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Hashimoto’s disease is a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland of an autoimmune nature. It gradually destroys the gland, leading most often to the symptoms typical of hypothyroidism. Symptoms may not be specific, therefore diagnostic thyroid tests are recommended to detect Hashimoto’s disease.
Hashimoto’s disease – popular symptoms
The symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease depend on the severity of the disease and may vary from person to person. In the initial stage, a sick person may develop an enlargement of the thyroid gland, i.e. goiter. This symptom can be detected by a doctor by palpating, i.e. by touching the front part of the neck with your fingers. If nodules are palpable, this indicates that the disease has developed further.
Na the occurrence of Hashimoto’s disease They also indicate symptoms such as persistent fatigue, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and unexpected weight gain. A popular symptom of thyroid diseases is also depression, breathing problems, joint pain and palpitations. The body can also communicate the deteriorating condition of this gland through hair loss and skin lesions, including dryness and flaking. Menstrual disorders are also observed in women.
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Hashimoto’s disease – what tests should be done?
At the first stage diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease and changes in the thyroid gland, it is necessary to conduct an interview, identify the disturbing symptoms and perform a palpation examination by the doctor. If you notice changes in the size or shape of your thyroid gland you will need blood tests for TSH, fT3, and fT4. If the results indicate hypothyroidism, anti-thyroid antibody testing and an ultrasound of the thyroid gland are recommended to determine whether the cause is Hashimoto’s.
If there are clear indications of Hashimoto’s disease, additional tests, such as histopathological examination, fine needle biopsy, may be necessary.
At Medonet Market you can buy a package of such tests offered by the uPatient’s medical company.
Study of TSH, fT3 and fT4
In the case of suspected disorders in the functioning of the thyroid gland or Hashimoto’s disease, the basic examination is to determine the concentration of TSH. This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and the normal range varies with age, gender, and the assay method used by the laboratory. High TSH levels may indicate hypothyroidism, but detecting Hashimoto’s requires other tests as well.
Home TSH level test – the cassette test is available on Medonet Market and will allow you to initially determine the condition of the thyroid gland.
As a standard, apart from the TSH test, the determination of the thyroid hormones fT3 (triiodothyronine) and fT4 (thyroxine) is performed, which gives a complete picture of the current condition of the gland. An analysis of the levels of all three hormones is necessary to detect variations in their production. The results indicating a hormonal imbalance may be an indication for further testing for Hashimoto’s.
Check the cause of your symptoms and see if they are the result of thyroid disease:
- Test thyroid hormones, i.e. TSH, fT3 and fT4 (from PLN 54)
- Remember about prophylaxis, perform thyroid control tests (from PLN 49)
Thyroid ultrasound
An important imaging test that allows detecting abnormalities in the structure of the thyroid gland caused by Hashimoto’s disease is thyroid ultrasound. It allows you to accurately determine the size of an organ or changes in its structure. Performing an ultrasound of the thyroid gland takes no more than 10 minutes, and the procedure itself is non-invasive.
Thyroid changes are important diagnostic information. Imaging can also tell you if your thyroid has cysts, nodules, or fibrosis:
- Complete diagnostic tests with thyroid ultrasound (from PLN 100)
To support the work of the thyroid gland, it is worth starting Hashima Forte supplementation for the thyroid and immunity. The preparation is available in a package containing 30 capsules.
Anti-TPO and anti-TG testing
A symptom of Hashimoto’s is high concentration anti-thyroid antibodies in serum, therefore anti-TPO and anti-TG determinations are performed. Their level is determined by a laboratory test, which consists in taking blood from a vein. It is not necessary to do it on an empty stomach. Too high levels of anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies most often indicate Hashimoto’s disease.
The diagnosis of thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto’s, should not be delayed, especially since the symptoms can be very bothersome:
- Hashimoto’s disease – a package of diagnostic tests (from 129 PLN)
- Thyroid profile, i.e. extensive laboratory tests of the gland (from PLN 119)
- Diagnostics of hypothyroidism (from PLN 145)
Thyroid biopsy
A more serious and invasive test for Hashimoto’s is a thyroid biopsy. It is performed when nodules within the thyroid are detected, but also to diagnose inflammation. There is a fine-needle biopsy and a coarse-needle biopsy.
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To support the work of the thyroid gland, it is worth supplementing selenium, e.g. in the form of natural and easily digestible Selen SOLHERBS capsules.
If you want to get tested for Hashimoto’s and other thyroid diseases or are under treatment, be sure to contact your endocrinologist regularly:
- In case of symptoms, see an endocrinologist (from PLN 140)
- Do you see symptoms in yourself? Consult thyroid problems during the e-visit