Hashimoto’s/Thyroid Disease

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in our neck which regulates energy and metabolism. It affects almost all body functions including blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, metabolism, and growth.

Hypothyroidism is a problem with the thyroid gland; Hashimoto’s is a problem with the immune system and is classified as an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks a part of our own body, in this case the thyroid gland.

• Genetics
• Autoimmune disease
• Thyroid Surgery
• Environmental factors
• Medications

Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction vary depending on the individual, and since adrenal fatigue often accompanies thyroid dysfunction, many of the symptoms of these two conditions overlap.

• Cold intolerance (especially hands and feet
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Forgetfulness
• Decreased libido
• Dry hair and dry skin
• Brittle nails
• Muscle cramps
• Depression
• Decreased menstrual flow
• Swelling in the front of the neck (goiter)

• Feeling hot
• Sweating
• Problems falling asleep
• Racing thoughts
• Difficulty focusing
• Forgetfulness
• Elevated heart rate and heart palpitations
• Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Menstrual problems
• Diarrhea

You don’t have to experience all of these symptoms to be diagnosed with a thyroid imbalance. Having only 3–4 symptoms might be a sufficient indication of your thyroid function. Take our Thyroid quiz  to find out if you have a thyroid imbalance.

To diagnose thyroid disease, a complete blood test is necessary that checks levels of  TSH, free T3 and T4, total and reverse T3, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and antithyroid antibodies. A thyroid ultrasound will also be considered as part of the diagnosis workup. Thyroid dysfunction treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach which may include medication, nutritional counseling, an exercise regimen, sleep and stress management counseling, and an overall healthy lifestyle counseling.