Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in patients with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels

Abstract

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common autoimmune endocrine disorders and often leads to hypothyroidism. It has been shown to substantially affect a patient’s quality of life. Associated conditions and diseases were thought to be attributable to hypothyroidism. Yet, many patients still suffer from various symptoms even though all thyroid parameters are within the normal range. Independently of thyroid gland function, HT is associated with a wide range of organ-specific and non-organ-specific autoimmune disorders, as well as other diseases, including neuropsychological/psychiatric deficits, decreased left ventricular performance, disorders of the gut, fibromyalgia and reproductive health issues, among others. The underlying pathomechanisms remain unclear. Future treatment options might include thyroidectomy, selenium administration, prophylactic levothyroxine supplementation and dehydroepiandrosterone. However, further research is warranted to clarify the main pathophysiologic implications of thyroid autoimmunity and also to establish treatment options for euthyroid patients who suffer from HT-related symptoms and diseases.

Keywords::

• autoimmune thyroiditis
• autoimmunity
• complications
• euthyroidism
• general health
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• quality of life
• therapy

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.