• Thyroid Disorders
• Hormone Replacement Therapy

What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Published: September 03, 2025
Updated: September 03, 2025
4 mins

Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto thyroiditis, is an autoimmune condition affecting thyroid function. It was first discovered by Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto in the early 1900s after observing several patients with thyroid complications. 

At first, it can be difficult to know if someone has Hashimoto’s disease because of a lack of symptoms in the early stages. Most people with Hashimoto’s disease experience symptoms from chronic inflammation and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) after years of having the condition. When the body is not producing enough thyroid hormones, it can affect how much energy you have, your heart health, and how your muscles feel. 

If your parents or grandparents had Hashimoto’s disease, you may be more likely to develop it as you get older. It’s a lifelong health condition that requires long-term monitoring and treatment throughout your life. Fortunately, there are plenty of treatment options and tips on how to manage Hashimoto’s disease.

What are the Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease?

In the beginning stages, you may not experience any symptoms. Most of the symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s disease become more apparent over time because of hypothyroidism.

As the thyroid produces fewer hormones than it needs, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Constipation

• Dry skin

• Hair loss

• Irregular periods

• Slowed heart rate

• Heavy periods

• Joint and muscle pain

• Cold sensitivity

• Weight gain

In severe cases of thyroid damage, Hashimoto’s disease can also lead to hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). Some people may experience swelling or a goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland) at the front of the neck. A goiter can feel like something is stuck in your throat. However, most goiters do cause discomfort but not any pain.

What Causes Hashimoto’s Disease?

Health experts are still researching why some people develop Hashimoto’s disease and others don’t. However, Hashimoto’s disease is also a hereditary condition.

Like other autoimmune conditions, Hashimoto’s disease occurs when the immune system is not functioning properly. The immune system sees normal thyroid cells as foreign invaders. Instead of processing them normally, the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies and cells to destroy healthy thyroid cells. 

Who is at Risk for Hashimoto’s Disease?

Health experts have found that Hashimoto’s disease is around seven times more common in women. It’s more commonly experienced in adults between the ages of 45 and 55. However, it’s possible to develop it earlier or later if you are already experiencing problems with your thyroid gland. 

According to studies, Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease are closely related. Those with Graves’ disease may see the condition transform into Hashimoto’s disease later in life.

Hashimoto’s disease is also more common in countries like the U.S., where iodine deficiency is rare. While iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, most people in the U.S. develop it from Hashimoto’s or other similar autoimmune conditions affecting the thyroid.

How is Hashimoto’s Disease Diagnosed?

In some cases, a healthcare provider may notice physical signs of Hashimoto’s disease during a routine physical exam. A goiter or complaints of throat pain as they feel around the neck may indicate an underlying thyroid condition.

If a healthcare provider suspects Hashimoto’s disease, they may conduct the following tests:

• Imaging tests: CT (computed tomography), PET (positron emission tomography), and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can show a healthcare provider a more detailed image of what’s happening in your thyroid.

• Thyroid blood tests: A healthcare provider can detect thyroid hormone levels in your blood using a small sample.

Still, most people with Hashimoto’s disease may not show symptoms and even have normal thyroid tests.

Treatments for Hashimoto’s Disease

A healthcare provider can develop a treatment plan for you based on your age, symptoms, and any other prior health conditions you may have. If your thyroid levels are normal but you have high thyroid antibody levels, a healthcare provider may recommend closely monitoring any changes instead of prescribing medication. 

Hormone replacement therapy

The first line of treatment for severe cases of hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy consists of taking the oral tablet levothyroxine to increase testosterone levels. Typically, you take levothyroxine tablets once daily.

Within the first six to eight weeks, a healthcare provider may request a blood test to assess whether the medication is improving your TSH levels. A healthcare provider may start you off on a lower dosage and gradually increase it over time if you’re also taking other prescription medications. 

Vitamin supplements

Iron and vitamin D are key essential nutrients to maintain optimal thyroid function. A healthcare provider may recommend taking iron or vitamin D supplements to help stabilize the immune system. Selenium supplements may also help individuals with iodine deficiency.

Speak with a licensed healthcare provider about all of the medications you are taking and any other health conditions you have before starting a supplement. 

Surgery

Surgery is not typically the first mode of treatment for Hashimoto’s disease. However, a healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove the thyroid gland if thyroid replacement therapy is not effective. 

Foods to Prevent Hashimoto’s Disease

Your diet can play a major role in the severity of your symptoms. Prioritizing anti-inflammatory foods may help improve thyroid function. Still, it’s important to stay consistent with treatment, along with being mindful of your diet, to best manage Hashimoto’s disease.

The following foods may help reduce chronic inflammation and reduce the severity of symptoms:

• Lentils

• Brazil nuts

• Eggs

• Salmon

• Mushrooms

• Fresh fruit

• Leafy greens

You may want to avoid consuming the following foods excessively if you have Hashimoto’s disease:

• Grapefruit juice

• Caffeine

• Alcohol

• Ultraprocessed foods

Generally, foods with too many additives, sugar, and salt may exacerbate cardiovascular symptoms. The Mediterranean diet consists of heart-healthy foods that can also help reduce inflammation. If you have Hashimoto’s disease, a healthcare provider can help you figure out what diet works best for your lifestyle.

Where Can I Learn More About Thyroid Health?

Hashimoto’s disease requires long-term management with a trusted healthcare provider. LifeMD offers treatment for anyone needing support for thyroid complications. With LifeMD+, you can get quality testing and lab options for thyroid treatment and other health concerns related to your thyroid health. 

For pre- or postmenopausal women, the LifeMD Women’s Health Program offers quality testing and lab options for thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s Disease. A LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider can prescribe treatments for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism for those who qualify.

Become a LifeMD+ member today to balance your hormones for an optimal health outcome.