In-depth treatment for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Did you know that thyroid medication is the fourth most prescribed medication in the United States? Only pain medication, cholesterol medication, and medication for blood pressure are prescribed more than medication for managing the thyroid. That’s pretty ironic considering that low thyroid — also known as hypothyroidism — is associated with elevated levels of cholesterol, high blood pressure, and increased pain.
Most cases of hypothyroid are caused by Hashimoto’s disease — a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid. And many of the patients we see in our Tampa functional medicine clinic who suffer with thyroid problems are simply not producing enough thyroid hormone — which is primarily due to an autoimmune attack on the thyroid itself, creating excessive amounts of antibodies that work to destroy the thyroid gland.
While this can happen suddenly due to pregnancy or menopause (when the immune system can be triggered as a result of hormonal fluctuations), it can also be a response by the immune system to exposure to environmental toxins, infection, or a stressful life event.
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may include:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Decreased sweating or hot flashes
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Dry, thinning hair
- Fatigue
- Fertility problems
- Goiter
- Hair loss
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
- High blood pressure
- Joint and muscle pain
- Puffy face
- Slowed or rapid heart rate
- Trouble tolerating cold
- Weight gain
At BioDesign Wellness Center, we believe each patient is unique. And that’s especially so when working with patients who have low hypothyroidism / Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
We also believe that treating Hashimoto’s requires more time and energy than simply running a lab test or two.
If you are interested in having comprehensive testing and analysis of the causes of your hypothyroidism, we’d love to work with you!
Our Approach to Your Health and Well-being
1. Discover
Together we will meet to discuss your health goals so that we, as practitioners, can design a personalized plan to help you achieve those goals. We will also use comprehensive lab testing such as hormones, vitamin levels and brain testing to discover the root cause of your symptoms. Addressing the root cause is key to being able to create long-lasting results.
2. Restore
In this phase, our practitioners design a personalized plan for you based the 5 Pillars of Health (Nutrition, Fitness, Gut Health, Stress Management & Hormones). Addressing all five pillars is the best way to achieve long-lasting results. The first step is a detox, which every person needs in order to allow their body to fully be available to heal itself. Then, based on your goals and lab results, our medical team will guide you one-on-one or virtually through each additional step of your plan to ensure you have all the support you need. We will not only help you resolve your chronic health issues, but we will remove the confusion that is out there about how to truly live a healthy life.
3. Optimize
Now that the foundation for your health has been repaired, it’s time to fine-tune your plan in order to sustain your results. The process starts with follow-up lab tests so we can evaluate how to fine-tune your treatment plan. This often includes the reduction of old medications, adding in revitalizing hormones and creating a healthy lifestyle plan that allows you to sustain your results for a lifetime. You will be empowered with the tools and support from our team to help you become the best version of yourself, so you can live a healthier and happier life!
Insights into cortisol’s connection to hot flashes and night sweats.
Learn MoreThe history of Hormone Replacement Therapy from a medical doctor’s perspective.
Learn MoreWe examined the issue — here, we provide the additional information and context to deal constructively with those concerns.
Learn MoreAn overview of the process involved in diagnosing and treating our female patients suffering a hormone deficiency.
Learn MoreEating healthy fats will start to restore your cell membranes to a healthy state, allowing for better hormone reception.
Learn MoreCommon Questions About Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. Almost every organ in the body is affected by thyroid hormones, regulating many bodily functions.
How serious is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be fatal if left untreated; it can also cause coma, high cholesterol, and heart problems. With treatment and proper management, the prognosis and outlook for those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are good.
Can Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis be cured?
There is no cure for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, but replacing hormones with medication can regulate hormone levels and restore your normal metabolism.
Who is more likely to have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Women are four to ten times more likely to suffer from Hashimoto’s disease. Despite its occurrence in teens and young women, the disease occurs more commonly in women aged 30 to 50. Having a family member with Hashimoto’s disease also increases your chances of having it.
What food should I avoid if I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Research has shown that anti-inflammatory diets show promising results in treating and managing Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. You should avoid grains, legumes, nightshades (such as eggplant and peppers), dairy, eggs, coffee, alcohol, sugar, oil, and all food additives when you are following the autoimmune protocol diet.