Have you recently received a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s Disease? Did you leave your doctor’s office feeling confused, with more questions than answers?
If so, you’ve likely plunged into the abyss of the internet, searching for answers only to find yourself even more overwhelmed. I get it—I’ve been there too.
When I first got my own Hashimoto’s diagnosis, the quest to feel like myself again consumed me. That’s why I wrote this post with all the juicy details I wish I knew back then.
If you’re seeking clarity about Hashimoto’s Disease (or as I like to call it, Hashi’s), understanding what this new diagnosis means for your health, and figuring out what steps to take next, then grab a cup of tea and read on!
Understanding Hashimoto’s Disease and Thyroid Health
Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and disrupting hormone production.
If left unmanaged, Hashi’s can progress into hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland becomes underactive, leading to a slowdown in various bodily functions.
While Hashimoto’s is not the only cause of hypothyroidism, it is the most common.
At the center of these conditions lies your thyroid gland—a small, butterfly-shaped organ in your neck responsible for hormone regulation that impacts nearly every function in your body.
In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, contributing to a range of unpleasant symptoms.
Common symptoms
Everyone’s experience with Hashi’s and Hypothyroidism is going to be different. These are some of the most common symptoms to look out for that may be related to your new diagnosis.
Hashimoto’s Disease
Anxiety
Depression
Weight gain
Mood swings
Fatigue
Brain fog
Cold hands and feet
Gastrointestinal issues
Food sensitivities
Hypothyroidism
Forgetfulness
Feeling cold or cold intolerance
Constipation
Loss of ambition
Dry, coarse hair
Muscle cramps
Stiffness
Joint pain
Muscle aches
Puffy face
Slow heartbeat
It’s important to note that these symptoms can overlap, and not everyone with Hashimoto’s will develop hypothyroidism. Additionally, symptoms can vary in severity among individuals.
If you suspect you have thyroid issues, consulting with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management is crucial.
Your First Step
Whew! That was a lot of information to digest. My goal here is to give you clarity around your new diagnosis but you’re probably wondering “Corale, what do I do now??”
A new diagnosis can be stressful and has the potential to make you feel lonely. But I want you to know that you are NOT alone and you deserve support and understanding.
So what exactly should you do first?
Be gentle with yourself—it can be easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself to find answers quickly and rush through the healing process but healing takes time and patience.
Take time to process your emotions—while Hashi’s is a physical condition, a new diagnosis can bring on a lot of uncomfortable emotions that are better to face head-on rather than hide away.
Find a support system—if I could give you one piece of advice it would be this. You do not have to go at it alone. A support system can look different for everybody; for you it might include friends, family, a team of practitioners or all of the above!
I know this may seem like an odd place to start but reducing stress is a key component of finding relief from your symptoms. It’s crucial that you allow your body to feel safe so that it can heal.
Before moving on, take a pause and consider what I shared above—what is one thing you can do for yourself today that will address your emotional wellbeing through this process?
Managing Hashi’s and Finding Relief From Symptoms
Whatever stage you are at in your Hashi’s journey – you have many options for how to manage this condition. And the truth is—there is no one size fits all approach.
So while I can’t provide you with a step-by-step guide to healing your Hashi’s here, I will give you some details on what your options are.
The Conventional Approach: Medication
If you’ve been diagnosed with both hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, chances are your primary care doctor or endocrinologist prescribed you thyroid hormone replacement medication.
This medication is meant to replace T4 and/or T3, thyroid hormones typically produced by your thyroid gland and regulated by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)—which is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain.
Medication is a critical component of Hashi’s management and, for some people, resolves many of the symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease but have not developed hypothyroidism OR if you have been put on medication but are still not feeling your best… read on
While regulating your thyroid hormones is an important part to resolving symptoms, we know that even with normal thyroid function—elevated antibodies still contribute to symptoms and should be addressed.
To put it simply, even if your thyroid produces enough thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s can still have a significant impact on how you feel!
That’s where a holistic approach comes in to address the root cause of your symptoms.
The Holistic Approach to Treating Hashimoto’s Disease
Now that you’ve grasped the basics of Hashimoto’s Disease and explored the conventional medication route, let’s delve into holistic options that can complement your healing journey.
Embracing a holistic and functional approach acknowledges that the body is an interconnected system, and addressing the root cause of Hashimoto’s can involve more than just thyroid hormone replacement.
1. Dietary Changes:
There is A LOT of conflicting information online about what you “should” be eating with
Hashimoto’s. I’m here to tell you that what works for one person may or may not work for the next person. That’s why I recommend cutting out the noise, and figuring out what works for you and your body.
That being said, there are some key points we want to hit when considering nutrition: focusing on nutrient-dense food, practicing intuitive eating, and reducing inflammation (not only through what you eat but HOW you eat).
This is a big topic—if you’re looking for more details, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you can be the first to know when I release more blogs all about gentle nutrition and mindful eating for Hashi’s.
2. Nutritional Supplements:
Work with a healthcare professional to determine if you have any nutrient deficiencies or symptoms that supplements can help address.
Common supplements include selenium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, which play crucial roles in thyroid function and overall immune health.
3. Stress Management:
Chronic stress can exacerbate Hashimoto’s symptoms. Incorporate stress-reducing practices such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or any activity that brings you joy and relaxation.
4. Gut Health:
The connection between gut health and autoimmune conditions is gaining recognition. Probiotics, prebiotics, and a focus on gut-healing foods can positively impact your overall well-being!
5. Functional Medicine:
Consider consulting with a functional medicine practitioner who can take a comprehensive approach to understand the interconnectedness of your body systems. Functional medicine aims to identify and address the root causes of health issues, including autoimmune conditions.
Remember, what works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to collaborate with healthcare professionals who understand the complexities of Hashimoto’s Disease and can guide you toward a personalized approach to wellness.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the Basics: Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland, potentially leading to hypothyroidism.
Common Symptoms: Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism can both contribute to symptoms like chronic fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, anxiety/depression, GI issues, joint pain and more.
First steps: Be gentle with yourself, process your emotions, and build a support system. Reducing stress is a crucial component of healing!
Medication: Thyroid medication can be a pivotal component in alleviating symptoms, however, it likely won’t address all aspects of Hashimoto’s.
Holistic Approaches: A holistic approach aims to address the root causes of Hashimoto’s symptoms, offering a more comprehensive path to healing.
You’re Unique: There is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing Hashimoto’s. Your journey is unique, and what works for someone else may not work for you.
In this quest for well-being, remember that your body has incredible healing potential. By combining conventional and holistic approaches, you can navigate the complexities of Hashi’s and work towards a healthier, more balanced life.
Ready to take action?
Information is power, which is why I’ve created a comprehensive FREE Hashi’s Lab Guide just for you! This guide delves deep into which labs I recommend you request from your provider, what those labs mean and holistic options to address imbalances.
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