What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Symptoms And Related Conditions

Hashimoto’s disease can develop over the course of several years before symptoms are detected. One of the most common symptoms is the development of goiters, which occur when constant stimulation of the thyroid gland in an attempt for it to release more hormones causes the gland to become enlarged. Although goiters are usually not painful, they may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing and can be embarrassing or affect self-confidence.

Hashimoto’s disease may also cause heart problems such as an increased risk of heart disease due to high cholesterol levels. In rare cases of this disease, a condition known as myxedema, characterized by drowsiness, profound lethargy, and unconsciousness, may develop. Myxedema may occur after exposure to cold, an infection, or a sedative. Cognitive symptoms include depression and memory lapses. Some patients might also experience prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding, a condition known as menorrhagia.

Hypothyroidism And Hashimoto's Disease

As the condition progresses, it often results in chronic damage to the thyroid, which typically leads to thyroid hormone levels in the blood dropping. This can often mean hypothyroidism, which is the medical condition referring to an underactive thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism causes symptoms such as extreme fatigue, depression, constipation, heavy periods, dry skin, loss of hair, unexplained weight gain, pale and dry skin, brittle nails, increased cold sensitivity, as well as muscle aches and stiffness. When left untreated, hypothyroidism may cause an enlarged heart or possibly heart failure.

Because of the link between Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism, many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism mentioned above, particularly sluggishness, increased sensitivity to the cold, brittle nails, and muscle aches and tenderness, often appear in Hashimoto's disease. There may also be puffiness in the face and an enlarged tongue.