Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that develops as a result of the immune system attacking the thyroid gland. This disease presents itself with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, and mental sluggishness caused by a reduction in thyroid hormones. Understanding the symptoms and effects of Hashimoto's disease, which affects the body's energy balance and metabolism, is important to start an appropriate treatment process. Hashimoto's disease, Hashimoto's symptoms, What is Hashimoto's, autoimmune thyroid disease, Hashimoto's causes
Hashimoto's disease is a chronic condition that affects the thyroid gland as an autoimmune disorder. First described by Japanese doctor Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto, this disease develops when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and effects of Hashimoto's disease.
Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system recognizes and attacks the thyroid gland as a foreign entity. The thyroid gland is a small gland located at the base of the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism and energy balance. This attack leads to damage to the thyroid gland over time, reducing the production of thyroid hormones. As a result, hypothyroidism, insufficient thyroid hormone levels, develops.
While the exact cause of Hashimoto's disease is unknown, it is believed that genetic and environmental factors play a role. An immune system malfunction targets the thyroid tissue, causing inflammation and cell damage. Genetic predisposition, some viral or bacterial infections, and environmental exposures (such as excess iodine) may act as triggering factors of the disease.
Hashimoto's disease is a slowly progressing condition, and symptoms develop over time. As the functions of the thyroid gland decrease, the following symptoms may occur:
Chronic fatigue and weakness
Weight gain
Cold sensitivity
Constipation
Dry skin
Depression and mood swings
These symptoms are usually associated with hypothyroidism and worsen as the functions of the thyroid gland weaken.
Hashimoto's disease reduces the hormone production capacity of the thyroid gland by attacking it. Thyroid hormones regulate many vital functions such as metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy balance. When there is insufficient hormone production, the overall functioning of the body slows down. This can lead to serious issues like severe fatigue, weight gain, and mental sluggishness in patients' daily lives. Furthermore, if left untreated, it can cause more severe health problems.
