Thyroid - Part 4
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Just a few years ago this was a rare diagnosis, but thankfully many doctors are beginning to test for Hashimoto’s antibodies so more and more people are learning about the underlying cause of their hypothyroid symptoms. It’s easily found in a routine blood test, be sure to your doctor asks for it.
It’s also increasingly common. According to Dr. Aviva Romm (an expert in the field of hypothyroid and Hashimoto’s), 1 in 8 women can expect to get diagnosed in their lifetime, and up to 90% of hypothyroid issues are due to Hashimoto’s antibodies. Those are huge numbers!
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune condition and the most common cause of hypothyroidism. So, if your thyroid is low, it’s a worthwhile test.
With Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing inflammation (the “-itis” part of thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid). Over time, this can scar the thyroid and long-term medication may be needed to keep the thyroid functioning properly.
If you have a family history of thyroid issues or just suspect this might be an issue, try to get tested. Hashimoto’s antibodies begin to rise long before the thyroid starts to act funky.
Women are more at risk for Hashimoto’s than men (7x risk), and you’re also at a higher risk if you already have one auto-immune condition. Symptoms of Hashimoto’s are no different than hypothyroid symptoms, so the only way to know is through a blood test.
Sometimes, it can trigger an overactive thyroid at first –
When the thyroid is attacked by antibodies, it may at first make more thyroid hormones. This is called hashitoxicosis. This doesn’t happen to everyone, but it’s important to keep in mind in case you’ve suddenly started feeling these symptoms:
Not being able to handle heat
Fast heart rate
Sweating
Weight loss
Tremors
Anxiety
Normally, though, symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis are similar to all of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Like most auto-immune conditions, you don’t usually feel anything until the organ or joint that’s being attacked starts to struggle.
What triggers Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
While the research into Hashimoto’s is still new and early, the main culprits for high antibodies seem to be:
1. Gut triggered inflammation and leaky gut
2. Another auto-immune condition (especially Celiac Disease)
3. High stress & high cortisol (see Part 2 for more info)
4. Stealth infections, including Epstein-Barr Virus
5. Food triggers (like gluten, dairy, eggs, etc.)
6. Low zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A, selenium, and/or chromium
7. Possibly – aspartame and sucralose (new research has found a correlation)
Finding balance –
Everything I talk about in Part 5 will help calm down Hashimoto’s and it’s important to start there. If you’re concerned that your immune system could use some help so it stops attacking your thyroid, here’s a link to an immune-balancing guide ❤️.
There are a few underlying issues to work on (or consider working on) if you’ve received a Hashimoto’s diagnosis:
And,
- get tested for celiac disease and/or eliminate gluten to see if it reduces symptoms
- get tested for Epstein-Barr virus (causes Mono, but can stick around for decades)
Now, it’s time for the good stuff – how to find balance ❤️
Got any questions or comments? Comment below, jump to our private Facebook Group, or the Ask Lisa page :)