Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by the inefficiency of the thyroid gland to produce sufficient thyroid hormones to carry out metabolism. The causes of hypothyroidism can be genetic or acquired. Hypothyroid patient has low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. Hashimoto disease is an autoimmune disease of thyroid in which one’s own immune system attacks thyroid gland by overproduction of thyroid peroxidase antibodies. These antibodies destroy thyroid proteins named as thyroglobulin and eventually destroy the thyroid glands ability to produce sufficient thyroid hormone for daily needs. Hashimoto’s disease is the commonest cause of hypothyroidism.
What is the Difference Between Hashimoto’s Disease & Hypothyroidism?
Thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped organ located at the neck. Its main work is to utilize body’s energy and influence almost every organ of the body. When sufficient thyroid hormone is not produced by the thyroid gland, many of the body function become sluggish. Even heart beats are influenced by the damage of the thyroid gland.
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by the attack of the immune system on the thyroid gland. It is marked by the excess production of antibodies named thyroid peroxidase (TPO) that can lead to the destruction of the thyroid proteins thyroglobulin. Large quantities of lymphocytes get to build in the thyroid gland as a part of an attack of the immune system and they release increased quantities of antibodies. With the destruction of the thyroid hormones, thyroid gland gets damaged. Thus, the function of the thyroid gland becomes sluggish and metabolism is hampered due to insufficient secretion of the thyroid hormones.
Hashimoto disease is one of the main common causes of hypothyroidism. Initially, it does not represent any symptom. As the there is progress in the disease, thyroid gland gets larger and neck appears swollen with the feeling of fullness in the neck. Over the years of damage of thyroid gland, hypothyroidism is induced. With constantly lowered thyroid hormones, cholesterol level in the body increases leading heart disease.
The causes of Hashimoto’s disease can be genetic or acquired. It is revealed by blood tests for antithyroid antibodies and physical exam. The damage caused to thyroid glands determines the mode of treatment. Thyroid hormone medicines are prescribed and surgical intervention according to the condition of the thyroid.
Hypothyroidism is the thyroid condition that is characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Metabolism of the body is hampered by low thyroid hormones. Many organs are influenced by the low levels of thyroid hormones.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism alter from person to person. The common symptoms of hypothyroidism are dry skin, fatigue, dry thin hair, depression, weight gain, puffy face, intolerance of heat and cold, menstrual problems, fertility issues, and slow heart rate.
The thyroid disease develops slowly in the span of years with unnoticeable symptoms. The causes of the underactive thyroid gland can be too little consumption of iodine in the diet, pituitary disease, and Hashimoto’s disease, and congenital hypothyroidism, surgical removal of any part of the thyroid, some medicines and others.
Blood test helps to establish the diagnosis of hypothyroidism by analysis of the levels of the TSH, T3 and T4 levels in the blood. Thyroid levels interfere with normal functioning of female organs causing infertility, and pregnancy problems which can create health problems for pregnant women and the unborn baby.
Hypothyroidism is managed by replacement of the hormone with medicines which are identical to the thyroid hormones. Your physician will advise you blood tests in the interval of 6 to 8 weeks and after adjustment of fixed dose, he will repeat the test in 6 months and then in a year.
Conclusion
Hashimoto’ disease is the autoimmune disease of thyroid gland characterized by excess production of antibodies that destroy the proteins of the gland resulting in the underactive thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s disease can trigger hypothyroidism. On the other hand, hypothyroidism is characterized by the underactive thyroid gland to produce enough thyroid hormones to meet daily requirements of the metabolic activities of the body.
Relevant Sources:
- “Hashimoto’s Disease” – American Thyroid Association (Link: https://www.thyroid.org/hashimotos-thyroiditis/)
- “Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)” – Mayo Clinic (Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284)
Also Read:
- Hypothyroidism: Causes, Risk Factors, Signs & Symptoms, Treatment, Lifestyle Management, Diet, Exercise
- Natural Ways to Lose Weight with Hypothyroidism
- What Causes Your Thyroid to be Underactive (Hypothyroidism)?
- Is Hashimoto’s same as Hypothyroidism?
- Hyperthyroidism Vs Hypothyroidism: Differences Based on Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Occurrences
