Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease)
Alternate Names : Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, Autoimmune thyroiditis
Treatment
A lack of thyroid hormone may develop. You may receive thyroid hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine) if your body is not producing enough of the hormone. Or, you may receive it if you have signs of mild thyroid failure (such as elevated TSH). This condition is also known as subclinical hypothyroidism.
If there is no evidence of thyroid hormone deficiency, you may just need regular observation by a health care provider.
Prognosis (Expectations)
The outcome is usually very good. The disease stays stable for years. If it does slowly progress to thyroid hormone deficiency (hypothyroidism), it can be treated with thyroid replacement therapy.
Complications
This condition can occur with other autoimmune disorders. In rare cases, thyroid cancer may develop.
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of chronic thyroiditis.
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