Addison's Disease and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
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Addison's disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis are two different, but related, medical conditions that can occur in the same person. Both are autoimmune disorders in which the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Addison's disease is an endocrine disorder that affects the adrenal glands, while Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland.
Can You Have Addison's and Hashimoto's?
Yes, it is possible to have both Addison's disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis at the same time. In fact, it is believed that about 25% of people with Addison's disease also have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. While both conditions are autoimmune disorders, the underlying cause of each disorder is different, so it is possible to have both of them.
How Are Addison's Disease and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Diagnosed?
Addison's disease is typically diagnosed based on the presence of certain signs and symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, weight loss, and darkening of the skin. A blood test can help confirm the diagnosis.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is usually diagnosed based on the presence of certain signs and symptoms, such as fatigue, weight gain, and an enlarged thyroid gland. A blood test can help confirm the diagnosis.
How Are Addison's Disease and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Treated?
The treatment for Addison's disease usually involves taking hormone replacement therapy, which replaces the hormones the adrenal glands are not producing.
The treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis usually involves taking thyroid hormone replacement medication, which replaces the hormones the thyroid gland is not producing.
Can Addison's Disease and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent Addison's disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, it is important to manage any autoimmune condition you may have, as this can help reduce the risk of developing other autoimmune disorders.