Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own cells and causes inflammation of the thyroid gland, leading to reduced thyroid hormone production. This leads to a deficiency of thyroid hormones, which regulate energy production and metabolism in the body.

Hashimoto’s disease is more common, especially in middle-aged women, and can cause a condition known as hypothyroidism. In this article we have written for you, we will try to explain the causes, risk factors and symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease.

What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland and gradual loss of function. This leads to the thyroid gland not producing enough thyroid hormone and causes a condition called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can cause a slowing of energy production and metabolism in the body, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold and depression.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Hashimoto’s?

Although the exact cause of Hashimoto’s disease is unknown, genetic predisposition and environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of the disease. It is also suggested that some viral infections and stress may also trigger the disease.

Some risk factors predisposing to Hashimoto’s disease can be listed as follows;

• Gender
• Age
• Genetic factors
• Other autoimmune diseases
• Radiation exposure

What are the Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease?

The symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease are similar to the symptoms of hypothyroidism caused by a decrease in thyroid hormones. Symptoms may be mild in the initial stage of the disease and may become more pronounced over time. Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease are as follows:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight gain
• Sensitivity to cold
• Dryness and pallor of the skin
• Hair loss
• Constipation
• Menstrual irregularity
• Joint and muscle pain
• Depression and anxiety
• Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
• Hoarseness
• High cholesterol levels

Hashimoto’s disease can be diagnosed by methods such as physical examination, blood tests and ultrasound. In the treatment process, hormone replacement therapy is applied to replace the missing thyroid hormones. It is important that patients are followed up regularly and medication doses are adjusted.

How is Hashimoto’s Disease Diagnosed?

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own thyroid cells, causing inflammation and inadequate functioning of the thyroid gland. This leads to low levels of thyroid hormone, known as hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease is diagnosed by evaluation of signs and symptoms, physical examination and laboratory tests.

People with Hashimoto’s disease may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism These include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, low pulse rate and menstrual irregularities. However, each of these symptoms can also be seen in other diseases, so further evaluation is necessary for diagnosis.

The doctor will examine the neck area to assess the size and shape of the thyroid gland Enlargement and hardening of the thyroid gland is common in people with Hashimoto’s disease.

The most important tests for the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease are blood tests. These tests are as follows;

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test,
• Thyroid Hormone Tests,
• Anti-Thyroid Autoantibody Tests,

How is Hashimoto’s Disease Treated?

Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease is aimed at alleviating the symptoms of hypothyroidism and keeping thyroid hormone levels within normal ranges. Treatment is usually done as follows;

Patients will take the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (e.g. Synthroid, Levoxyl) to replace the missing thyroid hormone. The doctor will determine the appropriate dose according to the patient’s age, weight and health condition. Thyroid hormone levels should be monitored regularly and the dose of medication adjusted accordingly.

Lifestyle changes can be made that can help relieve symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s disease. These include regular exercise, healthy eating, maintaining sleep patterns and managing stress.

Because Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease, treatments can be used to help balance and regulate the immune system. These treatments may include vitamin and mineral supplements, an autoimmune diet and immunomodulatory drugs.

What is the Hashimoto Diet?

The Hashimoto diet is an eating plan that can help relieve the symptoms of people with Hashimoto’s disease and balance the immune system. This diet can be done as follows. However, it will be useful to consult with a specialist nutritionist beforehand.

• Avoid Gluten and Dairy Products,
• Consume anti-inflammatory foods,
• Pay attention to iodine and selenium intake,
• Avoid refined sugar and processed foods,
• Use Nutritional Supplements,

How Should Hashimoto’s Patients Eat?

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease that occurs as a result of inflammation and slow functioning of the thyroid gland. It is important for individuals with this disease to pay attention to their diet to improve their quality of life and positively affect the course of the disease.

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. It is thought that the immune systems of Hashimoto’s patients may mistakenly perceive gluten as a substance that attacks the thyroid gland. Therefore, following a gluten-free diet may favorably affect the course of the disease.

Since soya contains substances that may interfere with the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, it is recommended that Hashimoto’s patients avoid soya-containing foods.

Consumption of vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants and fiber helps to strengthen the immune system and reduces the negative effects of the disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids are substances that regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Therefore, it is recommended to consume omega-3-rich foods such as oily fish such as salmon, sardines, walnuts and chia seeds.

Iodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. However, too much or too little iodine intake can also trigger thyroid problems. Therefore, it is important to turn to natural iodine sources such as the use of iodized salt and seafood consumption to maintain balance.

What Happens If Hashimoto’s Patients Are Not Treated?

When Hashimoto’s disease is not treated, it can lead to various health problems due to continuous damage to the thyroid gland. The possible consequences of untreated Hashimoto’s disease may occur as follows;

• Hashimoto’s disease can cause the thyroid gland to work slowly, leading to hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, depression, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to cold and dry skin.

• Long-term hypothyroidism can lead to elevated cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease.

• When left untreated, Hashimoto’s disease can lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

• Women with Hashimoto’s disease who are not treated are at risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, premature birth and developmental disorders in the baby.

How Hashimoto’s Patients Lose Weight

Weight loss may be more difficult in individuals with Hashimoto’s disease. However, weight loss is possible with proper nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Moderate aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes a week helps the weight loss process and allows the thyroid gland to function better.

Rapid weight loss is both harmful to health and can complicate the weight loss process. Rapid weight loss is both harmful to health and can complicate the weight loss process. Therefore, it is healthier to aim for weight loss between 0.5-1 kg per week.

Following a healthy and balanced diet by following the nutrition recommendations mentioned above supports the weight loss process.

Stress both complicates the weight loss process and prevents the thyroid gland from functioning properly. Therefore, it is important to relax by applying techniques such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises for stress management.

Adequate and quality sleep is an important factor in the weight loss process. Review your sleep patterns and try to sleep 7-9 hours a day.

Hashimoto’s Disease Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. Hashimoto’s Disease Treatment Prices in Turkey, we can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.