Hashimoto's Disease

Hashimoto's disease (also called Hashimoto's thyroiditis) is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Over time, this inflammation commonly leads to hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), which can slow metabolism and affect energy, heart rate, and temperature regulation. It often runs in families and is more common in women, but it can affect anyone.

Many symptoms come from low thyroid hormone levels and can include: Fatigue; Weight gain; Dry skin; Feeling cold easily; Constipation; Hair changes (thinning/coarse hair); Muscle/joint aches; Mood changes (including depression); Heavier or longer menstrual periods. Symptoms can develop gradually, so testing is often the clearest way to confirm.

Diagnosis typically involves thyroid blood tests, especially TSH and Free T4. Many patients also have thyroid antibodies—most commonly thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies (and sometimes thyroglobulin antibodies). Your endocrinologist uses symptoms + lab results to confirm Hashimoto's and determine whether hypothyroidism is present.

Hashimoto's is caused by an autoimmune response (your immune system mistakenly targets thyroid tissue). Risk is influenced by genetic susceptibility and other factors, and it's more common in women. The exact trigger can vary from person to person, which is why proper evaluation matters rather than self-diagnosing based on symptoms alone.

If Hashimoto's has caused hypothyroidism, treatment is usually thyroid hormone replacement (most commonly levothyroxine), which replaces the hormone your thyroid isn't making enough of. The goal is to bring thyroid levels into a healthy range and improve symptoms, with periodic lab checks to fine-tune the dose.

Not always. Some people have Hashimoto's antibodies but normal thyroid hormone levels, and they may only need monitoring. If hypothyroidism develops, medication is typically recommended. Your provider will also watch for overtreatment, since taking more thyroid hormone than needed can have health downsides over time. For Hashimoto's diagnosis and treatment in Atlanta, North Georgia Endocrinology can review your symptoms, labs, and the right next step.