Hashimoto’s disease (also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) is an autoimmune disorder where the thyroid gland is attacked by the immune system, which causes it to decrease hormone production and slow down metabolism. About 1-2% of people in the United States, mostly women, suffer from this condition.
But how do you know if you have Hashimoto’s disease? Read on to learn more about its symptoms…
1. Inflamed Thyroid
This is the most obvious symptom of Hashimoto’s disease. As the immune cells attack the thyroid, it becomes enlarged to the point that you eventually develop a visible goiter. When left untreated, it can cause discomfort and even breathing problems.
Our next symptom is definitely hard to miss…
2. Puffed Face
People with more advanced cases of Hashimoto’s disease usually experience their faces becoming rounder and puffier, especially in the eyelids, lips, and tongue.
Ever felt like you’re just chained to your bed?
3. Fatigue
Experiencing fatigue is common among thyroid patients, and it’s much worse in Hashimoto’s disease. It gives an increased feeling of exhaustion and constant sleepiness despite having enough rest, leaving almost no time for daily activities.
The cold might not bother everyone, but it does to some people…
4. Cold Intolerance
Another common symptom of Hashimoto’s is the increased sensitivity/intolerance towards coldness. The thyroid gland plays an important role in producing hormones that generate metabolism and body heat, and having an afflicted thyroid limits its production.
This next symptom is also unpleasant…
5. Constipation
Having Hashimoto’s disease means having an underperforming thyroid which slows down the body’s systems, including the digestive system. This affects bowel movement and eventually leads to frequent constipation.
You also tend to lose your glow with this disease, as this next symptom shows…
6. Dry Skin
When the thyroid gland slows down, it also starts to lessen the secretion of eccrine glands which are responsible for sweat, and effectively causes the skin to dry up and become flaky as time goes.
If the dry skin wasn’t bad enough, get a load of this next symptom…
7. Brittle Nails
Apart from the dry, flaking skin, patients might also notice that their nails start to become duller and drier. Others also report experiencing swollen fingertips with their brittling nails.
Your crowning glory won’t be so glorious either…
8. Hair Fall
Some patients diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and general thyroid problems also tend to get alopecia areata, a condition which causes unpredictable hair loss.
With a loss, comes another gain, but in this case, it’s not the good kind…
9. Sudden Weight Gain
Hashimoto’s has always been linked with sudden and unwanted weight gain since hyperthyroidism slows down the body’s metabolism. However, endocrinologist Dr. Mary Vouyiouklis Kellis says that this weight gain is mostly composed of excess salt and water retention in the body.
And that’s not the only thing a slowed metabolism can cause…
10. Joint & Muscle Pain
Joint and muscle pain is also a common symptom of Hashimoto’s caused by inflammation of the joints due to fluid buildup in that area. In fact, it can increase your risk of eventually getting rheumatoid arthritis when the condition is left untreated.
But wait, that’s just half of it…
11. Weakness & Stiffness
Hashimoto patients also feel their muscles and joints weakening and becoming stiffer as the condition progresses. Coupled with muscle and joint pain, this makes overall movement difficult.
Aunt Flo’s visit might take a little longer than usual, too…
12. Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Women suffering from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis experience menorrhagia which is heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts more than a week. While this is relatively rare, this could spell trouble.
The next symptom affects everyone…
13. Lower Sex Drive
Having an underactive thyroid caused by Hashimoto’s can affect one’s sex life too. It lowers the libido for both men women, makes sex painful, and even causes serious sexual dysfunction.
Things also tend to slip off your mind more often…
14. Cognitive Problems
Hashimoto’s disease affects a person’s cognitive abilities such as memory lapses and problems in concentration. Some cases even show problems in behavior, personality, and judgment.
And it affects your mental health too…
15. Mental Health Problems
Mental health issues like anxiety and depression are rarely spoken symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease. While these are linked to thyroid problems, AACE spokesperson Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld believes that simply having the condition can increase the risk of those problems
