Experiencing unexplained fatigue, constipation, or dry skin? You may have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Our functional practitioners specialize in Hashimoto’s treatment.
Experiencing unexplained fatigue, constipation, or dry skin? You may have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Our functional practitioners specialize in Hashimoto’s treatment.
Approximately 2 percent of Americans are diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s is a condition whereby the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system and produces thyroid hormones, which control multiple functions in the body.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often causes the thyroid gland to malfunction, leading to hypothyroidism. Typically, middle aged women are diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; however, this condition can affect women of any age along with men and children.
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune diseases happen when the immune system begins attacking the body. In Hashimoto’s, lymphocytes begin accumulating in the thyroid gland which causes damage. The lymphocytes create antibodies that begin damaging thyroid cells and destroying them. As more and more cells are destroyed, the thyroid gland can no longer keep up with the demands of the body.
In the beginning, you may not experience any symptoms. Oftentimes, the first symptom most people notice is a goiter. A goiter occurs when the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones. The brain sends signals to the thyroid gland demanding it to make more, which causes the thyroid to grow to keep up with the demand.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often progresses slowly. It can take years for the autoimmune disease to be diagnosed. Chronic thyroid damage can cause your thyroid hormones to decline, resulting in an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
When your thyroid hormones begin to decline, this can cause a plethora of symptoms, including:
If your Hashimoto’s is left untreated, a number of health issues can develop.
If you notice a bulge in your throat around your Adam’s apple, this can be an indication of thyroiditis. If you are experiencing tiredness for no apparent reason, constipation, a puffy, pale face, and dry skin, you should contact your doctor.
If you have had radiation treatment around your upper chest, neck, or head, thyroid surgery, or treatment using either anti-thyroid medicine or radioactive iodine, you should have your thyroid hormones periodically checked. Finally, if you have high cholesterol levels, ask your doctor if it could be caused by hypothyroidism.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, your integrative practitioner will order a series of blood tests that measure the amount of thyroid hormones in your body. These tests include:
A thyroid blood test is ordered to determine the amount of thyroid stimulating hormones and thyroid hormones in the body.
This test looks for abnormal antibodies in the blood.
Your provider may also want to order imaging tests like an ultrasound to ensure your thyroid gland is healthy and functioning properly. This test will look for any irregularities or growths that could be causing your symptoms.
Treating Hashimoto’s depends on the severity of the disease. Often thyroid hormone replacement can help the thyroid gland keep up with the needs of the body. As hormone levels are restored, the symptoms of hypothyroidism are reversed or minimized.
Hashimoto’s disease causes a host of unpleasant symptoms. If this autoimmune disorder is left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to your body. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, contact the professionals at Rose Wellness. Our team of integrative health practitioners will provide you with guidance to help heal your thyroid gland and reverse the effects of hypothyroidism.
Our thyroid specialists help with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and other thyroid issues.
Call us at (571)529-6699
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