Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis – Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland causing damage and a low production of the thyroid stimulating hormone. This damage created to the thryoid causes a trigger effect pushing the thyroid to try over-production resulting in thyroid nodules and additional symptoms.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is also called: Hashimoto’s, Hypothyroidis, Lymphocytic Thyroiditis
About Hashimoto’s
This condition tends to run in families. Over time, the ability of the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones often becomes impaired and leads to a gradual decline in function and eventually an underactive thyroid. Also known as Hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis autoimmune disease is most commonly found in teen girls and middle aged women.
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
+ Fatigue
+ Weight Gain
+ Brain Fog
+ Insomnia
+ Anxiety
+ Dry Skin
+ Brittle Hair/Nails/Skin
+ Muscle Pain
+ Memory Issues
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Diagnosis
SPECIALISTS
+ Endocrinologists
+ Primary Care (Functional Medicine)
+ Osteopathic Doctors
+ Health Coaches
+ Nutritionists
BLOOD TESTS
+ TSH
+ FREE T4
+ FREE T3
+ REVERSE T3
+ TPOab
+ TGab
+ all 4 iron labs
+ electrolyte panel,
+ B12,
+ Vitamin D3
+ saliva cortisol (at least every 6 months)
+ thyroid ultrasound (1x/year)
Hashimoto’s Thryoiditis Treatment
Hashimoto’s is not a one size fits all disease and therefore medication can be depending on what works best for the patient. MOST patients will do well on a Natural desiccated Thyroid hormone (NDT) containing T4+T3, some may need additional T3 in addition to their T4 regimen, Low Dose Naltrexone is great for autoimmune diseases as it helps squelch the inflammation. Supplements are also dependent on each patient; it is best to test before taking any supplements. Most Hashi’s patients will be deficient in Vitamin D.
Getting optimized on your thyroid medications is major. However, in order for thyroid to be optimized, your adrenals must also be in great shape. Usually, adrenals and thyroid tie together. Thyroid hormones need cortisol, therefore, it is important to test both.
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is another medication that has been instrumental in the treatment of most autoimmune diseases. LDN increases endorphins in the body. Patients with autoimmune diseases often have low levels of endorphins and LDN acts as a immune system modulator. Food is medicine – therefore, patients who have Hashimoto’s should avoid gluten and dairy because of the molecular mimicry that gluten and dairy mirror thyroid antibodies.
Most patients will have gut issues ; heal your gut as 80% of the immune system lives in the gut! Sleep is important ! Sleep helps the body to heal. Try to get to bed by 10pm. Wear blue blocking glasses or twilight glasses to block the blue light from TVs, phones, computer screens. As we all know, STRESS causes us to flare up. Incorporate meditation, find a community/group of friends who support you, rest and listen to your body. Remember, autoimmune diseases is a reaction to your immune system and should be treated using a whole system approach, not just a symptoms approach.
Ask Questions about Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
KIM
ABOUT | I have been diagnosed w/ Hashimoto’s since 2011. I am a stay at home mom and have a 10 year old son. In between researching the heck out of Hashimoto’s, I enjoy traveling , throwing parties, and being active in my community and through my charity that provides needs to orphans.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES | Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
