So, What Is Hashimoto's Disease?
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In light of Gigi Hadid's recent announcement that she deals with Hashimoto's disease, many of us responded with sympathy — and a "wait, what's Hashimoto's disease?"
In sum, it's an autoimmune (an immune system disorder) disease that affects the thyroid. Quick refresher: your thyroid controls metabolism, weight, body temperature, heart rate, and your menstrual cycle. In a patient with Hashimoto's, the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading to a loss of necessary hormone production.
Effects and Symptoms of Hashimoto's
According to WebMD, symptoms range from pain to weight gain to fertility issues to depression.
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Paleness or puffiness of the face
- Joint and muscle pain
- Constipation
- Inability to get warm
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Joint and muscle pain
- Hair loss or thinning, brittle hair
- Irregular or heavy menstrual periods
- Depression
- Slowed heart rate
- Increased risk of developing other autoimmune disorders, including vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, Addison disease, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and pernicious anemia
How Do You Get It?
The cause is unknown, and it affects more women than men — about one to two percent of the US population. The US National Library of Medicine attributes it to a "combination of genetic and environmental factors," and notes that the onset is typically in mid-adulthood. WebMD suggests that radiation exposure or too much iodine can be contributing factors, though genes are primarily the source.
Is There a Cure?
No, but there are medications that can help regulate your hormones and get your metabolism regulated again.