, but I don’t really understand hashimoto’s thyroiditis and the difference between these two forms of thyroiditis.

thanks in advance…

A: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is caused by antithyroid antibodies and is an auto-immune disease. It is presented with hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) and is painless. This is a permanent situation. This type of thyroidism requires thyroid replacement therapy. Some of the symptoms include the following: fatigue, constipation, weight gain, dry skin, and poor exercise tolerance. Thyroid replacement therapy would be for a lifetime. The biggest difference between the two is that the actual thyroid gland would be enlarged.

Subacute thyroiditis is a viral infection. It originally looks like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, except that it is painful. Additionally, the infection usually dissipates within 12-18 months. Only 5% of those individuals fall into a category whereby permanent hypothyroidism remains. Additionally, as long as the disease goes away in that time frame, it rarely ever reoccurs. Thyroid replacement therapy is generally give for only 6-12 months to see if the Thyroid functions normally after that.

Hope this helps.

Q: Does symptomatic depression caused by Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis have to be treated independently of Hashi’s?
Are separate meds usually prescribed, or does the depression usually clear up over the course of treatment?

A: Hello, I’m a doctor. Use alprazolam. I think that you want to get more info about it. Please go to —-> http://treatment-table.notlong.com/?q=alprazolam&qid=20090611205630AAAqb2j

Q: Which autoimmune disease causes Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
I know I have an auto-immune disease caused by mono and related to EBV, but what’s the name of the immune disorder itself?

A: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis IS the autoimmune disease itself. It is caused by the body attacking itself. Go here:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/hashimoto-thyroiditis.cfm
and here:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hashimotos-disease/DS00567

I think this is what you are talking about, you may want to use the links on the article to further explore:

http://thyroid-disorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/mononucleosis_and_hashimotos_thyroiditis

Q: Anyone out there with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis on Armour? What dose works for you? How are you doing?
Hair was breaking off, aches and pains, swelling. Feeling a little better this week. How did you do? Do you still have fatigue?

A: I don’t have hashimotos but I am hypothyroid. I take levothyroxine( pretty much the same as Armour) for my issue. It will take about a month for you to feel better. I had the same symptoms as you, I could barely get up the gumption to shower. Now I have tons of energy and have lost 40 pounds so far. My dose is 2mg a day, my dr keeps it a bit high as I had thyroid cancer and the higher dosage stops other nodules from growing. Take care!

Q: Is lymphedema associated in some way with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, fibromyalgia, or compartment syndrome?
I have all four of the following conditions and am looking for a link between them. All of my specialists have no idea. I’m 25 and this all occured after pregnancy 19 months ago. Please help!

A: Hi there, alot of lymphedema patients have thyroid problems and fibromyalgia. Recently there was an article called “unlocking the lymph” and also another one about fibromyalgia that made a general link to linking them together. We all as patients have wondered the same thing. Compartment syndrome involves the muscles, as you may or may not know, muscles contractions move lymph so there is somewhat of a link there. You may be one of the people who was genetically prone to lymphedema (primary) and the pregnancy was enough stress on the body to bring it out. Most specialists and doctors are not that well versed in lymphedema unfortunately, and there is not yet alot of research in the field of lymph disorders, lymphology and lymphedema. We hope to change that! We’re working on it.

Q: Are severe migraines and dizziness some of the less common symptons of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

A: TopList of symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis:

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis includes the 42 symptoms listed below:
No symptoms
Goiter
Lump at front of neck
Protruding eyes
Low thyroid hormone level
Hypothyroidism – see symptoms of hypothyroidism
Mental slowness
Physical slowness
Slow pulse
Cold sensitivity
Weight gain
Coarse skin
Dry skin
Fatigue
Depression
Muscle weakness
Brittle hair
Constipation
Muscle cramps
Increased menstrual flow
Neck discomfort
Periodic paralysis
Thyroid enlargement
Hypothyroidism
Myxedema
Musculoskeletal symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis
Reduced thyroid hormone level
Muscle weakness
Hoarse voice
Dry skin
Pale skin
Constipation
Cold sensitivity
Facial swelling
Weight gain
Muscle tenderness
Muscle stiffness
Joint pain
Joint stiffness
Depression
Excessive menstrual bleeding

Note that Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis symptoms usually refers to various symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis signs may refer to those signs only noticable by a doctor.

So migraine is not very likely the symptom of Hashimoto Thyroiditis, but an associated disease!
Dizziness is common to a lot of conditions!

Hope that may help you!
Good luck!

Q: What are the effects of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis on Diabetes? Anyone have that combination?
Goiter with normal T-3, T-4, TSH and negative thyroid biopsies. Antibodies 100 X Normal.

A: Hi. Insulin is considered by some to be an autoimmune disease. So there’s an association between Hashimoto’s and T1DM. People with higher proportion of people with Hashimoto’s/T1DM have T1DM/Hashimoto’s compared to general population.

An increased thyroid hormone is considered to be diabetogenic (it increases blood sugar levels, hence worsening the diabetes) but as T3 and T4 is normal, physiologically, this will not affect the blood sugar by much.

Seeing as the said patient has BOTH Hashimoto’s and Diabetes, I would imagine that the disease process would be bad, and might worsen more quickly than someone with just pure hashimoto’s/diabetes. Would also look out for other autoimmune diseases.

Q: is hashimoto’s thyroiditis associated with non hodgkin’s lymphoma?
is hashimoto’s thyroiditis associated with non hodgkin’s lymphoma?

A: There is an association between Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and NHL and thyroid cancer, but it’s not very common.

Q: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: anyone who has dealt with this? Any good suggestions, medical or alternative med?
I was just diagnosed with this today and am in the beginning stages of it…. although i suspect this has been the cause of many sypmtoms I’ve dealt with for years.

A: Excercise regularly or at least by walking.
Take your medication.
It can psossibly be reversed if you can up your metabolism enough but most likely you will be on meds teh rest of your life.
Medication does help with feeling cold all the time, and it regulates the miscommunicated signals your brain is sendgin your body.

Q: is there anyone with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis who could give me more info about it?
I would be interested to know what symptoms this may cause.. I’ve recently had a lot of joint pain (hips, knees), tiredness, anemia, can barely get up the stairs sometimes- are these related to thyroid disease? I am taking thyroxin 100mcg daily.

A: Doing more research through the internet search engines will give you your answers.
It can make you tired ..no energy.
It can effect your memory.
It can make you get cold easier which is why you may have those joint aches, the body doesn’t regulate itself like it should. The brain is nor communicating signals correctly with the body.

Q: Sjorgens,Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis& Insulin Resistance?
I was diagnosed first with a bad thyroid, then it turned to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, then insulin resistance (with weight gain) and now Sjorgens.Are these all related?
I forgot to add that im 33 years old

A: Hi. That is interesting the chain of events your diagnosis went. I would actually see a doc and ask to be tested for Celiac Disease. You don’t list your symptoms but, the symtpoms of CD are so far wide and spred that they are often misdiagnosed for other things–including all that you already mentioned!! The test is a simple blood test and the treatment is even easier–a gluten free diet!! Because Celiac is a an autoimmune disease, patients oftenf ind they ahve secondary autoimmune diseases but those go away or lessen on the gluten free diet.
Please feel free to email me for more info.

Q: What are some statistics for hashimoto’s encephalopathy?
I really need help. Google did me no good at all and I really need to know the stats for this disease. I don’t need the stats for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. They are two different diseases.

A: Try

Q: hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
When and Who discovered hashimoto’s thyroiditis?

A: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
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What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
What is an autoimmune disease?
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Does this disease run in families?
How can I know for sure if I have this disease?
What is the treatment for this disease?
What would happen without medicine to make sure my thyroid works?
What happens if I have this disease and get pregnant?

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroid disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. The thyroid helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. Hashimoto’s stops the gland from making enough thyroid hormones for the body to work the way it should. It is the most common thyroid disease in the U.S.

What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system becomes misdirected and attacks the organs, cells or tissues that it was designed to protect. About 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most often during their childbearing years.

What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Some patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis may have no symptoms. However, the common symptoms are fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, forgetfulness, muscle weakness, puffy face, dry skin and hair, constipation, muscle cramps, and increased menstrual flow. Some patients have major swelling of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck, called goiter.

Does this disease run in families?
There is some evidence that Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can have a hereditary link. If autoimmune diseases in general run in your family, you are at a higher risk of developing one yourself.

How can I know for sure if I have this disease?
Your doctor will perform a simple blood test that will be able to tell if your body has the right amount of thyroid hormones. This test measures the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to find out if the levels are in the normal range. The range is set by your doctor and should be discussed with you. Work with your doctor to figure out what level is right for you. There are other available tests that your doctor may choose to do if need be, such as a blood test to measure the level of “active thyroid hormone” or Free T4 and a scan (picture) to look at the thyroid.

What is the treatment for this disease?
Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is treated with thyroid hormone replacement. A small pill taken once a day should be able to keep the thyroid hormone levels normal. This medicine will, in most cases, need to be taken for the rest of the patient’s life. When trying to figure out the amount of hormone you need, you may have to return to your doctor several times for blood tests to guide adjustments in the medicine dose. It is important that the dose be right for you. A yearly visit to your doctor will help keep your levels normal and help you stay healthy overall. Be aware of the symptoms. If you note any changes or the return of symptoms, return to your doctor to see if you need to have your medicine dosage adjusted.

What would happen without medication to regulate my thyroid function?
If left untreated, hyporthyroidism can cause further problems, including changes in menstrual cycles, prevention of ovulation, and an increased risk of miscarriage. Symptoms such as fatigue, depression and constipation, may progress and there can be other serious consequences, including heart failure. It is also important to know that too much thyroid replacement hormone can mimic the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This is a condition that happens when there is too much thyroid hormone. These symptoms include insomnia, irritability, weight loss without dieting, heat sensitivity, increased perspiration, thinning of your skin, fine or brittle hair, muscular weakness, eye changes, lighter menstrual flow, rapid heart beat and shaky hands.

What happens if I have this disease and I get pregnant?
It is important to get checked out by your doctor more often if you are pregnant. Inadequately treated thyroid problems can affect a growing baby, and the thyroid replacement needs of pregnant women often change. A doctor can help you figure out your changing medicine needs.

For More Information . . .
You can find out more information about Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and hyporthyroidism by contacting the National Women’s Health Information Center at 1-800-994-9662 or the following organizations:

National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive Diseases and Kidney Diseases
Phone: (301) 496-3583
Internet Address: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/

Thyroid Foundation of America
Phone: (800) 832-8321
Email: info@tsh.org
Internet Address: http://www.tsh.org/

The American Thyroid Association
Email: admin@thyroid.org
Internet Address: http://www.thyroid.org

This FAQ was reviewed by Dr. David Cooper, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Division of Endocrinology.

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In 1912 (Fig. 8-1) Hashimoto described four patients with a chronic disorder of the thyroid, which he termed struma lymphomatosa. The thyroid glands of these patients were characterized by diffuse lymphocytic infiltration, fibrosis, parenchymal atrophy, and an eosinophilic change in some of the acinar cells.(1) Clinical and pathologic studies of this disease have appeared frequently since Hashimoto’s original description. The disease has been called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic thyroiditis, lymphocytic thyroiditis, lymphadenoid goiter, and recently autoimmune thyroiditis. Classically, the disease occurs as a painless, diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland in a young or middle-aged woman. It is often associated with hypothyroidism. The disease was thought to be uncommon for many years, and the diagnosis was usually made by the surgeon at the time of operation or by the pathologist after thyroidectomy. The increasing use of the needle biopsy and serologic tests for antibodies have led to much more frequent recognition, and there is reason to believe that it may be increasing in frequency.(2) It is now one of the most common thyroid disorders.

Figure 1. Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto

The first indication of an immunologic abnormality in this disease was an elevation of the plasma gamma globulin fraction detected by Fromm et al.(3) This finding, together with abnormalities in serum flocculation test results(4) indicated that the disease might be related to a long-continued autoimmune reaction. Rose and Witebsky(5) showed that immunization of rabbits with extracts of rabbit thyroids produced histologic changes in the thyroid glands resembling those seen in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. They also found antithyroglobulin antibodies in the blood of the animals. Subsequently, Roitt et al.(6) observed that a precipitate formed when an extract of human thyroid gland was added to serum from a patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Thus, it appeared that the serum contained antibodies to a constituent of the human thyroid and that these antibodies might be responsible for the disease process. These original observations led directly to entirely new concepts of the causation of disease by autoimmunization.

Pathology
The goiter is generally symmetrical, often with a conspicuous pyramidal lobe. Grossly, the tissue involved by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is pinkish-tan to frankly yellowish and tends to have a rubbery firmness. The capsular surface is gently lobulated and non-adherent to peri-thyroid structures. Microscopically, there is a diffuse process consisting of a combination of epithelial cell destruction, lymphoid cellular infiltration, and fibrosis. The thyroid cells tend to be slightly larger and assume an acidophilic staining character; they are then called Hurthle or Askanazy cells and are packed with mitochondria. The follicular spaces shrink, and colloid is absent or sparse. Fibrosis may be completely absent or present in degrees ranging from slight to moderate; it may be severe, as observed in subacute or Riedel’s thyroiditis. Foreign body giant cells and granulomas are not features of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in contrast to subacute thyroiditis. In children, oxyphilia and fibrosis are less prominent, and hyperplasia of epithelial cells may be marked. Deposits of dense material representing IgG are found along the basement membrane on electron microscopy (Fig. 8-2).

Figure 2. Electron microscopy image of thyroid tissue from a patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, showing electron dense deposits of IgG and TG along the basement membrane of follicular cells.

Within the follicles may be seen clusters of macrophage-like cells. The lymphoid infiltration in the interstitial tissue is accompanied by actual follicles and germinal centers (Fig. 8-3, below). Plasma cells are prominent. Totterman has studied the characteristics of the lymphocytes in the thyroid and reports that they are made up of equal proportions of T and B cells.(7) Most infiltrating T cells have alpha/beta T cell receptors. Gamma/delta T cells are rare(8), although their proportion in intrathyroidal lymphocytes is higher than that in peripheral lymphocytes(9). CD4+CD8+ cells and CD3lo-TCRalpha/beta-lo/CD4-CD8- cells also are present in the infiltrate in the thyroid(9). Infiltrating T cells are considered to be a highly restricted population, based on the study of T cell receptor V alpha(10) and beta(11) gene expression. Heuer et al. studied cytokine mRNA expression in intrathyroidal T cells and found increased expression of IFN-gamma, IL-2 and CD25, which are Th1-related cytokines(12) in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Thyroglobulin-binding lymphocytes were increased in percentage relative to their occurrence in blood.

Figure 3. Pathology of