Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland. Autoimmune thyroiditis: treatment, symptoms, causes Hypothyroid stage of autoimmune thyroiditis

Diseases of the endocrine system are a real scourge of the twenty-first century. Among the leaders in the number of morbidity rates in the population, the first place is occupied by cardiovascular diseases, the second - endocrine diseases, in particular, problems of the pancreas and thyroid glands. In the latter case, common diseases are thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism and thyroiditis.

Basics of the disease

Autoimmune thyroiditis, like other diseases of the thyroid gland, is associated with its actual physical condition - if the cells of the gland are damaged, the irregular production of hormones produced by the thyroid gland begins.

Speaking specifically about the chronic form of autoimmune thyroiditis, the disease is of an inflammatory nature. The process of inflammation occurs under the influence of antibodies of the immune system to the gland, which mistakenly regard it as a foreign body. In a healthy body, antibodies should be produced only for bodies that are unusual for the body; in this case, they affect the cells of the thyroid gland.

Causes

Most often, the pathology affects patients in the age category from forty to fifty years. Women suffer from thyroid diseases three times more often than men. In recent years, the disease has been found in younger people, as well as in children, which is considered a problem of global ecology and poor lifestyle.

The source of the disease may be heredity - it has been proven that autoimmune thyroiditis in close relatives occurs more often than without such a factor, moreover, genetic manifestation is also possible in other diseases of the endocrine system - diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis.

But in order for hereditary facts to be realized, at least one provoking factor must be present:

Frequent diseases of the upper respiratory tract of a viral or infectious nature;
Foci of constant infection in the body itself are the tonsils, sinuses, teeth with caries;
Long-term use of medications containing iodine;
Long-term exposure to radiation radiation.

Under the influence of these factors, lymphocytes are produced in the body, which help trigger the pathological reaction of producing antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. As a result, antibodies attack thyrocytes - the cells of the thyroid gland - and destroy them.

The structure of thyrocytes is follicular, therefore, when the cell wall is damaged, the secretion of the thyroid gland, as well as damaged cell membranes, are released into the blood. These same cell remnants cause a second wave of antibodies to the iron, thus the destruction process is repeated cyclically.

Mechanism of autoimmune action

In this case, the process of self-destruction of the gland by the body is quite complex, but the general scheme of the processes occurring in the body has been largely studied:

To distinguish between self and foreign cells, the immune system can distinguish between the proteins that make up different cells in the body. To recognize the protein, the immune system has a macrophage cell. It contacts cells, recognizing their proteins.
Information about the origin of the cell is delivered by the macrophage to T lymphocytes. The latter can be so-called T-suppressors and T-helpers. Suppressors prohibit the attack of the cell, helpers allow it. Essentially, this is a specific database that allows an attack without recognizing such a cell in the body, or prohibits it if it recognizes such a previously familiar cell.
If the helper T cells allow the attack, the cells and macrophages that attack the gland begin to be released. The attack involves contact with the cell, including with the help of interferons, active oxygen and interleukins.
Antibodies are produced by the B lymphocyte. Antibodies, unlike active oxygen and other attacking agents, are specific formations directed and developed to attack a specific type of cell.
Once antibodies bind to antigens—the cells being attacked—an aggressive immune system called the complement system is launched.

Speaking specifically about autoimmune thyroiditis, scientists have concluded that the disease is associated with a disruption of the macrophage in protein recognition. The gland cell protein is recognized as foreign, and the process described above is launched.

Violation of such recognition may be genetically determined, or may be represented by low activity of suppressors designed to stop aggressive immune systems.

Antibodies produced by B lymphocytes attack thyroid peroxidase, microsomes and thyroglobulin. These antibodies are the subjects of laboratory research when a patient is diagnosed with a disease. The gland cells become unable to produce hormones and a hormonal deficiency occurs.

Symptoms

The chronic form of autoimmune thyroiditis may not show symptoms for a long time. The first symptoms of the disease look like this:

Feeling of a lump in the throat when breathing, swallowing;
Discomfort in the throat and neck area;
Minor pain on palpation of the thyroid gland;
Weakness.

At the next stage of the disease, more pronounced symptoms appear. It is these symptoms that prompt the endocrinologist to suspect autoimmune thyroiditis in the patient:

Tremor of hands, feet, fingers;
Rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure;
Increased sweating, which is more common at night;
Restlessness, anxiety, insomnia.

In the first years of the disease, hyperthyroidism may appear, the symptoms of which are similar. In the future, the functioning of the thyroid gland may normalize or the amount of hormones will be slightly reduced.

Hypothyroidism is observed during the first ten years from the onset of pathological processes, and its severity increases under the influence of severe physical or psychological stress and injuries, diseases of the upper respiratory tract and other risk factors mentioned above.

Forms of the disease

Thyroiditis is distinguished by the severity of symptoms and the physical condition of the thyroid gland itself.

Hypertrophic form - there is an enlargement of the organ, possibly local or general enlargement of the gland. Local increases are called nodes. This form often begins with thyrotoxicosis, but later, with adequate treatment, the function of the organ can be restored.
Atrophic form - the gland does not increase in size, but its function is significantly reduced, leading to hypothyroidism. This type occurs with prolonged contact with radioactive radiation in low doses, as well as in the elderly and children.

By and large, the form of the disease does not greatly affect how the disease will be treated. Only nodular formations can cause concern. If nodules are detected, consultation with an oncologist is necessary to prevent the node cells from degenerating into malignant ones.

Otherwise, nodal connections in most cases do not need to be removed unless a malignant nature is detected, and treatment can be carried out with medication, without surgery, if there are no other reasons for surgery.

Diagnostic methods

First of all, the therapist will refer the patient to see not only an endocrinologist, but also a neurologist and a cardiologist. This is necessary because the symptoms of thyroiditis are nonspecific and can easily be mistakenly attributed to other diseases. To exclude pathologies from other body systems, consultations with several doctors are scheduled.

The endocrinologist must palpate the thyroid gland and refer it for laboratory diagnostics. The patient donates blood for the amount of thyroid hormones, namely T4, T3, TSH - thyroid-stimulating hormone, AT-TPO - antibodies to thyroid peroxidase. Based on the ratio of these hormones in the analysis results, the endocrinologist makes a conclusion about the form and stage of the disease.

An immunogram and ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland are also prescribed. During the examination, an increase in the size of the gland or an uneven increase in nodular thyroiditis is detected.

To exclude a malignant form of nodes in autoimmune thyroiditis, a biopsy is prescribed - an examination of a piece of gland tissue. Thyroiditis is characterized by a high concentration of lymphocytes in the thyroid cells.

With an obvious clinical picture of thyroiditis, the possibility of malignant neoplasms in the gland increases, but often thyroiditis is benign. Lymphoma of the gland is the exception rather than the rule.

Since an increase in the size of the gland is characteristic not only of autoimmune thyroiditis, but also of diffuse toxic goiter, ultrasound examination alone cannot serve as the basis for making a diagnosis.

Replacement therapy

Treatment of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis depends on the course of the disease. Often, for hypothyroidism - a deficiency of thyroid hormones - replacement therapy with synthetic analogues of thyroid hormones is prescribed.

Such drugs are:

Levothyroxine;
Alostin;
Antistrumin;
Veprena;
Iodine balance;
Iodomarin;
Calcitonin;
Microiod;
Propycyl;
Thiamazole;
Tiro-4;
Tyrosol;
Triiodothyronine;
Euthyrox.

In patients with cardiovascular diseases, as well as in old age, it is necessary to begin replacement therapy with small doses of drugs and observe the body's reaction, undergoing laboratory diagnostics every two months. The treatment regimen is adjusted by an endocrinologist.

When autoimmune and subacute forms of thyroiditis are combined, glucocorticoids are prescribed, in particular prednisolone. For example, women with a chronic form of the disease experienced remission of thyroiditis during pregnancy, while in other cases, in the postpartum period, on the contrary, hypothyroidism actively developed. It is at these turning points that glucocorticoids are needed.

Hyperfunction of the gland

When diagnosing a hypertrophic form of autoimmune thyroiditis, as well as when there is noticeable compression and breathing discomfort due to an enlarged thyroid gland, surgical intervention is indicated. The problem is solved in a similar way if the long-term enlarged state of the gland has moved from its place and the organ has begun to grow rapidly.

For thyrotoxicosis - increased function of the thyroid gland - thyreostatics and beta-blockers are prescribed. These include Mercazolil and Thiamazole, which are most often prescribed.

To stop the production of specific antibodies to thyroid peroxidase and the thyroid gland in general, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed: Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Voltaren.

Immunostimulation drugs, vitamin-mineral complexes and adaptogens are also indicated. If gland function decreases, repeated courses of replacement therapy are prescribed.

Forecast

The disease progresses quite slowly. Within fifteen years, on average, the patient feels sufficient performance and body condition. Under the influence of risk factors, relapses can develop, which are easily stopped by a course of medications.

Exacerbation of thyroiditis can be accompanied by both hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis. Moreover, most often hypothyroidism as a consequence of thyroiditis in the acute phase occurs in the postpartum period in women. In other patients, thyrotoxicosis often predominates.

Hormone treatment is not always lifelong. Such a prognosis is possible only with congenital pathologies of the thyroid gland. In other cases, promptly started courses of replacement therapy with synthetic hormones are enough to reduce the dose of hormones over time and stop taking them altogether.

Conclusion

The decision to take hormonal drugs is made only by an endocrinologist based on laboratory diagnostics and ultrasound results. In no case should you self-medicate endocrine diseases, since an imbalance of hormones maintained from the outside can lead to a coma.

If detected early, the treatment prognosis is favorable, and remissions can last for years with short-term rare exacerbations, which are easily eliminated by a course of medications.

Autoimmune thyroiditis– this is one of the most common diseases of the thyroid gland (every 6-10 women over 60 years old suffer from this disease). Often this diagnosis worries patients, which leads them to an endocrinologist. I would like to immediately reassure you: the disease is benign and if you follow your doctor’s recommendations, then there is nothing to be afraid of.

This disease was first described by the Japanese scientist Hashimoto. Therefore, the second name for this disease is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Although in fact, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is just one type of autoimmune thyroiditis.

What is autoimmune thyroiditis? Autoimmune thyroiditis is a chronic disease of the thyroid gland, which results in destruction (destruction) of thyroid cells (follicles) due to exposure to antithyroid autoantibodies.

Causes of autoimmune thyroiditis

What are the causes of the disease? Why does it happen?

1. It should be noted right away that the occurrence of the disease is not your fault. There is a hereditary predisposition to autoimmune thyroiditis. Scientists have proven this: they have found genes that cause the development of the disease. So, if your mother or grandmother has this disease, you also have an increased risk of getting it.

2. In addition, stress suffered the day before often contributes to the onset of the disease.

3. A dependence of the incidence of the disease on the age and gender of the patient has been noted. So it occurs much more often in women than in men. According to various authors, women are 4-10 times more likely to receive this diagnosis. Most often, autoimmune thyroiditis occurs in middle age: from 30-50 years. Nowadays, this disease often occurs at an earlier age: autoimmune thyroiditis also occurs in adolescents and children of different ages.

4. Environmental pollution and poor environmental conditions in the place of residence can contribute to the development of autoimmune thyroiditis.

5. Infectious factors (bacterial, viral diseases) can also be trigger factors for the development of autoimmune thyroiditis.

The most important system of our body is the immune system. It is she who is responsible for recognizing foreign agents, including microorganisms, and preventing their penetration and development in the human body. As a result of stress, with an existing genetic predisposition, for a number of other reasons, a malfunction occurs in the immune system: it begins to confuse “our own” and “someone else’s.” And he begins to attack “his own”. Such diseases are called autoimmune. This is a large group of diseases. In the body, cells of the immune system - lymphocytes - produce so-called antibodies - these are proteins that are produced in the body and are directed against their own organ. In the case of autoimmune thyroiditis, antibodies are produced to the cells of the thyroid gland - antithyroid autoantibodies. They cause the destruction of thyroid cells and, as a result, hypothyroidism can then develop - decreased function of the thyroid gland. Given this mechanism of disease development, there is also another name for autoimmune thyroiditis - chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.

Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis

What is the clinical picture of the disease? What symptoms of the disease should lead you to an endocrinologist?
It should be noted right away that autoimmune thyroiditis is often asymptomatic and is detected only during an examination of the thyroid gland. At the onset of the disease, in some cases throughout life, the normal function of the thyroid gland may remain, the so-called euthyroidism - a condition when the thyroid gland produces a normal amount of hormones. This condition is not dangerous and is normal; it only requires further dynamic monitoring.

Symptoms of the disease occur if, as a result of the destruction of thyroid cells, a decrease in its function occurs - hypothyroidism. Often, at the very beginning of autoimmune thyroiditis, there is an increase in the function of the thyroid gland; it produces more hormones than normal. This condition is called thyrotoxicosis. Thyrotoxicosis may persist or may develop into hypothyroidism. The symptoms of hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are different.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

Weakness, memory loss, apathy, depression, low mood, pale, dry and cold skin, rough skin on the palms and elbows, slow speech, swelling of the face, eyelids, overweight or obesity, chilliness, cold intolerance, decreased sweating, increased, swelling of the tongue, increased hair loss, brittle nails, swelling in the legs, hoarseness, nervousness, menstrual irregularities, constipation, joint pain.

Possible symptoms of hypothyroidism

Symptoms are often nonspecific, occur in a large number of people, and may not be associated with thyroid dysfunction. However, if you have most of the following symptoms, your thyroid hormones may need to be tested.

Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis are:

Increased irritability, weight loss, mood swings, tearfulness, rapid heartbeat, feeling of interruptions in the heart, increased blood pressure, diarrhea (loose stools), weakness, tendency to fractures (bone tissue strength decreases), feeling of heat, intolerance to hot climates, sweating, increased hair loss, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido (sexual desire).

It also happens that with autoimmune thyroiditis and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, tests show decreased thyroid function, so it is impossible even for an experienced doctor to make a diagnosis based solely on external signs. If you notice such symptoms, you should immediately consult an endocrinologist to have your thyroid function examined.

Complications of autoimmune thyroiditis

Autoimmune thyroiditis is a relatively harmless disease only if the normal amount of hormones in the blood is maintained - a state of euthyroidism. Hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are dangerous conditions that require treatment. Untreated thyrotoxicosis can cause severe arrhythmias, lead to severe heart failure and provoke myocardial infarction. Severe untreated hypothyroidism can lead to dementia (dementia), widespread atherosclerosis and other complications.

Diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis

In order to identify the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis, it is necessary to undergo an examination, which includes an examination by an endocrinologist, hormonal studies, and ultrasound of the thyroid gland.

The main studies are:

1. Hormonal study: determination of TSH, free fractions T3, T4,
T3, T4 are increased, TSH is decreased - indicates the presence of thyrotoxicosis
T3, T4 are reduced, TSH is increased - a sign of hypothyroidism.
If T3 light, T4 light, TSH are normal - euthyroidism - normal thyroid function.
An endocrinologist can comment on your hormonal study in more detail.

2. Determination of the level of antithyroid autoantibodies: antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (AT-TPO or antibodies to microsomes), antibodies to thyroglobulin (AT-TG).
In 90-95% of patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, an increase in AT-TPO is detected, in 70-80% of patients an increase in AT-TG is detected.

3. It is necessary to perform an ultrasound of the thyroid gland.
Autoimmune thyroiditis is characterized by a diffuse decrease in the echogenicity of the thyroid tissue; there may be an increase or decrease in the size of the thyroid gland.

In order to accurately diagnose autoimmune thyroiditis, 3 main components are necessary: a decrease in the echogenicity of the thyroid tissue and other signs of autoimmune thyroiditis by ultrasound of the thyroid gland, the presence of hypothyroidism, and the presence of autoantibodies. In other cases, in the absence of at least one component, the diagnosis is only probable.

Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis

The main goal of treatment is to maintain stable euthyroidism, that is, a normal amount of thyroid hormones in the blood.
If euthyroidism is present, treatment is not carried out. Regular examination is indicated: hormonal examination T3 sv, T4 sv, TSH control once every 6 months.

In the stage of hypothyroidism, levothyroxine (L-thyroxine, Euthyrox) is prescribed - this is a thyroid hormone. This drug is prescribed to replenish the amount of thyroid hormones the body lacks, since hypothyroidism is characterized by a decrease in the gland’s own production of hormones. The dosage is selected individually by an endocrinologist. Treatment begins with a small dose, gradually increasing it under the constant control of thyroid hormones. A maintenance dose of the drug is selected, against the background of which normalization of hormone levels is achieved. This therapy with levothyroxine in a maintenance dose is usually taken for life.

At the stage of thyrotoxicosis, the decision on treatment is made by the doctor. Drugs that reduce the synthesis of hormones (thyreostatics) are usually not prescribed for this disease. Instead, symptomatic therapy is carried out, that is, medications are prescribed that reduce the symptoms of the disease (reduce the sensation of palpitations, interruptions in heart function). Treatment is selected individually.

Treatment with folk remedies

You should be careful not to self-medicate. Only a doctor can prescribe the correct treatment for you and only under the systematic supervision of hormone tests.
In case of autoimmune thyroiditis, it is not recommended to use immunostimulants and immunomodulators, including those of natural origin. It is important to follow the principles of a healthy diet: eat more vegetables and fruits. If necessary, during periods of stress, physical and emotional stress, during illness, you can take multivitamin preparations, for example, Vitrum, Centrum, Supradin, etc. And it’s even better to avoid stress and infections altogether. They contain vitamins and microelements necessary for the body.

Long-term intake of excess iodine (including taking baths with iodine salts) increases the incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis, as the number of antibodies to thyroid cells increases.

Recovery prognosis

The prognosis is generally favorable. In case of persistent hypothyroidism, lifelong treatment with levothyroxine is prescribed.
Dynamic monitoring of hormonal levels must be performed regularly once every 6-12 months.

If an ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland reveals nodules, it is necessary to consult with an endocrinologist.
If the nodes are more than 1 cm in diameter or they grow dynamically compared to the previous ultrasound, then it is recommended to perform a puncture biopsy of the thyroid gland to exclude a malignant process. Ultrasound monitoring of the thyroid gland once every 6 months.
If the nodes are less than 1 cm in diameter, then it is necessary to monitor the thyroid gland with ultrasound once every 6-12 months to exclude the growth of nodes.

Consultation with a doctor on autoimmune thyroiditis:

Question: The tests reveal a significant increase in antibodies to thyroid cells. How dangerous is autoimmune thyroiditis if thyroid hormones are normal?
Answer: High levels of antithyroid antibodies can occur even in healthy people. If thyroid hormones are normal, then there is no cause for concern. It does not require treatment. It is only necessary to monitor thyroid hormones once a year and, if necessary, perform an ultrasound of the thyroid gland.

Question: How can I be sure that the gland function has returned to normal during treatment?
Answer: It is necessary to evaluate the level of T4 light, T3 light - their normalization indicates the elimination of disturbances in the hormonal function of the gland. TSH should be assessed no earlier than a month after the start of treatment, since its normalization occurs more slowly than the level of the hormones T4 and T3.

Endocrinologist M.S. Artemyeva

According to doctors, the percentage of various pathologies of the thyroid gland has recently increased significantly, so in this article we will look at autoimmune thyroiditis, treatment in various ways, and - most importantly - effective recommendations alternative medicine about factors influencing the development of the disease and its treatment. You will learn about the mechanism of occurrence of AIT, its signs and diagnostic methods. This is essentially a review article on treatments for Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
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What do we know about the thyroid gland? The concept of “Graves' disease” immediately comes to mind. In fact, there are much more thyroid diseases, and not all of them boil down to the formation of a goiter on the neck; their symptoms are much more extensive. Today we will get acquainted with the most “incomprehensible” of them - autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT).

Autoimmune thyroiditis: signs, causes and mechanism of occurrence of AIT

The world first learned about its existence at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the works of the Japanese doctor Hashimoto (Hashimoto). The Japanese described the characteristic symptoms he identified in 4 test patients.

Thanks to which this disease received his name and became known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Autoimmune thyroiditis - what is it? Signs, photos

Under a microscope, Hashimoto saw accumulations (infiltrates) of affected lymphocytes, plasma cells and connective tissue (focal fibrosis) in the tissues of the thyroid gland. And in 1956, when medical science made a big leap forward, Antibodies to the gland's own proteins were found in the blood of patients. And thyroiditis began to be called “autoimmune.”

The main signs of Hashimoto's thyroiditis are visible under a microscope:

the presence of dead cells in the thyroid tissue (lymphocytes and plasma cells)
connective tissue proliferation (focal fibrosis)
detection of antibodies to thyreglobulin (AT TG) in the blood

What does "autoimmune" mean? If the word “immune” is more or less clear, then “auto” can be translated from Latin as “own”. As a result, we get some kind of process directly related to the immune system of our own body. With the concept of “thyroiditis” everything is also quite simple: “thyroid-” is associated with the Latin name of the thyroid gland (thyroid gland), and “-itis” means inflammation.

If the body is affected by autoimmune thyroiditis, antibodies - substances designed to protect the body from harmful agents, cease to “recognize” their own organ and begin to “attack” the thyroid cells.

As a result, the necessary cells are destroyed, and connective tissue takes their place. The production of hormones weakens, and the patient develops a state of hypothyroidism (the prefix “hypo-” indicates a decrease).

This process is clearly visible in the photo:
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We can conclude: autoimmune thyroiditis is hypothyroidism, which arose as a result of a disruption of the immune system and the production of antibodies against the thyroid gland’s own cells. This leads to a decrease in the functions of the gland - hypothyroidism and premature aging of the body, as well as a disruption of the human hormonal level.

Here are a few photos of patients with this disease - in varying degrees of development and damage to the thyroid gland:

Photo of the initial stage - slight redness of the skin in the area where the gland is located:

Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="https://prozdorovechko.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/4.jpg" alt="Initial stage - slight redness of the skin in area of the thyroid gland" width="500" height="383" srcset="" data-srcset="https://i0.wp..jpg?w=500&ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp..jpg?resize=300%2C230&ssl=1 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" data-recalc-dims="1"> Фото дальнейшего разрастания ткани, наблюдается увеличение щитовидной железы:!}

Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="https://prozdorovechko.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/5.jpg" alt=" Further tissue proliferation in Hoshimoto's thyroiditis" width="500" height="324" srcset="" data-srcset="https://i0.wp..jpg?w=500&ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp..jpg?resize=300%2C194&ssl=1 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" data-recalc-dims="1"> Фото более тяжёлой стадии — асимметричное увеличение железы, заметное без пальпации:!}
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As can be seen from the photo, the disease tends to progress slowly, destroying first the thyroid gland, and then the entire body. With atrophic thyroiditis, changes in the gland are not externally visible.

Causes: what causes the disease

There are enough reasons that provoke the occurrence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. What factors influence the trigger mechanism of autoimmune thyroiditis? Among them are:

damage to the immune system: poor environment, unsystematic use of medications, poor nutrition, etc.
long-term stressful conditions: shocks, anxiety and worries
hereditary endocrine diseases in the family: not only AIT, but also diabetes mellitus, Graves' disease
excess iodine entering the body with food or medications
uncontrolled use of interferon and other antiviral drugs, especially in the treatment of acute viral infections and even for prophylactic purposes

However, it's not all bad. A number of prominent representatives of medicine believe that the autoimmune process is a reversible phenomenon.
In the initial stages, as the patient’s condition improves, after eliminating the excess load on the gland cells, the content of antibodies in the blood gradually decreases. And the thyroid gland begins to work normally. This is why it is so important to diagnose thyroiditis in a timely manner.

Stages and symptoms of development of autoimmune thyroiditis

There are several stages of development of AIT. Each stage has its own symptoms. Let's talk about them briefly.

1. Hyperthyroidism is observed in the initial stage of development of AIT and lasts from a month to six months. During this period, a large amount of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 is observed in the blood.

Why does this happen: antibodies in large quantities destroy thyroid cells and the hormones that the cell managed to synthesize before its destruction enter the intercellular space. They get into the blood.
What symptoms occur:

pain in the area where the gland is located
Increased levels of hormones cause nervousness and short temper
soreness and swelling in the throat area, as if something is blocking it
before going to bed - lump in throat
increased sweating
rapid pulse
menstrual cycle failure

2. Euthyroidism characteristic of the second stage of development of Hoshimoto's goiter. Its symptoms are very similar to the condition of a healthy person: the amount of hormones in the blood has leveled out, the inconveniences listed above have disappeared and the person often calms down - nothing bothers him. But this is very deceptive.

During this period, neoplasms appear in the gland in the form of cysts and nodes, which gradually increase in size. The thyroid gland continues to be asymptomatically destroyed by the immune system. It can change sizes: increase, decrease or remain unchanged. Sometimes a slight redness is noticeable in the area where the gland is located - in the front of the neck.

3. Hypothyroidism— the third stage of development of AIT. It is characterized by a significant reduction in the production of thyroid hormones, which are so necessary for normal metabolism and maintaining the body’s condition in terms of high energy and beautiful appearance.

The main symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis at the stage of development of hypothyroidism:

despondency, feeling of hopelessness
tendency to depression
deterioration in performance
possible memory lapses
impotence, weakness, slowness and fatigue
metabolic disorders: excess weight and the appearance of edema, poor thermoregulation of the body
dry skin and rough areas - on the knees and elbows (hyperkeratosis)
bad hair and brittle nails
cysts form on the female reproductive organs and mammary glands
unbalanced menstrual cycle
early menopause
there is a disruption in the body's entire metabolism
shortness of breath with any physical activity
possible heart failure, bradycardia
atherosclerosis at a fairly young age

The earlier the disease is detected, the easier the treatment. This must be remembered and, at the slightest suspicion, undergo the prescribed tests and diagnostics.

Autoimmune thyroiditis, treatment of this disease can begin only after a thorough diagnosis. As practice shows, in the early stages, autoimmune thyroiditis does not manifest itself in any way. That is, the disease does not have its own specific symptoms.
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Therefore, autoimmune thyroiditis is diagnosed based on the following factors:

the amount of antibodies to the proteins thyroglobulin and TPO (thyroid peroxidase) exceeds the norm
fibrosis of thyroid tissue

To exclude other thyroid diseases and make an accurate diagnosis, not only a clinical examination (examination and palpation), but also tests must be performed:

for antibodies to thyroglobulin and TPO
for hormones T3, T4 and TSH

Sometimes they resort to a biopsy: a piece of the thyroid gland is taken for examination; This excludes the diagnosis of nodular goiter. To find out the size of the gland and the presence of nodes, an ultrasound is performed. Also, the endocrinologist will definitely ask the patient whether any of his relatives suffer from autoimmune diseases.

In patients, as fibrosis increases symptoms of hypothyroidism develop. The thyroid gland changes. Based on the type of gland damage, there are two forms of thyroiditis:

hypertrophic - the thyroid gland is enlarged, patients feel a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes breathing
atrophic – the gland, on the contrary, is reduced or its size is within normal limits

Just as there are no specific symptoms of AIT, there is no specific treatment. Doctors have not yet found methods that can effectively block the autoimmune process and the subsequent development of hypothyroidism.

Traditional method of treating AIT

Modern medicine offers two ways to tame a formidable disease - this is hormone treatment and surgery. Replacement of thyroid hormones with synthesized hormones is preferable to surgery.
At increased function For the thyroid gland, the doctor prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that block the production of antibodies. In an integrated approach to treatment, vitamin complexes and immunity-correcting agents are also used.

If thyroid function is depressed ( reduced), synthetic hormones are prescribed for its treatment.

Hormone therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs

At the stage when hypothyroidism has already developed, doctors prescribe the following hormonal medications:

Levothyroxine
Thyroidin
Triiodothyronine
Thyrotome
Tyreocomb

The most common treatment is Levothyroxine. The dosage is selected individually for each person. The clinical effectiveness of the drug is a reduction in the symptoms of hypothyroidism, observed 3-5 days after the start of treatment. Replacement therapy can last several months, years or a lifetime.

Since the disease progresses slowly, timely therapeutic measures effectively slow down the process. And over time, a long-term remission is achieved.

The use of such drugs reduces goiter, prevents thyroid deficiency and lowers the level of thyroid hormones. This neutralizes blood lymphocytes, which can provoke destruction of the thyroid gland.

The dosage is determined strictly individually.
If thyroiditis is subacute, then first the inflammatory process is relieved. And as a result, swelling and pain decrease. The doctor may prescribe a steroid drug - prednisolone. The duration of treatment depends on the nature of the disease.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also reduce progressive processes in the thyroid gland. At the same time, they will create an immunosuppressive effect. But all this works only for mild forms of the disease.

With the proper approach to treatment, recovery occurs in a short time. But protracted cases and even relapses occur.
If the disease passes without symptoms, then it is necessary to remember that it occurs spontaneously and it is necessary to block its development.

Surgical solution to the problem

There are times when surgical intervention is necessary. The doctor prescribes surgical intervention only in exceptional cases: when the disease is combined with a large goiter. It can put pressure on organs in the neck and interfere with breathing. The same situation occurs when the goiter progresses rapidly or there is no result after six months of treatment.
Surgery on the thyroid gland is possible in two cases:

if a large goiter has developed, squeezing neighboring organs
if there is a suspicion of a malignant tumor of the gland against the background of AIT

Complete removal glands (thyroidectomy) is used in extreme cases. For example, if the thyroid gland is completely affected by fibrosis. It is possible to remove one of the affected lobes. Most often performed partial removal of affected tissue (resection) with preservation of the active part of the gland.

Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis with computer reflexology

The computer reflexology method makes it possible to completely restore the thyroid gland and its functions without hormones and surgeries.

The essence of the method is to use the knowledge of oriental medicine that the nervous, immune and endocrine systems are one whole. Almost all thyroid diseases begin with primary failure in the immune system, and not in the endocrine one.

The ability to influence biologically active points, and through them the autonomic network of nerve endings, on the human brain with insignificant doses of direct current restores the function of the thyroid gland (regardless of whether it is low or high).

What does this give in practice:

nodules and cysts gradually resolve
Hormonal disruption stops and the background of thyroid hormones normalizes, the body itself begins to produce hormones in the required quantities
makes it possible to completely stop taking hormonal medications (if you were taking them)
menstruation in women is restored and it is possible to give birth to a healthy child

As a result, the immune system is gradually restored, which means the main cause of autoimmune thyroiditis is eliminated.
I suggest watching a video from Gavrilova’s private clinic, which talks about such treatment.

An excellent method of restoring many body functions. Unfortunately, this is alternative medicine and is not widely used. Used in private practice.

Nutraceuticals or dietary supplements - Endorm treatment

Recently, many reviews about Endorm treatment have appeared on the Internet. Endorm is a new non-hormonal remedy made from components of plant origin.

According to the manufacturers, an active substance, Albinin, has been synthesized from the medicinal plant Potentilla alba, which normalizes the production of hormones and restores not only the functioning of the thyroid gland, but also its structure.
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The drug is also effective in the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis. But, like any dietary supplement, Endorm is not perceived by traditional medicine as a medicine.

Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis with homeopathy

If you do not want to take hormones for the rest of your life and suffer from their side effects, then turn to homeopathy. According to specialists who practice the classical teachings of Hahnemann, homeopathy seems to have been created for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Since classical homeopathy does not treat a specific disease, but heals the body on a subtle level, restoring the immune, endocrine and other systems.

Homeopaths believe that traditional medicine does not even try to treat autoimmune thyroiditis, but only makes a diagnosis and prescribes doses of hormones. Doctors don’t care how the patient feels: whether he is suffering or not. The main thing for them is to cure the disease, not the person himself.

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Homeopathy treats the body at all levels: physical, emotional, and mental. Since we can talk about complete healing only if pathological processes in the body and psychological barriers in the head are eliminated.

Especially surgical treatment is harmful to the body. After removing nodes from the thyroid gland, you can expect them to appear in other organs, for example in the uterus or breasts in women. After all, all processes in our body are interconnected. If there are problems with the functioning of the thyroid gland, then there is a high probability of pathology of the reproductive system and vice versa.

Homeopathy treatment is strictly individual. Each patient chooses his own drug in accordance with his constitutional type. There are no “thyroid pills” or “head pills.”

There is no universal scheme for the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis. And the choice of drug depends on the expressed symptoms and characteristics of each person. But one chosen homeopathic remedy will have a complex effect on the body.

How quickly will recovery occur? Despite the fact that the drug begins to act immediately, it may take years for complete recovery.

This depends on the stage of AIT and the duration of previous hormonal therapy. For some this may seem like a long time. But remember that Traditional medicine believes that autoimmune thyroiditis is incurable. Homeopathy, without surgery and hormones, even in advanced cases, will help alleviate unpleasant symptoms and stop the further development of the disease.

The best effect when using homeopathy is observed in patients whose illness duration does not exceed 3 years. A year later, their tests for antibodies to the thyroid gland are negative. And there is no relapse of AIT.

There is an interesting program for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, developed by Academician of the EAEN, chief immunologist of the Irkutsk region B.V. Gorodisky. I will give the most important points from his speeches. I believe that this information will be useful for patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
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We are facing an increase in autoimmune diseases

The immunologist believes that these diseases are like an iceberg - we see only a small part, the rest of the diseases are hidden and have not yet manifested themselves, but the process has long been started. And in the near future there will be a big surge in these diseases.

This is evidenced by the high level of registered antibodies - against almost every organ or organ system.

Reason for the outbreak of the disease

The main reason for this surge is the involution of the adrenal glands, their atrophy, which will lead to an increase in autoimmune diseases.

These are not diseases of the thyroid gland, joints or pancreas - this is a serious systemic disease of the whole body, based on the sixth degree of pollution and damage to the body.

The mechanism of the disease, factors that influence it

There is a complex mechanism of disorders here - 8-10 years can pass between the onset of the disease and its clinical manifestation.

The process has been going on for a long time, the cells of the thyroid gland are being destroyed, antibodies have been working for destruction for a long time, but we have no idea about this until the number of damaged cells reaches a critical number, and the body is simply no longer able to produce thyroid hormones or any others. The clinical picture of autoimmune organ damage begins to appear. If at the beginning of the disease it is possible to correct the functioning of the gland, now it is much more difficult.

What is characteristic of an autoimmune disease at the stage of clinical manifestation:

1. 6 degree of body contamination
2. serious disorders of the pineal gland
3. interhemispheric asymmetry, reaching up to 70% - 70% of the hemispheres do not understand each other and cannot work as a paired organ
4. disorders in the hypothalamic region, as a result of which the immune system and autonomic nervous system suffer, metabolism and thermoregulation are disrupted.

The immune system has decided to destroy its own body - how does this happen? The development of autoimmune diseases is influenced by various factors, which we will consider below.

What factors can cause autoimmune diseases?

Hoshimoto's thyroiditis is a complex systemic disease. Its development can be triggered by any of the factors listed below.
1. Failure in the ratio of immune system cells. The mechanism is the same as for allergies - the balance between the cells of the immune system - helpers, killers and suppressors - is disturbed. How this happens in practice:

There are few or no T-suppressors, which means they cannot slow down the destruction process and preserve immunity.
Cells that produce immunoglobulins begin to produce them against their own tissues, and not against microbes, as is normal. They produce them against heart cells, liver cells, pancreatic or thyroid cells.
Antibodies land on the cells of the listed organs, killers rush to them and begin to destroy them.

This is how the autoimmune process develops. And try to stop him!

2. Enzyme disorders- a prerequisite for autoimmune diseases. The gastrointestinal tract plays a huge role in the development of autoimmune diseases. The body lacks enzymes- after 40 years we have only 20% of the necessary enzymes. There is nothing left to digest food with. You need to eat less meat and heavy foods that require a large amount of enzymes for their digestion. There are enough enzymes in green leaves of vegetables. They should be eaten with meat. We eat meat and potatoes. Therefore, we teach ourselves to eat meat with enzymes - with a lot of greens.

This is an extremely important factor. And it is difficult to influence it - many damages to the human genetic apparatus at the genome level occur at the enzymatic level. Outwardly, this manifests itself in increased pigmentation or depigmentation of the skin, the appearance of some nodules on the bones that were not there before. And the reason is that some gene is switched off, the enzyme is not formed - a metabolic disorder begins.

Therefore, enzyme disorders are of enormous importance. Today, everything is built on enzymes; any process depends on their presence. There are 40 thousand enzymes in our body. Only 4 thousand have been studied by mankind.
Microelements are also important. They take part in the synthesis of enzymes.

3. Streptococcus as a cause of membrane destruction in cells. Its chemical composition is very similar to all the basement membranes on which cells sit inside blood vessels, in a joint, in the heart, and in the kidneys. The immune system, trying to deal with streptococcus, begins to destroy all basement membranes. Where did streptococcus come from? With tonsils and tonsillitis. Glomerulonephritis forms in the kidneys, protein and red blood cells appear - real inflammation occurs.

Streptococcus is present in the body of many people. It is in the tonsils, in the blood, in the joints - it is everywhere! And when treating autoimmune diseases, the first step is to remove it. For this stop eating sweets. Streptococcus loves it very much. There should be no sweets in a body with an autoimmune disease. We refuse baked goods, sweets and chocolate, otherwise there will be no effect from the treatment.

Very therapeutic fasting is effective— during fasting, we lose weight due to the fact that microbes die. They are not fed. And they begin to die by the billions. Already on the second day of fasting, intense intoxication occurs. The body becomes very ill. Microbes die in kilograms. You can help the body remove toxins faster by increasing your water intake and doing enemas or taking appropriate medications such as chitosan.

4. Silicon deficiency in the body. It is important to take care of a sufficient amount of silicon in the body. It is important for the normal functioning of the pineal gland, which is made of silicon. In its absence or deficiency, metabolism in the body is disrupted, joints are destroyed, and the charge of cell membranes changes from negative to positive (normally, cell membranes are negatively charged).

It is silicon that gives the negative charge to the membrane - the outer surface of the cells is lined with sialic acids (or silicic acids - this is the same thing). Proteins combined with silicon produce sialic acids. No silicon means no negative charge on cell membranes.

Who loves to eat silicon? Microorganisms love it. Trichomonas, streptococcus, feeds on silicon with great pleasure. We almost always miss him physically. It is necessary to consume foods that contain silicon:
celery and horsetail - they lead in its content; it is found in asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke, bell pepper, potatoes and other vegetables. The leaders in cereals are rice, oats, millet and barley.
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As you can see, any of the listed factors can influence the start of the destruction of the body. Autoimmune diseases are serious diseases that have many different mechanisms of occurrence. Involved here:

Therefore, alternative medicine believes that no non-steroidal drug or hormonal therapy can cure this serious disease. Just relieve the symptoms, and the process of destruction will continue.

Meat for thyroiditis - is it possible or not?

Also with autoimmune thyroiditis some nutritional aspects are important associated with protein intake.

Denatured protein is considered the most harmful at this moment, in simple terms - boiled (baked) meat, especially when taken after 14.00. There is a lack of enzymes in the body to digest them.

There is another factor. As soon as we have eaten meat, sausage or other product with denatured protein, the level of leukocytes (cells that protect our body) in the human blood increases to 200, 300 and more thousand, when the body normally contains 6-10 thousand. Why are there so many of them? The body tries to protect itself from poorly digested protein when it has not been broken down into amino acids. This is especially bad if a person is taking immunosuppressants, which inhibit the release of white blood cells from the bone marrow.

Therefore, people with an autoimmune disease can take meat from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and then from 12 to 2 p.m., according to the biorhythms of the stomach and pancreas. Many people recommend switch to vegetable protein during treatment of exacerbations- walnuts, pine nuts, especially Brazil nuts. Eating 4 Brazil nuts gives you your daily dose of selenium. It is especially recommended for men with sexual dysfunctions.
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Food foil for AIT

To alleviate the condition, it is possible to use food foil (it has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect); it gives the effect of an energy blanket, which the Germans often use to relieve pain.

We wrap the neck (the gland area) with foil at night, secure it - and in the morning it will be in holes. The condition will improve a lot.

How to get rid of streptococcus

A trivial one will help remove streptococcus tincture of calendula from the pharmacy - he is very afraid of her. It can be used not only externally, but also internally, for both adults and children. Dose - 1 drop per year of life. For an adult, 40 drops three times a day are enough, for small children - 1-2 drops.

For adults, drop it on water, for children - on a cracker and dry it naturally for three hours so that the alcohol evaporates. You can do it for future use and work with your child in this way, ridding him of streptococcus. Calendula works better than any antibiotic.

You can also buy at the pharmacy a natural broad-spectrum antibiotic, Citrosept, obtained from grapefruit seeds by Norwegian scientists. Use according to instructions.

Streptococcus is afraid of incense kerosene. A tincture of walnuts with a special fraction of kerosene, which can be bought at a pharmacy or online store, works well. It's called Todikamp.

Application both local and internal. It is recommended to take 1 drop per 2 kg of weight 1-3 times a day 30 minutes before meals, but start with 5 drops (there are instructions upon purchase). You can add it to the ointment or apply the drug itself to the pharynx, to the joints - where it lives.
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It is also necessary to remove connective tissue that has formed scars as a result of long-term chronic inflammation. Enzyme preparations will help with this.

Therapeutic fasting for autoimmune thyroiditis

Why is the autoimmune process supported? Because antigens containing decayed thyroid cells circulate in the blood. Such patients are collected in private clinics, where they are treated with fasting. In two weeks, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroiditis and other diseases disappear.

Why does this happen: we didn’t eat protein, new antigens stopped being created in the blood, and the body coped with the load - it utilized all the old cells that circulated in the blood. Thus, the inflammatory process stopped - in just two weeks.

Therefore, today good clinics that treat autoimmune diseases practically no longer use anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients are either put on fasting or fed amino acids and given enzyme preparations. That's all the treatment is. Next comes the restoration of the affected organ or system.

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For those who, after reading the last paragraph, decided to start a hunger strike: this is not a simple hunger strike, it is a therapeutic one with the introduction of certain substances that will help stop the destruction of the body. Such a fast is carried out under the guidance of a specialist - otherwise your hemoglobin will drop, there will be stagnation of bile, exacerbation of the pancreas and other troubles.

Hirudotherapy

Leeches have proven to work well against autoimmune processes - hirudotherapy. Leeches introduce about 200 drugs into the body, 6 very strong proteolytic enzymes, hirudotherapy greatly increases our electromagnetic field (in 40 minutes it sometimes increases tens of times).

These are the types of events that will definitely lead to effective results.. Cure of the autoimmune process will be better if you use the device invented by Bogdan Vladimirovich Gorodisky. This “SEM TESN” device can perform almost all the described measures to restore an organ affected by an autoimmune disease. You can find out the features of therapy using the SEM TESN device - an EHF device - by following the link.

Autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland: treatment with folk remedies

Herbal medicine for autoimmune thyroiditis cannot replace the main treatment - this is what doctors think. The practice of alternative medicine suggests the opposite. But a professional phytoimmunologist should work here.
It is used in periods when the course of AIT goes into the following states:

eutheriosis – thyroid hormone levels are normal
subclinical hypothyroidism - the level of hormones T3 and T4 is normal, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is slightly elevated

Herbal treatment with herbal mixtures

In this case, with the help of herbs, you can try to influence the mechanism of autoimmune aggression.

For these purposes, immunomodulator plants containing the iodine compound diiodotyrosine are applicable:

watercress
gorse
Icelandic moss and other lichens: parmelia, cladonia

It is worth noting that algae (fucus and kelp), rich in iodides, are contraindicated in the treatment of AIT, as they can provoke further development of the disease. The main principle of herbal medicine for this disease is to avoid herbs and foods that increase the iodine content in the body, causing its excess.

You can also use decoctions that contain:

meadowsweet (another name is meadowsweet)
sweet clover
powerful immunomodulator - echinacea

For thyroiditis, herbal treatment is often used to relieve individual symptoms. So, for constipation, flaxseed, Icelandic moss, nettle, soapwort, knotweed, marshmallow and mullein are added to decoctions. Strong laxative herbs (buckthorn, senna) are drunk separately.

The fees must include medicinal plants that help reduce viscosity and cholesterol in the blood:

mountain arnica
burdock roots
oat grass
dandelion roots
viburnum
raspberries
coltsfoot
evasive peony
sweet clover

And you can’t do without tonics. These include medicinal fruits and herbs growing in the Far East, Altai and Siberia: aralia, eleutherococcus, Rhodiola rosea and ginseng.

Also used for autoimmune thyroiditis are: aquatic plants - duckweed, knotweed and cocklebur. But we should not forget, although herbal medicine sometimes works wonders, such treatment should not be perceived as a panacea.

Oil extracts from herbs

Oil extracts are used for topical use - light rubbing in the area where the gland is located. It’s very simple to do: take crushed grass mixture or mono-plant in equal proportions and the same amount of vegetable oil. The extraction lasts a month in a warm and dark place. You can shake it. After a month, we express the oil and at night we do a pleasant massage of the thyroid gland, lubricating the neck with oil externally.

Most useful calendula oil— it perfectly relieves inflammation. Seed oil and celandine oil are also used.
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Juice treatment

Traditional medicine advises drinking beetroot, carrot, and lemon juice daily. Other juice mixtures are also used. See the recipes for their preparation below:
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We always start with a small dose - two teaspoons, and if there are no negative effects, we increase their intake.

New research by scientists on the connection between the gut and the brain in autoimmune diseases

Each of us from birth has a certain set of microorganisms. Few of us realize how dangerous a change in the intestinal microbiota can be.
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Almost 80% of autoimmune diseases are caused by this change in gut microflora. There is a direct connection between the gut microbiota and the brain, between microorganisms throughout our body and our behavior. It turns out that microbes throughout the body are responsible for some of the differences that exist between people.

For example, whether mosquitoes will bite us depends on what microorganisms live on our skin. Microorganisms on the skin secrete substances that mosquitoes react to. What microbes live in our intestines determines how toxic some painkillers will be to the liver and how effective heart medications will be.

The totality of all human microorganisms is, in fact, a separate organ in the human body.
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Microbes have a number of functions:

they help us digest food
they help train our immune system
they help us resist diseases
they influence our behavior

As part of the Human Microbiome Project (HMP), the National Institutes of Health (USA) spent $173 million to study microorganisms that live inside and outside humans. They created a map of the population of various microorganisms in the human body and conducted a series of experiments on changing the microbiota by moving from one person to another.

A number of studies have been conducted where changing the microbiota led to the disappearance of a number of diseases. First, experiments were carried out on mice, and then on human volunteers.

The gut microbiota is often attacked by pathogens. Microorganisms that are foreign to a given individual begin to intensively produce foreign signaling proteins, leading to a “war” of the immune system.

Various autoimmune diseases arise in exactly the same way, only the pathogen strains are different. Everything is solved by transplanting the intestinal microbiota, that is, taking microorganisms from a healthy person and transplanting them into patients with autoimmune diseases. Experiments have shown that a person can recover very quickly...

Almost fantastic! Is it true? But watch this video and a lot becomes reality! There is nothing specifically about autoimmune diseases, but there are a lot of examples with experiments on transplanting intestinal microbiota or vaginal flora. I just couldn’t help but share.

Another interesting fact is: if you are healthy, then even bad microflora, pathogenic, will be under the control of a healthy biomass of microorganisms and the disease will not be able to develop. There are microbes, but they are suppressed.

In this article, we examined autoimmune thyroiditis treatment using traditional methods of modern medicine, the possibility of using homeopathic medicines and herbal medicine from the arsenal of folk remedies, and most importantly, recommendations from alternative medicine about factors influencing the development of the disease and its treatment. You learned about the mechanism of AIT, its symptoms and diagnostic methods.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is an inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland, which usually has a chronic course.

This pathology is of autoimmune origin and is associated with damage and destruction of follicular cells and follicles of the thyroid gland under the influence of antithyroid autoantibodies. Typically, autoimmune thyroiditis does not have any manifestations in the initial stages; only in rare cases is there an enlargement of the thyroid gland.

This disease is the most common among all thyroid pathologies. Most often, autoimmune thyroiditis affects women over the age of 40, but the development of this disease at an earlier age is also possible; in rare cases, clinical signs of autoimmune thyroiditis occur even in childhood.

The second name for this disease is often heard - Hashimoto's thyroiditis (in honor of the Japanese scientist Hashimoto, who first described this pathology). But in reality, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is just a type of autoimmune thyroiditis, which includes several types.

Statistics

The incidence of the disease, according to various sources, varies from 1 to 4%; in the structure of thyroid pathology, autoimmune damage accounts for every 5–6th case. Women are much more likely (4–15 times) to suffer from autoimmune thyroiditis.

The average age of onset of a detailed clinical picture, indicated in the sources, varies significantly: according to some sources, it is 40–50 years, according to others – 60 and older, some authors indicate the age of 25–35 years. It is reliably known that in children the disease occurs extremely rarely, in 0.1–1% of cases.

Reasons for development

The main cause of this type of thyroiditis, as was established by the Japanese scientist Hakaru Hashimoto, is the body’s specific immune response. Most often, the immune system protects the human body from negative external factors, viruses and infections, producing special antibodies for these purposes. In some cases, due to an autoimmune failure, the immune system can attack the cells of its own body, including thyroid cells, which leads to their destruction.

According to experts, the main reason for this type of immune response is genetic predisposition, but there are other risk factors that can lead to the development of thyroiditis:

infectious diseases: it is during this period that the body’s immunity may fail, so in a child, for example, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis can be observed against the background of a previous infectious disease;
other autoimmune diseases: it is assumed that the patient’s body is characterized by this kind of reaction to its own cells;
Stressful situations can also cause problems with the immune system;
poor ecology in the place of permanent residence, including radioactive radiation: contributes to a general weakening of the body, its susceptibility to infections, which again can trigger a reaction of the immune system to its own tissues;
taking a certain set of medications that can affect the production of thyroid hormones;
lack or, on the contrary, excess of iodine in food, and therefore in the patient’s body;
smoking;
possible previous operations on the thyroid gland or chronic inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx.

Among other things, another risk factor is considered to be the gender and age of the patient: for example, women suffer from autoimmune thyroiditis several times more often than men, and the average age of patients ranges from 30 to 60 years, although in some cases the disease can be diagnosed in women under 30 years, as well as in children and adolescents.

Classification

Autoimmune thyroiditis can be divided into several diseases, although they all have the same nature:

1. Chronic thyroiditis (also known as lymphomatous thyroiditis, previously called Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto's goiter) develops due to a sharp increase in antibodies and a special form of lymphocytes (T-lymphocytes), which begin to destroy thyroid cells. As a result, the thyroid gland sharply reduces the amount of hormones produced. This phenomenon is called hypothyroidism by doctors. The disease has a clearly expressed genetic form, and the patient’s relatives very often have diabetes mellitus and various forms of thyroid disease.

2. Postpartum thyroiditis is the best studied due to the fact that this disease occurs more often than others. The disease occurs due to overload of the female body during pregnancy, as well as in the case of an existing predisposition. It is this relationship that leads to the fact that postpartum thyroiditis turns into destructive autoimmune thyroiditis.

3. Painless (silent) thyroiditis is similar to postpartum thyroiditis, but the reason for its appearance in patients has not yet been identified.

4. Cytokine-induced thyroiditis can occur in patients with hepatitis C or with a blood disorder if these diseases are treated with interferon.

Based on clinical manifestations and depending on changes in the size of the thyroid gland, autoimmune thyroiditis is divided into the following forms:

Latent – when there are no clinical symptoms, but immunological signs appear. In this form of the disease, the thyroid gland is either normal size or slightly enlarged. Its functions are not impaired and no compaction is observed in the body of the gland;
Hypertrophic – when the functions of the thyroid gland are disrupted, and its size increases, forming a goiter. If the increase in the size of the gland is uniform throughout the entire volume, then this is a diffuse form of the disease. If nodules form in the body of the gland, the disease is called a nodular form. However, there are frequent cases of simultaneous combination of both of these forms;
Atrophic - when the size of the thyroid gland is normal or even reduced, but the amount of hormones produced is sharply reduced. This picture of the disease is common for older people, and for young people - only in case of their radiation exposure.

Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis

It should be noted right away that autoimmune thyroiditis often occurs without pronounced symptoms and is detected only during an examination of the thyroid gland.

At the onset of the disease, in some cases throughout life, normal thyroid function may be maintained, the so-called state when the thyroid gland produces a normal amount of hormones. This condition is not dangerous and is normal; it only requires further dynamic monitoring.

Symptoms of the disease occur if, as a result of the destruction of thyroid cells, a decrease in its function occurs -. Often, at the very beginning of autoimmune thyroiditis, there is an increase in the function of the thyroid gland; it produces more hormones than normal. This condition is called thyrotoxicosis. Thyrotoxicosis may persist or may develop into hypothyroidism.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism vary.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis are:

Diagnostics

It is quite difficult to diagnose AIT before the onset of hypothyroidism. Endocrinologists make the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis based on the clinical picture and laboratory data. The presence of autoimmune disorders in other family members confirms the likelihood of autoimmune thyroiditis.

Laboratory tests for autoimmune thyroiditis include:

general blood test - an increase in the number of lymphocytes is determined
immunogram - characterized by the presence of antibodies to thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, second colloid antigen, antibodies to thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland
determination of T3 and T4 (total and free), TSH level in blood serum. An increased TSH level with a normal T4 level indicates subclinical hypothyroidism, an increased TSH level with a reduced T4 concentration indicates clinical hypothyroidism
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland - shows an increase or decrease in the size of the gland, changes in structure. The results of this study serve to complement the clinical picture and other laboratory results.
fine-needle biopsy of the thyroid gland - allows you to identify a large number of lymphocytes and other cells characteristic of autoimmune thyroiditis. It is used when there is evidence of possible malignant degeneration of a thyroid nodule.

The diagnostic criteria for autoimmune thyroiditis are:

increased levels of circulating antibodies to the thyroid gland (AT-TPO);
detection of hypoechogenicity of the thyroid gland by ultrasound;
signs of primary hypothyroidism.

In the absence of at least one of these criteria, the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis is only probabilistic. Since an increase in the level of AT-TPO, or the hypoechogenicity of the thyroid gland by itself does not prove autoimmune thyroiditis, this does not allow establishing an accurate diagnosis. Treatment is indicated for the patient only in the hypothyroid phase, therefore, as a rule, there is no urgent need to make a diagnosis in the euthyroid phase.

The worst thing you can expect: possible complications of thyroiditis

Different stages of thyroiditis have different complications. Thus, the hyperthyroid stage can be complicated by arrhythmia, heart failure, and even provoke myocardial infarction.

Hypothyroidism can cause:

infertility;
recurrent miscarriage;
congenital hypothyroidism in a newborn child;
dementia;
atherosclerosis;
depression;
myxedema, which looks like intolerance to the slightest cold, constant drowsiness. If in this state you administer sedatives, get severe stress, or get an infectious disease, you can provoke a hypothyroid coma.

Fortunately, this condition responds well to treatment and, if you take drugs in a dose adjusted to the level of hormones and AT-TPO, you can not feel the presence of the disease for a long time.

Why is thyroiditis dangerous during pregnancy?

The thyroid gland weighs only fifteen grams, but its influence on the processes occurring in the body is enormous. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland are involved in metabolism, the production of certain vitamins, and many vital processes.

Autoimmune thyroiditis provokes disruption of the thyroid gland in two thirds of cases. And pregnancy very often gives impetus to the worsening of the disease. With thyroiditis, the thyroid gland produces less hormones than it should. This disease is classified as an autoimmune disease. Thyroiditis differs from other thyroid diseases in that even the use of medications most often does not help increase the production of hormones. And these hormones are absolutely necessary for both the mother’s body and the baby’s developing body. Thyroiditis can cause disturbances in the formation of the nervous system in the unborn child.

During pregnancy, do not be negligent about a disease such as thyroiditis. The fact is that it is especially dangerous in the first trimester, when thyroiditis can provoke a miscarriage. According to research, forty-eight percent of women suffering from thyroiditis had a threatened miscarriage during pregnancy, and twelve and a half percent suffered from severe forms of toxicosis in the early stages.

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How to treat thyroiditis?

Treatment of the pathology is completely medicinal and depends on the stage at which autoimmune thyroiditis is. Treatment is prescribed regardless of age and does not stop even in case of pregnancy, of course, if there are necessary indications. The goal of therapy is to maintain thyroid hormones at their physiological level (monitoring indicators every six months, the first control should be carried out after 1.5-2 months).

At the stage of euthyroidism, drug treatment is not carried out.

Regarding the treatment tactics of the thyrotoxic stage, the decision is left to the doctor. Typically, thyreostatics like Mercazolil are not prescribed. Therapy is symptomatic: beta blockers are used (Anaprilin, Nebivolol, Atenolol); in case of severe psycho-emotional excitability, sedatives are prescribed. In the case of a thyrotoxic crisis, treatment in a hospital is carried out using injections of glucocorticoid hormones (Prednisolone, Dexamethasone). The same drugs are used when autoimmune thyroiditis is combined with subacute thyroiditis, but therapy is performed on an outpatient basis.

In the stage of hypothyroidism, synthetic T4 (thyroxine) called “L-thyroxine” or “Euthyrox” and, if there is a lack of triiodothyronine, its laboratory-created analogues are prescribed. The dosage of thyroxine for adults is 1.4-1.7 mcg/kg of weight, for children – up to 4 mcg/kg.

Thyroxine is prescribed to children if there is an increase in TSH and a normal or decreased T4 level, if the gland is enlarged by 30 percent or more of the age norm. If it is enlarged, its structure is heterogeneous, and AT-TPO is absent, iodine is prescribed in the form of potassium iodide at a dosage of 200 mcg/day.

When a diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis is made to a person living in an area with iodine deficiency, physiological doses of iodine are used: 100-200 mcg/day.

L-thyroxine is prescribed to pregnant women if TSH is more than 4 mU/l. If they only have AT-TPO and TSH is less than 2 mU/L, thyroxine is not used, but TSH levels are monitored every trimester. In the presence of AT-TPO and TSH 2-4 mU/l, L-thyroxine is needed in prophylactic doses.

If the thyroiditis is nodular, in which cancer cannot be excluded, or if the thyroid gland compresses the organs of the neck, significantly complicating breathing, surgical treatment is performed.

Nutrition

The diet should be normal in caloric content (energy value of at least 1500 kcal), and it is better if you calculate it according to Mary Chaumont: (weight * 25) minus 200 kcal.

The amount of protein should be increased to 3 g per kg of body weight, and saturated fats and easily digestible carbohydrates should be limited. You need to eat every 3 hours.

What you can eat:

vegetable dishes;
baked red fish;
fish fat;
liver: cod, pork, beef;
pasta;
dairy products;
legumes;
eggs;
butter;
porridge;
bread.

Salted, fried, spicy and smoked foods, alcohol and seasonings are excluded. Water – no more than 1.5 l/day.

You need fasting - once a week or 10 days - days on juices and fruits.

Folk remedies

Treatment with folk remedies for autoimmune thyroiditis is contraindicated. With this disease, you should generally refrain from any self-medication. Only an experienced doctor can prescribe adequate treatment in this case, and it must be carried out under the mandatory systematic supervision of tests.

Immunomodulators and immunostimulants are not recommended for use in autoimmune thyroiditis. It is very important to follow some principles of proper healthy eating, namely: eat more fruits and vegetables. During illness, as well as during periods of stress, emotional and physical stress, it is recommended to take microelements and vitamins containing the necessary microelements for the body (vitamin preparations such as Supradin, Centrum, Vitrum, etc.)

Forecast for life

Normal health and performance in patients can sometimes be maintained for 15 years or more, despite short-term exacerbations of the disease.

Autoimmune thyroiditis and increased levels of antibodies can be considered as a factor in the increased risk of hypothyroidism in the future, that is, a decrease in the amount of hormones produced by the gland.

In the case of postpartum thyroiditis, the risk of recurrence after another pregnancy is 70%. However, about 25–30% of women subsequently develop chronic autoimmune thyroiditis with the transition to persistent hypothyroidism.

Prevention

It is currently impossible to prevent the manifestation of acute or subacute thyroiditis using specific preventive measures.

Experts advise following general rules to help avoid a number of diseases. Regular hardening, timely therapy for diseases of the ears, throat, nose, teeth, and consumption of sufficient vitamins are important. A person who has had cases of autoimmune thyroiditis in his family should be very careful about his own health and consult a doctor at the first suspicion.

To avoid relapse of the disease, it is important to carefully follow all doctor’s instructions.

In medicine, there is a whole group of diseases, the occurrence of which is associated with disruption of the immune system. In this case, the body, for unknown reasons, begins to attack its own organs, damaging cells and tissues. These are autoimmune diseases. Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis, like other autoimmune diseases, is based on immunosuppression and hormone therapy. Autoimmune thyroid disease – autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) – is one of the most common autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis can be different, sometimes it manifests itself as a feeling of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, weakness, fatigue, and dry skin. Diagnosis is, in general, simple. Ultrasound helps to detect abnormalities in the thyroid hormones in the blood and the appearance of specific antibodies.

Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis involves prescribing hormonal therapy. And no one - neither doctors nor psychologists - can explain the reasons for the development of the disease. Why did the body suddenly turn against a certain type of cell? Why does the immune system, whose function is to resist harmful external factors, become a punisher for its native organs? Specific fighter cells - lymphocytes, created to suppress infection and cleanse organs of damaged cells, turn into aggressors, as if they had been zombified and turned to the enemy side.

Postpartum. It occurs more often than other forms. It occurs against the background of excessive stress on the female body during the period of bearing a child. Hereditary predisposition is also a provoking factor. Often the postpartum form progresses to a destructive form;
Painless, or silent. This type of disease is characterized by a course similar to the previous one, but the exact causes of its occurrence have not yet been established;
Cytokine-induced develops against the background of hepatitis C and blood diseases during treatment with interferon;
Autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland (Hashimoto's disease, or lymphatic) develops against the background of a sudden increase in the level of T-lymphocytes and antibodies that destroy gland cells. As a result, the latter produces fewer hormones necessary for the normal functioning of the body. A drop in thyroid hormone levels is medically called hypothyroidism. It is worth noting that the disorder has a pronounced genetic form. As a rule, close relatives have diabetes and varying degrees of thyroid damage.

Also in medicine, the disease is classified according to clinical manifestations and changes in the size of the endocrine system organ.

There are three forms:

Atrophic - the size of the thyroid gland is normal or slightly reduced, the amount of hormones produced is greatly reduced. A similar clinical picture is typical for elderly patients, as well as for young people in case of radiation exposure;
Hypertrophic - the functions of the organ are impaired, the size is increased to such an extent that a goiter is formed. When the increase in the size of the thyroid is equal throughout the entire volume, a diffuse form is stated. If nodes form in the body of the gland (uneven enlargement), the nodular form is diagnosed accordingly. Sometimes both of these forms occur at once;
Latent – complete absence of clinical symptoms, but immunological signs are observed. The organ has a standard size or is slightly enlarged. There are no compactions observed, all functions are preserved.

Causes

The list of causes of autoimmune thyroiditis almost completely coincides with the lists of causes of other benign diseases of the thyroid gland. According to the etiology (reasons for development and course), autoimmune thyropathies vary from an asymptomatic form to manifested in the form of hypothyroidism with a decrease in the volume of the thyroid gland - hypotrophy and hypoplasia (in some cases, the detection of antibodies to gland tissue is an accidental finding, in others it is a mandatory and expected laboratory sign ).

Asymptomatic (transient, painless) thyroiditis, which is not understood by specialists, attracts attention. This is a phenomenon of unknown etiology. In addition to the unknown causes of such thyroiditis, the mechanism of its origin, course and completion is also unknown - recovery with the disappearance of the main sign of autoimmune inflammation in the blood - antibodies. What does this phenomenon indicate? First of all, on the absence of aggression in a chronic autoimmune process and the temporary beneficial participation of the immune system? For reversibility and a real possibility of recovery? Or to the deep secrets of nature, which still hides from inquisitive specialists the mechanism of transition to chronic autoimmune thyroiditis?

Pregnancy and childbirth can also cause autoimmune activity with an increase in the titer of AT-TPO and AT-TG in the blood. It is known that the postpartum period often ends with a decrease and disappearance of the excess of such antibodies.

Causal factors and conditions include any excess stress on the body. Among them are mental stress, smoking, adaptive and re-adaptive stress, cold, lack of nutrition, radiation influences, etc.

During an autoimmune process in the thyroid gland, the body requires a physiological amount of iodine corresponding to the amount of compensatory tension of the gland. The idea of iodine saturation or satiety as the cause of autoimmune thyroiditis is erroneous.

Autoimmune thyroiditis: symptoms

Symptoms of thyroiditis are most often quite vague, and their set itself is associated with the specifics of the development of the disease.

Thus, it is customary to distinguish several types of thyroiditis with autoimmune etiology:

hyperplastic: characterized by increased size of the gland and the formation of a goiter;
atrophic: on the contrary, it involves a strong reduction in the size of the gland and inhibition of its functions;
focal: inflammation is local in nature, can affect only one lobe of the gland, nodes form;
postpartum: autoimmune thyroiditis can occur during pregnancy and several months after childbirth due to hormonal changes occurring in a woman’s body;
painful: the basis of the clinical picture of pain in the thyroid gland, which in general is not characteristic of this disease.

The development of autoimmune thyroiditis involves, at its different stages, the presence of manifestations that arise as a result of both an excess of thyroid hormones - thyrotoxicosis, and their deficiency - hypothyroidism.

Thyrotoxicosis, or excess levels of hormones, is observed in the early stages of the disease due to the fact that thyroid cells are destroyed and thyroid hormones enter the patient’s bloodstream, as well as due to the compensatory activity of the pituitary gland, which provokes the gland to produce more hormones.

Manifestations of thyrotoxicosis include symptoms from a variety of body systems:

cardiovascular: manifests itself in rapid heart rate (even with slight physical exertion), shortness of breath, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), often during sleep, in a certain body position; a feeling of heat (“blush” in the face and neck), sweating, and moist skin may also be observed;
nervous system: thus, trembling and cramps of the fingers and eyelids may be observed; deviations in the patient’s behavior (irritability, tearfulness, sudden mood swings, panic attacks, insomnia);
disruptions of metabolic processes caused by an increase in the amount of thyroid hormones, which tend to speed up the metabolic process, so there may be an increased feeling of hunger, weight loss with a good appetite;
increased fragility of nails and hair (hair can also split and fall out);
frequent, unformed stools are possible, and in women - disruptions in the menstrual cycle;
vision: decreased vision is possible, as well as protrusion of the eyeballs (protruding eyes), which is characteristic of excess thyroid hormones.

In the case of hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, it may increase to the point that it will be noticeable to the naked eye.

Further development of thyroiditis involves the gradual destruction of thyroid tissue and, as a consequence, a decrease in its function and hormone deficiency - a condition commonly called hypothyroidism. Many symptoms of hypothyroidism are caused by a slowdown in metabolic processes in the body.

Relatively specific manifestations of hypothyroidism include:

weight gain due to decreased metabolism;
specific swelling and puffiness of the face;
decreased elasticity of joints and tendons;
cold intolerance, constant chilliness;
hoarseness of voice;
dry and pale skin, the skin on the palms and elbows may become rougher;
apathy, forgetfulness, absent-mindedness.

It must be borne in mind that the described symptoms themselves are nonspecific and may not be an indicator of the presence of thyroiditis, which can only be accurately determined with the help of special diagnostics.

Diagnostics

Laboratory tests for autoimmune thyroiditis include:

general blood test - an increase in the number of lymphocytes is determined
immunogram - characterized by the presence of antibodies to thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, second colloid antigen, antibodies to thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland
determination of T3 and T4 (total and free), TSH level in blood serum. An increased TSH level with a normal T4 level indicates subclinical hypothyroidism, an increased TSH level with a reduced T4 concentration indicates clinical hypothyroidism
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland - shows an increase or decrease in the size of the gland, changes in structure. The results of this study serve to complement the clinical picture and other laboratory results.
fine-needle biopsy of the thyroid gland - allows you to identify a large number of lymphocytes and other cells characteristic of autoimmune thyroiditis. It is used when there is evidence of possible malignant degeneration of a thyroid nodule.

The diagnostic criteria for autoimmune thyroiditis are:

increased levels of circulating antibodies to the thyroid gland (AT-TPO);
detection of hypoechogenicity of the thyroid gland by ultrasound;
signs of primary hypothyroidism.

Autoimmune thyroiditis - treatment

We have to admit that there is no single protocol for the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis in conventional medicine. A generally accepted strategy for patient management is careful monitoring of well-being, regular laboratory tests and ultrasound of the thyroid gland. In addition, depending on the patient's condition, the doctor may choose one of the following strategies:

At the initial stage of the disease (when the thyroid gland is still overactive), hormonal replacement therapy is possible. Unfortunately, it is very likely that the patient will be forced to take them for life. Naturally, this cannot but affect the state of the body as a whole, since long-term use of any hormones is accompanied by numerous side effects. In addition, such treatment is exclusively symptomatic: it normalizes the functioning of the damaged thyroid gland, but does not in any way affect the activity of the immune system - that is, it does not affect the cause of the disease.

A milder option for drug treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis is herbal medicine. It is often prescribed simultaneously with hormonal therapy. Also, depending on the nature of the disease, additional medications may be prescribed: glucocorticoids, beta blockers, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins.

In the later stages of Hashimoto's disease, surgery is sometimes used to remove the thyroid gland. But this method is used only when the thyroid gland is greatly enlarged due to disease. As with hormone replacement therapy, this treatment does not have a positive effect on the immune system. Quite the opposite: after surgery, the autoimmune process usually becomes even more active. In addition, it is worth noting that removal of the thyroid gland leads to lifelong thyroid hormone deficiency - that is, the patient will most likely suffer from hypothyroidism throughout his life.

As a replacement for the radical methods of treating Hashimoto's disease described above, alternative methods, such as reflexology, can also be used. This can be traditional acupuncture, acupuncture, modern computer reflexology (exposure to ultra-low currents). In principle, such treatment can be indicated at any stage of the disease. But, probably, few doctors will take upon themselves the responsibility of recommending to a patient with severe negative symptoms the abandonment of classical methods of treatment in favor of an alternative one. In addition, reflexology sessions can be unpleasant (particularly for children).

Folk remedies for the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis

Home remedies for treating the disease are very effective and, if used in a timely manner, can completely solve the problem. In order to achieve the desired result, you should strictly follow the recommendations for using the medicine and not change its dosage and duration of therapy.

A tincture made from the roots of white cinquefoil is an excellent remedy for restoring the health of the thyroid gland. To obtain the medicine, you need to take 40 grams of well-crushed root and pour 2 glasses of very high-quality vodka. After this, the dishes with the drug must be placed in the dark to infuse for 14 days. During this period, the medicine is shaken every other day. After the infusion time has passed, the composition is filtered and taken 30 drops diluted in 2 tablespoons of milk, 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals. The course of such treatment lasts 30 days, after which a break of 1 week is required and the course is repeated. After 2 months of treatment, the symptoms of the disease completely disappear.

Wearing beads made of raw amber, which fit tightly to the neck, according to traditional healers, can help cope with autoimmune thyroiditis. There is no medical evidence of the effectiveness of this therapy, but it certainly will not cause harm.

Walnut tincture with honey also helps restore the health of the thyroid gland. In order to cope with the disease, you need to take 30 green nuts and, cut into 4 parts, pour them into a glass jar. After that, they are poured with 1 liter of vodka and added to the composition with 200 g of very high-quality flower honey. After mixing the medicine well, close it with a tight lid and leave to infuse for half a month in the dark. After this time, the drug is filtered and taken in the morning, 1 tablespoon 30 minutes before breakfast. One portion of the medicine is designed for 1 course of treatment. For healing, you should take at least 3 courses with a break of 10 days.

Schisandra allows you to restore normal functioning of the immune system and eliminate autoimmune thyroiditis. To obtain the medicine, you need to take 2 tablespoons of highly crushed leaves of the plant and pour 100 ml of alcohol with a strength of 70% over them. Infuse the product for 2 weeks in a dark place, shaking 4 times a day. After filtering, the composition is taken 1 hour before breakfast and lunch, 25 drops dissolved in a small amount of water. The duration of therapy, depending on the severity of the disease, can take from 1 week to 1 month. You should not take the drug in the afternoon, as this can lead to insomnia.

Cocklebur is also a natural cure for thyroid diseases. To obtain an effective remedy, you need to take 1 tablespoon of the herb and pour 500 ml of boiling water. After this, the medicine is put on the fire and, bringing to a boil, cook for 5 minutes. Immediately after removing from the heat, the composition is poured into a thermos and left for 4 hours. Next, the medicine is filtered and drunk throughout the day, divided into several servings. The duration of treatment is selected for each patient individually.

Ginger perfectly supports the thyroid gland and restores its health. In order to achieve the desired result, you should eat 1 teaspoon of ginger powder in the morning and evening and wash it down with 1 glass of milk. Duration of treatment – 1 month. A repeat course can be taken after six months.

Vegetable juices are also great in the fight against thyroiditis. In order to prepare a medicinal cocktail, you need to mix 150 ml of just squeezed carrot juice with 50 ml of celery juice and 50 ml of beet juice. After this, 25 ml of linseed oil is added to the drink. Take the medicine 1 glass 2 times a day for 2 months. Therapy can be repeated after a break of 14 days.

Cabbage and lemon juices also help. In order to carry out this treatment, you need to combine 120 ml of just squeezed cabbage juice with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. This medicine is taken morning and evening for 3 months. If necessary, you can repeat the course after a 30-day break.

Prevention methods

If high risks of developing autoimmune thyroiditis are identified, it is worth allocating a significant place in life to the prevention of this disease. First of all, people who are at risk need constant monitoring of their endocrinological profile. Patients with a predisposition or identified initial form should undergo annual examination. It is recommended to perform an ultrasound of the thyroid gland and donate blood for the presence of special markers. The attending physician can describe the course of prevention in more detail.

It is believed that for this disease and predisposition to the development of such an illness, a special diet can be effective. Although, it is worth emphasizing that in these cases it is not really a diet that is considered, but a special principle of nutrition. Mainly, a vitamin and mineral balance is needed. It is important to provide the body with sufficient levels of vitamins A, D, E, B. Particular attention should be paid to the consumption of iodine-containing foods and food components, including magnesium. In this case, the iodine norm must be agreed upon with the treating endocrinologist. In some situations, iodine intake should be minimal. It is believed that soy products and millet can cause goiter. To select a basic diet, you should consult a nutritionist.

Prognosis, possible complications

If treatment for autoimmune thyroiditis is started in a timely manner, the prognosis is considered favorable. Both drug therapy and surgical treatment methods can restore the functionality of the thyroid gland and normalize hormonal levels.

Even in the most advanced cases, it is possible to extend the period of remission up to 10-15 years. However, during this period, you must strictly follow all the doctor’s instructions, as there is a risk of exacerbations. To do this, you need to periodically take hormonal medications, eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle. Otherwise, complications develop.

The greatest likelihood of relapse of autoimmune thyroiditis occurs in the postpartum form of the disease. In almost 60-70% of all cases, the pathology occurs again with the onset of another pregnancy.

Possible complications:

arrhythmia and tachycardia;
heart failure;
strokes and myocardial infarction;
infertility;
inability to bear a child;
atherosclerosis and dementia;
chronic depression;
cold intolerance;
chronic drowsiness;
hypothyroid coma and crisis.