Hashimotos Symptoms
Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its thyroid gland. This tiny, bow-shaped gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormones, which regulate important body processes such as energy levels, temperature, and growth. When these hormones are low, a person can experience symptoms like tiredness, weight gain, and intolerance to cold temperatures. In some cases, the thyroid gland may also become larger and lumps.
Joint pain
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland, and one of its common symptoms is joint pain. Women with Hashimoto's typically experience joint knee pain, especially when climbing stairs. This occurs because stairs place more pressure on the quadricep muscle and its infrapatellar tendon, which can pull on the knee cap and irritate the inflamed joint. As a result, women with Hashimoto's tend to avoid going downstairs or getting down on the floor.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of Hashimoto's disease and can be caused by various reasons. For some, it results from reduced thyroid hormone production and slows metabolism, resulting in extreme tiredness and fatigue. However, for others, the fatigue is gradual and hardly noticeable. Regardless of the cause, fatigue can affect every aspect of your life, from concentration at work to keep up with the kids. Even exercising can be challenging if you're constantly exhausted.
Vague symptoms
Although the exact cause of Hashimoto's disease is still unknown, many researchers and clinical experts believe the disorder is caused by an abnormal immune response directed at body tissues. Autoimmune disorders are conditions where the body's natural defenses against foreign substances mistakenly attack healthy tissues. The production of antibodies called autoantibodies characterizes this process.
Unpredictable
Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This results in a low level of thyroid hormones, called hypothyroidism. This condition affects the whole body and can cause symptoms such as fatigue and muscle cramps.
Triggers
Identifying and treating triggers is key to controlling Hashimoto's symptoms for Hashimoto's patients. These triggers include excessive amounts of iodine in the diet, stress, and lack of sleep. For example, eating high amounts of table salt can trigger a flare-up. A poor night's sleep can also result in reduced energy levels and nutrient deficiency.
Treatment
People with Hashimoto's disease may have heavy menstrual bleeding, enlarged thyroid gland, or goiter, a swelling on the front of the neck. The swelling is usually not painful but may interfere with swallowing and breathing. People with the disease may also have high LDL cholesterol levels, a risk factor for heart failure.
