Hashimoto’s Disease

Diagnosing and Treatment

Our providers are experts in diagnosing and treating Hashimoto’s Disease and other hormonal imbalances.  This condition is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland. It occurs when the body misidentifies the thyroid gland as a foreign invader and begins attacking it, rendering the thyroid glandless and less functional over time. 

The mainstream medical community’s thyroid testing does not usually test for Hashimoto’s. Instead, they will check TSH levels (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and possibly T4 hormone. While these tests are effective, they are not comprehensive enough to identify autoimmune issues and other thyroid disorders that may be occurring.

At our clinic, we see many patients who are frustrated because they are currently on thyroid medication but are not feeling any better. Some people have had some testing done and been told that their lab values fall into the “normal” range, so they’re not receiving any treatment at all. All of our providers are here to help you and have the knowledge and understanding of how the thyroid gland works, the correct testing to do, and proper treatment so that you can feel healthy again.

For More Information, call our New Patient Coordinator at 972-960-4800

Hashimoto’s Disease Symptoms

Both Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism are disorders of the thyroid, but Hashimoto’s is an immune-system problem that affects the thyroid gland. Initially, it can cause symptoms to go back and forth between Hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid.

An overly-functioning thyroid is called Hypothyroidism.  Symptoms occur as the thyroid gland attacks the body and it can’t regulate itself. Hormones that are normally held in “storage” are released into the bloodstream in greater amounts.

Generally, Hashimoto’s will cause the thyroid gland to become degraded to the point that it can no longer produce enough hormone. In fact, a fairly high percentage of patients who are diagnosed as having Hypothyroidism actually have Hashimoto’s Disease.

Because most physicians will only test your TSH levels and possibly T4 hormone, the cause of your thyroid condition cannot be identified. So, if you have Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disorder, you will be treated for your symptoms, but never the cause. This is why so many patients with Hashimoto’s don’t ever feel better when given the standard drug therapy of T4 hormone in the form of Synthroid or Levothyroxine.

“This lady works magic when it comes to hormone balancing.” – Stacy A.

Causes of Hashimoto’s

Different factors may contribute to the causation of this disorder. When someone has an autoimmune disease, the body doesn’t necessarily only target the thyroid gland. It’s not uncommon for patients to have other autoimmune disorders as well.

Hashimoto’s can be triggered by nutritional deficiencies, including iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron. It can be hereditary though it is much more common in women than in men.

Eating a diet high in inflammatory foods can also contribute to autoimmune disorders. These include things like gluten, corn, soy, sugar, wheat, yeast, artificial sweeteners, and anything that is GMO (Genetically modified).

For More Information, call our New Patient Coordinator at 972-960-4800

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Thyroid Basics

The thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. It secretes hormones that control your metabolism and affect every single cell in your body. It produces T4 hormone and a small amount of T3. As T4 is carried through your body via the bloodstream, it must be converted into T3 for your cells to utilize the hormone to have energy and function correctly. This conversion occurs in your liver, brain, heart, kidneys, and GI system.

There are varying problems that can occur with the thyroid gland, which results in thyroid disease such as Hashimoto’s. Sometimes, the thyroid doesn’t produce enough T4 hormone. This causes a total depletion of both T4 and T3. At other times, the thyroid IS producing enough T4, yet, the cells and organs are unable to convert it into T3. While the circulating and inactive hormone is adequate, the cells are starving for energy conversion. These disorders contribute to a sluggish metabolism which is referred to as Hypothyroidism.

Symptoms include:

• Underlying daily fatigue
• Hair loss or changes in texture
• Inability to lose weight or weight gain
• Dry skin
• Joint pain
• Muscle aches and pains
• Constipation
• Inability to think with clarity
• Depression
• Dry skin
• Cold intolerance
• Hypertension
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Irregular periods and/or infertility

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the opposite condition; this occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone. Instead of being sluggish, the metabolism goes into overdrive which creates symptoms such as:

• Fast heart rate
• Panic attacks
• Generalized anxiety
• Bouts of diarrhea
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Hair loss
• Difficulty falling asleep and/or difficulty staying asleep
• Muscle fatigue
• Weight loss
• Irregular periods and/or infertility

Hyperthyroidism can be a scary condition to experience and often lands people in the emergency room. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as a cardiac issue or an anxiety problem. If left untreated, a complication called Thyrotoxicosis (Thyroid Storm) can occur. Symptoms might include a rapid heart rate, agitation, excessive sweating, nausea, psychosis, and even death. 

Our lab tests for thyroid issues are all-encompassing and will detect Hashimoto’s and include:

• T3
• T4
• Reverse T3
• TSH
• TPO or Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies (Hashimoto’s specific)
• TGab or Thyroglobulin antibodies (Hashimoto’s specific)

The Hashimoto’s and Gut Health Connection

More and more research has shown that 70-80% of your immune system is in your gut. It turns out that the old saying, “You are what you eat,” is true. The gut is home to your microbiome, which contains millions of bacteria, organisms, yeasts, and toxins. Eating a diet high in processed foods and sugar is the leading cause of gut dysbiosis. Antibiotic use is also a leading cause of imbalances in the biome since they kill off both the good and the harmful bacteria.

When we don’t eat a clean diet, lead stressful lives, or exercise, the gut can become unhealthy. This paves the way for disease, accelerated aging, and inflammation. The intestinal lining can become compromised and unable to keep toxins from penetrating this protective wall. Toxins, undigested food particles, and harmful bacteria will leak through and cause our immune systems to go into overdrive as it attacks the foreign invaders. The gut becomes inflamed, and as the war is waged, inflammation occurs all over the body. However, the immune system can’t differentiate what is good and what is harmful, and it begins attacking itself. This is how autoimmune disease is born. Other disorders besides Hashimoto’s that can occur include:

• • Leaky gut syndrome
  • Nutrient malabsorption issues
  • GI problems, including constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • MS
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Lupus
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Celiac Disease
  • Food sensitivities
  • Allergies

Getting to the Root of the Problem — A Function Medicine Approach

Dr. Elwell and her PAs and Nurse Practitioners are functional medicine practitioners. A conventional approach to medicine includes things like treating acute illness or injury with medication and surgery. While this is appropriate in many situations, it is not as good in disease prevention.

In the case of Hashimoto’s, many conventional medicine doctors will test the TSH and T4 parts of the thyroid function. As we’ve discussed, if your markers indicate that you have Hypothyroid symptoms, they will treat you for that rather than looking to see what may be causing it. Keep in mind the large percentage of patients whose sluggish thyroids are actually caused by Hashimoto’s, it’s no wonder that so many people are not finding relief and may even be getting worse over time.

A functional medicine approach looks at the interaction of all bodily processes, including:

• • • Endocrine (glands and hormones)
    • Immune system
    • Environment
    • Lifestyle
    • Gastrointestinal
    • Sleep
    • Nutrition and diet

When a doctor prescribes a pill for just about every ill, all this does is place a band-aid on the situation. The underlying cause is still there and complete healing does not take place unless the patient is treated holistically.

What To Expect 

Your first visit with us lasts for two hours, and all subsequent follow-ups will be an hour in length. Prior to your first appointment, we will have you undergo comprehensive lab testing that includes hormones, thyroid, inflammation levels, liver and kidney function, key nutritional levels, and more.

Our lab testing is much more extensive than what is “standard” by conventional medicine practitioners. This allows us to identify, correctly diagnose, and treat any underlying conditions and will paint a very thorough picture of your current state of health. People who have autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s often have other hormonal imbalances that we can identify and treat.

Because our appointments are much longer than the standard 15-20 minutes, our providers will be able to spend quality time with you to determine what your individualized treatment protocol is. These appointments also encourage a partnership between you and your provider, and meaningful discussions can take place regarding lifestyle, diet, nutrition, and disease prevention.  

Our providers have helped many people to find relief from hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, and gut issues.

We offer advanced testing to include cardiovascular health, gut biome imbalances, and food sensitivities. Click HERE to learn more details.

“Truly brilliant at getting your hormones properly balanced, and I mean the broad spectrum of hormones including the male/female hormones as well as the thyroid, adrenals, etc. She takes a whole-body approach to wellness including gut health, food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies and much more. She tailors her testing based on your symptoms and history and then tailors the treatment plan based on the labs and test results. She’s like a Sherlock Homes of functional medicine. As well, I’m certain you will fall in love with her right from the get-go as I did. So much care and knowledge packed into one person. She’s a definite WOW!” – Debbie B.

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