Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto's disease or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder that affects both the thyroid gland and the body as a whole. In Hashimoto's, the body's immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the thyroid tissue, resulting in chronic inflammation and gradual damage to the thyroid. This can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by an inadequate production of thyroid hormones—specifically thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)—which are vital for regulating metabolism and various bodily functions.
Clinical Signs and Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction:
Fatigue: Persistent fatigue, often accompanied by a feeling of sluggishness, is a prevalent and prominent symptom.
Weight Gain: Individuals with Hashimoto's may experience unexplained weight gain or struggle to lose weight despite dietary and exercise efforts.
Cold Sensitivity: Sensitivity to cold temperatures and an intolerance to cold weather are commonly reported.
Depression: Mood changes, including depression and feelings of sadness, can be associated with Hashimoto's.
Muscle and Joint Pain: Muscle and joint pain, stiffness, and weakness are frequent complaints.
Dry Skin and Hair: Dry skin, brittle nails, and thinning, brittle hair are common symptoms.
Constipation: Sluggish digestion and constipation may occur.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Women with Hashimoto's may experience irregular or heavy menstrual periods.
Hoarseness: Hoarseness or changes in voice quality can result from thyroid gland enlargement (goiter).
Swelling in the Neck: An enlarged thyroid gland, known as a goiter, may manifest as noticeable neck swelling.
Memory and Cognitive Changes: Hashimoto's can lead to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog.
Hair Loss: Hair loss, including thinning of the eyebrows and loss of the outer third of the eyebrow, is common.
Puffy Face: Some individuals may experience facial puffiness, particularly around the eyes.
High Cholesterol: Hashimoto's can lead to elevated cholesterol levels.
Decreased Heart Rate: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, may occur in some cases.
Depression, Anxiety & Mental Health issues: Thyroid function is essential to the wellbeing of the brain and neurotransmitters, and is often implicated in mental health issues.
The severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely among individuals . While some may experience only a few mild symptoms, others may have a more severe and disabling experience. It is possible to have Hashimoto's where baseline testing of thyroid hormone levels (TSH) remains within the reference range, so the additional testing required to identify this condition can be missed in a general medical review.
From a holistic perspective endocrine issues affect not only the thyroid but also the overall function, balance and well-being of the body. Holistic approaches emphasize the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors in managing health issues, and they can help you identify the causative drivers of chronic health conditions like Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism.
A Naturopathic Review Claire was 32 when se sought naturopathic care after battling for years with resistant weight gain, persistent fatigue, frequent infections, severe PMS, menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, gut issues, and sleep problems. She also struggled with depression and anxiety, feeling unwell for an extended period.
Comprehensive functional tests, including a full thyroid panel, insulin resistance testing, vitamin D assessment, stool microbiome analysis, and home testing for Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), revealed multiple underlying problems. Claire had very high thyroid antibodies and she was referred to her GP who was happy to monitor her.
Claire's naturopathic treatment plan included dietary modifications, herbal and nutritional support, and regular bioresonance therapy. Her progress was remarkable. By the end of the first month Claire experienced remarkable improvements in energy, mental clarity, and her digestion and bowel regularity improved. Her hormones felt better, with PMS significantly reduced and less period pain and heaviness. She began losing weight, gained stamina, and saw substantial improvements in her motivation and confidence.
At four months we retested her blood work and saw that her antibodies were coming down nicely as her other parameters improved.
Claire's experience is not unique in my naturopathic practice. While it does take time and effort, conscious health changes inevitably lead to significant improvements in all aspects of life.
Naturopathic medicine aims to empower individuals to harness and enhance the body's innate healing capabilities. Hashimoto's is a complex condition, but holistic approaches do have far-reaching benefits for individuals seeking a path to wellness.