Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: The Most Common Autoimmune Disease

An autoimmune attack on the thyroid

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in countries with sufficient iodine intake. The immune system produces anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies that gradually destroy thyroid tissue.

Symptoms

• Persistent fatigue, somnolence
• Unexplained weight gain, cold intolerance
• Dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails
• Constipation, intellectual slowness
• Menstrual cycle disorders, infertility
• Painless goiter sometimes palpable

Therapeutic solutions

Levothyroxine (Levothyrox, L-Thyroxin): replacement hormone to be taken on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before breakfast. The dose is adjusted by TSH measurement every 6 to 8 weeks until equilibrium, then annually.

Selenium: supplementation (200 µg/day) can reduce anti-TPO antibody titers.

Monitoring: check TSH once a year, adjust the dose during pregnancy (increased needs by 30-50%).