Home > Hashimoto's thyroiditis

In many cases, Hashimoto's usually results in hypothyroidism, although in its acute phase, it can cause a transient hyperthyroid state.

Physiologically, antibodies to thyroid peroxidase and/or thyroglobulin cause gradual destruction of follicles in the thyroid gland. Accordingly, the disease can be detected clinically by looking for these antibodies in the blood. It is also characterised by invasion of the thyroid tissue by leukocytes, chiefly T-lymphocytes.

Treatment is by daily thyroxine, with the sodium salt of thyroxine liothyronine given when the need to raise levels of circulating thyroxine is urgent.

Symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis include symptoms of hypothyroidism and a goitre.