What is Hashimoto’s disease? Thyroid condition suffered by Gigi Hadid – here’s what we know

MODELS are often criticised for their tiny figures, and accused of setting a bad image for young girls.

Now Victoria's Secret beauty Gigi Hadid, 21, has revealed the cause of her shrinking frame - a thyroid condition called Hashimoto’s disease.

Bella's older sister, who is dating former One Direction singer Zayn Malik, said the condition caused her metabolism to 'change like crazy'.

Here we reveal everything you need to know about the Hashimoto's disease, following Gigi's revelation.

What is Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Thyroiditis refers to an inflammation or swelling of the thyroid gland, which can cause either unusually high or low levels of hormones in the blood.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland found in the neck - which produces hormones which control the body's growth and metabolism, affect the heart rate and metabolism, and help the body convert food into energy.

Hashimoto's is the most common form of thyroiditis.

It's an autoimmune condition which causes someone's immune system to mistakenly attack the thyroid gland.

This makes the thyroid gradually swell and become damaged.

A lump in the throat, known as a goitre, sometimes develops.

It can takes months or even years for the condition to be detected, because it progresses so slowly.

What are the causes of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's disease is thought to have a genetic link because it sometimes, but not always, runs in families.

It is also associated with other autoimmune conditions, such as Addison's disease and type 1 diabetes.

It is most common in women aged 30 to 50.

How is Hashimoto's thyroiditis treated?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis cannot be cured - and the low levels of hormones are often permanent.

However, the symptoms tend to be easily treted with thyroid hormone replacement medication levothyroxine, which usually has to be taken for life.

Surgery is rarely needed, unless the goitre is particularly uncomfortable or doctors suspect it is cancerous.

READ MORE

From puffy ankles to dry skin – 5 signs you could be suffering hidden health problems

Gigi Hadid reveals the reason why she’s so slim is due to a thyroid disease

What is alopecia and is there a cure for male pattern baldness?