FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam 2026 - Free NABP Practice Questions and Study Guide

One of the primary effects of Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an enlarged thyroid gland, a condition known as goiter. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and often resulting in its enlargement. This autoimmune disorder can disrupt normal thyroid function, typically leading to hypothyroidism (decreased hormone production) over time.

Enlargement of the thyroid gland occurs as a response to the body's attempt to compensate for the destruction of thyroid tissue. The increased inflammation triggers mechanisms that promote growth in the gland, thereby maintaining hormone levels for as long as possible.

In contrast, increased thyroid hormone production is not a hallmark of Hashimoto's disease; rather, the condition often leads to decreased hormone production as the disease progresses. Excess cortisol production is related to other conditions such as Cushing's syndrome, and while obesity can occur with hypothyroidism due to lower metabolic rates, it is not a direct effect of Hashimoto's thyroiditis alone. Thus, the focus on the enlargement of the thyroid gland aligns directly with the primary pathological changes induced by this autoimmune condition.