In Hashimoto's disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. The resulting inflammation often leads to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. This guide page provides information on how to live with Hashimoto’s Disease.

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system creates antibodies that damage the thyroid gland. The disease causes inflammation of the thyroid gland and may cause the glad to stop producing hormones, leading to hypothyroidism. The pituitary gland then stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more hormones causing thyroid gland to enlarge to a goiter.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hashimotos-disease/DS00567/DSECTION=causes

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

Often symptoms of Hypothyroidism lead to testing which shows Hashimoto’s Disease. Hashimoto’s may exist long before the TSH level increases enough to signal cause for concern but symptoms can start in early stages. Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's is treated with thyroid hormone replacement. Common replacement therapies are Synthroid and Armour. Many endocrinologists will not provide hormone replacement until the TSH levels indicate hypothyroid stages. The controversy over when to begin hormone replacement may prompt disease sufferers to change doctors. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/hashimoto-thyroiditis.cfm#f

Hashimoto’s Disease has no cure and can lead to other autoimmune diseases. Research continues to determine how to reverse the rising thyroid antibody level. Tests have shown selenium supplementation can suppress elevated thyroid antibody levels and possibly prevent progression to hypothyroidism. Use of supplements should be discussed with physicians before starting. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17450242

Foods which impact the thyroids ability to produce hormones may need to be avoided by those with Hashimoto’s Disease. When the TSH levels indicate Hypothyroidism, goitrogenic foods should be avoided. Goitrogenic foods decrease the hormone levels. Goitrogenic foods include Brussel sprouts, kohlrabi, turnips, rutabaga, radishes, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower. http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=77815

Patient advocate and writer Mary Shomon used her own thyroid diagnosis to help educate others about the diseases associated with the gland. A published author on the thyroid subject, her web forums and series of informational articles published on About.com offer forum based discussions and question and answers with other thyroid patients. Among the discussions, the topic of soy and impact on those with Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism produces mixed results. For some, soy sensitivities are significant while others believe soy is helpful in dealing with the symptoms.http://thyroid.about.com/u/ua/soy/soy-thyroid-stories.htm

Treatment for Hashimoto’s may include taking levothyroxine. These items are known to decrease absorption of the medication and may decrease the effectiveness. When taking levothyroxine, advise your doctor in advance if any of the below listed items will cause a conflict with your thyroid medication. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hashimotos-disease/DS00567/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

• Iron supplements including multivitamins that contain iron
• Cholestyramine(Questran), a medication used to lower blood cholesterol levels
• Aluminum hydroxide, which is found in some antacids
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), used to prevent high blood potassium levels
• Sucralfate, an ulcer medication
• Calcium supplements