Understanding the Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

Autoimmune thyroid disease is a public health issue in India. According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, approximately 42 million Indians suffer from thyroid disorders, with the prevalence of hypothyroidism being around 10.95%.

Surprisingly, more than 50% of these thyroid patients go undiagnosed. This means they live with autoimmune thyroid disorder signs, defining them as signs of ‘just getting older’.

Followingly, this detailed guide evaluates the symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease and how to treat them effectively.

What are the Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Symptoms?

Before we jump directly to the symptoms of autoimmune disorders, let us first understand what autoimmune thyroid disease is. Autoimmune thyroid disease is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing dysfunction and inflammation.

Since a damaged thyroid gland is unable to perform normally, it leads to either hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) or hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone).

The symptoms of both conditions are opposite to each other; hypothyroidism brings down metabolism, while hyperthyroidism maximises it. If you are wondering how to know if you have autoimmune thyroid disease, here is a tabulated illustration to help you understand better:

Both conditions can lead to difficulty sleeping and an enlarged thyroid gland or goitre. However, goitre is more common among people with hyperthyroidism.

Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are 2 most common conditions of autoimmune thyroid disease. The signs of Hashimoto's and Graves’ disease depend on their root cause. While Hashimoto's is caused by hyperthyroidism, Graves’ is a result of hypothyroidism.

Who Could Get Thyroid Autoimmune Symptoms?

Due to hormonal influence, females have a higher likelihood of 5 to 8 times of developing thyroid disorders than men. 1 of every 8 women is at risk of developing a thyroid disorder in her lifetime.

Although this does not mean that men would not have thyroid disorders. Any individual with the following risk factors is vulnerable to thyroid problems:

• A family history of thyroid problems
• Turner syndrome (a genetic condition of missing a partial or complete X chromosome in females)
• High iodine intake or iodine deficiency
• 60 years or older
• Received radiation therapy, especially in the neck or head.

Having another autoimmune condition also increases the risk of thyroid disorder. This applies if you have:

• Pernicious anaemia (when the body is unable to absorb enough vitamin B12)
• Celiac disease (an intestinal inflammation caused by gluten indigestion)
• Addison's disease (when the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol and aldosterone)
• Lupus (when the immune system attacks healthy tissues)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (when the immune system attacks the joint linings, causing swollen joints)
• Sjögren's syndrome (where the immune system attacks moisture-producing glands, causing severe dry eyes and mouth).

How to Diagnose Autoimmune Thyroid Disorder?

If you are facing the symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease or have any of its risk factors, reach out immediately to a healthcare professional. The professional will start the diagnosis with a physical examination to find out if you have any noticeable nodules.

Next, the physician will recommend the following test for further confirmation:

1. Blood Test 

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid antibodies, T3 and T4 tests are some of the popular blood tests to identify if you have a thyroid disorder.

2. Imaging Test

The professional can also prescribe an imaging test, such as thyroid ultrasound and nuclear medicine imaging, to look for lumps or nodules and their activity.

How to Treat the Symptoms of Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders?

The treatment of autoimmune thyroid disorder signs depends on its cause. Here are the most common treatment options of hyperthyroidism related problems:

1. Antithyroid drugs: Medications like methimazole and propylthiouracil inhibit thyroid hormone production.
2. Radioiodine therapy: This therapy damages thyroid cells, reducing production.
3. Beta-blockers: Beta-blocking medications do not directly treat your thyroid, but help you manage the symptoms better.
4. Surgery: A surgery is often prescribed at the final stage of hyperthyroidism in which surgeons remove a part of the gland to reduce the production.

For hypothyroidism treatment, physicians commonly suggest levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the T4 hormone, to infuse adequate thyroid hormones in your bloodstream.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Autoimmune Thyroid Disorder Signs

Preventive measures reduce the risk of thyroid disorders and manage the symptoms. Here are some of the proactive steps that might help:

1. Eat a Well-rounded Diet

A nutritious diet rich in vitamins, calcium and minerals is essential for thyroid health. If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, incorporate iodine-rich foods and supplements, and nuts that include selenium to enhance production.

2. Do Regular Exercise

Practice cardiovascular exercise like running and swimming to maintain hormonal balance in your body. Regular physical activity enhances metabolism, regulating your hormone levels.

3. Stay Safe from Environmental Toxin

Environmental toxins, like pollutants, can hinder your thyroid functions. You can limit exposure by cleaning yourself regularly, wearing a mask during outdoor activities, and filtering drinking water to manage the symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Final Words

Summing up, thyroid problems are a common disorder across the world. But the good news is that with the right medication and treatment, you can cure the symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease. You may have to visit the clinic several times, as physicians often adjust the dosage of medication depending on your condition.

Reader information: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, or personalised guidance.

FAQs

1. Can diet cause autoimmune thyroid disorder?

While a bad diet cannot alone cause autoimmune thyroid disorder, it often acts as an environmental trigger that makes you more vulnerable to the condition. High intake of saturated fat, iodine and gluten can increase the risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disorder.

2. Which fruit should be avoided in thyroid problems?

There are no fruits that should be avoided completely if you have thyroid problems. However, it is important to know that raw strawberries, peaches, and pears can interfere with iodine uptake due to goitrogens.

3. Which is more dangerous, Hashimoto's or Graves’ disease?

Clinically, Graves’ disease is considered more dangerous as it may lead to cardiovascular issues, optical disorders, and, in limited cases, thyroid storm, which is a rare but fatal condition when the body produces excessive thyroid hormones too fast.