The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases (Hiromatsu et al. 2013 p.13). It primarily affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland influences growth and regulates the body’s metabolism by manipulating hormonal levels. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis affects thyroid function through mechanisms that cause the hormone levels to become dysregulated. The standard therapy for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is hormone replacement. This approach helps most patients by regulating their thyroid hormones, though there are some individuals who fail treatment. Untreatable patients are plagued with weight gain, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms. Certain factors in thyroid disease may cause various secondary complications including psychiatric manifestations. Research into these patients has shown that the removal of the thyroid gland seems to improve their clinical condition. Therefore, in the situation when significant symptoms remain after what appears to be adequate medicinal treatment, the possibility of surgery should be entertained. This review discusses the pathological underpinnings of Hashimoto’s disease and reviews some of the published literature from the past ten years in relation to the treatment of HT.
Recommended Citation
Minkowitz, M. (2021). Do People with Hashimoto’s Disease need a Thyroidectomy?. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 14(2), 64-69. Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol14/iss2/11
