Fifth in our thyroid series.
Most cases of hypothyroidism in the U.S. are due to an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. If you are suffering from this disease you may be surprised to find out that your doctor isn’t treating it at all. In fact your M.D. may be ignoring it completely.
In Hashimoto’s, your body (specifically, your immune system) attacks your thyroid gland. No medical treatment exists for Hashimoto’s. There are, however, treatments for other types of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus and Crohn’s disease. Treatments for autoimmunity include strong anti-inflammatory drugs like cortisone shots, and immunosuppressants. These can have serious side effects and aren’t effective in Hashimoto’s so they’re not used.
What is done about Hashimoto’s? Not much. Hashimoto’s gradually destroys the thyroid gland so a blood test may look normal even though many patients have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, etc. The well-intentioned (but uninformed) doctor says, “Well, it’s not your thyroid. I’ll put you on an anti-depressant and you should start to exercise.”
When hypothyroidism becomes present, patients with Hashimoto’s are treated the same as other hypothyroid patients: They are given thyroid hormone in one form or another and that’s it. The immune system is totally overlooked. Thyroid hormone alone is a one-size-fits-all type of therapy that is really only indicated for cases of uncomplicated primary hypothyroidism (PH). PH is one of over 20 patterns of thyroid dysfunction and it’s not the most common, by far. In previous posts about the thyroid, I’ve described some of these patterns and written about the many chemical reactions that need to take place for your body to properly manufacturer, activate, transport and utilize thyroid hormone. See the links below.
The bottom line here is that if you have Hashimoto’s you need to work with a doctor who practices Functional Medicine and appreciates the underlying biochemistry of the immune system and thyroid metabolism. A functional medicine doctor will perform comprehensive diagnostic testing, help you make lifestyle changes to promote better health, and provide you with nutrutional supplements that support normal thyroid function.
With a complete diagnosis, healthy lifestyle guidance, and nutritional supplements you’ll have more manageable symptoms including more energy, easier weight loss and better skin.
Thyroid Links:
Hashimoto: The Missed Thyroid Diagnosis
Is Your Thyroid Hormone Activated?
What Your Doctor May Not Know About Your Thyroid
How Estrogen Hijacked The Thyroid Cab
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Using natural thyroid supplements can get you to feeling like your old self again without the need of resorting to expensive prescription payments each month. It can help your body increase the production of thyroid hormones needed.
ReplyDeleteI hate it when people think and tell others that "natural supplements" can help someone who has a REAL disease... Advice like that could kill someone.
ReplyDeleteI tried natural supplements and are you kidding me? They did nothing.
ReplyDeleteI take 133 mcg of synthroid, not the generic, and I am better, but I could lose 10 more pounds.
I read that cortisone injections bring on hashimotos, which I am pissed off about.
That is why I am on this thread.
I so agree with you. My thyroid was dead, and all my doctors blew me off!
DeleteI read an article and took it to them, That is when they finally did a thyroid test.
They already steralized me, for the heavy periods, that did not go away. Gee thanks for that,
unnecessary surgery.
Workers comp uses steroid/cortisone injections all the time. I got them for 13 years, and 10 year in, I gor Hashimotos.
I do not think, it is a coincidence. Those injections, are not even approved by the FDA, and they are dangerous.
The side effects are Hashimotos, and they are fine with that? Well, I am not fine with it.
I was sick for 10 years, and they all said I was "depressed". NOPE, you should have done the
$20.00 blood test.
You have to be pro active now.
I love my osteopath. Best doctor ever and I am off (3)
narcotics. I highly recommend one if you find one that is "gifted".
Who is your doctor? Help?!
DeleteFor more info about Pigmentation Treatments delhi you can visit us online.
ReplyDelete