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Hashimoto's disease

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, often resulting in hormonal imbalance and a variety of symptoms. In most cases, the disease leads to hypothyroidism, a deficiency of thyroid hormones.

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Contents

Quick version

What is Hashimoto's Disease?

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck. The thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism. This immune attack causes inflammation and often leads to an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism. As a result, the thyroid produces insufficient amounts of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In response, the body compensates by releasing higher concentrations of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), a key mechanism in the disease and an important marker for diagnosis. The low levels of thyroid hormones affect various bodily functions and may lead to a range of symptoms and discomfort.

Causes of Hashimoto's Disease

The exact cause of Hashimoto's disease is not fully understood, but researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to its development:

  • Genetics: Heredity plays a significant role, and the disease is more common among individuals with a family history of autoimmune disorders.

  • Gender: Women are significantly more likely to develop Hashimoto's disease than men, suggesting that sex hormones may influence its onset.

  • Environmental factors: Stress, infections, and excessive iodine intake are potential triggers for the disease.

  • Age: Hashimoto's disease is often diagnosed in middle age but can occur at any age.

Symptoms of Hashimoto's Disease

Hashimoto's disease typically develops slowly and may initially be asymptomatic. As thyroid function declines over time, the following symptoms may appear:

  • Fatigue: A persistent feeling of low energy despite adequate sleep.

  • Weight gain: Unexplained weight increase even with a normal diet.

  • Cold sensitivity: Constantly feeling cold, even in warm environments.

  • Poor skin and hair quality: Dry skin, hair loss, and brittle nails.

  • Constipation: Digestive issues and slow bowel function.

  • Mood changes: Depression, irritability, or feelings of low mood.

  • Goiter: An enlarged thyroid gland that may cause visible swelling in the neck area.

Treatment of Hashimoto's Disease

There is no cure for Hashimoto's disease, but treatment aims to restore hormone balance and alleviate symptoms. Common treatment approaches include:

Hormone replacement therapy:

  • Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone T4, is the most common medication. It is taken daily, with dosage adjustments based on regular blood tests.

Lifestyle modifications:

  • A balanced diet rich in nutrients such as selenium, zinc, and iodine can support thyroid function. However, excessive iodine intake should be avoided.

  • Regular exercise can improve energy levels and counteract weight gain.

  • Stress management, through practices such as meditation or yoga, can reduce strain on the immune system.

Blood Tests for Diagnosing Hashimoto's Disease

To diagnose Hashimoto's disease, several blood tests are performed to evaluate thyroid function and identify autoimmune activity. Common tests include:

  • TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): Elevated TSH levels often indicate an underactive thyroid.

  • Free T4 and T3: These tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. Low levels often confirm hypothyroidism.

  • Anti-TPO and Thyroglobulin antibodies: Elevated levels of these antibodies are characteristic of Hashimoto's disease and indicate an autoimmune attack on the thyroid.

If Hashimoto's disease is suspected, a comprehensive thyroid panel including thyroglobulin antibodies is recommended. These tests provide a detailed overview of thyroid function and potential autoimmunity.

Summary

Hashimoto's disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. With proper diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can be effectively managed, allowing individuals to lead a healthy and balanced life. If you experience symptoms that may be related to Hashimoto's disease, it is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

Questions and answers

Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin/hair, and mood changes like depression or irritability.

It is diagnosed via blood tests that monitor thyroid function (TSH, T4, T3) and identify specific antibodies (Anti-TPO) that indicate an autoimmune response.

While it can affect anyone, it is most common in middle-aged women and individuals with a family history of autoimmune disorders.

People over 60, those with other autoimmune diseases (like Type 1 diabetes), and individuals with a family history of the condition are at higher risk.

An autoimmune reaction destroys the stomach cells responsible for producing intrinsic factor, a protein essential for vitamin B12 absorption.

Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath are common, along with neurological signs like tingling in the extremities.

Related tests and health checks

Health checks

Health checks

Thyroid test plus

Thyroid test plus

Thyroid hormone test - Extended
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Information

Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

  • Measures your levels of the thyroid hormones T3, T4 and TSH.
  • Analysis of TPO antibodies (thyroperoxidase antibodies).
  • Analysis of TRAK thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies.

759 kr

Thyroid tests

Thyroid tests

Thyroid test plus

Thyroid test plus

Thyroid hormone test - Extended
Marker Icon 5 Biomarkers
Information

Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

  • Measures your levels of the thyroid hormones T3, T4 and TSH.
  • Analysis of TPO antibodies (thyroperoxidase antibodies).
  • Analysis of TRAK thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies.

759 kr

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