Autoimmune thyroiditis is a chronic inflammatory process that forms in the tissues of the thyroid gland. Its essence lies in the development of autoimmune disorders, which entail damage to the follicles of this organ. According to statistics, such a disease is most common in women of the older age group.

The thyroid gland is one of the most important organs of the endocrine system. It is located on the front of the neck, directly below the thyroid cartilage of the larynx. This body consists of two lobes, which are interconnected by an isthmus. A characteristic feature is that the right lobe of the thyroid gland is slightly larger than the left. Each lobe is divided into several smaller lobules, which, in turn, are composed of small follicles. It is these follicles that are destroyed by autoimmune thyroiditis.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is divided into several main forms:

• Chronic form

Inflammation in this case occurs as a result of the fact that T-lymphocytes progressively infiltrate the parenchyma of the gland, the number of antibodies produced increases, which is accompanied by a gradual death of the follicles. Most often, the development of this form is due to a hereditary predisposition. In addition, it is often combined with other autoimmune pathologies;

• Postpartum form

This form accounts for the largest percentage of cases of this disease. The mechanism of its development is due to the fact that during pregnancy, a woman’s immunity is naturally suppressed. After childbirth, its sharp activation occurs, which may be accompanied by the appearance of autoimmune inflammation;

• Painless form

In this case, the development mechanism is similar to the previous form. However, the violations that occur are not related to pregnancy and are due to some other unidentified reasons;

• Cytokine-induced form

The thyroid gland begins to collapse as a result of prolonged use of interferon preparations.

In its development, autoimmune thyroiditis passes through several successive successive periods. The first period is called euthyroid. In some cases, it drags on for years and is characterized by the absence of any functional disorders in the gland. The second period is subclinical. Symptoms of the disease are also mild, but with the help of laboratory tests, a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones is determined. The third period is called thyrotoxic. It is characterized by the progressive destruction of follicular cells, which leads to the release of thyroid hormones from them. Against this background, the clinical picture of thyrotoxicosis develops. The last period is hypothyroid. As a result of the fact that hormone-producing cells continue to break down and their number gradually decreases, the level of thyroid hormones decreases. As a result of this, signs of hypothyroidism are formed.

Symptoms of the disease

Autoimmune thyroiditis, depending on the symptoms of the disease, is divided into three forms: latent, hypertrophic and atrophic. The latent form is not accompanied by any clinical manifestations. In most cases, the presence of this disease can only be established using laboratory diagnostics. The thyroid gland slightly increases in size, but its functional activity is within normal limits.

The hypertrophic form is characterized by a significant increase in this organ. Moreover, in some cases, iron can increase evenly, and in others, nodular elements are formed in it. With this form, symptoms may be present that indicate both a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones and its increase.

The atrophic form of the inflammatory process is considered the most unfavorable. It leads to the fact that the thyroid gland is reduced in size, which is accompanied by clinical signs that speak of hypothyroidism. It is worth noting that most often this form is diagnosed at an older age.  

As mentioned earlier, autoimmune thyroiditis may not produce any symptoms for a long time. In some cases, the examination reveals a moderate increase in the affected organ in size. However, sometimes the thyroid gland does not increase. Inflammation in the thyrotoxic period is accompanied by rapid fatigue of a sick person, a frequent change in his mood, and increased irritability. Sweating, intermittent casts in a fever and palpitations are noted. Body weight, as a rule, decreases, and menstrual function in women is impaired.

Symptoms of the disease in the hypothyroid period are manifested by a slowdown in thought processes, depressed mood and weight gain. A sick person complains of frequent chills and weakness. Increased dryness of the skin, brittle nails and hair loss are noted . 

Diagnosis of inflammation

Both laboratory and instrumental methods can be used to diagnose autoimmune thyroiditis. First of all, it is necessary to study the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. In addition, an immunogram is mandatory. Instrumental methods include ultrasound and fine needle biopsy.

Autoimmune thyroiditis treatment

The treatment regimen for the inflammatory process is selected individually depending on the period of the disease. In the thyrotoxic period, thyreostatics are prescribed. In the hypothyroid period, the use of thyroid hormone replacement therapy is recommended.

In some cases, glucocorticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers and adaptogens can be used.

Thyroid Disease Prevention

The main way to prevent this pathology is to undergo preventive examinations and contact the doctor as early as possible in case of any violations.