Fact 7. Hashimoto’s often Goes Undiagnosed
Despite being a common condition, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis often goes undiagnosed. This is primarily due to the subtle nature of its symptoms and their overlap with symptoms of other conditions.
In the early stages of Hashimoto’s, you may not notice any symptoms. The disease progresses slowly over several years and causes chronic damage to the thyroid, leading to a drop in thyroid hormone levels.
Even as the disease advances, the symptoms are often vague and can be easily mistaken for other conditions. They may be associated with aging, depression, menopause, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Common symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and dry skin are often overlooked or attributed to lifestyle factors. More specific symptoms such as an enlarged thyroid (goiter) or decreased heart rate might not show until the disease has significantly progressed. (7)
