Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the thyroid. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck that makes thyroid hormones, which helps the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working (ATA, n.d.). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2021), the ability of the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones often becomes impaired and leads to a gradual decline in function and eventually hypothyroidism. Researchers do not know the cause of Hashimoto’s disease, but a family history of thyroid disease is common.
Depending on the child’s stage of development, here are some key words you can use when explaining Hashimoto’s disease to children:
• Thyroid – A small part of your body that is shaped like a butterfly in the front of your neck. This organ controls how your body uses energy / makes hormones.
• Hormones – special chemicals in your body that help you grow
• Organ – part of the body, like the heart, lungs, or brain, that helps keep your body working
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2021), the common symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease include:
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Trouble tolerating cold
• Joint and muscle pain
• Constipation
• Dry skin or dry, thinning hair
• Slowed heart rate
• Heavy or irregular menstrual periods or fertility problems
Hashimoto’s Disease Facts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2021)
• Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, which affects about 5 in 100 Americans.
• Hashimoto’s disease is 4 to 10 times more common in women than men.
• There is an increased chance of developing Hashimoto’s disease if other family members have the disease.
• You are more likely to develop Hashimoto’s disease if you have other autoimmune disorders.
Resources
- Websites
• https://www.thyroidawareness.com/
• https://www.thyroid.org/hashimotos-thyroiditis/
• https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/hashimotos-disease
• https://www.thyroidchange.org/ - Books
• Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back by Izabella Wentz
• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause by Izabella Wentz and Marta Nowosadzka
• Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health by Izabella Wentz - Applications
• BOOST Thyroid: Wellness Tracker
• Paloma Health: AIP Guide
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References
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. American Thyroid Association (ATA). (n.d.). https://www.thyroid.org/hashimotos-thyroiditis/.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Hashimoto’s disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hashimotos-disease#whatis.