Hashimoto

Hashimoto is an autoimmune thyroid disease in which the body produces antibodies against its own thyroid tissue, thereby destroying the thyroid gland. This often causes the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as slow heartbeat (bradycardia), constipation, fatigue and weight gain. In some cases, however, the disease also proceeds without symptoms.

The thyroid gland can produce no or less thyroid hormones as a result of the destruction, which is why it may be necessary to take the hormones in tablet form. This often helps to stabilize the patient’s metabolic situation. As a rule, this requires a lifelong intake of L-thyroxine.

Graves’ disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body produces antibodies that are directed against structures of the own body. In Graves’ disease, antibodies are produced that bind to a receptor of the thyroid gland tissue and lead to activation there.

The thyroid gland then releases hormones that intervene in the metabolism. This leads to an increase in the general level of activity and often manifests itself in palpitations, high blood pressure, increased sweating and weight loss. In addition, there is a general restlessness.

Patients are often conspicuous by protruding eyes (exophthalmos). As therapy, thyrostatic drugs can be taken to reduce the activity of the thyroid gland. Under this therapy the disease often regresses. If this is not the case and Graves’ disease leads to symptoms, a thyroidectomy may be necessary and useful.

Thyroid gland removal during pregnancy

Thyroidectomy, like any other surgery, should not be performed during pregnancy if possible. Unexpected complications can always occur, which may endanger the baby. If Graves’ disease exists, women should generally be advised against pregnancy, as the necessary medication leads to more frequent than normal early abortions.

In addition, antibodies are transmitted to the unborn baby, which can have severe effects on the growth of the child. After thyroidectomy, there are no concerns about pregnancy if the replacement hormone therapy is well adjusted. Only if the removal was performed due to a malignant tumor and is followed by therapy with radioactive iodine, no pregnancy should occur in the next 6 months.