Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Today we will talk about the mysterious Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
Hashimoto’s is an inflammation in the thyroid gland, in which the immune system is aggressive towards the thyroid gland cells.
What happens with Hashimoto’s? Environmental, hereditary, situational, and stress factors gradually have their general effect on the human body and an irreversible cascade of inflammatory attacks on the thyroid gland is launched.
How to recognize that it has begun? Some people experience discomfort in the neck, a tingling sensation on the anterior surface of the neck, a lump in the throat, coughing, clearing their throat, and itching – these may be signs of ongoing inflammation. BUT not everyone notices or experiences these signs.
Labwork: thyrotropin (TSH), Free T3 and T4, antibodies to thyroperoxidase (TPO) and antibodies to thyroglobulin may be positive in the blood. We will see an increase in antibody titer – a light bulb that burns over the inflamed thyroid gland. Most importantly, we will see an elevated TSH – this is a sign of a serious problem – hypothyroidism or a deficiency of thyroid hormones – the consequences of prolonged inflammation, in which the processes of recovery of the gland do not keep up with the destruction.
It is a good idea to also obtain a Thyroid ultrasound where we will see a picture of diffuse changes or even small nodules that can be temporary foci of inflammation, as well as an increase in the size of the gland (it fights) or a decrease in size (it surrenders).
Should you need more help with managing the symptoms and finding out the root cause of your health issues, schedule a consultation with Zhanna Tarjeft, FNP Here.
Zhanna Tarjeft, FNP-BC is a Functional Medicine Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in gut health issues such as SIFO (Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth), SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), leaky gut, IBS, Mold illness (CIRS, Biotoxin illness) and in thyroid disorders such as hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis). For more information on how to become a patient, please contact our office.
This web site offers health, wellness, fitness, and nutritional information and is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The use of any information provided on this web site is solely at your own risk. Nothing stated or posted on this web site or available through any services offered by Zhanna Tarjeft, FNP-BC and Sprouts Health, LLC, are intended to be, and must not be taken to be, the practice of medicine. Information provided on this web site DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Zhanna Tarjeft, FNP-BC. © SproutsHealth.com2020 – © SproutsHealth.com