What is Hashimoto's? Crucial Info You Need To Know

What is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. The thyroid plays a key role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and hormonal balance. When the immune system targets the thyroid, it leads to inflammation, damage, and eventually, a decrease in thyroid function. This reduction in thyroid activity is known as hypothyroidism. There are two types of hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's is the autoimmune version, which over 90% of people with hypothyroidism have.

Common Symptoms of Hashimoto's

Fatigue is a very common symptom of Hashimoto's

Almost every cell in the body requires thyroid hormone to function and is why Hashimoto's can present with a wide range of symptoms. Many of which are often mistaken for other conditions or attributed to general stress or aging. The symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, depending on the severity of the thyroid dysfunction. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue: Persistent and unrelenting tiredness, even after adequate sleep.

• Weight Gain: Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, despite normal diet and exercise.

• Cold Sensitivity: Feeling unusually cold, especially in the hands and feet, poor circulation, low blood pressure and slow heartbeat.

• Dry Skin and Hair: Dry, brittle hair and skin, often accompanied by hair loss.

• Depression and Mood Changes: Feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety, or irritability.

• Cognitive Issues: Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, or "brain fog", headaches, poor balance, noise and light sensitivity.

• Digestive issues: bloating, constipation, gas, acid reflux, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nutritional deficiencies and food sensitivities.

• Muscle and Joint Pain: Aching muscles and joints, stiffness, or weakness. Slow movement, droopy eyelids, poor muscle endurance.

• Menstrual Irregularities: Heavy, prolonged, or irregular menstrual periods and infertility in women.

• Gallstones: poor bile flow, fat malabsorption, high cholesterol, fatty food intolerance, low vitamin A & D.

• Blood sugar imbalances: insulin resistance, hypoglycaemia (or both), diminished insulin response. 

• And many many more unfortunately!

  
  

These symptoms can develop slowly over time, making it easy to overlook the connection to thyroid dysfunction and see it more as ageing. This gradual onset is one reason why Hashimoto's often goes undiagnosed for years.

What Causes Hashimoto's?

Viral infections can trigger Hashimoto's

Functional medicine practitioners believe it to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Key contributing factors include:

• Genetics: A family history of thyroid disorders or other autoimmune diseases increases the risk of developing Hashimoto's.

• Environmental Triggers: Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to viruses, bacteria, or toxins, may trigger the onset of Hashimoto's in genetically predisposed individuals.

• Nutrient Deficiencies and Poor Diet: Deficiencies in key nutrients, such as selenium, zinc, and vitamin D, have been linked to an increased risk of autoimmune thyroid conditions. I also often see clients low in B vitamins, particularly B1, B6, B5, B3, B9, B12 as well as iron, iodine, magnesium, calcium, vitamin A, E, K, C and many others.

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty, can trigger or exacerbate Hashimoto's, particularly excess oestrogen.

• Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress can negatively impact immune function and gut health, potentially contributing to the development of autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's. 

• Adverse Childhood Events such as trauma is also common.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment of Hashimoto's are critical for preventing long-term complications and improving quality of life. Left untreated, Hashimoto's can lead to more severe hypothyroidism, which can result in heart disease, infertility, and mental health issues.

It is also well known, that having one autoimmune condition can put you at risk of developing others, even multiple conditions due to chronic inflammation and unresolved triggers.

The standard treatment for Hashimoto's focuses on replacing the missing thyroid hormone, but this approach doesn't address the underlying causes of the condition. While thyroid hormone replacement can temporarily regulate immune function and reduce inflammation, it doesn't stop the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland or support thyroid hormone conversion. As a result, symptoms often return, and patients may find themselves needing higher doses of medication over time. This is because the environmental triggers, imbalances in the body and root causes of the autoimmune response remain unaddressed.

The first step in diagnosing Hashimoto's is a thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. Blood tests are essential for confirming the diagnosis and typically include:

• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Elevated TSH levels indicate an under active thyroid.

• Free T4 and Free T3: These tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.

• Thyroid Antibodies: The presence of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies is a hallmark of Hashimoto's and confirms the autoimmune nature of the condition.

Once diagnosed, treatment usually involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy to restore normal hormone levels and alleviate symptoms. However, functional medicine practitioners take a more holistic approach, addressing not only hormone replacement but also lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors that triggered the disease in the first place. This comprehensive approach aims to reduce inflammation, support immune function, and optimise overall health.

Living with Hashimoto's: A Path to Wellness

You can reverse Hashimoto's with diet and lifestyle

Managing Hashimoto's requires ongoing care and attention to both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition. A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, regular physical activity, stress management techniques, and adequate sleep are all crucial components of a comprehensive treatment plan. Working with a functional medicine practitioner can help you tailor a personalised approach that addresses the root causes of your condition and supports long-term wellness.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a complex condition, but with the right knowledge, tools, and support, it is entirely possible to live a full and vibrant life. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and importance of early diagnosis and treatment, you can take proactive steps towards managing your condition and achieving optimal health.

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