Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder that destroys thyroid cells through an antibody-mediated process from the immune system. This disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The immune system mistakes the thyroid tissue as a potential threat, and begins to attack the gland through the formation of antithyroid antibodies that result in progressive fibrosis. This leads to inflammation and impaired ability of the thyroid gland to produce hormones.
Statistics About Hashimoto’s
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. In other countries the most common cause is due to iodine deficiency.
Research has shown that 79% of cases are due to genetic factors, while 21% are due to environmental and sex hormone influences
Hashimoto’s is more common in women, with an incidence of 0.8/1,000 men and 3.5/1,000 women
Women are four to 10x more likely to develop Hashimoto’s disease
Hashimoto’s is more common in individuals over the age of six
Hashimoto’s is most likely to occur in people between the ages of 40-60
Individuals with other autoimmune disorders are more likely to develop Hashimoto’s; including but not limited to, Celiac Disease, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, and Type 1 Diabetes
Lab Markers
The main hormones produced by the thyroid gland include an active hormone called triiodothyronine (T3) and an inactive thyroid hormone called thyroxine (T4). Common laboratory findings associated with Hashimoto’s are elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone, low thyroxine, along with increased thyroid peroxidase antibodies (the enzyme responsible for production of T3 and T4). There may also be additional antibodies such as antithyroglobulin (thyroglobulin is a thyroid hormone precursor) and TSH receptor blocking antibodies.
Disease Process Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s can be challenging. In the initial stages of Hashimoto’s Disease, there may be laboratory values, symptoms, and signs that suggest a hyperactive thyroid. This is because there may be intermittent destruction of the thyroid gland and the gland itself becomes enlarged and overactive. Signs of hyperthyroidism are associated with a hyperadrenergic and hypermetabolic state of the thyroid gland.
Common symptoms include weight loss, palpitations, tremors, heat intolerance, shortness of breath with physical activity, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, muscle weakness, increased frequency of bowel movements, menstrual irregularities, and hair loss.
Overtime, the thyroid gland loses too many cells to immune destruction and becomes hypoactive. This results in signs and symptoms associated with hypothyroidism include fatigue, lethargy, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, change in voice, dry skin, slowness of speech and movement, coarse and brittle hair, pallor, jaundice, dull facial expressions, macroglossia, bradycardia, decreased frequency of bowel movements, pericardial effusion, poor concentration, depression, and menstrual irregularities.
CFNC’s Approach
Our goal is to modulate the immune response and immune system so that your body can function as well as possible. We aim to do this through holistic means and treating the root cause of your condition. We run an extensive panel of lab work as part of our new patient exam process. Traditional doctors tend to evaluate just TSH, or include T3 or T4, but we know there is so much more to look at. The lab work that we run includes evaluating 11 different thyroid markers! This gives us a full picture of thyroid function.
We also conduct an extensive exam of the brain to understand if there are neurological factors involved. After all, everything (including immune function) starts in the brain. Once autoimmunity is at play there is no off switch, but we can dim the lights by working to regulate immune system function. This may be done through dietary and lifestyle changes, individualized supplementation, neurological rehabilitation, bemer therapy, mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, red or near infrared light therapy, or nutritional counseling.
If you are struggling with an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s, we encourage you to reach out to one of our offices so that we can help you!