Hashimoto’s: The Thyroid Gland Health Scare

In recent times, many celebrities have come out in the open to talk about their mental health issues and other conditions. The latest to join this brigade is the Singham Again actor Arjun Kapoor who confirms to suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system starts producing antibodies that attack and damage the thyroid gland, located in the neck right below the Adam’s apple.

Dope on Hashimoto’s

The disease causes chronic inflammation and weight gain, among other symptoms. Depending on Hashimoto’s severity, it can completely weaken the thyroid gland, thus affecting its ability to produce hormones that are required to perform several bodily functions. We refer to this as hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid.

Endocrinologists observe that, although middle-aged women mostly complain about Hashimoto’s, this can happen at any stage of life. Also, it is hereditary or may impact people with a family history of thyroid disease or those already enduring an autoimmune issue. The main treatment for Hashimoto's is thyroid hormone replacement therapy, involving a medicine named levothyroxine.

Echoing the above, Dr Honey Savla, internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai, further states that the problem when aggravated “results in a loss of thyroid tissue, leading to a deficiency in thyroid hormones.”

The primary cause behind Hashimoto’s, she notes, “is the autoimmune-mediated destruction or failure of the thyroid gland involving apoptosis (cell death) of thyroid epithelial cells that assist in growth and development of an organism.”

Symptoms

Common symptoms include weight gain or difficulty in shedding weight, fatigue, lethargy, hair loss, dry skin, depression, trouble in focusing, slow heart rate, joint or muscle pain, paleness and puffiness of the face, constipation and a sensation of coldness even when others around are feeling warm. These symptoms are due to the lack of thyroid hormones needed for various biological functions.

Women-Centric

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is chiefly a disease of women, with a sex ratio of approximately 7:1. However, it can occur in children.

Explaining why women are more prone, Dr Savla says that “it is due to hormonal and genetic factors that the disease is notably more common among females than their male counterparts.” Estrogen (hormones promoting female characteristics of the body) and other sex hormones play a vital role in immune function, and women's immune systems are often more reactive, thus making them more susceptible to autoimmune conditions. “Women also have a higher frequency of certain genes linked to Hashimoto’s disease. Periods of hormonal change, such as pregnancy, menopause and puberty, also seem to trigger or worsen this condition in women,” she adds.

Treatment

The primary treatment is hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone. This curative method helps restore normal hormone levels, thereby alleviating symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Recovery

Patients healing from Hashimoto’s disease should undergo routine blood tests and take tablets regularly as per the doctor’s prescription. “It is typically a lifelong condition. Although we cannot entirely reverse the thyroid damage, we can manage the symptoms with proper treatment, often through hormone replacement therapy. Most patients start to feel better within a few weeks or a few months after commencing treatment, but full symptom relief can take even longer,” says Dr Honey.

Regular monitoring is essential as thyroid levels can fluctuate. Lifestyle amendments can also contribute to managing symptoms and improving the overall quality of life.

Stress Management

Stress has a significant effect on Hashimoto’s disease. Chronic stress increases cortisol (a crucial hormone that controls the human body’s stress reaction). “It regulates the body’s use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates as well as metabolism, which can inhibit thyroid function, reduce thyroid hormone conversion (from the inactive form of thyroid hormone into the active one), and worsen inflammation. This adds strain to the immune system and may accelerate autoimmune reactions,” she says adding, “Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and adequate sleep, significantly aid patients in addressing Hashimoto’s disease by calming their mood, lowering inflammation, and safely sustaining the important thyroid functions.”

For comprehensive remedial measures, it’s essential for patients to work closely with their medics, focusing on hormone regulation, lifestyle modifications and routine tracking.

Diet Chart

Start your morning with a smoothie consisting of leafy greens, a small portion of fruit (like berries), a scoop of protein powder, and a spoonful of chia or flax seeds for fiber and omega-3s (fatty acids).

A mid-morning snack could consist of a handful of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or a small apple.

Dinner

Grilled fish with roasted vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower and carrots) and a small sweet potato.

Before bed, drink herbal tea with a dose of nuts or seeds.

Patients should avoid gluten and excess sugar, as these can induce inflammation. A good emphasis on whole foods, lean protein, leafy greens and omega-3-rich foods can help moderate inflammation and support thyroid health.