Understanding Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

WHAT IS HASHIMOTO’S THYROIDITIS? Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is also known as chronic lymphocytic

thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune disorder. This means you develop

antibodies that damage your thyroid gland. These antibodies cause inflammation

in your thyroid gland. Over time, the inflammation can cause your thyroid

gland to get bigger (goiter). have trouble making enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism).

In the United States, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

often runs in families. It occurs most commonly in women, but it can also affect men.

It is more common as you get older but can occur at any age, including in children.