Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
A functional medicine approach to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Looking for a Hashimoto’s disease specialist in Indiana? This page covers:
Understanding your condition
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and destruction of the thyroid tissue. This leads to the gradual impairment of the thyroid’s ability to produce essential hormones, resulting in hypothyroidism.
While Hashimoto’s is often confused with hypothyroidism, they are not the same condition. Hypothyroidism is simply a state of insufficient thyroid hormone production, which can stem from various underlying causes – including the thyroid damage caused by Hashimoto’s autoimmune attack. In fact, Hashimoto’s is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.
In Hashimoto’s, lymphocytes (white blood cells) and thyroid antibodies infiltrate and attack the thyroid gland on a cellular level, causing inflammation and destruction. This gradual process eventually undermines the thyroid’s normal hormone production, leading to the hypothyroid state.
Hashimoto’s disease
A natural treatment for hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Looking to treat your Hashimoto’s naturally? With autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s, a variety of factors can contribute to the condition, including genetic predisposition, dietary triggers, environmental exposures, hormonal imbalances, stress, and underlying infections from viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Research also links Hashimoto’s to compromised gut health.
That’s why our practitioner takes a holistic approach. She addresses not only the thyroid but also investigates and addresses the root causes and contributing factors. This allows us to help you find a more permanent solution for your thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis signs and symptoms.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is notoriously tricky to diagnose because the symptoms can be inconsistent and unpredictable. Often, the condition starts silently, with no noticeable symptoms until it has progressed and caused an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism.
Adding to the confusion, people with Hashimoto’s may also experience symptoms of an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, due to the autoimmune nature of the condition. This volatility can lead to misdiagnosis and delayed or improper treatment, which is frustrating for those living with Hashimoto’s.
One of the first signs of Hashimoto’s is typically a swollen thyroid gland, or goiter, at the front of the neck. Left untreated, the thyroid can gradually shrink over time as the cells are destroyed.
Overall, the varied and changing symptoms of Hashimoto’s make it a challenging condition to diagnose, which can be really difficult for those experiencing it. But being aware of the potential signs, like the thyroid swelling, can help people get the proper diagnosis and treatment they need.
Common symptoms.
Individuals with Hashimoto’s may experience a range of common symptoms, including:
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Leaky gut syndrome (increased intestinal permeability)
- Joint and muscle pain
- Sensitivity to cold
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Enlarged thyroid
- Hoarse voice
And unfortunately, the challenges don’t end there.
Other complications.
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism and many other bodily functions. When thyroid function is disrupted by Hashimoto’s disease, a wide range of complications can develop, including:
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Infertility
- Chronic constipation
- Hair loss
- Depression
- Slow heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Memory problems
Hashimoto’s can also lead to some rare but very serious complications if left untreated. These include:
Myxedema: This life-threatening condition causes drowsiness that progresses to profound lethargy and unconsciousness. A myxedema coma can be triggered by exposure to cold, sedatives, infection, or other stress. Myxedema is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Birth Defects: People with untreated hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s have a higher risk of having a child with birth defects, such as intellectual and developmental delays, cleft palate, and issues with the heart, brain, and kidneys. To prevent these complications, it’s important to check thyroid levels before conception and closely monitor them during pregnancy, allowing for appropriate medical intervention.
What causes Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common form of thyroiditis, affecting about 1 in 100 Americans. It is ten times more prevalent in women than in men.
People with a family history of thyroid disease or other autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease, and celiac disease, are at a higher risk of developing Hashimoto’s. In fact, those with an existing autoimmune disorder are more likely to develop additional autoimmune conditions over their lifetime – around 25% of people go on to have three or more.
The causes of Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune disorders are complex, involving genetic, dietary, environmental, stress, hormonal, and infectious factors. Researchers have found strong links between Hashimoto’s and impaired gut health, including food sensitivities, microbiome imbalances, and increased intestinal permeability.
Hashimoto’s and autoimmunity.
As mentioned earlier, certain autoimmune conditions can increase your risk of developing Hashimoto’s disease. These include:
- Addison’s disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Celiac disease
- Lupus
- Pernicious anemia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Type 1 diabetes
- Vitiligo
Additionally, other risk factors for Hashimoto’s include:
- Being a middle-aged female (between 40-60 years old)
- Having family members with Hashimoto’s or another autoimmune disorder
Natural vs conventional Hashimoto’s treatment.
The conventional approach to treating Hashimoto’s typically doesn’t address the underlying autoimmune condition. Instead, people with Hashimoto’s usually receive standard treatment for the hypothyroidism that develops as a secondary symptom.
Doctors use thyroid hormone and antibody testing to diagnose Hashimoto’s, and the conventional hypothyroidism treatment involves taking synthetic Levothyroxine.
Unfortunately, the conventional testing isn’t always sensitive enough to identify Hashimoto’s in its early stages, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
Throughout treatment, doctors should continue monitoring thyroid hormone levels closely and adjust the Levothyroxine dosage accordingly.
However, since this approach doesn’t target the autoimmune disorder itself, many people with Hashimoto’s may require synthetic thyroid hormone long-term, or even for life.
The BionwoRx functional medicine approach.
Natural treatment for Hashimoto’s disease.
Unlike the conventional approach that only addresses the thyroid, the functional medicine approach to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis focuses on finding and addressing the root causes and contributing factors of the underlying autoimmune disorder.
After comprehensive thyroid panel testing, our practitioner prioritizes supporting the immune system and restoring normal immune function. They also work to optimize thyroid performance. This proactive, whole-person approach aims to help the body regain homeostasis, which may enable the thyroid to resume normal function.
While some people have a greater genetic predisposition to Hashimoto’s that can’t be changed, there is usually a triggering event or environmental factor that leads to the condition’s development. Our practitioners collaborate with you to identify potential contributors such as bacterial overgrowth, lingering viruses, fungal infections, toxin overload, food sensitivities, heavy metal exposure, or mold.
Gut health and a diverse microbiome are directly related to immune function and thyroid wellness. We know that compromised intestinal barrier function, or “leaky gut,” can dysregulate the immune response and contribute to autoimmune conditions.
To support these aspects of your health, our practitioner may recommend personalized steps as part of your treatment plan.
Eliminate inflammatory foods and beverages.
Zonulin, a protein, can increase intestinal permeability and promote autoimmune disorders when the small intestine is exposed to gluten. As a result, our practitioner often recommends removing gluten-containing foods, as well as other potentially inflammatory items like alcohol, soft drinks, dairy, sugar, artificial ingredients, processed foods, and refined carbs. This personalized approach will look a bit different for each individual.
Increase nutrient-rich wholefoods and healthy fats.
Nourish your thyroid with foods rich in essential nutrients like selenium, zinc, iron, B vitamins, and vitamin A. Wholesome sources of healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, wild-caught fish, and sardines, also support thyroid function.
Nourish gut health.
First and foremost, reducing inflammation is the key to improving gut health. From there, we can focus on restoring healthy gut function and a diverse microbiome. Probiotics, supplements, and probiotic-rich foods like kombucha, kimchi, and broths can help, as can prebiotic-rich foods such as leeks, onions, and plantains.
Remove toxins.
Our daily routines unknowingly bombard us with a variety of toxins – from heavy metals and radiation to microparticles and other harmful substances. But the good news is, there are simple steps we can take to lighten this toxic load. By purging our homes of environmental toxins, opting for natural and organic personal care products, installing air and water filters, and steering clear of hazardous chemicals like perfumes (which can disrupt our hormones), we can significantly reduce the toxins entering our bodies. With a few proactive changes, we can better protect our health from the hazards lurking in our everyday lives.
Reduce stress.
Reducing stress is crucial for the well-being of those with autoimmune conditions. Chronic stress raises cortisol and disrupts other hormones like thyroid levels. Our functional medicine expert can help you create a personalized stress management plan. This may involve improving sleep, restorative yoga, meditation, spending more time outdoors, exercise, and mindfulness practices.
At BionwoRx, our healthcare practitioner offers various ways to support people with Hashimoto’s and underactive thyroid. The approach tailored for you will depend on your individual needs and findings. However, we strongly advise against self-diagnosis and treatment of Hashimoto’s, as it is a serious condition that requires professional medical care.
FAQs.
What are new treatments for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
The most advanced approach for managing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is functional medicine. This method investigates and addresses the root causes and contributing factors behind the condition, potentially leading to a more lasting solution.
With autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s, a variety of elements can play a role – including genetics, diet, environment, hormones, stress, and underlying infections. Researchers have also linked Hashimoto’s to poor gut health.
A functional medicine practitioner will thoroughly explore all these potential drivers in order to develop a personalized treatment plan for each individual. This comprehensive, patient-centered approach aims to provide a more effective, long-term resolution to the thyroid disorder.
How do I get a Hashimoto’s thyroiditis diagnosis?
Seeing an experienced endocrinologist or functional medicine practitioner is the best way to get an accurate Hashimoto’s diagnosis. This autoimmune condition can be notoriously tricky to identify because its symptoms are so variable and often silent in the early stages.
People with Hashimoto’s may experience an unpredictable mix of underactive thyroid (hypothyroid) and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid) symptoms. This fluctuation makes it easy for the condition to be missed or misdiagnosed, leading to delays in proper treatment.
An expert hormone specialist is your best bet for detecting Hashimoto’s, given the complex and shifting nature of the symptoms. They have the expertise to cut through the confusion and get you the right diagnosis and care plan.
How to manage Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
The conventional approach to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis only addresses the thyroid itself. In contrast, the functional medicine approach seeks to identify and address the underlying root causes and contributing factors behind the autoimmune disorder.
After comprehensive thyroid testing, the practitioner will focus on supporting the immune system and restoring normal immune function. They will also take steps to optimize thyroid health through personalized dietary and lifestyle recommendations. This holistic approach aims to provide lasting relief, rather than just managing the symptoms.
How long does Hashimoto’s thyroiditis last?
Unfortunately, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis will continue as long as the immune system remains impaired. This debilitating condition can last a lifetime unless a thyroidectomy is performed. Fortunately, functional medicine offers more advanced solutions that can fully address and restore thyroid health.