Therapy in Mainz: Depression, menopause or Hashimoto?

Many women are at a loss. ‘What’s wrong with me?’ they ask themselves. ‘What’s wrong with me?’ Is it depression, am I already going through the menopause? Mood swings are often accompanied by tiredness, sleep disorders, hair loss, lack of drive and sluggish digestion. Many people live with these symptoms for years without really knowing what is wrong with them. ‘Often,’ says Mainz-based endocrinologist Prof Dr Christian Wüster, ’these are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Whether a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland is actually present can be determined definitively, especially after a blood test.’ By talking to the patient, the endocrinologist can find out further information – for example about cases of the disease in the family.

Mainz endocrinologist Prof Wüster: Blood test for suspected Hashimoto’s disease

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is anything but rare. It is assumed that around ten per cent of the population have corresponding antibodies in their blood. It is the most common autoimmune disease in Germany. The risk of developing the disease increases with age. Women in particular are affected by thyroid disease – the probability is five times higher in women. As the symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occur in women at the age of menopause, the autoimmune disease is often not even recognised.

In addition, the disease progresses gradually. Menopause or depression are too quickly blamed as the cause of the symptoms.

‘Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is easy to get under control,’ says Prof Wüster/Mainz

‘Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is easy to get under control. It is important to restore the patient’s quality of life quickly,’ says endocrinologist Prof Dr Christian Wüster. In addition to hormone therapy, a reorganisation of lifestyle and living environment can support the therapy well. This requires co-operation between doctor and patient. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a misdirected immune system destroys the thyroid gland. The result is a hormone system that is completely out of balance. The name of the thyroid disease refers to Hakaru Hashimoto (1881 to 1934), a pathologist who was scientifically active in Berlin and Göttingen, among other places. The causes of the autoimmune disease cannot be clearly determined. Rather, it can be assumed that numerous factors in an individual interplay trigger the disease or are able to support its progression. Further information can be found at www.Prof-Wuester.de and during the consultation hours of the Mainz endocrinologist.

Image on the topic of menopause or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, women and endocrinology: © Alliance/Fotolia