Bollywood actor Arjun KapoorThe actor, who attracted attention with his performance in his last film, Singham Again, stated that he suffered from mild depression and Hasimoto’s disease. The actor admitted that he struggled with weight anxiety due to this disorder. He stated that his mother and sister Anshula Kapoor also suffer from the same autoimmune disease.

“I haven’t always brought this up, but I also have Hashimoto’s disease, which is an extension of the thyroid. It’s like I can get on a plane and gain weight because my body is suffering,” Arjun told The Hollywood Reporter. Let us know all about this autoimmune disorder, from causes to preventative measures:

What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck that regulates many important bodily activities, including metabolism (how your body uses energy). Hashimoto’s disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to become inflamed and less functional. Over time, this condition can cause an underactive thyroid, sometimes known as hypothyroidism.

Causes of Hashimoto’s disease

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder in which your body’s immune system destroys your cells and organs. Normally, your immune system protects your body against harmful external invaders such as bacteria and viruses. However, in Hashimoto’s disease the following occurs.

• For unexplained reasons, your immune system produces antibodies that target thyroid tissue.
• A large amount of white blood cells (especially lymphocytes) accumulate in your thyroid.
• This buildup causes inflammation (thyroiditis) and damages the thyroid.
• Over time, damage to your thyroid can prevent it from producing enough thyroid hormone for your body.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease

Some people with Hashimoto’s disease may have no symptoms at first. As the disease continues, your thyroid gland may become enlarged (known as a goiter). Goiter is a common early symptom of Hashimoto’s disease. It shouldn’t be painful, but it may cause a feeling of fullness in the lower part of your neck. It may cause the front of your neck to appear enlarged.

If Hashimoto’s disease turns into hypothyroidism, the following symptoms may develop over time:

• Fatigue (fatigue), drowsiness, and excessive sleepiness.
• Slight weight gain.
• Constipation.
• Dry skin.
• Feel cold.
• Lower than normal heart rate (bradycardia).
• Joint stiffness and muscle pain.
• Dry, brittle hair; slow hair growth or hair loss.
• Low or gloomy mood.
• Puffy eyes and face.
• Memory problems or difficulties concentrating.
• Menstrual periods may be heavy or irregular.
• Decreased libido.
• Female or male infertility.

Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease

Treatment for Hashimoto’s disease is determined by whether your thyroid is damaged enough to cause hypothyroidism. If you do not have hypothyroidism or have a minor case, your doctor may not prescribe medication and instead monitor your symptoms and thyroid hormone levels.

If you have hypothyroidism, you will be prescribed medication in the form of pills, gel capsules, or liquid to swallow. This medication, called levothyroxine, is a chemical or synthetic version of the natural thyroid hormone T-4 that aims to restore normal metabolism.

• Levothyroxine is available in various strengths. The exact dose prescribed by your doctor will depend on several factors, including:
• Variables to consider include age, weight, and severity of hypothyroidism.
• Other health problems.
• Other medications that may interact with synthetic thyroid hormones

Six to eight weeks after starting treatment, your doctor will perform a TSH test to check your thyroid function and verify that you are taking the appropriate dose. Once the correct dose is determined, testing will be done again six months later and one year later. There is no cure for Hashimoto’s disease, so you will need to use this prescription for the rest of your life.

(This article is for general information purposes, please consult a doctor before applying any remedy)

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