Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is a thyroid disease more commonly referred to as Hashimoto's disease. This condition is most frequently diagnosed in women and affects up to 5 percent of adults in Western countries, such as the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis have low levels of thyroid hormone in their bodies due to persistent swelling and inflammation of their thyroid gland. Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis symptoms can be uncomfortable and people should seek care from a doctor if such symptoms emerge.
Fatigue, Muscle Aches or Depression
Symptoms of fatigue, muscle aches or depression can arise in people with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, MayoClinic.com reports. Affected people can have difficulty completing normal daily tasks at work or school due to sluggishness, disinterest or body discomfort.
Goiter
Prolonged swelling of the thyroid may cause this gland to protrude from the base of the front of the neck, a symptom called goiter, the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service explains. Typically, the enlarged thyroid gland is not painful, but it can be embarrassing to affected people.
Unintended Weight Gain
The thyroid hormone is involved in maintaining a person's normal metabolism. If the levels of this hormone are unusually low due to chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, people can experience unintended weight gain as a symptom of this condition, FamilyDoctor.org explains. Weight gain can cause a person's face to appear unusually round or puffy. Unintended weight changes can arise even if people maintain an exercise routine and healthy diet.
Joint Pain
Persistent joint pain is a symptom of this condition. Affected people can experience joint swelling, stiffness or pain, which can interfere with their ability to move about normally.
Cold Sensitivity
The thyroid hormone is also involved in body temperature regulation. Low levels of thyroid hormone can cause people with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis to become unusually sensitive to cold temperatures, the UMMC reports. Affected people may frequently complain of being cold or may have cold hands or feet, even if they are in warm or temperate climates.
Dry Skin or Hair Loss
Dry, irritated, pale patches of skin can appear across a person's body as a symptom of this thyroid disease, MayoClinic.com reports. Certain people can also notice that the hair across their scalp appears unusually dry, thin or sparse due to hair loss symptoms.
Constipation
A decreased metabolism due to low thyroid hormone levels can result in constipation symptoms in certain people. Constipation is characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements that may be accompanied by abdominal cramping or pain.
Menstrual Cycle Abnormalites
Women with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis can experience menstrual cycle abnormalities as symptoms of this condition, WomensHealth.gov reports. A woman's menstrual period can become irregular or may be unusually heavy. Any type of menstrual cycle changes should be discussed with a medical professional.
