Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the bodies antibodies damage cells in the thyroid gland. Instead of the body’s immune system fighting to protect the body as it normally does, it mistakenly attacks itself, or in this case, the thyroid gland, causing the butterfly-shaped organ in your neck area to malfunction.
The thyroid gland works to release hormones that regulate and control a variety of body functions, including the speed of metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature management. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often leads to hypothyroidism, meaning low function of the thyroid.
As a result of a low functioning thyroid, the body lacks the normal hormone levels it usually requires to convert food into energy which leads to the slowing down of other bodily and metabolic functions. Muscle weakness, tiredness/fatigue, weight gain, difficulty swallowing, and menstrual irregularities are all symptoms that may indicate something like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
In severe cases, a goitre, or abnormal enlargement of the thyroid, develops due to inflammation. It is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional if you develop any symptoms related to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
While there is no cure or reversal for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, there is medication treatment available to help manage thyroid hormone levels. Medications prescribed by a healthcare provider may depend on the cause and progression of the condition. If the condition is caused by an overactive thyroid, medications referred to as anti-thyroid medications may be prescribed as they specifically target the thyroid gland from producing more thyroid hormones.
If the cause is from an underactive thyroid gland, medications to replace the thyroid hormones may be prescribed as they specifically work to increase the thyroid hormone production again. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to help with the body’s inflammatory response in hypothyroidism.
Anti-thyroid medications are used when the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than it should. Methimazole and propylthiouracil are two prescription medications that are available to treat this condition. They work by making it harder for the body to make or produce more thyroid hormones.
These medications may take several days or weeks to take effect, but it is important to take these medications as directed by a healthcare professional. If you develop any type of injury, infection, or illness while taking these medications, you should check with your doctor.
When the thyroid fails to produce hormones as it normally would, your doctor may prescribe a thyroid hormone replacement medication. The most common thyroid replacement medication is levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is a man-made hormone that works to replace the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), which is normally produced in your body. Desiccated thyroid is another medication that addresses low thyroid hormone levels.
This medication is a combination of hormones that the thyroid gland usually produces to help regulate energy and metabolism in the body. It is important to follow the advice of a healthcare professional and take medications as directed. If you experience any type of side effects after taking a new prescription medication, it is important to discuss this with a healthcare professional.
Along with thyroid medications for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, your healthcare provider may tell you to take medications such as an anti-inflammatory. Motrin and Naproxen are two common anti-inflammatory medications that may help with pain and inflammation that is commonly experienced in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
A combination of medications may help manage your condition, so once again, it is important to follow the advice of a trusted healthcare provider when taking any medications.
As with all drugs, medications for the treatment of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can have unwanted side effects. Your doctor will monitor for adverse effects of medications and will adjust medications as necessary.
Potential side effects of anti-thyroid and thyroid-hormone replacement:
Potential side effects of anti-inflammatories:
Side effects will vary depending on the specific medication and dosage.
While Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is incurable, proper management can certainly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine what treatment plan is best for you. Keep in mind that treatment will vary depending on the severity and symptoms of your condition, but your healthcare provider can recommend medications to restore and regulate your body and allow it to function at an optimal level.