What You Need to Know About Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

The thyroid gland. Located in the front of your neck, this little gland is responsible for making the hormones that control metabolism - which includes how fast your body uses calories, and controlling your heart rate. But when something goes wrong with the thyroid, it can cause a number of issues, including thyroid diseases. The most commonly known thyroid diseases are hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) and hypothyroidism (under active thyroid). But a lesser well known thyroid disease is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is when the immune system attacks the thyroid.

 

Also known as Hashimoto's disease, when this disease hits, the thyroid is unable to produce the amount of hormones the body needs for proper metabolism. Because of this, people with Hashimoto's disease develop hypothyroidism, which according to WebMD, lead to symptoms such as:

 

weight gain

fatigue

paleness or puffiness of the face

joint and muscle pain

constipation

inability to get warm

difficulty getting pregnant

joint and muscle pain

hair loss or thinning, brittle hair

irregular or heavy menstrual periods

depression

slowed heart rate