Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Introduction
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a prevalent reason for hypothyroidism and is
characterized as an autoimmune ailment. This condition involves the
body's immune system attacking the thyroid gland tissue, leading to
inflammation of the gland (thyroiditis). The thyroid gland is an endocrine
gland that secretes thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which play
vital roles in regulating basic metabolic rate, protein synthesis, and other
bodily functions. This condition was named after Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto,
who first described it in 1912.
Presentation title 2

Epideiolog
y
In the United States, Hashimoto's
thyroiditis is the leading cause of
hypothyroidism. It is an
autoimmune disease with an
estimated prevalence in
pediatrics of 1–2%. It occurs
more often in women than in
men, which may be related to
hormonal factors.

Causes
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is categorized as an
autoimmune disorder, wherein the body
mistakenly perceives the thyroid gland as
foreign tissue and attacks it. The root cause
of this autoimmune reaction is yet to be
determined, although it is known to run in
families. This condition predominantly affects
women, with a prevalence rate that is 5 to 10
times higher than men, and usually develops
in adulthood. Those diagnosed with
Hashimoto's thyroiditis typically exhibit
elevated levels of antibodies against thyroid-
specific proteins, such as thyroperoxidase and
thyroglobulin, in their blood samples.
Presentation title 4

5

Signs & Symptoms
• The signs and symptoms of
Hashimoto's thyroiditis are similar to
those of hypothyroidism and tend to
be mild and non-specific, making
them easily mistaken for signs of
aging or other medical conditions. As
the condition progresses, symptoms
become more apparent. The majority
of complaints reported by patients are
related to a decrease in metabolic
activity in the body.
6

• Common symptoms and signs
of Hashimoto's thyroiditis
include: – Fatigue –
Depression – Modest weight
gain – Cold intolerance –
Excessive sleepiness – Dry,
coarse hair – Constipation –
Dry skin – Muscle cramps
• – Increased cholesterol levels
– Decreased concentration –
Vague aches and pain –
Swelling of legs • As
hypothyroidism becomes more
severe, there may be: –
puffiness around the eyes, – a
slowing of the heart rate, – a
drop in body temperature, –
and heart failure.
• Severe hypothyroidism can
potentially result in myxedema
coma, a life-threatening
condition that requires
immediate hospitalization and
treatment with thyroid
hormone. If left untreated,
hypothyroidism can lead to
several complications,
including cardiomyopathy
(enlarged heart), worsening
heart failure, as well as pleural
or pericardial effusions (fluid
buildup around the lungs or
heart, respectively).
Presentation title 7

Individuals diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis may initially
undergo a hyperthyroid phase, known as hashitoxicosis, in
which an excessive amount of thyroid hormone is released due
to the destruction of the gland. Other symptoms may include
swelling of the thyroid gland and difficulty in swallowing solids
or liquids.

Diagnosis
To diagnose Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a physician
typically evaluates the patient's symptoms and
complaints, which are usually indicative of
hypothyroidism. They also conduct a thorough
examination of the neck to check for any enlargement
of the thyroid gland and take a detailed family history.
Blood tests are essential for diagnosing this condition.
In cases of chronic hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone
levels decrease, leading to an increase in the level of
thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
9

Treatment
Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for
Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, the symptoms
caused by the absolute or relative lack of
hormones as a result of the condition can be
alleviated through thyroid hormone replacement
medication, which replaces the hormones that the
thyroid produced before the inflammation began.
Synthetic T4 or thyroxine (levothyroxine) is typically
the preferred treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis,
and common brand names for this medication
include Synthroid, Levothroid, and Levoxyl. The
dosage of levothyroxine may need to be adjusted
after yearly TSH level checks. It's important to note
that since Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune
condition where the body attacks its own tissue,
there is no known method of prevention.
Presentation title 10

Presentation title 11
https://thyroidpharmacist.co
m/articles/dental-triggers-
hashimotos/#:~:text=Most%
20people%20with%20Hashi
moto's%20have,cavities%2C
%20inflammation%2C%20an
d%20infection.

Primary goals
Annual revenue growth