Autoimmune Thyroiditis Shifting from Hashimoto's Thyroiditis to Graves' Disease and the Potential Benefit of...

The thyroid is essential for the metabolic processes in the body, and its imbalance can cause acute and chronic health issues. Autoimmune thyroid disease includes both Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD). HT is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, while GD is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Persons with autoimmune thyroid disease can have antibodies for both conditions. It is common for people with GD to transition to a hypothyroid state. However, as in this case report, a transition from HT to GD can also occur, although less commonly, and can be difficult to predict. Triggers for the transition from GD to HT may include thyroid hormone therapy, immune changes, micronutrient deficiencies, and stress, and is likely multifactorial. Selenium has been proven beneficial in autoimmune thyroid disease (both HT and GD) and could be a low-risk option in preventing the transition from HT to GD, as is suggested by the results in this case presentation. However, more research is warranted.