Hashimoto’s Disease
An autoimmune condition of the thyroid gland (a gland located beneath the larynx).
TestsPart of: Autoimmune Disease, Thyroiditis
About Hashimoto’s Disease
Hashimoto’s disease, also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the body’s own cells and organs. Normally, the immune system protects the body from infection by identifying and destroying bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful foreign substances.
In Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and interfering with its ability to produce thyroid hormones. Large numbers of white blood cells called lymphocytes accumulate in the thyroid. Lymphocytes make the antibodies that start the autoimmune process.
Hashimoto’s disease often leads to reduced thyroid function, or hypothyroidism….Read more about Hashimoto’s Disease NIH – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases