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It is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by abnormal white blood cells and antibodies that attack the thyroid gland.
Middle-aged women are more susceptible to autoimmune thyroiditis.
In autoimmune thyroiditis, the immune system attacks an individual’s thyroid gland. It is a progressive disease that destroys thyroid hormone function and eventually results in a thyroid hormone deficiency ( hypothyroidism ).
Autoimmune thyroiditis is the common cause of primary hypothyroidism.
Some risk factors for developing this disorder include:
- The female gender.
- Excessive consumption of iodine.
- The use of certain medications.
- Having had viral infections.
Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis can include an enlarged neck, hair loss, weight gain, constipation, and menstrual abnormalities in women.
The condition can potentially lead to autoimmune disorders involving other organs and thyroid cancer in some cases.
Thyroid hormone replacement is the most effective treatment for autoimmune thyroiditis. There are no known preventive measures for this condition.
However, the condition can remain stable for many years without worsening signs and symptoms, making treatment options successful.
What are the other names for this condition?
- Grave’s disease (due to autoimmune thyroiditis).
- Hashimoto’s disease (due to autoimmune thyroiditis).
- Luminomatous struma (due to autoimmune thyroiditis).
Who Gets Autoimmune Thyroiditis?
Autoimmune thyroiditis can occur in adolescents and young women. But, it is more common in women between 40-60 years of age.
The disorder can affect both genders. However, women are reported to be seven times more likely to develop the disease than men.
All racial and ethnic groups can be affected.
What are the risk factors for autoimmune thyroiditis?
Some risk factors known to be associated with autoimmune thyroiditis include:
- Individuals with a family history of the disorder, specifically close relatives with autoimmune thyroiditis or other autoimmune conditions.
- Women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Female gender, particularly middle-aged women.
- People with congenital (chromosomal) disorders such as Turner syndrome, Down syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome.
In susceptible individuals, researchers have identified possible environmental factors to which the disorder can be attributed, such as:
- Consuming too much iodine can inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
- Certain drugs
- Viral infections
It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases the chances of contracting a disease compared to an individual without the risk factors.
Some risk factors are more important than others.
Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that a person does not have the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.
What are the causes of autoimmune thyroiditis?
Autoimmune thyroiditis is caused by the dysregulation of an individual’s immune system. The immune system creates antibodies, which destroy the thyroid gland, resulting in a thyroid hormone deficiency and manifestations of symptoms.
Scientists have discovered a genetic component of the disorder. Mutations in two genes, one on chromosomes 2 and 8, appear necessary to manifest symptoms.
In many cases, autoimmune thyroiditis is believed to cause primary hypothyroidism.
What are the signs and symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis?
There are no signs or symptoms during the early stages of autoimmune thyroiditis in many cases. Then as it progresses, it can cause hyperthyroidism with associated signs and symptoms, including:
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Excessive sweating and heat intolerance.
- Increased excessive hunger.
- Irritation, restlessness.
- Bulging of the eyes
- Menstrual abnormalities (menstruation may be irregular or short).
- Abnormal heart rhythm, including fast heart rate.
- Sudden weight loss
When the condition is more severe, it leads to hypothyroidism, and the signs and symptoms associated with this condition can include:
- Enlarged or swollen thyroid gland; small or contracted thyroid gland (late in the disease).
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking.
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Dry Skin.
- Hair loss, which can be excessive during the shower.
- Constipation or difficult bowel movements.
- Weight gain can be slow and gradual.
- Heavy and irregular periods (in women).
- Abnormal sensitivity to cold (affected individuals may not tolerate cold very well).
How is autoimmune thyroiditis diagnosed?
Autoimmune thyroiditis develops slowly, so it may not be clinically apparent for many months or years. Diagnosis of this disorder generally involves the following tests and procedures:
Complete evaluation of the medical history and a thorough physical examination.
During the exam, a healthcare provider may pay special attention to the following:
- An enlarged thyroid in front of the neck.
- The signs and symptoms of the individual.
Blood tests to evaluate the levels of:
- The T3 and T4; are thyroid hormones produced in the thyroid gland.
- Serum TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).
- Antithyroid peroxidase antibody (Anti-TPO); antibodies to thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme in the thyroid gland.
- Antithyroglobulin antibodies; are antibodies that interact with thyroglobulin, a protein found in thyroid cells.
- Thyroid gland ultrasounds.
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or core biopsy of the thyroid gland.
Many clinical conditions can have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.
What are the possible complications of autoimmune thyroiditis?
Possible complications of autoimmune thyroiditis can include:
- Simultaneous development of other autoimmune disorders.
- Effect of thyroid cancer (in some rare cases).
How is autoimmune thyroiditis treated?
Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis depends on the presence or absence of hypothyroidism (a deficiency in thyroid hormone production).
When hypothyroidism is absent: Patients are generally monitored for disease progression and the development of hypothyroidism.
When hypothyroidism is present: Thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be considered.
How can autoimmune thyroiditis be prevented?
Currently, no effective preventive methods for autoimmune thyroiditis have been reported.
However, early detection, prompt treatment, and regular monitoring of the disease can help combat the disorder and keep its progression under control.
What is the prognosis for autoimmune thyroiditis?
Autoimmune thyroiditis can remain stable for many years with treatment; therefore, the treatment provided is generally considered successful.
The prognosis for the disorder is generally good with proper treatment and regular check-ups.
