When I tell people that I have Hashimoto's disease, I usually get a quizzical look and generally have to follow up with an explanation. If you aren't familiar with this condition, let me share the details.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system sees the thyroid as a foreign body. It produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells as if they were a virus or bacteria. These continued attacks start to damage the thyroid, and, if not treated, can destroy the thyroid.
What is the Thyroid?
Many people don't really understand this gland and its importance in our body.
The Mayo Clinic states the thyroid is a butterfly gland that is located at the base of the neck. It produces the hormones that control many of the functions in our body. These include our breathing, heart rate, body temperature, metabolism, and even our mood. When the thyroid is attacked in Hashimoto's, some or all of these functions can be impacted.
What is the difference between Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease?
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to meet the body's needs. Hashimoto's is when the body starts to attack the thyroid gland and views it as a foreign body. The biggest thing to remember is these are two separate conditions. Not everyone with Hashimoto's will develop hypothyroidism, and not all cases of hypothyroidism are related to Hashimoto's.
What can cause Hashimoto's disease?
There are different thoughts and opinions on what causes Hashimoto's. Even the experts can't pinpoint the cause; however, according to Health.io, there are some factors that providers seem to link to Hashimoto's.
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's?
Since each person is different, not everyone will experience the same symptoms. Please note, this is not a comprehensive list of symptoms. If you notice these or others that are concerning, it is recommended to reach out to your provider for further evaluation. The American Thyroid Association has shared the following symptoms for Hashimoto's thyroiditis:
How was I diagnosed?
I was initially diagnosed with a hyperthyroidism (an excessive production of hormones) after I had my first son. Within weeks, I noticed my heart was beating at a higher rate, and I was out of breath walking down the hall. My OBGYN referred me to an endocrinologist who prescribed Propylthiouracil to help reduce the hormone production.
Over the coming weeks, my lab work showed that I had gone from being hyperthyroid to hypothyroid. My medication was then changed to Synthroid to help bring my levels to normal. Once my levels returned to normal, the doctors stopped my medication and told me to follow up if my symptoms returned.
It wasn't until I was 40 years old that my symptoms returned. Initially, I was diagnosed again with hypothyroidism and placed on a low dose of Synthroid. Over the next 2 years, my symptoms increased, my Synthroid dose was increased, and my lab work showed I had elevated antibodies. My provider confirmed that I had Hashimoto's.
My Thoughts Since Being Diagnosed
Since being diagnosed, I have been on a mission to improve my symptoms and avoid flare-ups. My disease will never go away, but I can do everything in my power to live a full and enjoyable life. I've made changes in my diet, incorporated meditation for stress reduction, recently started to use yoga to reduce inflammation and made an appointment with a functional medicine doctor to get other options for medication and supplements.
Throughout the years of having Hashimoto's, I have had times when my symptoms were well managed and times when I've been in a major flare. I appreciate the times when it's well managed, because the flares are brutal. I'll share more details in an upcoming blog post. Stay tuned...
At the time of writing this blog, I am not where I want to be. I've been struggling with weight gain, headaches, extreme fatigue, hair loss and insomnia, but I continue to look for options and find solutions. I also know that trauma and grief impact hormones and increase my symptoms. My current goal is to reduce inflammation, increase my energy level and stay focused on my nutrition plan.
If you think you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's, please contact your provider to discuss your symptoms and potential options. As always, if you feel your symptoms aren't being addressed, ask for a second opinion. I fully believe we need to advocate for our health.
