I was diagnosed in 2009 (2 years after T1D dx) with “Autoimmune Thyroiditis” which is basically Hashimoto’s. And then, 2 years later, in 2011, I acquired “Autoimmune Hypothyroidism” and started taking daily meds for it.
Autoimmune issues and thyroid disorders in general are very genetic, and with nearly every family member on my dad’s side having it, I was bound to get it as well. So, it was just kind of waiting “on the other shoe to drop” as they say…
Hashimoto’s & Hypothyroidism Basics
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder, and that means you develop antibodies that damage your thyroid gland. These antibodies cause inflammation in your thyroid gland. Over time, the inflammation can cause your thyroid gland to:
- Get bigger
- have trouble making enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism)
In the United States, Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and often runs in families.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often progresses very slowly over many years. You may not have any symptoms early on, even if thyroid antibodies are detected in your blood tests.
Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland cannot make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running normally.
When thyroid levels are too low, the body’s cells can’t get enough thyroid hormone and the body’s processes start slowing down. As the body slows, you may notice symptoms such as: feeling colder, tire more easily, drier skin, becoming forgetful and depressed, and possibly constipation.
It can also cause symptoms like:
- abnormal weight gain
- muscle aches
- difficulty exercising
- irregular or heavy menstrual periods
- slower increase in height in children
**disclaimer: the basics info comes from thyroid.org as a source.**
Empath Vortex 