Condition: Hashimoto’s Disease (Chronic Thyroiditis)

Hashimoto’s disease is a condition that affects the thyroid gland and its function. Hashimoto’s disease, also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or chronic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland by mistake.

When the thyroid gland becomes inflamed as a result of Hashimoto’s disease, the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone and becomes underactive. Hashimoto’s disease can cause fatigue, depression, frequently feeling cold, gaining weight, pain in the joints and muscles, and a slower than usual heart rate.

Hashimoto’s disease is the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) in people in the U.S. People who have Hashimoto’s disease often have other autoimmune diseases as well.