Hashimoto's, The Root Cause?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the primary underlying cause of hypothyroidism. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks thyroid cells with white blood cells and antibodies.

Hashimoto's and autoimmunity

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is classified as an autoimmune condition, where the immune system erroneously targets healthy tissue rather than defending it.

In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, immune cells incorrectly attack the thyroid gland's healthy tissue, leading to inflammation.

When the autoimmune response from Hashimoto's thyroiditis disrupts the thyroid's ability to produce sufficient hormones for normal bodily functions, hypothyroidism develops.

Causes of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

The exact reasons why the immune system, designed to protect the body from infections, occasionally attacks its own healthy tissues in conditions like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis remain unclear.

There are theories suggesting that a viral or bacterial infection could potentially trigger this immune response. Additionally, genetic factors may play a role. The likelihood of developing the disorder may be influenced by a combination of factors such as family history, gender, and age.

The Effects Of Hashimoto's On Your Body

You might not notice signs or symptoms of Hashimoto's disease at first, or you may notice a swelling at the front of your throat (goiter). Hashimoto's disease typically progresses slowly over years and causes chronic thyroid damage, leading to a drop in thyroid hormone levels in your blood. The signs and symptoms are mainly those of hypothyroidism

Mental health issues

Low thyroid hormone levels can contribute to depression and sadness

Eyebrow thinning

Hypothyroidism can make you lose eyebrow hair. The hair loss usually starts at the outer edges of your brows.

Jaundice

Infant born with Hypothyroidism may have jaundice, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

High blood pressure

Low Thyroid hormones levels can increase blood pressure through interactions with the blood vessels and circulatory system

Slow metabolism

Too little thyroid hormone slows the body's metabolism, which can lead to weight gain

Stomach bloating

A lack of thyroid hormone slows the movement of food through your digestive tract, which can leave your belly bloated

Heartburn

Hypothyroidism slows digestion. This can lead to heartburn and other gastrointestinal issues

Dry skin

Low thyroid hormone levels directly affect the skin. This can cause a variety of changes, including dryness, thickening, and scaling

Weakness

Low thyroid hormone production can leave your muscles weak, achy or stiff

Brain fog

Hypothyroidism can affect your memory and your ability to think clearly. This mental fuzziness is sometimes called "brain fog"

Thinning hair

The effects of hypothyroidism can cause you to lose hair on your scalp, face and body

Peripheral neuropathy

Hypothyroidism can affect your memory and your ability to think clearly. This mental fuzziness is sometimes called "brain fog"

Goiter

A goiter is an abnormally enlarged thyroid gland that can happen in people with diseases like Hashimoto thyroiditis.

Heart attack risk

Hypothyroidism may increase cholesterol levels and narrow arteries. This could contribute to an increased risk of heart attack.

Gallstones

Hypothyroidism may increase your risk of gallstones, hard pieces made up of substances like cholesterol or bile that form in your gallbladder

Constipations

Slowed movement of food through your intestines can back up stool, making you constipated

Menstrual changes

Women with hypothyroidism may have irregular periods and changes in menstrual flow. Fertility can be affected too, making it harder to get pregnant

The Hashimoto's diagnostic

While Hashimoto's disease is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the United States, not everyone affected by the disorder will develop hypothyroidism. Diagnosis typically involves evaluating a combination of symptoms and conducting specific blood tests.

One crucial marker for detecting Hashimoto's disease is thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOab). These antibodies play a significant role because in Hashimoto's disease, they are used by the immune system to attack the thyroid gland. Therefore, the presence of TPO antibodies in your blood, such as through the Paloma home Thyroid Test for Hashimoto's, combined with low thyroid hormone levels and elevated TSH levels, strongly indicates the likelihood of this autoimmune condition.

RESEARCH-BACKED APPROACH

Don't Just Get Treatment, Get Solutions.

Two out of three people traditionally wait over a year with symptoms for diagnosis. Now, aided by modern testing, ThyroHealth doctors are trained in the leading care methods to get you feeling better - faster. Check your symptoms to determine how likely you may be to have hypothyroidism

Medications For Hashimoto's

Treatment for this condition depends on whether it has progressed to mild hypothyroidism, known as subclinical hypothyroidism, or overt hypothyroidism. The standard treatment is a daily thyroid hormone replacement, and there are lifestyle changes, supplements, and complementary alternative medicine options to consider as well.

T4 Medications

T4 medications, such as thyroxine, are common for treating hypothyroidism. They supplement thyroid hormone levels and are usually taken daily. Despite their widespread use, individual responses can differ. Monitoring is crucial for ensuring effectiveness.

Get Started

T4 + T3 Combination

T3, or triiodothyronine, plays a vital role in delivering oxygen and energy to cells, tissues, and glands in the body. This function is essential for overall metabolism and physiological processes. For individuals who have difficulty converting T4 into T3, supplementation with T3 medication can be beneficial.

Get Started

Natural Desiccated Thyroid

NDT, derived from pig or cow thyroid glands, provides both T3 and T4 hormones. Mimicking human thyroid hormone composition, it suits those who don't respond fully to synthetic T4 alone. With flexible dosing, it requires careful medical supervision for optimal management.

Get Started

Facts And Tips About Hashimoto's

Hashimoto's thyroiditis affects approximately 14 million people in the United States, making it the most prevalent form of thyroiditis and the most common disorder in the country.
The primary risk factor for developing Hashimoto's thyroiditis is having another autoimmune condition, such as type 1 diabetes.
Women are significantly more likely than men, with a seven-fold higher incidence, to develop Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Selenium has been shown to potentially lower thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, which contribute to thyroid damage when elevated.
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is the primary treatment option for Hashimoto's thyroiditis and is highly effective in managing the condition.
While there is no universally proven diet for treating Hashimoto's, dietary adjustments tailored to individual needs can be beneficial.