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The symptoms of this disease can include those associated with hypothyroidism in general, for example:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Thinning scalp hair
• Excessive dry skin
• Brittle finger and toenails

There are signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism that can be identified by a physician, though blood tests are often the most useful tools.

The best overall test to determine hypothyroidism is the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. TSH is produced in the brain and travels to the thyroid gland to stimulate the thyroid to produce and release more thyroid hormone. A high TSH level indicates that the body does not have enough thyroid hormone. If the TSH level is found to be too high, other tests are usually ordered to further investigate the problem. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies and other anti-thyroid antibodies are also commonly tested for when confirming a diagnosis of Hashimoto's.

Patients who are hypothyroid as a result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis are treated with thyroid hormone replacement. Though there is no cure, the disease can be managed relatively easily. Thyroid hormone replacement medications come in pill form, and when taken daily as prescribed by your physician, can reverse all ill effects of hypothyroidism within weeks. Thyroid hormone replacement for Hashimoto's thyroiditis is usually taken for the rest of a patient's life.

Sometimes, in mild cases, no treatment is necessary and the physician will just follow the patient on a regular basis to see if their condition is worsening and if thyroid hormone replacement is required.