Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s Disease is most often found in women between ages 35 and 60. It is roughly 8 times more prevalent among women than men. An autoimmune disorder, Hashimoto’s involves the body’s own immune system waging war against the thyroid gland and its production of hormone.

When the thyroid is too damaged to produce enough hormone, medication is given. Roughly 90% of Hashimoto’s patients have TPOAb (thyroid peroxidase antibodies), and about 80% have TgAb (thyroglobulin antibodies). Though 10-20% of the population have some thyroid antibodies, anyone with Hashimoto’s will have a greater number. Sometimes, a bacterial infection like H. Pylori; a viral infection like mononucleosis, usually caused by the Epstein Barr Virus; or a parasite like Blastocystis Hominis will trigger an autoimmune disorder, like Hashimoto’s Disease.

About 95% of patients with chronic hypothyroidism actually have Hashimoto’s Disease,,but many don’t know it, because doctors often fail to test for autoimmunity. The extent of their care is prescribing thyroid hormone.

Though thyroid medication is often necessary, inflammation from autoimmune cytokines may block this hormone from getting to thyroid-hormone receptors in cells and resolving symptoms. Taking more thyroid hormone will not solve this problem.

Functional Medicine focuses on lowering the fire of an overreacting immune system. Dr. Kajiki uses lab tests to assess these areas: GI problems; immune-system overreactions; chronic inflammation (homocysteine); hidden infections; liver problems; exposure to toxins; food/chemical sensitivities; blood-sugar instability; adrenal gland dysfunction; structural weakness; and hormonal imbalances.

Every patient is different, and tests will reveal specific triggers—something in the person’s physiology, diet or environment that is overstimulating the immune system and making low-thyroid symptoms worse (see Hypothyroid Symptoms, Thyroid-Related Problems).

Addressing these triggers may involve taking anti-inflammatory aids, enzymes and herbs; eliminating or adding certain foods; and changing lifestyle to lower stress and avoid whatever toxins are irritating the system. Individual care means that no two people receive the same protocol, even if their symptoms are similar.