What Is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

How your doctors in Houston, TX, can diagnose and treat Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune disorder which causes thyroid gland inflammation. Your thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone, making Hashimoto’s thyroiditis a type of hypothyroidism. It’s a treatable condition which can be managed by your primary care and internal medicine doctor.

The primary care and internal medicine doctors of Lawndale Medical Clinic in Houston, TX, provide a wide range of medical services, including diagnosis and treatment of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

There are several factors which can put you at risk of developing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, including age and gender, because the condition is more common in middle-aged women. Other risk factors include:

  • Having another autoimmune disease
  • Genetics and a family history of Hashimoto thyroiditis
  • Being pregnant
  • Having an excessive intake of iodine
  • Exposure to excessive radiation

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis signs and symptoms are similar to those of other types of hypothyroidism. These include:

  • Body chills and difficulty staying warm
  • Frequent fatigue and malaise
  • Pale skin and a swollen face
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Memory difficulties
  • Depression
  • Muscle cramping and pain
  • Hair loss and dry skin
  • Chronic constipation and weight gain
  • Difficulty staying active

To diagnose Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a blood test is required to test for the presence of TPO antibodies in the blood. In addition, thyroid function tests are often necessary. Your doctor will also perform a complete physical examination, recording your current symptoms.

If your thyroid function is normal, you may not need treatment. For mild hypothyroidism, the test needs to be repeated after 3 to 6 months. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may require supplementation with thyroid hormone replacement.

If Hashimoto’s thyroiditis goes untreated, it can lead to other medical conditions, including:

  • Goiter
  • High cholesterol
  • Heart problems
  • Depression
  • Mental health issues

To find out more about diagnosis and treatment of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, talk with the experts. Call the primary care and internal medicine doctors of Lawndale Medical Clinic in Houston, TX. You can reach them in the office by calling (713) 924-4907, so call now.