Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your thyroid gland leading to hypothyroidism. It is seen most commonly in middle aged women. If you have another autoimmune issue, you are at higher likelihood of developing Hashimotos. We are not sure why it happens, but there are some thoughts on why people get it:
- Genetic Factors: Do you have a family history of autoimmune issues of any kind?
- Hormone changes: Hormone fluctuations, especially in women, can trigger autoimmune issues, which is why you see this more frequently in women.
- Radiation exposure, especially in the neck, can damage the thyroid gland
- Chemical exposure and environmental pollutants may contribute
- Viral infections may trigger autoimmune issues, including Hashimotos in the thyroid.
How do you diagnose it?
Your symptoms are those of hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, changes to hair skin and nails, and cold intolerance. If you or someone in your family has a history of thyroid or autoimmune issues, this puts you at higher risk.
- Physical Exam: You may see an enlarged thyroid (goiter).
- Labwork: TSH is elevated, T4 and T3 are low.
- Antibody tests: Anti thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. These show an immune response against the thyroid.
- An ultrasound may be performed (to look at thyroid size and look for masses)
- Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test: This test measures how much iodine the thyroid gland absorbs, which can help assess thyroid function.
- Thyroid Scan: This scan uses a small amount of radioactive material to create images of the thyroid gland.
How can Biohackr Health help?
We are not endocrinologists, so the treatment for Hashimotos is referred back to the specialists. But we see hypothyroidism more frequently than you would think, and this highlights why we believe screening tests are important. When you are being evaluated for your baseline for weight loss, have issues with hair loss or brittleness, or are middle aged and thinking of hormone treatment, we think all of these Biohackr treatments should start with the science- and that is getting your baseline thyroid labs.
