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Weight Fluctuation Is a Signal! The Prevalence of This Disease in Women Is 7-10 Times That in Men

  • News
  • 2024-08-01

Recently, thyroid disease topics have frequently trended on social media, sparking widespread public concern. Have you also been shocked by topics like “Your summer lethargy might be hypothyroidism” and “A 9-year medical student rejected due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis”? Many people are already familiar with “hypothyroidism” and “hyperthyroidism,” but know very little about Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a disease often mistaken as an “incurable condition.” Some even worry it may progress to cancer. This article will guide you through an in-depth exploration of this mysterious disease, answer your most pressing questions, and unveil the enigma of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.



Q

What Is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

A

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a common autoimmune disease characterized by elevated thyroid autoantibodies (TPOAb, TGAb). Simply put, the body's immune system malfunctions, failing to distinguish self from non-self, and produces antibodies that attack normal thyroid tissue, leading to structural and functional abnormalities of the thyroid gland. The prevalence in women is significantly higher than in men. Specifically, the prevalence in women is approximately 7-10 times that in men, a difference that may be related to genetic factors, hormone levels, and environmental factors.


The disease progresses slowly, and the clinical manifestations caused by early structural changes are often not obvious. As the condition advances, patients may experience goiter or nodules, accompanied by pharyngeal discomfort and dysphagia.


The impact of Hashimoto's thyroiditis on thyroid function is continuous and is divided into three stages based on the disease course: the hyperthyroid phase, the euthyroid phase, and the hypothyroid phase.


Hyperthyroid Phase

The hyperthyroid phase is usually brief and transient, occurring because the structure of thyroid follicles is destroyed, releasing stored thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. Some patients may experience hypermetabolic symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as heat intolerance, excessive sweating, palpitations, hand tremors, diarrhea, irritability, and weight loss.

Euthyroid Phase

In the euthyroid phase, although the thyroid tissue is still being destroyed, thyroid hormone levels remain normal, and function is sufficient to meet the body's needs. Many patients can remain in this phase permanently without being troubled by abnormal hormone levels.

Hypothyroid Phase

As more and more thyroid cells are destroyed, thyroid hormone levels eventually cannot be maintained, leading to the irreversible hypothyroid phase. At this stage, a series of hypothyroid symptoms appear, such as cold intolerance, reduced sweating, lethargy, constipation, facial edema, slow response, and weight gain, requiring lifelong levothyroxine replacement therapy.


Q

Does Isolated Antibody Elevation Require Treatment?