Hashimoto’s Disease
Book a free consultation with us to see how our individualized treatment and protocol can help to address the symptoms of Hashimoto’s and improve your overall health.
Hashimoto’s Disease
What is Hashimoto’s Disease?
When the thyroid isn’t working like it should, you might notice changes in your appearance or how you feel. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, may be a result of Hashimoto’s Disease and requires medical attention to help you feel back to your normal self.
Hashimoto’s disease, also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid. As a result, the thyroid is not able to function normally, becomes underactive and produces fewer hormones. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, it can lead to a range of symptoms such as low energy, or changes in weight or mood.
Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, but the causes of the disease are not well understood. In general, Hashimoto’s disease is significantly more common in women than men, and often occurs in middle age. Hashimoto’s may have a genetic component and is also tied to other autoimmune conditions like celiac disease or rheumatoid arthritis. There is also some evidence that an immune trigger, like a virus, could contribute to the development of Hashimoto’s.
Hashimoto’s Signs & Symptoms
One of the first signs of Hashimoto’s can be an enlarged thyroid gland, called a goiter. This can make the neck looked swollen and can make swallowing feel unusual, but is not painful. As the disease progresses, other symptoms might become more obvious. Common symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease can include:
• Feeling tired
• Joint or muscle pain
• Weight gain
• Clouded thinking or memory problems
• A slowed heartrate
• Excessive menstrual bleeding or premenstrual syndrome symptoms
• Low mood
Diagnosis & Treatment
A formal diagnosis of Hashimoto’s can be done following a medical exam and blood work testing for specific antibodies. In some cases, a doctor may take an ultrasound of the thyroid to estimate the size and rule out any other conditions. The symptoms of Hashimoto’s can vary from person to person, and sometimes require going beyond traditional tests. At The Valley Thyroid Institute, we consider the unique needs of each patient to provide the best individualized treatment.
There are different ways to treat Hashimoto’s, depending on how the disease has progressed. For mild symptoms, it may be appropriate to monitor symptoms to see if the disease worsens. In many cases, patients are prescribed a medication that mimics the hormones normally produced by the thyroid. Medication can help the body return to it is normal level of functioning and can alleviate the symptoms of Hashimoto’s.
Every person is different, and treatment for Hashimoto’s Disease should be tailored to your lifestyle and symptoms. In many cases, a combination of treatment approaches is most effective. Holistic treatment for Hashimoto’s Disease can help you to find relief from symptoms and return to your normal energy levels and activities.
If you are suffering from symptoms that you think might be linked to hypothyroidism, book a free consultation with us to see how our individualized treatment and protocol can help to address the symptoms of Hashimoto’s and improve your overall health.
Thank you to Dr. Kajiki!