Hash
Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto's Disease (pronunciation: hah-shee-MOH-tohz dih-ZEEZ) is a condition that affects the thyroid gland, a small gland located at the base of the neck below the Adam's apple. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, which is made up of glands that produce, store, and release hormones into the bloodstream.
The term "Hashimoto's Disease" is derived from the name of the Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto, who first described the condition in 1912.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Hashimoto's Disease can be very variable and include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, joint and muscle pain, constipation, dry skin, thinning hair, decreased sweating, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, depression, and a slowed heart rate.
Causes
Hashimoto's Disease is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system is producing antibodies that are attacking the body's own tissues. In the case of Hashimoto's Disease, the antibodies are attacking the thyroid gland.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Hashimoto's Disease is based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and blood tests. The blood tests are used to measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and the level of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.
Treatment
The treatment for Hashimoto's Disease is usually lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This involves taking a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hash
- Wikipedia's article - Hash
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