Do I Have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Do you have fatigue and sluggishness?

Do you have increased sensitivity to cold?

Do you have constipation or unexplained weight gain?

Do you have pale, dry skin?

Do you have a puffy face?

Do you have brittle nails or hair loss?

Do you have an enlargement of the tongue?

Do you have muscle weakness or muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness?

Do you have joint pain and stiffness?

If you are a woman, do you have excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding?

Do you have depression?

Do you have a painless swelling in the lower front of your neck (goiter)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Hashimoto's thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that is located in the front of the neck.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a health condition characterized by a gradual decline in thyroid function. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that for some unknown reason your body produces antibodies that damage the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis also runs in families. It is assumed that different combinations of genetic and environmental factors can lead to the development of this disease. Over time, the thyroid gland can enlarge to cause painless goiter. A diagnosis is based on your symptoms and blood tests that measure the level of thyroid hormones.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is an inflammatory disease that leads to gradual impairment of thyroid function. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include fatigue, constipation, weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold, muscle aches and depression. A doctor will recommend monitoring for people with mild symptoms and still normal levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. However, in those with reduced levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, treatment involves hormone replacement therapy. This usually involves the daily use of synthetic thyroid hormone throughout life.