Hashimoto's disease tends to worsen with age because it is progressive. The disease generally progresses slowly over many years and can cause progressive damage to the thyroid glands. Additionally, it is expected that those with Hashimoto's disease will eventually get hypothyroidism, though this is not always the case.
Overt hypothyroidism or full-blown disease
The end-stage of Hashimoto's is when your thyroid has become so damaged that you no longer have enough thyroid hormones and have to go on medication.
Hashimoto's disease is 4 to 10 times more common in women than men. Although the disease may occur in teens or young women, it more often develops in women ages 30 to 50. Your chance of developing Hashimoto's disease increases if other family members have the disease.
Summary. Even if your Hashimoto's disease is being treated with thyroid replacement hormone, you may experience flare-ups of symptoms. This can result from not being on the correct dosage of levothyroxine, or due to other medications and/or supplements that can interfere with levothyroxine absorption.
While symptoms can vary, there are many reported signs of a Hashimoto's flare-up, including: Fatigue. Cold intolerance. Constipation.
Since you can't prevent this disorder, it's that much more important to recognize the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. If you understand the symptoms and visit your doctor as soon as possible after recognizing them, you'll have the best chance of preventing the disease's progression.
If you have hypothyroidism from Hashimoto's disease that's untreated, it can lead to certain health problems, including: High cholesterol. Heart disease and heart failure. High blood pressure.
Symptoms may include an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), tiredness, weight gain, and muscle weakness. You don't need treatment if your thyroid hormone levels are normal. If you have an underactive thyroid, medicine can help.
Symptoms of Hashimoto's can take a toll on your social life. Fatigue, depression, and anxiety can each make socializing a challenge. And, if other symptoms, like brain fog or pain, bring discomfort, social activities that aren't necessary may feel off the table. Addressing the root cause of these symptoms can help.
The main complication associated with Hashimoto's is that it greatly increases your risk of developing another autoimmune disorder, such as Addison's disease, Graves' disease, type 1 diabetes, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.
It may take months or even years for the condition to be detected and for thyroid hormone levels to become lower than normal. Hashimoto disease is most common in people with a family history of thyroid disease. In rare cases, the disease may be related to other hormone problems caused by the immune system.
Although anyone can develop Hashimoto's disease, it's most common among middle-aged women.
Stage 3: Subclinical Hypothyroidism
The third stage of Hashimoto's is known as subclinical hypothyroidism. In this stage, TSH levels may be slightly elevated on blood tests (3-10 mU/L), and the levels of free T3 and free T4 are going to be normal.
It can result in complications from an enlarged thyroid gland, as well as cardiovascular and neurologic abnormalities. This can make you unable to work, but appropriate treatment usually resolves the situation.
If you think you might be having a Hashimoto's thyroiditis flare-up and have symptoms like unexplained weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and constipation, speak to your doctor to get a diagnosis.
It might also drain your energy, making it difficult for you to perform physical tasks. It is not unusual to experience fatigue for a couple of days, especially if you work for long hours and do not get enough sleep. However, if your fatigue happens to persist for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor.
In other words, Hashimoto's is not made worse by caffeine, and in some cases, it might ease symptoms. However, if you have untreated Hashimoto's, you should avoid self-medicating with large amounts of caffeine as it can increase the stress on your thyroid as well as potentially cause symptoms of a caffeine overdose.
However, when choosing a supplement, patients with Hashimoto's disease should be careful of iodine content, as iodine excess can increase the risk of developing thyroid disorders as much as its deficiency.
If persistent symptoms in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis are caused by the active autoimmune process rather than by thyroid hormone status, removing the thyroid gland through surgery may reduce the levels of the TPOAb and improve some symptoms.
Living with Hashimoto's disease can be difficult due to its unpleasant signs and symptoms. Some studies² indicate that people with Hashimoto's are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders and depression.
The most severe form of hypothyroidism is myxedema, a medical emergency.
Some people with Hashimoto's have normal thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH). The treatment for Hashimoto's with normal TSH usually does not involve medication. Instead, there are lifestyle changes a person can make, like getting optimum nutrition, that can help them manage the disease.