How does Hashimotos thyroiditis develop?
Normally, the immune system uses naturally occurring antibodies to help protect against viruses, bacteria and foreign substances (antigens) that invade the body. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, but instead of destroying the gland, an antibody prevents the thyroid from producing adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, which is made up of several glands and tissues that produce hormones. These chemical messengers coordinate many of the body’s activities, from digestion to metabolism to reproduction. Thyroxine controls the metabolism of cells. Exactly why the immune system begins to produce these antibodies is unclear. However, doctors believe a combination of factors including heredity, sex and age may contribute to the development of this disease. What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis? Some patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have no symptoms. However, the common symptoms are fatig
