6 stages of hashimoto's thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries. This autoimmune condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation, reduced hormone production, and symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, depression, and sensitivity to cold.

Over time, Hashimoto’s can cause the thyroid to become underactive, requiring thyroid hormone replacement therapy such as levothyroxine or natural desiccated thyroid medication. Risk factors include genetics, iodine intake, hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, stress, and other autoimmune disorders.

Causes and Risk Factors

Genetics and family history of thyroid disorders

High iodine intake or deficiency

Autoimmune conditions such as celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis

Environmental triggers: toxins, stress, and infections

Hormonal imbalances (especially in women during pregnancy or menopause)

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Chronic fatigue and low energy

Weight gain despite no major lifestyle changes

Hair loss and thinning hair

Swelling in the neck (goiter)

Brain fog, memory issues, depression

Cold intolerance, constipation, and muscle weakness

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis involves thyroid blood tests, including TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and thyroid antibodies (TPOAb, TgAb). An ultrasound of the thyroid may also reveal inflammation.

Treatment typically includes thyroid hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes such as nutrient-rich thyroid-supportive foods (selenium, zinc, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids), and reducing inflammation through diet and stress management.

Internal SEO Links

Foods for Thyroid Health

Thyroid Lab Tests Explained

Hypothyroidism Symptoms Guide

Natural Supplements for Thyroid Support

Iodine and Thyroid Function

External SEO Links

American Thyroid Association – Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases – Hashimoto’s Disease

Mayo Clinic – Hashimoto’s Disease Overview

LSI Keywords (Latent Semantic Indexing)

Autoimmune thyroid disease

Thyroid inflammation

Hashimoto’s antibodies (TPOAb, TgAb)

Goiter and Hashimoto’s

Thyroid replacement therapy

Chronic fatigue and thyroid

Gluten and Hashimoto’s

Selenium and thyroid health

Natural remedies for Hashimoto’s

Endocrinologist thyroid specialist

Meta Description

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disorder that causes hypothyroidism, fatigue, weight gain, and hormonal imbalance. Learn about symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and natural thyroid support.