What is Hashimoto's disease? Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. Rarely, the disease can cause hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid.
However, many people still experience thyroid related symptoms even when their labs have “normalized”. This is typically because the root cause of thyroid dysfunction has not been identified. Think about this! 90% of Hypothyroid cases are a result of an autoimmune “self-attack” referred to as Hashimoto's (2).
But, there are also some secret signs to watch out for. Mood changes, like depression or anxiety, can sometimes be the first sign of a thyroid problem. Brain fog or trouble remembering things may signal hypothyroidism. In women, periods that are light, heavy, or irregular can all be symptoms of a thyroid disorder.
Hypothyroidism is linked to fatigue, weight gain, depression, and constipation. In reviewing the symptoms of a thyroid condition, you can see how they could be mistaken for emotional issues, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Conditions or problems that can lead to hypothyroidism include: Autoimmune disease. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's disease. Autoimmune diseases happen when the immune system makes antibodies that attack healthy tissues.
The other primary causes of hypothyroidism can include: Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid). Treatment of hyperthyroidism (radiation and surgical removal of the thyroid). Iodine deficiency (not having enough iodine — a mineral your thyroid uses to make hormones – in your body).
Common signs
An overactive thyroid can also cause the following physical signs: a swelling in your neck caused by an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) an irregular and/or unusually fast heart rate (palpitations) twitching or trembling.
You're miserable
Your physical appearance isn't the only thing affected by your hormones; they also play a big role in your overall mood and mental wellness. Hyperthyroidism may cause you to feel anxious, nervous, and irritable whereas hypothyroidism can cause depression.
Symptoms of Rash Due to Thyroid Disease
This itchy rash can occur on the neck, chest, back, face, and buttocks.
The production, conversion, and uptake of thyroid hormone in the body involves several steps. A malfunction in any of these steps can cause hypothyroid symptoms, but may not show up on standard lab tests. All cases of hypothyroidism do not share the same cause—and, as you might guess, they require different treatments.
You may feel nervous, moody, weak, or tired. Your hands may shake, your heart may beat fast, or you may have problems breathing. You may be sweaty or have warm, red, itchy skin. You may have more bowel movements than usual.
While symptoms can vary, there are many reported signs of a Hashimoto's flare-up, including: Fatigue. Cold intolerance. Constipation.
The two major causes of thyroid disorders are nutrient deficiency and autoimmune disease. Iodine is a crucial nutrient for thyroid function. Thyroid hormone is rich in iodine, and deficiency of iodine can cause both hypothyroidism and goiter (a swelling of the thyroid gland) (5).
Conclusion. Low vitamin D levels are associated with autoimmune hypothyroidism. Healthcare initiatives such as mass vitamin D deficiency screening among at-risk population could significantly decrease the risk for hypothyroidism in the long-term.
But those with symptoms can experience a puffy face, sluggishness, weight gain, feeling cold, a slowed heart rate, constipation, depression, and thinning hair. Not everyone has the same symptoms, so make sure to talk with your health care provider if you think you have hypothyroidism.
It's important to note that symptoms of Hashimoto's flare-ups can also include symptoms outside the thyroid gland, such as skin issues (dry skin and skin rashes), anxiety and mood swings, weight gain, and fluid retention, fatigue, and low energy levels.
Definition. Silent thyroiditis is an immune reaction of the thyroid gland. The disorder can cause hyperthyroidism, followed by hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above where your collarbones meet in the middle.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is thyroiditis. In people with thyroiditis, swelling and inflammation damage the thyroid gland's cells. Causes of this problem include: The immune system attacking the thyroid gland.
Fatty foods – Fats are known to upset your body's ability to absorb thyroid replacement hormones. Fats can also prevent the thyroid's natural ability to produce hormones. Physicians recommend that you cut out all fried foods and limit your intake of fats from butter, mayonnaise and fatty meats.
Symptoms include dull facial expressions, tiredness, and weight gain. Blood tests can help diagnose this condition. They can measure the amount of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormones in your blood. The goal of treatment is to return your levels of thyroid hormone back to normal.
For those with symptoms, fatigue often features at the top of the list. Other common symptoms include dry hair and skin, forgetfulness, a puffy face, and cold intolerance. Individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism may experience mild fatigue.