Hashimoto’s Disease: An Autoimmune Thyroid Disorder

Hashimoto’s disease is a common yet often hidden autoimmune condition in which the immune system slowly attacks the thyroid gland, disrupting the hormones that regulate metabolism, energy, mood, and overall wellbeing. Its earliest warning signs (ongoing fatigue, sensitivity to cold, hair thinning, or low mood) tend to appear gradually and are easily mistaken for stress, busy lifestyles, or natural aging, allowing the condition to progress unnoticed for years. While Hashimoto’s is lifelong and cannot be cured, early recognition, appropriate treatment, and regular monitoring can make a meaningful difference, helping to protect long-term health and restore a sense of balance and vitality.

Table of Contents

• What is Hashimoto’s disease?

• Common signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease

• Who is at risk for Hashimoto’s disease?

• Is Hashimoto’s disease reversible or curable?

• What happens if Hashimoto’s disease is left untreated?

• Can you monitor Hashimoto’s disease at home?

• Living well with Hashimoto’s disease: practical steps

• Summary

What is Hashimoto’s disease?

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid, a small butterfly shaped gland at the front of the neck. It is a lifelong (chronic) condition and a common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

The thyroid is part of the endocrine system and releases hormones that control the speed of your metabolism. This process affects many body functions, including heart rate, temperature, energy levels, and brain function.

In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks healthy tissue. In Hashimoto’s, this damages the thyroid so it cannot produce enough thyroid hormone. The resulting hormone shortage slows metabolism and can cause a range of symptoms.

Hashimoto’s disease is also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, or chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, 2025; Cleveland Clinic, 2023.

Common signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can present with a variety of symptoms:

Energy and temperature regulation:

• Fatigue and sluggishness

• Increased sleepiness

• Increased sensitivity to cold

Skin, hair, and physical appearance:

• Dry skin

• Hair loss

• Brittle nails

• A puffy face

• Enlargement of the tongue

• Swelling of the thyroid (goiter)

Muscles and joints:

• Muscle weakness

• Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness

• Joint pain and stiffness

Digestion and reproductive health:

• Constipation

• Irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding

Mood and cognitive function:

• Depression

• Problems with memory or concentration

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2025

Can you have Hashimoto’s disease without symptoms?

Yes. Many people with Hashimoto’s have no symptoms at first, and some only discover it through routine tests. That is why regular testing can be helpful, especially for those with risk factors (NIDDK, 2021).

Who is at risk for Hashimoto’s disease?

You may be more likely to develop Hashimoto’s if you have:

• Family history: Genetics play a big role (about 80% risk). Having relatives with Hashimoto’s or other thyroid problems increases your chances.

• Female sex: Women are about 10 times more likely to develop it, possibly due to hormones.

• Older age: Risk increases as you get older.

• Other autoimmune diseases, such as:

• Addison’s disease

• Celiac disease

• Lupus

• Pernicious anemia

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Sjögren’s syndrome

• Type 1 diabetes

Source:  Cleveland Clinic, 2023

Is Hashimoto’s disease reversible or curable?

No, there is currently no way to cure or reverse Hashimoto's disease. However, it can often be well managed with appropriate treatment, lifestyle support and regular monitoring (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). 

What happens if Hashimoto’s disease is left untreated?

Untreated hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s can lead to health problems such as high cholesterol, heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, and depression. In rare, severe cases, it may cause myxedema coma, a life-threatening slowing of body functions. Untreated hypothyroidism can also lead to complications during pregnancy (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).

Can you monitor Hashimoto’s disease at home?

Monitoring your thyroid health at home is becoming an increasingly practical option. It is particularly useful if you have risk factors, have already received a diagnosis or are experiencing symptoms, or if you simply want to take care of your health. 

Homed-IQ offers two at-home thyroid blood tests using a simple finger-prick sample. The basic test measures TSH to screen for thyroid problems, while the more extensive test measures TSH, free T4, and free T3 for a broader view of thyroid function.

Abnormal results may suggest an underactive thyroid, which can sometimes be caused by Hashimoto’s. Confirming Hashimoto’s disease can require additional medical evaluation, physical exam, thyroid antibody testing or performing a thyroid ultrasound (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).

Living well with Hashimoto’s disease: practical steps

Although Hashimoto’s is a long-term condition, many people live well with the right support and monitoring. Helpful steps include:

• Following medical guidance and taking prescribed thyroid medication if needed

• Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that supports overall health 

• Managing stress and prioritising sleep (7-9 hours)

• Staying physically active at a comfortable level

• Monitoring thyroid markers regularly to track changes over time

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2023

Summary

Hashimoto’s disease is a common autoimmune disorder in which the immune system gradually damages the thyroid gland, reducing hormone production and causing symptoms such as fatigue, sensitivity to cold, hair loss, and low mood, although some people may have no symptoms for years. Risk is higher in women, older adults, and those with a family history or other autoimmune conditions. While the disease cannot be cured, early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and regular monitoring are important to help prevent complications such as heart disease, depression, or pregnancy related problems. With medical care, healthy lifestyle habits, and accessible home thyroid testing, many people with Hashimoto’s can successfully manage the condition and maintain long term wellbeing.