Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

What it is

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies against the thyroid itself, causing chronic inflammation and, over time, reduced hormone production. It is the leading cause of hypothyroidism and mainly affects women between 30 and 50, with a strong family component. Many patients discover the condition while investigating fatigue, weight gain or irregular periods, or by chance, on an antibody test. Not every patient with Hashimoto's needs medication right away: what determines treatment is thyroid function, not the presence of antibodies. Follow-up with the endocrinologist allows treatment to begin at the right time.

Most common symptoms

• Persistent fatigue and low mood
• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
• Neck swelling (goiter)
• Dry skin and hair loss
• Feeling cold and constipation
• Irregular periods and difficulty getting pregnant

Causes and risk factors

• Genetic predisposition and family history of thyroid disease
• Hormonal factors, with a higher incidence in women
• Excess iodine in the diet or supplements
• Other autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and celiac disease
• The postpartum period, which can trigger inflammation

How it is diagnosed

Suspicion arises from symptoms, family history or the finding of a goiter on physical exam. Blood tests measure TSH and free T4, which show whether the thyroid is already underactive, and anti-TPO and antithyroglobulin antibodies, which confirm the autoimmune origin. Ultrasound reveals the heterogeneous pattern typical of inflammation and checks for any associated nodules. Because the disease progresses slowly, test results may be normal in the early stage and change over time, which is why periodic follow-up is part of the diagnosis. The endocrinologist also looks for other autoimmune conditions that often accompany Hashimoto's.

How we treat it at Femi Saúde

When thyroid function is normal, treatment consists of follow-up: TSH tests every six to twelve months and guidance on iodine, diet and warning signs. When hypothyroidism sets in, thyroid hormone replacement begins, with the dose adjusted according to test results, and monitoring becomes periodic. Women planning to become pregnant deserve special attention, since hormone demand increases during pregnancy and untreated hypothyroidism affects the baby. Throughout the entire process, the endocrinology team at Femi Saúde follows the patient and revises the plan whenever test results or symptoms change.

What we offer