Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

A Comprehensive Overview

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as autoimmune or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the most prevalent thyroid disease in the United States. Affecting approximately 14 million Americans, it is about seven times more common in women than in men. This inherited condition is characterized by the body’s immune system producing cells and autoantibodies that attack and damage thyroid cells, impairing their ability to produce thyroid hormone. If the thyroid hormone production is insufficient, hypothyroidism occurs. The thyroid gland may also enlarge, forming a goiter.

The Features of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Early Stages:

Often symptomless for many years.
Frequently detected through routine exams due to an enlarged thyroid or abnormal blood tests.

When Symptoms Appear:

Local Symptoms: Painless swelling in the lower front of the neck, possibly causing a pressure sensation and difficulty swallowing.

Systemic Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:

- Pervasive fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Forgetfulness
- Learning difficulties
- Dry, brittle hair and nails
- Dry, itchy skin
- Puffy face
- Constipation
- Sore muscles
- Weight gain
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Increased risk of miscarriages
- Increased sensitivity to many medications

Progression:

Symptoms typically worsen slowly over time.
Proper thyroid hormone treatment can eliminate symptoms, prevent further thyroid enlargement, and sometimes shrink the thyroid gland.

Office locations

Opening Hours

THE CAUSES

The Causes of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

The condition results from an immune system malfunction. Normally, the immune system protects the body against foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly targets normal thyroid cells, producing antibodies that destroy these cells. Despite extensive research, no environmental factors have been definitively proven to cause Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Need to speak with the Doctor? We’d love to hear from you!

Years of Experience

0 +

Need to speak with the Doctor? We’d love to hear from you!

Years of Experience

0 +

DIAGNOSIS

How Is Hyperthyroidism Diagnosed?

Physical Examination: A physician can detect goiter and hypothyroidism through characteristic symptoms, physical signs, and appropriate laboratory tests.

Laboratory Tests:

Anti-Thyroid Antibodies: Elevated levels provide specific evidence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, though they are not always present.
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) Test: High TSH levels are the most accurate indicator of hypothyroidism. In patients with normal pituitary function, normal TSH levels typically exclude hypothyroidism.
Other Tests:
- Free thyroxine levels: Low levels indicate thyroid hormone deficiency.
- Fine-needle aspiration: Useful for diagnosing difficult cases or when a thyroid nodule is present.

THE TREATMENT

How Is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Treated?

Thyroid Hormone Therapy:

Essential for patients with goiter and hypothyroidism.
Involves taking a daily levothyroxine tablet.
Dosage adjustments based on patient’s age, health, and presence of heart disease.
Symptom improvement and goiter reduction may take several months.
Typically requires lifelong treatment with periodic dosage adjustments.
Consistent medication intake is crucial to prevent symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Need to speak with the Doctor? We’d love to hear from you!

Years of Experience

0 +

Need to speak with the Doctor? We’d love to hear from you!

Years of Experience

0 +

other disorders

Associated Disorders

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can increase the risk of other autoimmune conditions due to a malfunctioning immune system, which may affect various parts of the body. These include:

Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Graves’ disease
Rheumatoid arthritis
Pernicious anemia
Addison’s disease
Premature ovarian failure
Vitiligo
Thrombocytopenic purpura
Lupus erythematosus

Management

Effective management requires ongoing care by a physician experienced in treating Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This includes monitoring and adjusting thyroid hormone levels and addressing any associated autoimmune conditions to ensure optimal health outcomes.

Meet Our Endocrinologists

Our Endocrinologists, Dr. Carlo A. Fumero, Sean Amirzadeh, DO, Alberto Garcia Mendez, Lauren Sosdorf, and Pedro Troya, are board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and have a wealth of experience treating thyroid conditions. They will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

OUR TESTIMONIALS

What our patients say about us

As a patient of Dr. Troya’s for several years, I would highly recommend this endocrinologist to anyone. He gives full attention to you and your needs without being pressed for time. His diagnosis and treatments are thorough with up-to-date technology and years of experience. His concern and compassion are genuine with your best interest at heart. After having multiple biopsies performed by Dr. Troya, I am definitely a loyal follower.

I have been going to Dr. Troya for a year. He has treated my Diabetes with great success. He communicates with my other doctors, so he has a complete medical history of all my health issues. We need more caring doctors like Dr. Troya who has the patient’s best interest at heart. I am very thankful for Dr. Pedro Troya.

I was a private pilot for 34 years before contracting Type 1 diabetes after a severe case of food poisoning in March of 2008. My first endocrinologist refused to assist me in working with the FAA to retain my pilot’s license. I became a patient of Dr. Troya in 2010. Since that time, he has put me on a Continuous Glucose Monitoring regime and helped me stabilize my blood glucose levels to levels that allow me to pass my FAA medical exam. His caring and interest in each patient's personal issues, as well as their medical outcomes, marks him as an outstanding physician.

Dr. Carlos Fumero is a very personable and caring physician. He takes the time to listen and is very thorough in his evaluations and explanations. He exercises incredible care and concern. I have been referring family members and friends to Dr. Carlos Fumero for almost two years now. We are all exceptionally grateful to have found such a trusted physician. Thank you, Dr. Carlos Fumero. Your kindness and medical expertise are more appreciated than I could ever express in words.

Need to speak with the Doctor? We’d love to hear from you!

Years of Experience

0 +

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

A Comprehensive Overview

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

The Features of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Office locations

Opening Hours

THE CAUSES

The Causes of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

DIAGNOSIS

How Is Hyperthyroidism Diagnosed?

THE TREATMENT

How Is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Treated?

other disorders

Associated Disorders

Meet Our Endocrinologists

OUR TESTIMONIALS

What our patients say about us

Company

Services

Operating Hours

Wesley Chapel Office: