What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis? Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland that occurs more frequently in women and has a genetic susceptibility and family aggregation. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is insidious and progresses very slowly, mostly without symptoms, and is often discovered inadvertently or during a physical examination. Some patients present with a thickened neck and a diffusely enlarged thyroid gland on ultrasound, accompanied by pharyngeal discomfort or mild dysphagia, and sometimes a feeling of neck pressure. Most people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have normal thyroid function, manifested only by elevated thyroid antibodies (especially TPOAb and TgAb), but as the disease progresses and inflammation continues to destroy the thyroid follicles, about half of patients will eventually develop hypothyroidism, manifested by fear of cold, bradycardia, constipation, and swelling. In order to clarify Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the following tests are usually required: 1) Thyroid function: In the early stages of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid function is mostly normal (T3, T4 and TSH are within normal levels); as the disease progresses, blood TSH gradually increases, while T3 and T4 remain at normal levels, i.e., it becomes subclinical hypothyroidism; as the disease progresses further, thyroid function manifests As the disease progresses, the thyroid function will become hypothyroid (i.e., T3 and T4 decrease and TSH increases). 2) Thyroid autoantibodies: TgAb and TPOAb are significantly elevated, which is one of the characteristics of this disease. In addition, thyroid ultrasonography shows an enlarged thyroid gland with diffuse, heterogeneous hypoechoic changes. How is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis treated? Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is not usually treated surgically. Once the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is confirmed, treatment is determined by thyroid hormone levels and the presence or absence of symptoms. When hypothyroidism occurs, thyroxine tablet replacement therapy is required, starting with a small dose and gradually increasing it until the TSH is reduced to the target value. For Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with elevated antibodies, no treatment is needed, but thyroid hormone levels need to be rechecked every six months to a year to prevent the development of hypothyroidism.