evidence: Thyroid Disease Hashimoto’s Disease Living with Hashimoto's Disease By Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Updated on January 15, 2024 Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Emotional Strategies Lifestyle Strategies Social Strategies Practical Strategies Summary Hashimoto's disease can be difficult to navigate because it affects so many aspects of your health and well-being. The condition can cause a range of problems, from unwanted weight gain to fuzzy thinking to sexual dysfunction. Studies have found that people with Hashimoto's disease are more likely to develop symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. What Is Hashimoto's Disease? Hashimoto's disease, also called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system creates antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. This process impairs the thyroid's ability to produce natural thyroid hormones, and it causes lower than normal thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism). Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, and low levels of these hormones result in a slow metabolism. Even though Hashimoto's disease is a chronic condition, it doesn't have to take over your life. With the right coping strategies, you can continue to thrive while keeping your condition under control.