As I mentioned, the common cause of underactive thyroid is Hashimoto's, which occurs when your immune system attacks your thyroid. When your thyroid is under constant attack, it cannot make enough thyroid hormones. The good news is that an underactive thyroid does not weaken your immune system.
Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system creates antibodies that attack thyroid cells as if they were bacteria, viruses or some other foreign body. The immune system wrongly enlists disease-fighting agents that damage cells and lead to cell death.
The thyroid and immune system have an interactive relationship. This means that thyroid issues can affect the immune system, and immune system issues can affect the thyroid. Hyperthyroidism often occurs due to an autoimmune disease, but regardless of its cause, it may affect immune function.
Therefore, patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and COVID-19 can be hypothesized to have an augmented immune response leading to an increased risk of cytokine storm and more severe COVID-19 infection.
Direct evidence of the presence of viruses in Hashimoto's thyroiditis has been found with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Herpes Simplex (HSV), HTLV-1, enterovirus, mumps, rubella, parvovirus, Coxsackie B, Human Herpes and Hepatitis C.
If Hashimoto's is left untreated, complications can be life-threatening. Because the hormones produced by the thyroid are so vital to the body's functions, untreated Hashimoto's can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications.
Symptoms of a Hashimoto's Flare-Up
Constipation. Dry skin. Puffy face. Muscle aches.
Hashimoto's Disease: Understand the 3 stages of this disease that affects our thyroid glands, as explained by nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary. The thyroid is an essential gland in the human body. Now, you need to understand that Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland.
Persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain can be caused by hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a rare cause of these symptoms.
People who get Hashimoto's often have family members who have thyroid disease or other autoimmune diseases. This suggests a genetic component to the disease. Hormones. Hashimoto's affects about seven times as many women as men, suggesting that sex hormones may play a role.
Hashimoto's disease is not listed specifically as a disability. However, thyroid gland disorders are listed under section 9.00 Endocrine Disorders — Adult of the Social Security Act. Unfortunately, it does not give any specific criteria but refers to other impairments to determine whether a person is disabled.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a disorder characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland. This condition can cause certain complications, including putting you at a higher risk for developing other autoimmune disorders and, to a lesser extent, thyroid lymphoma, a specific type of thyroid cancer.
Goiter (enlargement of your thyroid) is one of the first signs of Hashimoto's disease that will show on your face. Depending on how big it is, the enlarged thyroid can make your neck look swollen and interfere with your swallowing and breathing.
If you have Hashimoto's disease, you will most likely experience fatigue. Fatigue can get in the way of your productivity by reducing your attention span, reducing your memory, and impairing your judgment. If your fatigue does not go away after two weeks, you should see your doctor.
Overt hypothyroidism or full-blown disease
The end-stage of Hashimoto's is when your thyroid has become so damaged that you no longer have enough thyroid hormones and have to go on medication.
However, when choosing a supplement, patients with Hashimoto's disease should be careful of iodine content, as iodine excess can increase the risk of developing thyroid disorders as much as its deficiency.
However, people with Hashimoto's disease or other types of autoimmune thyroid disorders may be sensitive to the harmful side effects of iodine. Eating foods that have large amounts of iodine, such as kelp, dulse, or other kinds of seaweed, or taking iodine supplements may cause hypothyroidism or make it worse.
Avoid these vegetables
Nightshade vegetables, including tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and bell peppers, are rich in vitamins and minerals – but also contain high levels of lectins and alkaloid molecules that can damage the gut.
Most cases happen between 40 to 60 years of age. But it has been seen in younger people. Heredity. The disease tends to run in families.
Hashimoto's disease tends to worsen with age because it is progressive. The disease generally progresses slowly over many years and can cause progressive damage to the thyroid glands. Additionally, it is expected that those with Hashimoto's disease will eventually get hypothyroidism, though this is not always the case.
Symptoms of Hashimoto's can take a toll on your social life. Fatigue, depression, and anxiety can each make socializing a challenge. And, if other symptoms, like brain fog or pain, bring discomfort, social activities that aren't necessary may feel off the table. Addressing the root cause of these symptoms can help.