Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. Learn about the symptoms and signs of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and learn how doctors test for and treat the disease.
What is Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease (a disease involving the immune system) in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland (a small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck). When this happens, the thyroid gland cannot make thyroid hormone as well as it should. The body needs thyroid hormone for normal metabolism.
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