Hashimoto thyroiditis

Definition

Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient areas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and constipation.
2. Diagnosis is typically confirmed by detecting elevated levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies.
3. Levothyroxine is the main treatment used to manage hypothyroidism resulting from Hashimoto thyroiditis.
4. Patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis often have an enlarged thyroid gland or goiter.
5. Women are more commonly affected than men, especially those between the ages of 30 and 50.

Review Questions

• What are the common symptoms associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis?
• Which diagnostic test confirms Hashimoto thyroiditis?
• What is the primary treatment for managing hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto thyroiditis?

Related terms

Hypothyroidism:

A condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones.

Levothyroxine:

A synthetic form of thyroxine (T4) used to treat hypothyroidism.

Anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies: Autoantibodies targeted against an enzyme in the thyroid gland, often elevated in Hashimoto thyroiditis.