Hashimotos vs. Lupus: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 21, 2024
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune thyroid disorder causing hypothyroidism, symbolizing self-attack, while Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs, signifying widespread inflammation.
Key Differences
Hashimoto's, primarily a thyroid-specific autoimmune condition, leads to hypothyroidism, characterized by an underactive thyroid. In contrast, Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
In Hashimoto's, the immune system specifically targets the thyroid gland, gradually destroying thyroid cells, resulting in decreased thyroid hormone production. Lupus, however, has a broader impact, where the immune system can attack different tissues throughout the body, causing a wide range of symptoms.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
The symptoms of Hashimoto's are mainly related to the slow metabolic rate due to low thyroid hormone levels, like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Lupus symptoms are more diverse and can include joint pain, skin rashes, fever, and organ damage, reflecting its systemic nature.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
Diagnosis of Hashimoto's typically involves checking for elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and antibodies against thyroid peroxidase. In contrast, diagnosing Lupus often requires a combination of blood tests, including antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests, and clinical evaluation of symptoms.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
Treatment for Hashimoto's usually focuses on hormone replacement therapy to compensate for reduced thyroid function. Lupus treatment, on the other hand, is more complex and may include anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and lifestyle modifications to manage the multifaceted symptoms.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Primary Affected Organ
Thyroid gland
Multiple organs (joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, etc.)
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Feb 21, 2024
Main Symptoms
Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance
Joint pain, skin rashes, fever, organ damage
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Feb 21, 2024
Diagnostic Tests
Elevated TSH levels, thyroid antibodies
ANA tests, clinical symptom evaluation
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
Treatment Approach
Hormone replacement therapy
Anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
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Hashimotos and Lupus Definitions
Hashimotos
Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.
Hashimotos often progresses slowly over years.
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Jan 16, 2024
Lupus
Diagnosed through a combination of blood tests and symptoms.
Her positive ANA test led to a Lupus diagnosis.
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Jan 16, 2024
Hashimotos
Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland.
Her fatigue was a symptom of Hashimotos.
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Jan 16, 2024
Lupus
A chronic autoimmune disease affecting multiple body systems.
Lupus can cause severe joint pain and fatigue.
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Jan 16, 2024
Hashimotos
A leading cause of hypothyroidism.
Many hypothyroid patients are found to have Hashimotos.
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Jan 16, 2024
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Lupus
Characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and remissions.
She was experiencing a flare-up of her Lupus.
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Jan 16, 2024
Hashimotos
Characterized by thyroid inflammation.
Thyroid inflammation in Hashimotos can lead to a swollen neck.
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Jan 16, 2024
Lupus
Can cause widespread inflammation and tissue damage.
The Lupus was affecting her kidneys.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Hashimotos
An autoimmune thyroiditis causing hypothyroidism.
After being diagnosed with Hashimotos, she began taking thyroid medication.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Lupus
A constellation of stars in the Southern Hemisphere near Centaurus and Scorpius.
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Jan 16, 2024
Lupus
(pathology) Any of a number of autoimmune diseases, the most common of which is systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Jan 16, 2024
Lupus
Originally, a cutaneous disease with the appearance of the skin having been gnawed, and occurring under two distinct forms. Now used as a generic term for over ten distinguishable diseases having visible cutaneous symptoms.
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Jan 16, 2024
Lupus
Affects more women than men.
Lupus is more common in women, especially of childbearing age.
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Jan 16, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What triggers Lupus?
Unknown; possibly genetics, environment, and hormones.
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Feb 21, 2024
Can Hashimotos be cured?
No cure, but treatable with thyroid hormone therapy.
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Feb 21, 2024
Is Lupus hereditary?
Genetics play a role, but it's not strictly hereditary.
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Feb 21, 2024
How does Lupus affect the body?
Causes widespread inflammation and tissue damage.
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Feb 21, 2024
Is pregnancy safe with Lupus?
Possible, but requires careful medical supervision.
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Feb 21, 2024
Can Lupus lead to other health problems?
Yes, like kidney disease, heart problems, and infections.
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Feb 21, 2024
Can Hashimotos lead to other illnesses?
Associated with other autoimmune conditions.
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Feb 21, 2024
Is Hashimotos just hypothyroidism?
It's a specific cause of hypothyroidism.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
Is diet important for Hashimotos?
Healthy diet can support thyroid function.
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Feb 21, 2024
What are common symptoms of Hashimotos?
Fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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