What does Hashimoto's thyroiditis mean?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto's disease or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune thyroid disorder. It is primarily caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking thyroid tissue, leading to painless enlargement of the thyroid gland and hypothyroidism. A minority of patients may develop hyperthyroidism. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is one of the most common types of thyroiditis encountered in clinical practice. It predominantly affects women between the ages of 30 and 50 and is characterized by a long disease duration with slow progression. Common symptoms include goiter, fatigue, weight changes, emotional instability, and skin problems. Treatment options include general management, medication, and surgery; however, the condition cannot be cured.