Beyond the Thyroid - Episode 6: Understanding Hashimoto's

In the sixth episode of Beyond the Thyroid, I delve into the complexities of Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. This episode marks the beginning of an exploration into what we know—and what remains uncertain—about Hashimoto's from both a scientific and integrative standpoint. Hashimoto’s disease is far more common and impactful than many realize, and because of its often subtle presentation, it can lead to unrecognized hypothyroidism even when standard thyroid tests appear normal.

What Is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Hashimoto’s disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the most common thyroid disorder in the United States and the most prevalent autoimmune disease worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it often goes undiagnosed due to the limitations of conventional thyroid testing methods. I explain that Hashimoto’s can present with a range of symptoms—sometimes even before significant damage to the thyroid has occurred. These symptoms can include thyroid gland inflammation, hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue and weight gain, and even hyperthyroid episodes, which can lead to potential misdiagnosis.

Why Hashimoto’s Is Important

Hashimoto’s is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S., accounting for approximately 90% of cases. However, its effects aren’t limited to low thyroid function; it can also cause temporary hyperthyroidism, complicating the diagnosis and treatment. I emphasize that Hashimoto’s often leads to a condition known as subclinical hypothyroidism, where patients exhibit symptoms of low thyroid function despite normal or near-normal thyroid hormone levels in lab tests. This condition can have serious consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease and early mortality.

Diagnosing and Understanding Hashimoto’s

I outline the typical diagnostic approach for Hashimoto’s disease, which includes checking for thyroid antibodies such as thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin antibodies. It’s important to evaluate thyroid hormone levels in a comprehensive way, looking at free T3, free T4, TSH, total T3, and reverse T3 to get a full picture of thyroid function.

Hashimoto’s can cause symptoms long before the thyroid gland becomes non-functional. These symptoms are often due to the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, leading to inflammation, scarring, and the formation of nodules. Understanding these early signs is crucial for timely intervention and management.

This episode is the first in a series focused on Hashimoto’s disease. In upcoming episodes, I’ll explore mainstream and integrative treatment approaches, discuss how to advocate for yourself if you suspect you have Hashimoto’s, and address common mistakes made by non-physician thyroid experts. Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions on managing and treating this complex condition.

If you found this episode insightful, please consider leaving a five-star review for the Beyond the Thyroid podcast. Your support helps others find this valuable resource. To learn more about Dr. Gibbs and her approach to hormone health, visit her website at www.danagibbsmd.com. Remember, this podcast is for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue this journey together beyond the thyroid.