If you cannot lose weight no matter what you do and feel constantly lethargic, this disease might be the reason!

Complaints such as constant fatigue, feeling cold, and inability to lose weight may be signs of Hashimoto's disease. Dr. Zeynep Ece Demirbaş, a specialist at Acıbadem Kartal Hospital, says the disease is becoming more common among young people and can lead to serious problems if left untreated.

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If you cannot lose weight no matter what you do and feel constantly lethargic, this disease might be the reason!

Hashimoto's disease, which can often go unnoticed because it develops slowly and progresses insidiously, is defined as an autoimmune disease in which the immune system targets and inflames the thyroid gland.

Zeynep Ece Demirbaş states that this condition leads to damage to the thyroid gland and usually a decrease in hormone production, adding: “As a result, hypothyroidism develops and the metabolism slows down. There are many people in our country who have Hashimoto's thyroiditis but are unaware of it. Since symptoms usually develop slowly, the disease may go unnoticed. There are also patients who have antibodies against the thyroid gland but do not develop a clear picture of hypothyroidism.

When left untreated, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can lead to severe hypothyroidism, cardiovascular diseases, infertility, and even a condition known as 'myxedema coma,' which is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening,” she says. However, emphasizing that Hashimoto's thyroiditis can be brought under control with early diagnosis and proper treatment, Dr. Demirbaş stresses that using medication correctly and regularly is of great importance in treatment, and that dose adjustments must be made through regular check-ups.

THE MOST COMMON IMMUNE SYSTEM DISEASE!

“It is known that approximately one in every 1000 people in our country has Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Hashimoto's is the most common of all autoimmune diseases. While it appears more frequently in middle-aged women, it can also be seen in all age groups, including children and adolescents, and in men. This disease often causes hypothyroidism, but hyperthyroidism (overproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland) can rarely be seen. In some patients, thyroid functions may remain normal because the remaining healthy thyroid tissue can produce enough hormones. Although public awareness of Hashimoto's disease is gradually increasing, it is still not at a sufficient level. So much so that complaints such as lethargy, fatigue, and weight gain caused by Hashimoto's can be ignored by attributing them to other diseases.”

UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE HABITS CAN ALSO BE A CAUSE!

“In our country, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is seen in approximately one in every 10 women due to factors such as excessive iodine consumption, smoking, increased stress levels, growing up in overly sterile environments, changes in dietary habits, and exposure to chemical toxins. It is observed 7-10 times more frequently in women than in men. In recent years, the disease has also been seen in young people. There is an increase in the frequency of autoimmune diseases all over the world.”