Hashimoto is when the immune system produces antibodies that attack the tissues of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid produces too few hormones for one reason or another. Show
What is Hashimoto?Definition:Hashimoto is a disease in which a person’s thyroid gland is attacked by their own immune system resulting in problems in how many hormones are then secreted by the gland. Symptoms:The main symptom is an increase in the size of the thyroid, and hence a feeling of fullness in a persons’ neck. This swelling is called a goiter and may be externally visible. The thyroid, although enlarged, is not painful though. Other symptoms include a patient showing signs of too little or too many thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism symptoms such as weight gain, feeling sluggish, and signs and symptoms associated with a slow metabolic rate often occur in Hashimoto disease. Diagnosis:Tests can be done to determine the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine hormone (T4). The presence of high levels of antibodies in the blood, such as antithyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase antibodies are an indication of the condition. Levels of TSH and T4 may change later in the disease but may be normal if the disorder is in the early stages. Ultrasonography can be used for diagnosis particularly if bumps can be felt in the neck. This test would then show these nodules as dark masses in the thyroid. Treatment:Most patients with Hashimoto disease need to have thyroid hormone replacement treatment for the remainder of their lives. This is usually in the form of L-thyroxine hormone that is given each day. Causes and risk factors:Women who have a family history of Grave’s disease or Hashimoto’s are at increased risk of developing Hashimoto’s as they grow older. Scientists have also found a common genetic link between both these autoimmune diseases. What is Hypothyroidism?Definition:Hypothyroidism is the condition that a person has when the levels of thyroid hormones in their bloodstream are too low. The disease can also be divided into a primary type which is related to the thyroid, and a secondary type that is related to the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Symptoms:There are many signs and symptoms that can point to the condition of hypothyroidism. Patients often gain weight because of a drop in metabolic rate, and they feel cold more often than normal. They may also suffer from constipation and have a decreased heart rate. The face may seem puffy and hair becomes coarse. Patients may also become depressed and more forgetful than usual. Diagnosis:Blood tests to examine levels of TSH and T4 are done. The TSH levels are often noticed to be higher than normal if a person has hypothyroidism. Levels of T4 hormone are usually lower than usual. Treatment:The usual treatment is for patients to be given L-thyroxine to compensate for the low hormone levels unless the cause is secondary hypothyroidism in which case the levels of cortisol have to first be verified or supplemented in patients. Causes and risk factors:Hypothyroidism can sometimes be caused by autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto disease or it can be a result of thyroid surgery or radiation treatment. Certain medications such as lithium can also cause hypothyroidism. In addition, some women develop the disorder during pregnancy and some babies are born with congenital hypothyroidism. A lack of iodine in the diet can also cause the problem but in most countries, this is rare today since iodine is added to table salt. Difference between Hashimoto and Hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto disorder is the condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is the condition where too few thyroid hormones occur in the blood.
Hashimoto disease does not have a primary and secondary type since it always concerns a problem with the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism has a primary and secondary type since it can also concern problems with the hypothalamus and pituitary.
In Hashimoto disease, a goiter is present in the neck region. In hypothyroidism, a goiter is not always present.
Hashimoto is only caused by one problem, which is an issue with the immune system. Hypothyroidism has many causes besides the immune system and can be caused by certain types of medication, a lack of iodine in the diet, and radiation therapy.
Hashimoto disease is always caused by a problem with the immune system, while hypothyroidism is not always caused by an immune system problem.
Antithyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase antibodies are always elevated in the case of Hashimoto disease. The antithyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase antibodies are not always elevated in the case of hypothyroidism.
Thyroiditis, in which the thyroid gland is actually inflamed, is typically evident in Hashimoto. Such inflammation is not always evident in patients who have hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto disorder requires treatment with L-thyroxine. Hypothyroidism sometimes requires treatment with L-thyroxine, but in some cases, cortisol has to be given first and then L-thyroxine. Table comparing Hashimoto and HypothyroidismSummary of Hashimoto Vs. Hypothyroidism
Associate Professor of Biology PhD in Quantitative Biology at in United States Dr. Rae Osborn was educated in South Africa and the United States. She holds Honors Bachelor of Science degrees in Zoology and Entomology, and Masters of Science in Entomology from the University of Natal in South Africa. She has received a PhD in Quantitative Biology from the University of Texas at Arlington as well as an AAS Degree in Information Network Specialist and an AAS in Computer Information Systems, at Bossier Parish Community College in Louisiana.Her skills lie in research and writing for a range of educational levels and teaching various Biology classes. She has been trained as a lecturer, researcher and computer scientist. She has experience as a writer, researcher and as a college teacher, and is currently working as a freelance writer and editor.Her accomplishments include receiving tenure and being promoted to Associate Professor of Biology in the United States and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals.Her hometown is Pietermaritzburg in South Africa where her main interest and hobby is bird watching. Loading... Cite Is hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's the same thing?Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism are not the same thing. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is one of many possible causes of hypothyroidism. Most people with Hashimoto's, also known as chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, have auto-antibodies that attack and destroy cells in the thyroid gland.
Can hypothyroidism turn into Hashimoto's disease?Hashimoto's disease can lead to hypothyroidism, when the thyroid gland is affected and gradually stops producing enough hormones to keep the body working properly. Hashimoto's is more common in middle-aged women than men and can cause fatigue and weight gain.
What Are the TSH levels in Hashimoto's disease?The authors did find that a TSH value of 4.2 to the be the upper limit of normal in their analysis. However, the authors used a “prevalence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis” factor to determine the upper limit of TSH and found a range of 2.6-2.9 to be more appropriate.
What thyroid medication is best for Hashimoto's?Levothyroxine (T4) is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism, the most common endocrine disease of the thyroid gland. Levothyroxine is the most commonly prescribed medication for Hashimoto's because it has the longest duration of action (30 to 90 days).
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