Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is the Thyroid?Hashimoto’s DiseaseSubacute ThyroiditisWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is the Thyroid?
Hashimoto’s Disease
Subacute Thyroiditis
When to See a Provider
Lymphocytic thyroiditisrefers to conditions in which immune cells attack thethyroid glandand affect the production of thyroid hormones.
Hashimoto’s disease(also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis) permanently damages the thyroid, causing hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) and usually requiring lifelong medication. Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis (also known as silent or painless thyroiditis) may cause some symptoms but will often go away on its own.
This article describes the causes and symptoms of the different subtypes of lymphocytic thyroiditis and how to cope with them if you’re diagnosed with this form ofthyroid disease.
Klaus Tiedge/Getty
The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland sits at the base of your throat, near your voicebox (larynx) and windpipe (trachea).
The thyroid is responsible for producing thetriiodothyronine(T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones. These hormones are important for regulating metabolism, brain development, and the function of your heart, muscles, and more.
Thyroid Blood Tests: Types and What Results Mean
Hashimoto’s diseaseis a long-lasting form of lymphocytic thyroiditis. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States, mainly affecting females.
With Hashimoto’s, the immune system mounts a response against its own thyroid antigens. This process begins to break down the thyroid, with the body producing specificantibodiesagainst thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and thyroglobulin (anti-Tg).Elevated levels of anti-TPO and anti-Tg are part of a Hashimoto’s disease diagnosis.
Does Iodine Deficiency Cause Hashimoto’s?Iodine deficiencyis associated with Hashimoto’s but why the autoimmune disorder occurs is still unknown and under study. Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors may contribute to a complex and interactive disease process for which there is no cure.In the United States, iodine deficiency is rare, and it’s becoming less common around the world.
Does Iodine Deficiency Cause Hashimoto’s?
Iodine deficiencyis associated with Hashimoto’s but why the autoimmune disorder occurs is still unknown and under study. Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors may contribute to a complex and interactive disease process for which there is no cure.In the United States, iodine deficiency is rare, and it’s becoming less common around the world.
Symptoms
Hashimoto’s disease typically leads to symptoms of low thyroid function that develop over time. Not everyone has symptoms, but they include:
Females may experience heavy and/or irregular menstrual periods.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam including palpation (touching) of your thyroid to check for a goiter or nodules. A complete history will be taken, noting current symptoms as well as any family history of Hashimoto’s disease.
Blood tests that check for thyroid hormone levels and other factors can be used to make an initial diagnosis. The presence of anti-TPO and anti-Tg is typically detected with Hashimoto’s disease.
Ultrasoundor other medical imaging tests may be ordered to evaluate the size of the goiter and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
How is Hashimoto’s Disease Diagnosed?
Treatment
Hashimoto’s disease treatmentis focused on normalizing thyroid hormone levels. Synthroid (levothyroxine) is the first-line treatment and likely will be needed across a lifetime. Your thyroid hormone levels will need to be checked periodically to see if the dose needs adjustment.
In rare cases, large goiters can make it difficult to swallow or breathe normally. In such cases, they can be removed surgically. Small goiters require no treatment and may resolve on their own once hormone levels are normalized.
Generally speaking, your diet does not influence hypothyroidism and neither will it offer benefits. Some people trydesiccated thyroid extractpowder from cows and pigs. Yet most experts simply recommend eating a balanced, healthy diet that provides vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Others continue to study how vitamin D and other nutrients might help.Selenium, for example, may offer benefits but research results have been inconsistent on its benefits.Talk to your healthcare provider about your diet and a Hashimoto’s diagnosis.
What to Know About Selenium and Your Thyroid
Outlook
Most people experience a high quality of life with good outcomes when treated for hypothyroidism, but it’s likely that they will require medication and disease management for the rest of their lives. Older adults and those with underlying heart disease may need to be cautious with medication.
It’s still unclear if Hashimoto’s disease increases the risk of thyroid cancer.There is evidence, though, that inflammation increases the risk of Hashimoto’s and the diagnosis may be linked to metabolic conditions likeobesity,high cholesterol, anddiabetes.
Hashimoto’s Disease and PregnancyHypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s disease can make it harder for some people to get pregnant. Thyroid dysfunction often occurs in people diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Hashimoto’s Disease and Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s disease can make it harder for some people to get pregnant. Thyroid dysfunction often occurs in people diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
5 Things Women With PCOS Should Know About Hypothryoidism
Subacute Lymphocytic Thyroiditis
Causes
The main cause of subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis is a postpartum event that typically occurs within a few months after delivery. Most people return to normal thyroid function within a year but in some cases, thyroid dysfunction continues.
Other instances can occur outside of pregnancy and are referred to as sporadic or silent thyroiditis.
Phases
Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis occurs in specific phases:
In the third phase, balance has been restored and the autoimmune assault on the thyroid gland has stopped.
The symptoms of subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis tend to be milder than Hashimoto’s disease.Per its nickname (silent or painless thyroiditis), the condition is generally painless with no signs of thyroid tenderness.
Hyperthyroid SymptomsGoiter, typically painlessFatigueHeat intoleranceIncreased appetiteIncreased sweatingIrregular menstrual periodsIrritabilityMuscle crampsShakiness and restlessnessHeart palpitationsWeight lossFrequent bowel movementsHypothyroid SymptomsGoiter, typically painlessFatigueCold intoleranceDry skinWeight gainConstipation
Hyperthyroid SymptomsGoiter, typically painlessFatigueHeat intoleranceIncreased appetiteIncreased sweatingIrregular menstrual periodsIrritabilityMuscle crampsShakiness and restlessnessHeart palpitationsWeight lossFrequent bowel movements
Goiter, typically painless
Fatigue
Heat intolerance
Increased appetite
Increased sweating
Irregular menstrual periods
Irritability
Muscle cramps
Shakiness and restlessness
Heart palpitations
Weight loss
Frequent bowel movements
Hypothyroid SymptomsGoiter, typically painlessFatigueCold intoleranceDry skinWeight gainConstipation
Cold intolerance
Dry skin
Weight gain
Constipation
Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis frequently goes undiagnosed. When a diagnosis is made, it typically occurs when hypothyroid symptoms develop.A diagnosis can include:
Synthroid treatment lasts for at least a few months, at which point the drug is stopped and your thyroid hormones are retested in five weeks to confirm that no further treatment is needed.
In most cases, silent thyroiditis will resolve. It can, however, take months to improve.There is no known genetic factor to increase your risk of hypothyroidism but some people who experience silent thyroiditis will develop the condition and require lifelong treatment.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Lymphocytic thyroiditis can be difficult to spot early in the disease because the symptoms are often non-specific and can occur with any number of other conditions. However, thyroid disease should be considered if you have the following symptoms you cannot explain:
Your healthcare provider can also help you manage fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms related to your lymphocytic thyroiditis.
Summary
Lymphocytic thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s disease (chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis) is a permanent condition that doesn’t right itself and causes life-long hypothyroidism. Typically, medication is effective in managing the condition.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms that may be thyroid-related. They can help to diagnose and treat your symptoms.
13 Sources
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