Symptoms and Risk Factors
Common Symptoms
Hashimoto's disease develops gradually over the years, often without noticeable signs or symptoms at first. As thyroid hormone production declines, various symptoms may emerge, including:
- Fatigue and sluggishness
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Excessive sleepiness
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding
- Depression
- Memory or concentration issues
- Swelling of the thyroid (goiter)
- Puffy face
- Brittle nails
- Hair loss
- Enlarged tongue
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing Hashimoto's disease:
- Sex: Women are significantly more likely to develop Hashimoto's disease.
- Age: While it can occur at any age, it is more common in middle-aged individuals.
- Other autoimmune diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, or lupus increase the risk of Hashimoto's disease.
- Genetics and family history: A family history of thyroid disorders or other autoimmune diseases heightens the risk.
- Pregnancy: Changes in immune function during and after pregnancy may trigger the onset of Hashimoto's disease.
- Excessive iodine intake: High levels of iodine in the diet can act as a trigger for those already at risk.
- Radiation exposure: Those exposed to high levels of environmental radiation are more likely to develop Hashimoto's disease.