Hashimotos Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Front 1

What is the thyroid gland?

Back 1

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of the neck, under the Adam’s apple. It is responsible for synthesizing several hormones that affect the energy production of almost every cell, tissue and organ in the body. It controls metabolism, regulates body temperature, and affects body weight, muscle strength, energy levels and fertility.

Front 2

Which are the primary hormones produced by the thyroid and what they do?

Back 2

The primary hormones produced by the thyroid — T4 and T3 — are formed from the amino acid
tyrosine, combined with iodine. Hormone production is dependent on the ability of the hypothalamus to
sense the body’s need for more thyroid hormone and to signal the pituitary gland via thyroid releasing
hormone (TRH). Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), released from the pituitary gland, influences and
controls production of these hormones. TSH levels rise and fall in response to fluctuations in the
amount of circulating hormones in the bloodstream.

Front 3

What is Hashimotos or Autoimmune Thyroiditis?

Back 3

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HAIT or HT), also known as autoimmune thyroiditis, is a T-cell mediated (Th-1) autoimmune inflammatory condition (Phenekos et al, 2004), in which the body produces antigens that attack its own thyroid gland. The symptoms are generally the same as for other forms of hypothyroidism, but if it is left untreated the gland may ultimately be destroyed. It is marked by the presence of autoantibodies and is often associated with other autoimmune conditions.

Front 4

What is hypothyroidismand how it occurs can occur?

Back 4

Hypothyroidism can occur due to dysfunction in any of these glands, causing underproduction of thyroid hormone. It can also result from other problems, including inefficient conversion in the cells of T4 to T3 (the more biologically active of the two hormones) and insensitivity of hormone receptors in cells. Low thyroid activity contributes to a large number of physiological effects throughout the body due to reduced enzyme function from lowered body temperature .

Front 5

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Back 5

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HAIT or HT), also known as autoimmune thyroiditis, is a T-cell mediated (Th-1)
autoimmune inflammatory condition (Phenekos et al, 2004), in which the body produces antigens that
attack its own thyroid gland. The symptoms are generally the same as for other forms of
hypothyroidism, but if it is left untreated the gland may ultimately be destroyed. It is marked by the
presence of autoantibodies and is often associated with other autoimmune conditions.
A significant number of those diagnosed with Hashimoto’s are completely asymptomatic, while a small
proportion of both men and women are subclinical, meaning that though circulating levels of thyroid
hormones are normal, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is rising in response to the attack on the gland