Hashimoto's disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that gradually destroys the thyroid gland, often leading to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Its seriousness varies widely:
- Many people have mild or no symptoms initially, but over time, most develop hypothyroidism, which causes symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, constipation, hair thinning, depression, and cold intolerance.
- If untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as high cholesterol, heart disease, myxedema (a rare life-threatening condition), and infertility issues.
- Severe untreated hypothyroidism can even result in myxedema coma, a medical emergency with risk of death.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine) usually manage the condition well, leading to a good prognosis for most patients.
- Rarely, long-standing Hashimoto’s can be associated with increased risk of thyroid lymphoma.
In summary, while Hashimoto's disease can be serious if untreated or in severe cases, with timely treatment it is generally manageable and not life- threatening for most people.
