Hashimoto’s-Can-Affect-Quality-Of-Life-Even-If-Thyroid-Is-Normal
Science Daily
Thyroid Nation

Hashimoto’s Is An Inflammatory Disorder




Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), an inflammatory disorder of the thyroid, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, but a study has suggested that even when thyroid function is normal, HT may increase symptoms and decrease quality of life, as described in an article in Thyroid, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis most commonly affects middle-aged women and is associated with an array of symptoms that include chronic fatigue, dry hair, chronic irritability, difficulty concentrating, constipation, and chronic nervousness. Affected patients tend to report decreased quality of life. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body produces an antibody that attacks the thyroid gland resulting in inflammation, and often decreased thyroid function (hypothyroidism).

Johannes Ott and colleagues from Kaiserin Elisabeth Spital and Medical University of Vienna, Austria, report that women with higher levels of anti-thyroid antibody had a significantly higher number of symptoms, even though their levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) — a measure of thyroid function — did not differ from TSH levels measured in women with lower antibody levels. In the article, “Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Affects Symptom Load and Quality of Life Unrelated to Hypothyroidism: A Prospective Case-Control Study in Women Undergoing Thyroidectomy for Benign Goiter ” the authors conclude that hypothyroidism is only one factor contributing to HT symptoms.”

JenQuizAdThis study raises important clinical issues. Although the authors did not study thyroid hormone treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, it raises the possibility that optimal doses of thyroid hormone will not completely ameliorate all symptoms. Further studies are required to confirm the findings of Ott et al. and to determine if patients with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis still have residual symptoms despite achieving an ideal biochemical response to thyroid hormone replacement therapy,” says Charles H. Emerson, MD, Editor-in-Chief ofThyroid and Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine, in Worcester.

Stay up-to-date, get tips, articles and stories that inspire, on all things thyroid!

PLEASE take a moment to ‘Like’ us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest. You can also listen to Tiffany and I on Thyroid Nation RADIO.



Questions or anything to add about Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis? We want your thoughts and questions in the comments, please. You may just help someone else in need.

Source