About Hashimoto's Disease

Hashimoto's disease is a common and potentially serious condition affecting the thyroid gland, which is a gland that controls much of the hormone activity in the human body. If left untreated it can be a long term condition with many negative side effects.

History

Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto.

Hashimoto's disease is named for the Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto, who discovered the condition. He graduated from medical school in 1907 and worked as an accomplished surgeon for many years. He lived in Germany for three years, and while he was there, a medical journal published one of his works, which included the first description and analysis of the disease (www.whonamedit.com).

Features

Hashimoto's disease is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that is caused by a defect in the body's autoimmune system. The disease causes the body to attack the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a gland located in the throat just at the base of the neck. It helps coordinate hormonal activity in the body, and when Hashimoto's disease causes attacks on the thyroid, it negatively affects hormonal balance throughout the body. Hashimoto's disease leads to hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, and tends to affect many more women than men in the United States.

Identification

Hashimoto's disease does not have symptoms unique to itself, but a person with Hashimoto's disease will most likely have the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, the condition that Hashimoto's disease causes. These symptoms include, but are not limited to these: unexplained weight gain; depression; increased sensitivity to cold; muscle aches and weakness; high cholesterol levels; and in women, excessive bleeding during the menstrual cycle.

Prevention/Solution

Hashimoto's disease can only be diagnosed by a doctor, and through blood tests. Prolonged and unexplained symptoms of hypothyroidism are worth a trip to the doctor for further testing. Once it has been determined that Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism are present, a hormone treatment can eliminate the negative effects of the disease by replacing the hormones the body can not produce because of Hashimoto's. Treatment will usually last for a lifetime, but dosage can change over time. Schedule yearly check-ups with a doctor to ensure correct dosage levels.

Warning

Though doctors do not know exactly what causes Hashimoto's disease, there does seem to be some genetic component to it. Hashimoto's tends to run in families, so be sure to keep doctors up-to-date on family medical history. Also, Hashimoto's affects mostly middle-aged women. If left untreated, Hashimoto's disease can have serious consequences, including depression and other mental health issues, as well as a increased risk of heart disease. Schedule a visit with the doctor if you suspect you may have Hashimoto's disease.

Resources

• The Mayo Clinic's information page on Hashimoto's disease.
• Information on Dr. Hashimoto.