When the thyroid isn’t working like it should, you might notice changes in your appearance or how you feel. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, may be a result of Hashimoto’s Disease and requires medical attention to help you feel back to your normal self.

Hashimoto’s disease, also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid. As a result, the thyroid is not able to function normally, becomes underactive and produces fewer hormones. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, it can lead to a range of symptoms such as low energy, or changes in weight or mood.

Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, but the causes of the disease are not well understood. In general, Hashimoto’s disease is significantly more common in women than men, and often occurs in middle age. Hashimoto’s may have a genetic component and is also tied to other autoimmune conditions like celiac disease or rheumatoid arthritis. There is also some evidence that an immune trigger, like a virus, could contribute to the development of Hashimoto’s.