We treat Hashimato Thyroiditis and any Hypothyroid Conditions By Naturopathic Modalities

Hashimoto’s disease & Chronic thyroiditis

This disease affects the thyroid gland, a small gland in the neck that produces thyroid hormones that control the body’s energy usage and influence various organs, including the heart. Hashimoto’s disease produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland, accumulating white blood cells in the gland and ultimately leading to its damage, impairing its ability to produce enough thyroid hormones [1].

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis disease is one of the most common thyroid disorders in the world and the most common cause of hypothyroidism, affecting as many as 0.3-1.6 cases per 1000 persons in the world. The disease is named after the Japanese surgeon who discovered it in 1912.

Hashimoto’s disease is also called:

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

• Autoimmune Thyroiditis

• Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis

Current research shows that Hashimoto’s disease is four to ten times more common in women than men and is likely to develop more often in women aged 30-55. It can also be hereditary, and individuals who have a family history of thyroid diseases or other autoimmune disorders such as Thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis, Type 1 diabetes, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Lupus, Connective Tissue Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, autoimmune pancreatitis, and Sjogren’s Syndromeare at a higher risk of developing it. Learn more about genetic testing for Autoimmune diseases.

What does Hashimoto’s disease do to a person?

Hashimoto’s disease may cause several health complications, including high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Additionally, hypothyroidism can cause myxedema, a rare and life-threatening condition that slows down the body’s functions. Untreated hypothyroidism can also lead to pregnancy-related problems [2].

What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease?

The symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease may not be apparent initially. However, as the condition progresses, the symptoms and complications from hypothyroidism may include:

• Fatigue

• Sudden weight gain

• Constipation

• Apnea (difficulty in breathing)

• Intolerance to cold temperature

• Irregular menstrual periods or fertility problems

• Menorrhagia (abnormally heavy bleeding during menstruation)

• Loss of libido resulting in ED

• Joint and muscle pain associated with osteoporosis & osteoarthritis

• Macroglossia (enlarged tongue)

• Liver inflammation, fibrosis, and necrosis

• Loss of memory and brain fog

• Blockage of the Airway resulting in COPD and Lung Fibrosis

• Ataxia (difficulty in coordination, balance, and speech)

• Depression

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Renal Disease & glomerulonephritis

• Hair thinning or dryness

• Bradycardia (Slowed heart rate)

The thyroid may become enlarged, leading to a swollen neck appearance called a goiter. Rarely, thyroid damage may cause too much thyroid hormone to be released into the bloodstream, resulting in hyperthyroidism.

What tests are used to confirm Hashimoto’s disease?

Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease is based on a medical history and physical examination, and Antithyroid antibody tests that may include tests for thyroid hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone, Free T4, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO), which are found in most people with Hashimoto’s disease. A thyroid ultrasound or CT scan may sometimes be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. While the exact cause of Hashimoto’s disease is unknown, genetic factors and viral infections, such as hepatitis C, are thought to play a role. Some medicines and exposure to environmental toxins may also cause hypothyroidism.