Symptoms of Hashimoto’s
Hashimoto’s often develops slowly over time, and the symptoms can be subtle at first, making it easy to misdiagnose or overlook. Many people may experience fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, constipation, depression, and brain fog. These symptoms are often attributed to other health issues, making Hashimoto’s difficult to diagnose in its early stages.
As the disease progresses and thyroid hormone levels drop further, the symptoms can become more severe. Women with Hashimoto’s may experience irregular menstrual cycles or difficulty conceiving. Additionally, swelling in the thyroid gland, called a goiter, may occur, leading to discomfort or a feeling of tightness in the neck. If left untreated, Hashimoto’s can lead to more severe complications, including heart problems, mental health issues, and even myxedema, a rare but life-threatening form of severe hypothyroidism.
The Thyroid’s Role in Your Body
Understanding Hashimoto’s also requires an understanding of the thyroid’s role in overall health. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism—the process by which your body converts food into energy. This impacts everything from how efficiently your body burns calories to how it processes nutrients. When thyroid hormone production is reduced, as is the case with Hashimoto’s, the entire metabolic process slows down. This is why many people with Hashimoto’s struggle with unexplained weight gain and feelings of lethargy.
The thyroid also plays a key role in regulating body temperature, heart rate, and the function of muscles, including those in the digestive system. When thyroid hormone levels drop, these systems can also become sluggish. This can result in symptoms like cold intolerance, slow heart rate, muscle weakness, and constipation. The thyroid’s influence on brain function can also explain why Hashimoto’s patients often experience mood changes, depression, and memory problems.
Causes and Risk Factors for Hashimoto’s
While the exact cause of Hashimoto’s is not fully understood, several factors are believed to contribute to the development of the condition. Genetics plays a significant role, as Hashimoto’s tends to run in families. If you have a relative with Hashimoto’s or another autoimmune disease, you are at higher risk of developing the condition.
Environmental factors can also trigger the onset of Hashimoto’s. Chronic stress, infections, and exposure to environmental toxins may contribute to the immune system’s malfunction. Additionally, dietary factors, such as iodine deficiency or excess, may influence thyroid health.
Women are much more likely than men to develop Hashimoto’s, particularly during periods of hormonal change, such as pregnancy, menopause, or perimenopause. Other autoimmune conditions, like type 1 diabetes or celiac disease, also increase the risk of developing Hashimoto’s.
