Learning About Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system creates antibodies that damage your thyroid gland. The inflammation that is caused is called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and often leads to a person having an under-active thyroid gland. Often it is hard to notice the symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease until there is more severe damage to the thyroid.

Our thyroid gland is located at the base our neck, in the front of our throat. It is about 2 inches long and has a butterfly-shape. This organ is part of our endocrine system. Its job is to make, store and release hormones that affect many parts of our body.

Functions the Thyroid Regulate:

Breathing
Heart rate
Central and peripheral nervous systems (Brain and spinal cord and the nerves that connect the rest of our body to our brain and spinal cord)
Body weight
Muscle strength
Menstrual cycles
Body temperature
Cholesterol levels

When the thyroid is not working properly we see symptoms that affect our every day life because it affects how our body uses energy. Hypothyroidism is a situation where the thyroid does not create enough of specific hormones called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This unbalance in our hormones cause symptoms like weight gain and fatigue.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease:

Fatigue and sluggishness
Increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Pale, dry skin
A puffy face
Brittle nails
Hair loss
Enlargement of the tongue
Unexplained weight gain
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
Joint pain and stiffness
Muscle weakness
Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding
Depression
Memory lapses

Doctors don’t really know what causes Hashimoto’s Disease although some scientists believe that it may be caused by a virus or bacteria that might trigger a response in the immune system. Other scientists believe that it may be caused by a genetic flaw.

Who is Most Likely to be Diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease:

Women are more likely than men to get Hashimoto’s Disease
Hashimoto’s generally affects middle aged people, although it can occur at any age
People related to someone with Hashimoto’s
People who have other autoimmune diseases
People that have experienced excessive levels of environmental radiation (including medical treatments and therapies)
People that have had thyroid surgery

Untreated Hashimoto’s Disease or hypothyroidism can lead to other health problems so being proactive is very important.

Untreated Hashimoto’s Disease Complications:

Goiter: enlarged thyroid gland that can affect your appearance and interfere with swallowing and breathing
Heart problems: under-active thyroid can cause high cholesterol, heart disease, enlarged heart or heart failure
Mental health issues: Depression and slowed mental functioning
Myxedema: drowsiness and profound lethargy and unconsciousness
Lowered sexual desire
Birth defects or Infertility
Peripheral neuropathy: pain, numbness and tingling in areas with damaged peripheral nerves

The Wellness Works NW Team wants you to be your best version of you. We want to encourage you to make an appointment to see your primary medical professional if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease. Hormone and Antibody tests can confirm whether you have Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune diseases and these tests are simple blood tests. Hashimoto’s Disease is treated with synthetic hormones that require doctors to help you find the correct amount, which will change over time. Autoimmune Disease is a chronic illness that does not go away but with proper medicine and lifestyle changes you can live well with Hashimoto’s Disease.

We know people with Hashimoto’s Disease, who thrive with a vegan diet and proper rest, movement and relaxation. If you are needing help creating a Wellness Plan that works for you, please Contact Wellness Works NW at 360-447-8061. Karen G Clemenson is a very caring and authentic person and she is looking forward to talking with you and helping you define your Wellness Goals and strategies.

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