What Are the Symptoms of Hashimoto's Disease?
Hashimoto's disease is often a slow-progressing condition, and many individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms for years. The first sign that something might be wrong is usually the presence of an enlarged thyroid, known as a goiter. This goiter can cause visible swelling at the front of the neck, which may be felt as a lump or mass in the throat. Some people might also find it difficult to swallow, but it's important to note that goiters typically do not cause pain. Since the symptoms of Hashimoto's disease can develop gradually, it can be easy to overlook or dismiss these signs until more significant issues arise.
As Hashimoto's disease progresses, it often leads to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes underactive. Hypothyroidism can bring about a range of symptoms that affect daily life. Common signs of an underactive thyroid include feeling unusually tired or fatigued, even after a full night's sleep, and feeling cold when others do not. Additional symptoms may include constipation, unexplained weight gain, and heavier-than-normal menstrual periods. In some cases, women with Hashimoto's disease may experience difficulty getting pregnant, as the hormonal imbalance caused by the underactive thyroid can interfere with reproductive health.
