Organic Well Being: What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Monday, June 23, 2014

What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Link to Natural Health & Organic Living Blog

Posted: 22 Jun 2014 08:00 AM PDT

The prevalence of thyroid disorders in America has reached epidemic proportions and it’s only getting worse. Hashimoto’s disease, also known as lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis, is the most common thyroid disease. It’s characterized by chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, reducing the gland's normal function. Reduced thyroid function is called hypothyroidism and is often associated with weight gain, lethargy, and inadequate growth in children.

What Causes Hashimoto’s Disease?

Hashimoto’s occurs when the immune system deviates from its normal function and begins to attack healthy cells in the thyroid as if they were foreign invaders. The immune system attacks the thyroid by producing antibodies, slowly deteriorating the gland’s ability to produce thyroid hormones. The aggregation of white blood cells, or lymphocytes, propels the process behind Hashimoto’s disease. ^[1] ^[2]

Over 20 million people are estimated to have Hashimoto’s disease. Compared with men, women are 7-9x more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder. It seems that estrogen dominance in women reduces iodine absorption in the thyroid, possibly contributing to the increased risk in the female population. ^[3] Genetic predispositions are often key factors in Hashimoto's disease, and scientists have recently discovered five different genes that are integral to this disorder. ^[4]

Signs and Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease

As the disease progresses, the thyroid gland may enlarge, giving the appearance of a swollen neck. Known as goiter, it’s commonly associated with hypothyroidism, a symptom related to Hashimoto’s disease. An under active thyroid associated with Hashimoto's disease usually results in:

Fatigue
Listlessness
Weight gain
Sluggish metabolism
Lethargy
Cold intolerance
Paleness and puffiness in the face
Joint and muscular aches
Constipation
Dry, brittle, thinning hair
Irregular periods
Depression
Shallow/slowed heart rate
Difficulty conceiving

With many of these symptoms, it isn’t uncommon that some patients are diagnosed with depression before they are diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease. For some individuals, Hashimoto’s disease may present little to no symptoms, making it harder for doctors to diagnose or treat crucial thyroid issues.

Have you ever experienced difficulty with your thyroid? What were some of the things you did to contribute toward your health? Leave a comment and share your experience!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM