“Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis be cured?”
I am a 28 year old female. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis be cured?
3 Answers
Hashimotos thyroiditis is so common that it is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, a condition that pretty much everyone has. Most people don’t bother to diagnose it or “name” it, they just treat it. It is never “cured” but it is super easy to treat. It only requires periodic blood testing, and typically some med adjustment. Don’t believe all the fake news about thyroid madness that you see on the internet. Just get regular follow up with your endocrinologist or PCP.
Probably can be cured in the future but not today. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease where the immune system that normally just protects you from foreign invasion like bacteria or virus diseases, goes wild & attacks a part of your body. In this case the thyroid gland. Other autoimmune diseases include Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, several intestinal diseases, and many others. We know what causes these diseases but not why the immune system malfunctions. Until we know why, we probably will not know how to reverse. Also be aware that most organs of the body cannot regenerate ( the liver is an exception) once they are destroyed. Here the thyroid cells are destroyed & cannot regenerate. So the "cure" it we would have to find a way to detect it before it destroys the gland or find a way to make that tissue regenerate. It can't be cured today but it can be treated and you can have a full life with one pill a day & once in a while a blood test to see if the medicine dose is still correct. Don't forget your pill!