Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition and one of the most common types of hypothyroidism seen today. It mainly affects women although men can also develop Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The thyroid gland is an important organ in the body as it plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism. In hypothyroidism, the gland’s hormones  become ineffective or the thyroid gland reduces hormone production and secretion. This lowers the body’s metabolism.

The two hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland, which in turn is controlled by the hypothalamus that secretes thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). If the thyroid gland is not stimulated by the pituitary gland, it will not secrete enough thyroid hormones into the blood stream. Similarly, if it is overstimulated, it will secrete excess thyroid hormones and this is known as hyperthyroidism.

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