Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

Thyroid Pharmacist

Are You Going Crazy or Is It Just Your Thyroid

Are You Going Crazy or Is It Just Your Thyroid?

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

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Irritability and Anxiety Are Common Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

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I wanted to take time out to write this post as I’ve been getting quite a few questions regarding the connection between Hashimoto’s and mood.

Some people have asked if their depression or anxiety or irritability could be related to Hashimoto’s and my answer is: Absolutely!

When the thyroid is attacked by the immune system, this results in thyroid cell breakdown.  The hormone that is normally stored in the cells gets rapidly released into the blood stream causing a transient hyperthyroidism known as thyrotoxicosis or Hashitoxicosis (yes a real word)!

Irritability and anxiety are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Once the extra hormone gets cleared out a resulting hypothyroidism with the symptoms of apathy and depression can result. Check out my blog post titled Symptoms of Impaired Thyroid Function for common symptoms of both.

Are You Going Crazy or Is It Just Your Thyroid

Misdiagnosis

As many thyroid symptoms are very non-specific, they are often disregarded by the medical community in the initial stages. Patients are dismissed with having depression, stress or anxiety. Thyroid patients are prescribed anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications without consideration of thyroid function.

Medical studies have shown that up to one-third of people who fail antidepressants report feeling better once started on Cytomel® (a T3, thyroid hormone).(1) Some patients have even been hospitalized and misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder or schizophrenia when in fact they were suffering from thyroid imbalances.

Additionally, people with bipolar disorder as well as depressive and anxiety disorders were found to have a higher prevalence of anti-thyroid antibodies.(1) To further complicate the issue, lithium, a medication used for bipolar disorder can trigger Hashimoto’s. (3)

High titer of TPO antibodies has been associated with distress, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and anxiety (1). This is likely as a result of increased amount of thyroid hormone being rushed into the bloodstream causing a transient hyperthyroidism, anyone who has experienced symptoms of hyperthyroidism can describe how terrible this feels. People with anxiety, depression or other mood disorder should have their thyroid function checked, especially TSH, TPO Antibodies and Thyroglobulin Antibodies and TSH receptor antibodies. People with lifelong psychiatric diagnoses have been able to recover after receiving proper thyroid care (2).

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From my personal experience…

During my work as a consultant pharmacist, I saw quite a few patients who were hospitalized for psychosis later to be found to be suffering from hyperthyroidism and a patient who was found to have under-treated hypothyroidism after being hospitalized for treatment-resistant depression.

From my personal experience, Hashi’s made me feel like I was going crazy! I would wake up at night alarmed every time my husband would cough, move or turn over. During the day I felt panicky and thought the world was ending, that everyone was against me and nearly jumped out of my seat if someone came to my office at work and surprised me! I was extremely anxious, jittery, emotional and irritable!  This was new to me…I used to be mellow and laid back and slept like a log every night for most of my life. Working in mental health, I wondered if something was seriously wrong with me or if I had developed a new onset panic disorder.

I went to the doctor, describing my symptoms and asked for a complete physical, instead, I was offered…you guessed it Prozac!  While Prozac has helped millions of people with depression, OCD, and other conditions, as a pharmacist, I am a big proponent of appropriate medication use and believe organic causes need to be explored first, so I continued on my quest with another doctor.

Shortly after, I learned that my TPO antibodies were in the 2000 range (normal is usually <30)! After starting thyroid medications, taking Selenium, and balancing my blood sugar, my anxiety started to stabilize. Over the course of two years I made additional changes to my diet and supplement regimen, and now I’m the old me once again, cool as a cucumber 🙂 I won’t get started on the diet issue in relation to mood today (I would be here all night) but will talk more about it in future posts.

Hope that helps, and know that there is hope for feeling better!

PS. You can also download a free Thyroid Diet Guide, 10 Thyroid friendly recipes, and the Nutrient Depletions and Digestion chapter for free by going to www.thyroidpharmacist.com/gift. You will also receive occasional updates about new research, resources, giveaways and helpful information.

For future updates, make sure to follow us on Facebook!

  • Carta M, Loviselli A, Hardoy M et al. The link between thyroid autoimmunity (antithyroid peroxidase autoantibodies) with anxiety and mood disorders in the community: a field of interest for public health in the future. BMC Psychiatry. 2004;4(1). doi:10.1186/1471-244x-4-25.
  • Cooper R, Lerer B. [The use of thyroid hormones in the treatment of depression]. Harefuah. 2010:529-34, 550, 549.
  • Barbesino G. Drugs Affecting Thyroid Function. Thyroid. 2010;20(7):763-770. doi:10.1089/thy.2010.1635.
  • Gaynes B, Rush A, Trivedi M, Wisniewski S, Spencer D, Fava M. The STAR*D study: treating depression in the real world. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2008;75(1):57-66. doi:10.3949/ccjm.75.1.57.
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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any health problems and before making any medical or lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes can result in improved thyroid function and/or an increased absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose and possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism at a dose that was previously stable. Please discuss lifestyle changes with your physician and ensure that your thyroid function is monitored every 6-8 weeks while making lifestyle changes. Symptoms of overmedication include, but are not limited to: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Do not start, change, increase, decrease or discontinue your medications without consulting with your physician.

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Comments

  2. Yes i have to agree,someone who actually understands,well done.My partner and her family just didnt understand what i was going through,i didnt have an illness to them,it didnt exist,it was just me being awkward and spoiling for a fight.I am so glad i came across this post as i have just asked my partner to read this and now she fully understands.Thank you a million times,really looking forward to your next post.
    Reply

  6. I feel like this also. After two years with the same doctor and no change in me I am desperate for a new doctor who might do more than just make tiny changes in my meds that don’t seem to help. But how do you find a doctor who will look at everything?
    Reply

  7. HI Beverly, while doctors can help, please know that the push to get better has to come from you, so be sure to learn as much as you can and be your own health advocate. I had a wonderful doctor, but I still did my own research, and even ordered my own lab tests. No one is more motivated to get better than you, the person who is not feeling well. Be sure to check out my book, it is a summary of three years of research of things I did to get myself well.
    Reply

  8. Thank u for posting this I am going through hell after my thyroidectomy and found this to be a little comforting.
    Reply

  10. New to your site. Can I ask what kind of doctor you went to to find answers. I have known issues ie a hormone imbalance but I also have other symptoms that freaky impact my life. The biggest of which is exhaustion and fatigue but go on with extreme gum recession, anxiety etc. regular dr says nothing is wrong. Been seeing a naturopath who has tried to help with hooned but says thyroid looks just fine. I want to solve the problem not treat the symptoms unjust font know who I should go see.
    Reply

  11. Tengo 22 anos padeciendo hipotiroidismo y tengo muchos sintomas de los que aqui describen,tomo levotiroxina de 100 mg no creo tener mejoria,siempre tengo sobrepeso,mi pelo es escaso, soy muy sencible al frio,mis cambios de humor me dan miedo
    Reply

  12. I was diagnosed with Graves or Hashimoto’s, they never figured it out.
    Since I didn’t want to take typical meds I went to a natural doctor and followed Natural Treatment Solutions for Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease from Eric M. Osansky (book) and went to a natural doctor as well as my endocrinologist just to keep the orthodox doctor check. I had my antibodies in 15,000. Let me tell you that I didn’t take meds, only supplements and in 9 months I’m back to normal again. Did major changes in my life. Now I’m vegan and eat all I can organic, do yoga 5 times a week and meditate every day. Change can happen naturally.
    Reply

    • Alejandra- Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.

      The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.

      Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research in journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

      • I was diagnosed with Graves 20 years ago. After 3 years of “treatment”, meaning medicine. Next up was radioactive iodine. I have been on synthroid since. I have been experiencing mood swings and can be completely irrational and very emotional. I am not normally like this at all. Like you, I’m usually very laid back. A few wells ago I was experiencing extreme fatigue. I was falling asleep at my desk while working. Taking 2 hour naps after work, or sometimes I would go straight to bed after work and sleep until the next morning. Only to feel exhausted the entire day. I went to the doctor and they ordered a complete panel of blood work (their words, as I have no idea what that entails). TSH came back normal. I pleaded and asked him to run more tests. He refused. Said there is nothing wrong with me physically and recommended that I make an appointment with a psychiatrist. I wanted to scream, but thought that would be frowned upon. So here I am, still no answers. Luckily, the extreme fatigue has subsided a little. Enough for me to function at work.
        I’m also looking for a new doctor!

        Reply

        • Deanna – thank you for following this page.

          Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.

          The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually, people with Graves have hyperthyroidism, and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own, and these people end up on Synthroid as well.

          Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target.

          We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

          Hashimoto’s Root Cause
          http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

          Hashimoto’s Protocol
          thyroidpharmacist.com/protocol

          Reply

  13. Wow. Sorry to hear of your experience! I’m a research psychologist not clinical – so I cannot comment on the individuals response – but I have also taught psychology courses. One section of the DSM manually specifically states that other causes should be ruled out before dispensing a diagnoses. Apparently this was not done (of course if your TSH levels were normal, you would have still been offered prozac lol. I had to pay for my own tests to diagnose my hashis as well, as I was always ‘normal’ in my tests negating the fact I have hypo symptoms).
    Reply

  14. thanks for this article I’m battleing diabets and have lost 30 pounds and haven’t lost anything since March gonna have blood work done again tomorrow last appt was jan my A1C was down to 5.7 the I lowered meds and unoh… need to lose weight to everse this and my hair is so much thinner could that be my thyroid ( I have hashimotos and I’m on 88 mcg??? I fight depression all the time 🙁
    Reply

  16. I saw an endocrinologist today. She told me my TSH is normal and pretty much blew me off. She told me to see a psychiatrist, but told me “don’t see Dr K.., he will prescribe T3 meds. I have been on levothyroxine for around 12 years. I have been using Antidepressants off and on with very little success. . So even the mental health community believes in treating thyroid appropriately, but the endocrinologist is closed minded
    Reply

  17. This is really interesting! I am on the downward end of a horrible case of what I thought was PPD (I have a 7 month old). I was so angry all the time and was having horrible anxiety when the depression set in. It got to the point that I wasn’t handling life well at all. My dr prescribed me Zoloft and talk therapy but I never filled the order. I just KNOW there is something more to this. I decided to wean my daughter in hopes that it would help balance my hormones and within DAYS of weaning her I felt a DRASTIC difference in my mental state. The panic, irritability… everything was just gone! The same thing happened when I weaned my son. I started looking into thyroid issues bc I noticed my basal body temp is crazy low (which can be a sign of thyroid issues!). I see my OB/GYN on Tuesday for what was suppose to be a “follow up” for starting antidepressants. I want to ask her about this and was hoping you guys could help me out and possibly suggest things to talk to her about in regards to thyroid issues/adrenal issues and what tests we can take to see if there is something going on. Curious what you think about the drastic drop in symptoms. On a possible related note, I dropped weight like crazy breastfeeding and I am at a really low weight. I am tired all the time (but I have 3 small children) and during my pregnancies I have the episodes of what I feel like is low blood sugar but my blood sugar and blood pressure are always perfect!
    Reply

  18. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 2.5 years ago. Before that i was nasty with everyone. .. i would say things to people and couldn’t believe i would say that and driving i would get really bad anxiety and i have never had anxiety. .. my primary doctor had me on 8 different meds and i ended up in the hospital 2xs with a paulse rate of 162 when i arrived. The hospital did routine blood work and came back and said everything was fine.. i didn’t feel fine .. my primary doc gave me a med for hyperthyroidism and i ended up in bed for a month i lost 30 lbs cause i couldn’t eat all i wanted to do was die..a nurse at the hospital told me she would like to do 2 vials of blood if i didn’t mind and send the to a doc she knew.. me i didnt care i was so bad i looked like death black ring Under my eyes.. my hair was thinning i would move off the couch because my heart would race so bad i felt like i was going to die… A doctor called my husband and told him i need for you to bring your wife to ..like right now.. so he carried me to the truck and rushed me to Egg Harbor… i was taking medication to lower my thyroid. .. i was a -36 when i got there… The doctor was furious he threw all my meds in the trash and said honey were gonna help you just as i passed out… He was a throid specialist. ..He saved my life… im on meds now for my thyroid and a low pressor for my heart with anxiety meds… I feel awesome now and i am very greatful i still go to him to this day…
    Reply

  20. Thank you for posting this. I was diagnosed with having bipolar and given Lithium. I kept telling my psychiatrist something was really wrong, so he would increase my Lithium. I went to the family doctor and they told me to see my psychiatrist. After a year, I finally went to a different doctor and at that time they tested my thyroid. My TSH was 386. I found out later that the psychiatrist knew that I had a thyroid problem because the initial bloodwork he did on me said my TSH was 15. I know that I am not and have never been bipolar. I’m so grateful to see all of this information you are putting out there now.
    Reply

    • Lacy- I am so sorry to hear about everything you have gone through. I look forward to hearing your progress on this page! Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.

      FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos

      AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet

      Reply

  21. Where do you practice? I had papillary Thyroid cancer stage 2, thyroid removed, found out I also had hashmotos after surgery. I’m desperate to find a do tor that may be able to help my depression . Anxiety issues, I’m convinced this isn’t the best I can feel. Please help!!
    Reply

    • Amamda- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      HASHIMOTO’S ROOT CAUSE BOOK
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      IS HASHIMOTO’S A SURGICAL DISEASE
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-hashimotos-a-surgical-disease

      Reply

  22. I would love to have more info on anxiety and depression, I had thyroid cancer, papillary stage 2. In pathology found out u had Hashimotos disease as well. Do you practice in Houston?
    Reply

    • Amanda- thank you very much for your inquiry.

      I do provide a limited number of consultations, however, my consultative schedule is all full at the moment. I have a 12 week online program called Hacking Hashimoto’s that covers all of the strategies that I go through with my one-on-one clients, in a self-paced format, so that participants have access to all of the things I’ve learned about Hashimoto’s without having to schedule costly consults with me or another practitioner. There are a few requirements that you should pay attention to, such as my book is a required read.

      HACKING HASHIMOTOS
      http://hackinghashimotos.com/

      In addition, any person that goes through the program will have the opportunity for a follow up consultation with one of my thyroid pharmacist consulting members.

      Lastly, here’s the link to the book in case you have not read it already.

      AMAZON
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  23. I have graves (hyper) and did radioactive iodine in April 2014 (would.not recommend for anyone). Now hypo, tsh 36. Having severe reactions to all synthetic thyroid meds ( heart racing, palpitations, blood pressure 40 pts higher, restless legs, tingling, freaking out feeling even on .125 mg (12.5 mcg). Current endocrinologist blows me off. Naturopath started me on infant dose of natural desiccated yesterday. Same issues. New endo told me some people cant tolerate any thyroid meds, synthetic or natural. She has had to put patients on valium and beta blockers to help with thyroid meds side effects. I am scared and dont know where to turn. Has anyone had similar issues? Any supplements I should take, tests done? I am starting on selenium today, per dr.
    Reply

    • Peg- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      HASHIMOTO’S ROOT CAUSE BOOK
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  24. I am so glad that I found this blog. I have Hashimoto’s, and even though my labs are pretty normal with Levothyroxine, my anxiety has gotten worse since I started the medication. I have had anxiety since I was 25, (now 41) but I have had to up all my anxiety medication because my anxiety has been worse lately. I don’t sleep well and I wake up at 4:30 with my heart pounding and anxiousness until I take my medication. My Endocrinologist told me that anxiety had nothing to do with Hashimoto’s, but I believe you!!!!
    Reply

  25. I have hypothyroid. My doctor says I have no hormones, without giving me an explanation. What does she mean, and what am I supposed to do? Thank you.
    Carol
    Reply

  26. You mentioned that Lithium can trigger Hashimoto’s??? I take Pure Encapsulations’ natural mineral Lithium Orotate INSTEAD of an anti-anxiety prescription or anti-depressant. The Lithium Orotate seems to stabilize my moods. I just take 5 mg every morning. My thyroid antibodies are extremely high and have been very high for a year now – no matter how strict I am w/my diet. My endo tries to raise thyroid meds, but my heart can’t handle it. It’s been a rough year. Your comment about lithium worried me. In your opinion, could this be a problem?
    Reply

    • Linda- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  27. Thank you so much for this, I have been suffering with hyperthyroidism and now hypothyroidism for over 20 years. About 4 years ago I started getting bad anxiety and depression! Also I’m very ocd I can never sit down and relax and I never sleep for long. My anxiety is the worst I ever gone through but it seems to me it gets worse when I’m on the meds. I have been through so many docs and I am still suffering through a lot. Thank you for understanding and writing what I been thinking for awhile. I’m so happy I don’t feel so alone anymore. Nobody realizes how important thyroid problems are. I hope to one day feel normal again but I’m not giving up!!thanks
    Reply

    • Mary- Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.

      The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.

      Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research in journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  28. Thank you so much for this post! I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and possibly hashimotos last fall. I tried Westhroid, but even the tiniest dose sent me into debilitating anxiety attacks and panic. I’m afraid to take anything now. I still suffer with terrible anxiety, which seems to follow a cycle. About two weeks out of every month I deal with the anxiety, and the rest of the month I feel relatively normal. Thanks again for all the work you do!! 🙂
    Reply

  30. Hola Graciela ..no estas sola…to tango 31 anos y tambien tengo hipotirodismo…me siento mal todo el tiempo…cansado aunque este descansada.. El pelo sent me cai por montones….mucha confusion de mente…no me puedo concentrar bien….estoy muy mal…empese.a ir con el especialista de thiroides y me estan haciendo estudios para Haber que medicina necesito… Tengo 7 anos con esto y estuve tomando levothyroxine pero no senti Nada de diferencia… Y esto se me fue empeorando.. Y hoy estoy desesperada… Yo Te entiendo Graciela…. Echale ganas y no hay que darnos por rendidas 😄
    Reply

  32. Hello Izabella Wentz, Thank you so very much for your blog here. You have answered so many of my questions. I also have finally found a doctor back in March of this year who is interested in trying to find out the “Root Cause” of my over 33 year old Thyroid problem. We talk once a month. Anyway, your blogs inform me about a lot of the things that my “new” doctor has also been telling me. Your articles are so in-depth and very insightful. Since I am living and working overseas, I have not been able to get your book sent to me. I’ve been wanting to ask you if you have a Kindle Version of your book available. If not I will have to wait until I am back in the States to buy your book. I do not want to bore anyone with the details of my 33 journey with my thyroid problem. But it has been quite a journey. And as I read others replies above, I realize that my journey is “normal” in terms of what others have had to go through. So that is an encouragement to me, that what I’ve been going through these past 33 years has not been in my head. I only wish that I had known about the Food and other tiggers that are the cause of my thyroid problem. But I am learning about them now and I am looking forward to having and living a much better and healthier and happier life in the coming days and years ahead of me! Much thanks again Dr. Izabella Wentz for your wonderful book and your great blogs. I look forward to reading more of them in the coming days! Best!
    Reply

  33. thank you for all the great information ! when you describe ‘lithium’ trigger , do you mean the medication or the mineral? i have been advised to take a mineral supplement to help brain function by my doctor… thanks!
    Reply

    • Jill- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  34. Thank you for this article. I have been struggling for years, going to doctor after doctor to try to figure out what is wrong with me. I have been labeled a hypochondriac by many and had losses of relationships, been prescribed anti-depressants (that did absolutely nothing) by one doctor and told that there is nothing wrong with me by many others after having almost every test under the sun performed. About 5 or 6 years back, my thyroid antibodies were tested and were extremely high (in the 1500 range), then were tested again 6 months later and were even higher…yet it was dismissed then (“we don’t treat until it turns into hypothyroidism”), and every doctor I have seen since has either dismissed that test or has refused to do it because “thyroid antibodies don’t really mean anything.” Instead, they go by all of my other blood work, which is always “normal.” I feel like a crazy person. I am completely exhausted almost all of the time, I cry over ridiculous things, I am irritated way too often over little things, I stress about simple stuff, everything seems to bother me…even the sound of my children laughing, and some days I just feel indifferent to life in general. This isn’t me! I push through it every single day, trying to be “normal,” but it never really works and the people around me just think something’s wrong with me mentally, but I’ve always felt that it’s something physical that’s going on. At least I know now that maybe I’m really not crazy. While I’m trying to figure out how on earth I’m going to be able to fix this, to take charge of my health, maybe I can at least get those closest to me to read this article and maybe, just maybe, they’ll understand what I’m going through a little better.
    Reply

    • Kelly- I am so sorry to hear about everything you are going through. When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, I felt so alone. My doctor didn’t think it was a big deal, and none of my friends or co-workers had it. It wasn’t until I started to research online that I found others who were going through the same thing.

      A couple of years after my diagnosis, I found Hashimoto’s 411, a closed Facebook group run by Alice Berry McDonnell. This group is amazing! It is comprised of an army of highly motivated, smart, supportive women and men (now 45,000+ strong), and each of them sharing ideas of what worked for them, things they were planning to try, and offering support to one another. The comfort I received from knowing that there were others going through the same challenges as I, was enormous.

      https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashimotos411/

      Ask questions. Post your thoughts. Scan the files. It is an absolutely amazing resource. Best of all it’s kept private from spammers.

      Reply

  35. Thank you for this. I thought things were getting under control. I was feeling better and had a huge stress induced setback this week. I feel like I’m back to square one. It helps to realize that the stress is causing the Hashis to affect my mood. I needed to hear this.

    Reply

  36. I just purchased your book and yes– it has changed my entire life. From page one your insight has opened an entirely new world for me. Within the last 3 weeks, after reading your booking highlighting the words that spoke to me,reading page after page over and over again because of my brain fog-trying to focus on what I could interpret,I started making changes one day at a time-I am after feeling a remarkable change after 3 weeks. This is after years of misery -(possibility most of my life) When you described your symptoms-this was truly the first time I understood what I was going through, your words gave me hope that I could have my life back. My thyroid results are normal, I was taking anti-depressants ,I had an EKG because I was mortifed I had alzheimers-some mornings I wondered how I was going to get through the day and keep my high pressured job due to brain fog. I now start the mornings with a Root Cause Green Smoothie, I started a gluten-free free diet,I am cooking your recipes and have started using only natural cosmetics ect.I just purchased several supplements from your site selenium,zinc and magnesium. I know I have along way to go,I am committed to theses life changes for the rest of my life- I thank you from the deepest part of my heart your book is truly changing my life-big hug to you!

    Reply

  37. Hello,

    Thank you for the info and sharing your journey. I’ve been struggling with hormone issues for 14 years now. It began with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and an unknown immune disorder, possibly Lupus. Long story short, I am finding success changing my diet to organic and taking supplements and oils for hormones. What I’d like to know is would there be an order in which each hormone is affected by the other? Should I primarily focus on healing my thyroid and will that help set things straight with estrogen (I’m dominant and have cysts) and balance progesterone. It all seems to be much better but not quite there yet, especially energy. Extreme fatigue still blindsides me. I’m 47, so peri-menopause is a factor.The cysts and heavy periods I’d like to have better managed. Are any of these connections covered in your book? Thank you for your time!

    Sincerely,
    Kristina Lynch

    Reply

  38. Dear Isabella,
    I’m so grateful for this article, so many articles only cover the tiredness, the hair falling out, weight gain etc hardly anyone ever discusses the mental side of it, it’s horrific, I thought I was losing my mind, and it’s taking so long to get to the bottom of. I’ve only just been diagnosed with Hashi’s and also an ultrasound showed I’ve only got half a thyroid gland, I’ve been following the diet, but I’m still very symptomatic so starting meds (NDT) soon. I want to THANKYOU for highlight the mental side, I arrived at hospital suicidal and I got offered anti anxiety meds and told to go home ‘its only a bit of anxiety’. If this medication is the thing that finally gets me well, I’ll post on this and add my story to your testimonial wall. Thankyou so much, i NEEDED to read that as I’m tired of everyone thinking its ‘all in my head’. I know its not. 🙁

    Reply

  39. I never noticed being overly anxious before two years ago when I randomly had my thyroid numbers checked. My free T3 was slightly low but my antibodies were over 1300. Because my hormone levels weren’t severe my naturopath put me on Thorne Research Thyrocsin and Moducare as well as selenium. A few weeks later I started feeling crazy, super anxious, I couldn’t sleep, I was up worrying. After a little while, I wondered if there was a connection with the new supplements I was taking. I found that some people react this way to high doses of tyrosine so I stopped taking the Thyrocsin and my dr put me on a quarter grain of Nature-throid instead. The problem is I still feel anxious. I compare everything to before this time and now. I would really like to feel normal again. I stay away from gluten and my last bloodwork done in the spring showed everything but my antibodies is normal now. My antibodies had dropped to around 600. I no longer take the Moducare but I do continue to take 200 mcg of selenium. Has my brain just developed a new way of behaving or is there something I am missing that might help? Thank you.

    Reply

  40. I have been having terrible bouts of anxiety and panic. Waking in the night with a jolt. Is it cortisol and adrenal dysfunction or is it the hashimoto’s? It’s taking over my life and my thyroid panels appear ok. thanks

    Reply

    • Lynette – thank you for following this page. When people have adrenal struggles, we often see that their release of cortisol is altered. People with healthy adrenal function release the most cortisol in the morning. People with impaired adrenal function may wait to release their cortisol at the end of the day. Taking an adrenal adaptogen like the Rootcology Adrenal Support or the Pure Encapsulations Daily Stress Formula in the mornings can help.

      Additionally, I recommend going to bed before you experience that energy rush. If it comes around 10pm, going to bed around 9pm would greatly help your adrenals. Having Hashimoto’s can feel very stressful. Having out of range thyroid hormones, adrenal fatigue, negative food sensitivities and low nutrient levels can lead to feelings of anxiety, hopelessness and stress. Treating these issues one at a time is the best plan of action. You can recover and regain your health! My new book Hashimoto’s Protocol is a step by step guide to the interventions that helped 80% of the people 80% of the time. I hope you check it out.
      Hashimoto’s Protocol
      https://www.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms-ebook/dp/B01HXK6GVQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505933035&sr=8-1&keywords=hashimotos+protocol+izabella+wentz

      You also may be interested in this article I wrote. ARE YOUR ADRENALS SABOTAGING YOUR HEALTH?
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-your-adrenals-sabotaging-your-health

      Reply

  41. Thank you so much for your incredible help Dr. Wentz! I was hospitalized with psychosis and then diagnosed with Graves Disease. After receiving radioactive iodine therapy, the Graves Disease has gone into remission, however, the mental health issues still persist. Do you think that the hormonal imbalance from the hyperthyroidism has wreaked havoc for my mental health?

    Reply

    • Leilani – thank you for following. Most thyroid conditions (Hashimoto’s and Graves’) result from an immune system that is out of balance. This can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, toxins, a gut imbalance, poor stress response and/or a chronic infection that can be anywhere in the body. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine, the immune imbalance still persists in many cases, and a person may go on to develop additional health conditions, and still feel unwell. For those who have had a thyroidectomy, in addition to making sure your thyroid medications are optimized, I also encourage you to take on lifestyle changes and functional medicine, to ensure that the underlying triggers that led to the development of your condition don’t lead to another autoimmune condition. Here are a couple articles I hope are helpful:

      GRAVES AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/graves-vs-hashimotos/

      Reply

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