Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is a condition where the thyroid gland is attacked by a variety of cell and antibody-mediated immune processes. It was discovered by Hakaru Hashimoto in Germany in 1912. This disease was the first to be recognized as an autoimmune disease. Hashimoto’s can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough hormones in order to meet the bodies needs.
The exact cause of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is unknown, but many factors are believed to play a role. A family history of thyroid disorders is common, with the HLA-DR5 gene being one of the genes that could potentially trigger it. In addition Hashimoto's thyroiditis may be associated with CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Associated-4) gene polymorphisms that result in lower functioning of the gene's products, which are associated with special regulation of T-lymphocyte activity. Downregulatory gene polymorphisms affecting CTLA4 are also associated with autoimmune pathology seen in the development of Type I diabetes. The strong genetic component suggesting this theory was first recognized in studies on monozygotic twins, with a concordance of 38-55%, with an even higher concordance of circulating thyroid antibodies not in relation to clinical presentation (up to 80% in monozygotic twins). Neither result was seen to a similar degree in dizygotic twins, so it offers a strong favor for high genetic aetiology.
Many environmental factors, including high iodine intake, selenium deficiency, as well as infectious diseases and certain drugs, have been suspected in the development of autoimmune thyroid disease in the genetically predisposed. The genes implicated vary among different ethnic groups and the occur...
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... in thyroid function. In fact, there are 11 selenoproteins involved with the thyroid and thyroid hormone output.
Another factor that can control Hashimoto’s is gluten. Thyroid tissue is very similar in chemical composition to gluten, and when you ingest gluteation.
n, your body attacks it, and because it is similar to thyroid tissue, it can cause an autoimmune response. This can last up to 6 monts after each time you eat it. also people with HLA dq genes are more likely to be gluten intolerant.
Naltrexone is a an opioid antagonist, and when taken in low doses, has been found to elevate endorphins, which in turn promotes better immune function. Thus, many Hashimotos’s patients report a lowering of their antibodies while using this medication. Acupuncture is another treatment that can help, because acupuncture works by restoring the homeostasis of the body.
First I will be discussing about the thyroid gland, so the thyroid gland is a gland in the neck that secretes hormones. These hormones regulate growth and development, and metabolism. The main hormone secreted is Thyroxine. So when a person like Margie is diagnosed with hypothyroidism it means the thyroid gland does not secrete enough hormones. As many females get over the age of 50, they are more at risk of developing hypothyroidism. The symptoms
Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain hormones. (“Hypothyroidism”, n.d.). Hypothyroidism can be broken down even further. The two types of hypothyroidism are congenital hypothyroidism or acquired hypothyroidism. According to Porth 2011, “Congenital hypothyroidism develops prenatally and is present at birth. Acquired hypothyroidism develops later in life because of primary disease of the thyroid gland or secondary to disorders of hypothalamic or pituitary origin.” (p. 786). Some common symptoms include increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin, fatigue, constipation, drowsiness, hypothermia and muscle weakness (“Hypothyroidism”, n.d.).
Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder that effects the lives of many people. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, causing an array of symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, swelling of limbs, lack of focus and many more. The current standard of treatment of hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy with a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4) called Levothyroxine or T4 Monotherapy. The whole idea behind T4 Monotherapy is that the Levothyroxine (which is a synthetic version of the natural thyroid hormone thyroxine) will mimic what occurs naturally in the body, and be deiodinated in the peripheral tissues to become the more biologically active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) and thus, alleviating the patients symptoms. Unfortunately, this however, is not always the case. For some patients, even though they are in the therapeutic range using T4 monotherapy, their bodies aren’t properly converting the synthetic T4 to active T3. Because of this, coupled with the invention of the internet, patients are turning to search engines in hopes to find an answer that will alleviate their symptoms, which has led to a resurgence in the use of desiccated thyroid products. Desiccated thyroid is derived from porcine thyroid glands, and contain both T4 and T3 thyroid hormones. Some alternative medical practioners are claiming there is more benefit in this natural product vs synthetic, but perhaps we need to take a closer look into the alternative treatment options of hypothyroidism- such as desiccated products, and why natural might not always be better.
There is a strong family genetic predisposition for this condition, specifically with the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes DR3, DQ2 and DQ8. The Caucasian population and people of European descent experience celiac disease. Moreover, women seem to have a higher prevalence than males for this illness. Incidence within the general population is 1 in 3,000 citizens. People from Mediterranean and African ancestries, Jews, and Asian cultures rarely suffer from this disease. Children can also be affected. Patients who suffer from celiac disease may also experience additional autoimmune diseases like arthritis, systemic lupus, sojourn syndrome, down syndrome, intestinal cancer, lactose intolerance, type I diabetes, intestinal insuffici...
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that was discovered by Robert Graves in 1835. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland and causes hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease occurs when the antibodies like thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin and thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAbs) attack the thyroid gland as if it were a foreign object or a virus of some sort. This disease is the most common type of hyperthyroidism. Attacking the thyroid gland in such a manner makes it excessively overproduce the hormone thyroxine which controls the body’s metabolic rate. Heightened activity of the thyroid can increase the body’s metabolism by 60% to 100%. (Weeks 34-35).
The following presentation will help this class in the teaching of a patient with hypothyroidism. The expected outcome of this presentation for the patient will be as follows:
The thyroid is one of the most essential glands in the body. It is located in the endocrine system, and sits right in the neck just above where the collar bones meet. The thyroid gland functions to produce hormones that control how every cell in the body utilizes energy, also known as a process called metabolism. When a person's thyroid abnormally produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones, this is a condition referred to as hyperthyroidism. The causes of hyperthyroidism are known to include: eating too much food with iodine, graves disease, inflammation due to viral infections, tumors of the testes and ovaries, taking a large amount of thyroid hormone, receiving medical imaging tests consisting of contrast dye iodine, and growth of thyroid or pituitary gland (Board "Hyperthyroidism"). With an overactive thyroid, the body tends to speed up its functions. Symptoms vary from, fast heartbeats, rapid weight loss, abnormal sweating, nervousness, and mood changes. Hyperthyroidism is normally diagnosed through a series of lab tests. If not properly taken care of, condition may worsen leading to bone and heart problems in the long run. As far as treatment is concerned, options may vary from person to person depending on age and the level of activity of the thyroid. Treatments include antithyroid medicines, radioactive iodine ablation, and the last resort, surgery. Though all treatment plans work, radioactive iodine ablation is a permanent and more reliable remedy for an overactive thyroid. Radioactive iodine ablation is in fact the most commonly used cure for people with hyperthyroidism problems in the US today. “The treatment has been around since 1942 and has been extensively used since the 1950's” ("Radioactive Iodine Treatment o...
Gluten is a protein found in common grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Those affected with allergies to these foods (the most serious allergy being Celiac Disease) must follow a strict gluten-free diet in order to experience relief from their symptoms. Despite eliminating the ingestion of the allergen, gluten-free individuals begin to suffer from adverse side effects. In recent years, many Americans have begun to live an entirely gluten-free lifestyle with no medical necessity to do so. Many believe it to be a healthier diet, and even more believe it is an effective weight-loss tool. With this growing fad of adopting a gluten-free diet, under the false pretenses of varying health benefits, many Americans are exposing themselves to unnecessary health risks, over-priced and narrowly available foods, and an overall depletion of dietary needs.
Graves’ disease is considered an auto immune disorder. It is also a hyperthyroid disorder that leads to the over activity of the thyroid gland. Graves’ disease is a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Many people suffer from symptoms. This paper will talk about the causes of the disease, research that has been conducted and how it can be treated.
Andersson, Maria; Zimmermann, Michael B. (2010). Influence of Iodine Deficiency and Excess on Thyroid Function Tests 28. pp. 45–69
I am a 24 year old, female that has a history of kidney stones and hyperthyroidism. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism that progressed into Grave’s disease in 2013. I am currently in remission and do not take any medication for it. I have never been pregnant. I was born in Romania. My younger sister, who is 17
The thyroid is often referred to as the most important gland in the body. This is because it produces thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin hormones. These hormones regulate a variety of tasks including cellular activity, brain function, metabolism, immune system, and the stimulation of the heart. (Friedman) One may take all of this for granted, however it is very important to take care of the thyroid gland. To produce these vital hormones, the thyroid requires iodine. The thyroid follicular cells trap iodine (as Iodide, I- ) by absorbing it from the blood in exchange for Na+. Next, the thyroid gathers the iodine, concentrating it 30-50 times more than in the blood. The iodide is then used to synthesize T4 and T3, and these hormones are released into the bloodstream. (Nussey) Without iodine, none of this would be possible...
"Another painful allergic reaction is called Celiac Disease. This reaction is caused by a chronic adverse reaction to gluten, a protein found in grain, wheat and corn. Children who have this disease, are sickly, have chronic diarrhea and fail to grow properly until all gluten containing products are taken out of the child's diet" (Edelson, 49).
Among these disorders are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which one is diagnosed for having and underactive thyroid. The probability for women over the age of sixty to develop an underactive thyroid is higher than those of other individuals. If left untreated it can potentially lead to obesity, joint pain, heart disease, and other health complications. On the contrary, hyperthyroidism is a disorder in which a person is diagnosed for having an overactive thyroid. This can cause nervousness and anxiety, hyperactivity, unexplained weight loss, and swelling of the thyroid gland which causes a noticeable lump to form on throat (known as a
Thyroid disease affects millions of individuals around the world, which is alarming. In fact, my mother’s family has a history of thyroid disease, nodules, and goiters. Similarly, both male and particularly female relatives of my family have been diagnosed with thyroid disease at various ages. Even though several members have the same type of thyroid disease, each suffers from different symptoms. Additionally, my family is known to have numerous nodules and large goiters, but no one has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Furthermore, my father was adopted and having no prior knowledge of his family’s medical history makes me speculate whether thyroid disease could run on his side of the family. Consequently, researching thyroid disorders