Hashimoto's Disease

Dealing with chronic fatigue or brain fog?

Have you gained weight – even though you haven’t made any diet changes?

Perhaps you have more aches and pains than usual, including muscle weakness, and stiffness?

Perhaps you’ve also been feeling down lately, dealing with blue moods that you’ve never had in the past?

Whether you suffer from all these symptoms or just 2 to 3, you could be suffering from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis… an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid.

The sad truth is that millions of people are suffering from chronic autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s (without even knowing it!) and many aren’t receiving the right care or worse, have been misdiagnosed.

Also called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s disease is a common autoimmune illness – a disorder in which the immune system turns on the body’s own tissues, specifically the tissues of the thyroid gland.

Autoimmunity occurs when an overburdened immune system becomes hypersensitized, attacking healthy tissues along with foreign invaders.

So how do you become so sensitized? Normally, your immune system is already very busy fighting off a wide variety of invaders – including allergens, toxins, bacteria, and viruses.

Unfortunately, many people overload their immune systems every day, which is very harmful to your delicate thyroid gland.

Over time, when your thyroid gland becomes compromised, this can lead to reduced thyroid function, also referred to as hypothyroidism. With this condition, the thyroid does not produce enough hormones for the body’s needs, which is why people have feelings of extreme fatigue and other symptoms mentioned above.

This is critical because your thyroid gland has a huge impact on your energy levels and many other metabolic functions. Located at the base of your neck below your Adam’s apple, the thyroid gland makes hormones that control your metabolism, your heart rate, digestive function, muscle control, brain development, mood, and bone maintenance. The thyroid also regulates how quickly your body uses calories from the foods you eat.

Hashimoto’s Disease is actually the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States – in fact, cases of thyroid disease have skyrocketed in recent years. While it primarily affects adult women, it can also occur in children.

The onset usually occurs between the age of 30 - 50, and based on your genetics, lifestyle, and diet you may be more susceptible.

Hashimoto’s requires various testing – including a blood test to check your levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) as well as T3 and T4 levels. The presence of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies also serves as a marker for thyroid disease.

At Pristine Hormones & Weight, I may also recommend additional testing such as gut health tests, food sensitivities, and additional hormone testing beyond basic blood tests to see the current state of your metabolism.

This can also reveal issues with other hormones – including your stress and sleep hormones as well as foods that you may be reacting to.

So if you experience the signs of Hashimoto's yet have been told that your thyroid levels are normal, contact me for a second opinion.

While low thyroid function is very common, it is not normal – and that's why at Pristine Hormones & Weight I specialize in helping people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and other autoimmune disorders by using a wide range of therapies including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned or are concerned that you may be at risk for Hashimoto’s, schedule a free discovery consult so I can go over your questions and explore the next steps regarding hormone testing.

My goal is to help you support your thyroid health and help you feel like yourself again. As we improve sleep, meals, stress, and key nutrients as well as bioidentical thyroid medication if necessary as well as address anything that negatively impacts your immune function – many people notice clearer thinking, warmer hands and feet, better mood, less constipation, and steadier energy. If medication is needed, I’ll explain why, how to take it, and what to watch for. I'll also look at everyday drivers that can make symptoms worse, like poor sleep, blood-sugar ups and downs, low iron, or low vitamin D, so your plan supports the whole picture.

Your safety comes first. Get urgent care if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, new one-sided weakness, confusion, or a very high fever. If you have severe neck swelling with trouble breathing or swallowing, seek emergency care. If you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding, tell me so I can tailor your plan and coordinate with your prescribing clinician. I only recommend steps that fit your health history and I'll adjust the plan as you go.

Not exactly. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition that often causes an underactive thyroid over time. Many people with Hashimoto’s eventually need thyroid hormone medicine, and the dose can change across life.

Yes. Antibodies and thyroid levels can shift slowly. Checking TSH (and sometimes Free T4/Free T3) and thyroid antibodies helps me see the trend and make wise choices.

They help your whole system, which often eases symptoms. Regular meals with enough protein and fiber, steady sleep, gentle movement, and basic stress tools can support mood, energy, and digestion so medication (if needed) works better.

Some people will. Others need dose changes at different life stages. My job is to find the right dose, support the basics, and review your plan regularly with simple follow-ups.

I listen to your story, look at trends, and check for other issues – iron deficiency, low B12, blood-sugar swings, or sleep problems – that can mimic or magnify thyroid symptoms.

Usually yes, but match intensity to how you feel. I start with gentle movement and build as energy returns.

Yes. I'll work alongside your prescribing clinician so changes to medication or labs are safe and clear.

Telehealth is available after your first in-person visit at Pristine Hormones & Weight.

I'll review your goals and history and outline smart first steps. I can go over specific tests, treatments, and services as part of that call.

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – Hashimoto’s Disease
• American Thyroid Association – Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
• Endocrine Society – Hashimoto Disease
• MedlinePlus – Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto disease)

You may also want to read about Insulin Resistance, Thyroid Imbalances, PCOS, Functional Medicine and Adrenal Dysfunction, since these areas can overlap with Hashimoto’s and affect how you feel day to day.