Many people have asked me if Hashimoto’s is genetic, and if so, is there anything we can do about our genes?
We know that there is a genetic component to developing Hashimoto’s and the condition tends to run in families.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can occur in two varieties:
- an organ wasting form (atrophic) associated with HLA-DR3 gene inheritance
- enlarged thyroid (goitrous form) through HLA-DR5 inheritance
These genes are common in the Caucasian population.
Relatives of those with Hashimoto’s are at risk. So, if you have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, there’s a chance that a loved one like your mom, sister, daughter or aunt may be at risk for Hashimoto’s as well.
Think about women in your life that struggle with weight gain, anxiety, fatigue, depression, infertility, or hair loss. Cold intolerance is also a big giveaway… You may want to encourage them to get tested for Hashimoto’s.
While Hashimoto’s is much more common in women, 7 women are affected for every one man; men too can be affected. Having a male relative with Hashimoto’s increases the likelihood of being diagnosed, so if you are a man with Hashimoto’s, please note that your children may be at greater risk.
Symptoms are similar in men, but some men may also experience unique symptoms like low sex drive, poor facial hair growth and loss of muscle tone.
Thyroid Testing
Thyroid ultrasounds and blood tests are used to diagnose Hashimoto’s. Laboratory tests are available to check thyroid function and autoimmune thyroid markers. Often, relatives of people with Hashimoto’s will have thyroid symptoms, and will ask their doctors to be tested, but will be told that their thyroid function is normal. Unfortunately, this is because many times, doctors only order the screening test for thyroid disease, NOT the test for Hashimoto’s.
Screening Test
TSH is used as a screening test for thyroid function, but this test does not always catch thyroid abnormalities. TSH does not become permanently elevated until Hashimoto’s is advanced.
Thus, people may have a normal TSH for years while experiencing unpleasant thyroid symptoms. They will present to their physicians with complaints of weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms and will be told their thyroid tests are normal. TSH levels can fluctuate throughout the day, however, and the body often compensates by shifting energy away from metabolism and other body functions.
Untreated hypothyroidism eventually results in an abnormally elevated TSH. In contrast, untreated hyperthyroidism results in an abnormally low TSH. A person with Hashimoto’s may fluctuate between the two extremes and at times have “normal” readings.
Additionally, when scientists first set the “normal” ranges of TSH for healthy individuals, they inadvertently included elderly patients and others with compromised thyroid function in the calculations, leading to an overly lax reference range. Thus people with underactive thyroid hormones were often told their thyroid tests were “normal” based on this skewed reference range!
In recent years, the National Academy of Clinical Biochemists indicated 95 percent of individuals without thyroid disease have TSH concentrations below 2.5 mIU/mL, and a new normal reference range was defined by the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists to be between 0.3 and 3.0 mIU/mL.
Unfortunately, most labs have not yet adjusted that range in the reports they provide to physicians, listing ranges as lax as 0.2–8.0 mIU/mL. Most physicians only look for values outside the “normal” reference range provided by the labs and may be unfamiliar with the new guidelines. Subsequently, many physicians miss identifying patients with an elevated TSH. This is one reason why patients should always ask their physicians for a copy of any lab results.
Functional medicine practitioners have further defined normal reference ranges as being between 1 and 2 mIU/mL for a healthy person not taking thyroid medications.
It’s important to remember that reference ranges may not apply to everyone. What is normal for one person may be abnormal for the next. Reference ranges take into account the average values of 95 percent of the population. Not everyone falls within the “normal” reference range. If you are in the 5 percent who doesn’t, you may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism even though you have TSH values considered normal. All doctors are taught the old adage, “Treat the patient and not the lab tests,” but sadly few conventional doctors seem to follow this advice.
I was told that my thyroid was “normal” when my TSH was 5.5, and I was sleeping for 12 hours each night, sleeping under two blankets, and losing hair by the handfuls!! I was not tested for Hashimoto’s.
Even with all of the redefined normal ranges, TSH screening only catches the late stage of Hashimoto’s since the body is still able to compensate in the beginning stages of thyroid dysfunction.
The THEA score is used to help estimate the risk of developing hypothyroidism within five years in people who have TPO antibodies and relatives of those with thyroid diseases. Note: Higher antibodies are associated with a greater risk of developing hypothyroidism.
Test for Hashimoto’s
The best tests for Hashimoto’s are thyroid antibody tests. These are blood tests that look for an autoimmune response to the thyroid gland. The two antibody tests that are going to be elevated in Hashimoto’s are
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO antibodies)= present in >90% of people with Hashimoto’s
- Thyroglobulin antibodies (TG antibodies)= present in >80% of people with Hashimoto’s
These tests may be elevated for decades in some people before a change in TSH is seen. While a small number of antibodies may be present in normal individuals without thyroid disease, elevated thyroid antibodies indicate that the immune system has targeted the thyroid gland for destruction. The greater the number of antibodies, the more aggressive the attack on the thyroid gland.
Scientists have developed the THEA Score (Thyroid Events Amsterdam Score) to help relatives of people with Hashimoto’s to assess their risk of developing hypothyroidism in the next few years.
Calculate your THEA Score and read more about Hashimoto’s and TPO Antibodies.
**A person may be positive for one or both of these antibodies, but up to 10% of people with Hashimoto’s may not test positive for antibodies. In this case, a thyroid ultrasound can be done to determine if there are changes consistent with Hashimoto’s on the thyroid gland.
Why Test For Hashimoto’s?
Traditional doctors may not always test for Hashimoto’s unless there is an elevation in TSH, as there was not much information on what could be done about the autoimmune process, and the consensus was that there was nothing that could be done for a person with thyroid antibodies who did not have an elevated TSH. (Sign-up below for a list of practitioners who practice the ‘root cause’ approach—it’s free!)
However, researchers are now showing that thyroid antibodies, in themselves can lead to symptoms like anxiety, fatigue and a general feeling of “unwell.”
Of course knowing that you are at risk for developing a condition can be helpful for planning ahead if there’s nothing you can do to change our risk factors, but luckily, our genes are NOT our destiny!
Recent advances in autoimmune disease have determined that three things need to be present for autoimmunity to develop:
- The genetic predisposition
- Triggers that “turn on” the genes
- Intestinal permeability
All three of these need to be present to develop an autoimmune condition. Obviously, we can’t change our genes, but we can address our triggers and the intestinal permeability! Current research shows that environmental triggers turn on our gene expression, so genes are not our destiny! What’s even more exciting is that we can “turn-off” gene expression by eliminating triggers and intestinal permeability.
Testing Early
Ideally, we would want to catch thyroid antibodies before a significant amount of thyroid tissue has damaged. This way we can look for the root cause of the autoimmune attack, and slow down, reduce and even eliminate the autoimmune attack on the thyroid!!
Identifying our triggers can help to slow down and in some cases halt the autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland. This may prevent many years of feeling unwell, having to depend on thyroid medications or developing additional autoimmune conditions.
While some people have been able to regenerate thyroid tissue and wean themselves off thyroid medications, the rates at which tissue regeneration happens are not always predictable, and of course, it’s much easier to prevent damage than it is to repair it.
Having one autoimmune condition puts us at risk for having additional ones, so addressing the root cause of Hashimoto’s can help prevent the development of other autoimmune conditions. Reducing thyroid antibody triggers can potentially prevent thyroid cancer as well… some studies have shown that Thyroglobulin antibodies may be related to an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
You can have your physician order the thyroid tests for you or can order your thyroid tests.
Genes are not always our destiny…
Well-established environmental triggers for developing Hashimoto’s in those who are genetically predisposed include excessive iodine intake, bacterial and viral infections, hormonal imbalances, toxins, and therapy with certain types of medications. Cigarette smoking, surprisingly, has been associated with a reduced risk of Hashimoto’s and may somewhat delay or suppress the development of the condition.
In people with Hashimoto’s, only 50 percent of their identical twins presented with thyroid antibodies, meaning genes alone are not the single defining factor, and environmental triggers play a critical role.
Family Case Studies in Autoimmune Remission
In recent years, scientists have begun to focus on environmental triggers for autoimmune disease. One interesting study looked at a family who was affected with Crohn’s, an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. They were able to identify a bacteria, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), that was present in all of the affected family members. This bacteria has been found to cause John’s disease, (with similar symptoms to Crohn’s in cattle), and can be passed to us through the consumption of milk (even pasteurized milk). Multiple studies have found that treating this bacteria resulted in remission of Crohn’s disease…
Bacterial agents that have been identified in triggering Hashimoto’s include – Yersinia enterocolitica, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), and H. Pylori. All three bacteria have also been implicated in Graves’ disease, another autoimmune thyroid condition that causes hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). Interestingly, two medications used to treat Graves’ disease—thiourea and methimazole—have shown antibacterial activity against MAP.
Tests for Yersinia and H Pylori are readily available, and I’ve received multiple remission stories from individuals who tested positive for and then were treated for the above-mentioned infections. MAP tests are available for animals, tests more specific to humans are not available commercially at the moment, but should become available in coming years.
I received an email from one family that was affected with autoimmune disease. The members of the family all turned out to be gluten sensitive (both mom and dad had the genes for celiac disease). Interestingly, removing gluten helped different members of the family with different things (Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus).
Another family began to have symptoms of autoimmune disease after moving into a house with mold.
Mold can be a powerful trigger for many autoimmune conditions, including autoimmune thyroid disease, leading to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In this particular family, the mother developed asthma and Hashimoto’s; the daughter developed Hashimoto’s, the son developed allergies, while the father developed rashes.
It’s important to note that not everyone in the family may be affected at the same rate, and different individuals may not respond to triggers in the same way. Gluten sensitivity may be the main trigger for some people, but for others, it is a secondary manifestation of a different root cause, such as a gut infection that makes digestion more difficult. That said, I always recommend starting with food to eliminate
If you’d like to have more information on how to figure out your Hashimoto’s triggers, you may find my book; Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, to be helpful in your journey.
P.S. Be sure to sign up to my email list to get a free book chapter, recipes, Thyroid Diet start guide and notifications about upcoming events and my weekly newsletter.
Nichole- You may find this article interesting! 🙂
THE COMMON ROOT CAUSE OF HASHIMOTO’S, HIVES AND IBS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-common-root-cause-of-hashimotos-hives-and-ibs
I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Joy- I’m very hesitant in recommending iodine in Hashimoto’s. Although iodine serves as fuel for our thyroid and is very important in iodine deficiency hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s is a different mechanism. It’s like pouring gas into an engine that’s on fire… that’s essentially what’s happening in Hashi’s, thyroid inflammation, and adding iodine to the mix before putting out the fire and fixing the engine may result in further damage to the thyroid. In those with a predisposition to autoimmunity, this has been documented time and time again, animal and human studies. I have spent 4 years researching this and have seen too many people suffering the consequences of adding iodine too soon. My approach is, let’s fix the engine first (usually a gut issue), and then add the fuel once we know that the engine is no longer on fire. Hope that you will check out my book. I have a whole chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein.
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Lilyann- 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
James- Here is some information you may find interesting.
Three things MUST be present in order for autoimmunity to occur…
1. Genetic predisposition
2. Environmental triggers
3. Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
Developing autoimmunity is like a three-legged stool, all of these factors must be present for autoimmunity to occur! When you remove one of these, you can prevent or stop autoimmune disease. While we can’t change genes, if we know the trigger, we can remove it and we can heal the gut.
IS HASHIMOTO’S HYPOTHYROIDISM GENETIC
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-hashimotos-genetic
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm
Irene- Here is some information you may find interesting.
Three things MUST be present in order for autoimmunity to occur…
1. Genetic predisposition
2. Environmental triggers
3. Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
Developing autoimmunity is like a three-legged stool, all of these factors must be present for autoimmunity to occur! When you remove one of these, you can prevent or stop autoimmune disease. While we can’t change genes, if we know the trigger, we can remove it and we can heal the gut.
IS HASHIMOTO’S HYPOTHYROIDISM GENETIC
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-hashimotos-genetic
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm
Brandi- 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
Diana- Here is some information you may find interesting.
Three things MUST be present in order for autoimmunity to occur…
1. Genetic predisposition
2. Environmental triggers
3. Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
Developing autoimmunity is like a three-legged stool, all of these factors must be present for autoimmunity to occur! When you remove one of these, you can prevent or stop autoimmune disease. While we can’t change genes, if we know the trigger, we can remove it and we can heal the gut.
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm
Cheryl- Here is some information you may find interesting.
Three things MUST be present in order for autoimmunity to occur…
1. Genetic predisposition
2. Environmental triggers
3. Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
Developing autoimmunity is like a three-legged stool, all of these factors must be present for autoimmunity to occur! When you remove one of these, you can prevent or stop autoimmune disease. While we can’t change genes, if we know the trigger, we can remove it and we can heal the gut.
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm
Joyce- Going gluten free is always the first step that I recommend. I’ve found through my page that a good percentage feel better off of gluten. About 20% will actually go into remission by doing so. Some researchers have found that three to six months on a gluten-free diet can eliminate organ-specific antibodies.
10 MOST HELPFUL DIY INTERVENTIONS FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-most-helpful-diy-interventions-for-hashimotosaccording-to-my-clients
TOP 9 TAKEAWAYS FROM 2232 PEOPLE WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-9-takeaways-from-2232-people-with-hashimotos/
Denise – Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Joanna- 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.
Diane- 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
Toni- 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
I was told my daughter needed thyroid meds when she was 12, and I was told I did too, about 15 years after that….no mention of Hashimotos, or support for this insideous disease. However, I now, thanks to Izabella, am on a mostly gluten free (it is so HARD, though) dairy free diet, antibodies are at 10, don’t know what they were before the new diet, as physicians have no idea how to help you to get better. Maybe I am just thyroid poor, not having Hashimotos,,,,but feeling better, gonna continue this diet, and see where it goes!
CJ- I think it is amazing you have empowered yourself to take your health back! I look forward to hearing your progress on this page!! You may be interested in checking out the Root Cause Recipe Portal. It is full of autoimmune paleo and paleo recipes. You’re able to organize weekly shopping lists, meal planning, etc. Hope you check it out.
http://rootcauserecipes.com/
Hello Dr. Wentz,
I’m a 41 year women with no children, my mother was diagnosed with hashimoto’s over 15 years ago and lost almost all her hair, even though she takes Synthroid daily.
My grandmother, aunt and cousin from my mother’s side has this unfortunate disease too.
I’m tested every six months, I’m so scared to get this as I have witnessed how hard it can be to deal with as far as the weight gain, hair loss and fatigue, even with medication.
Two questions, am I possibly going to inherent this disease since my family has a history with this, and I’ve periodically have had symptoms of hypothyroidism, but I bounce right back three weeks later, my doctor isn’t sure, but says my symptoms are likely hypothyroidism. Ugh, it would be nice to catch it before any damage continues.
I’m around the age my other family members started having symptoms, and I’ve been having suspicious symptoms for the last ten years, no other diseases diagnosed when blood work was done. I cannot even take the cold, not even for 5 mins, I weigh 120 lbs, but will gain up to 8 pounds out of nowhere. Sometimes swelling under the eyes and unexplained fatigue. Thought it was perimenopause, but doctor said estrogen is still in “ovulation range”.
Thanks,
Lo
Lo – thank you for following this page. I’m sorry to hear you are struggling. 🙁
I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
My sister was diagnosed with hashi’s and I have followed her footsteps with the symptoms. Was tested for hashi’s and had a low amount of antibodies, but in the normal range. I always see that an ultrasound can diagnose but what exactly on an ultrasound indicates hashi’s? I have multiple cysts and nodules on my thyroid. My endo stated it was an indication of hashi’s in my file but nothing was ever done about it or said about it. So because all my tests are fine and in the normal range I continue to suffer tons of symptoms, but I get no help. Just wondering what actual indicates hashi’s on an ultrasound.
Kay – An ultrasound can show shrinkage, lesions, nodules and scarring consistent with Hashimoto’s. A good doctor would be able to interpret the ultrasound results for you. I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Hello! I have read both of your books and truly appreciate all that you do for this community. I was diagnosed via ultrasound last year (2 small nodules, FNA confirmed diagnosis) and have had TSH levels varying from 1.5 to 5.8 and most recently 4.5 since then. What is interesting to me is that my antibodies have never been higher than 37. So I am wondering if I am possibly seronegative (as I learned about in your most recent article). My question is how can I measure success of treatment protocols if not by antibody levels? I am fortunately fairly asymptomic as I believe I am possibly in the early stages, maybe late 2 or early 3. Thank you for continued efforts to create awareness! Because of you, my sister now knows she has Hashimotos but she is still in stage 1 and hopefully will be able to reverse the condition before ever becoming hypothyroid!
Kristen- Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms, and for others, it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
I keep reading your blog and your books including the new one. I work with functional medicine doctor and I see same patterns over and over.
It started with tpo 90 and higher tsh around 5. Initially after going gluten free and autoimmune diet antibodies went up to 500. Then I learned I had ebv. After one year of supplementing with vitamin d , zinc, selenium and vitamin c and monolarium plus some adrenals support ebv went away and antibodies were 30. It lasted for 1 year. In last year the antibodies started to go up again went up to 200 and tsh was around 8. My doctor was telling me that I am paradox as I completely don’t have symptoms but my blood work points otherwise. Few weeks ago I myself retested myself and noticed ebv reactivated. I was gluten free for 1 year and my diet was extremely clean and organic. No nightshades, litte eggs, No dairy. My antibodies are now 111 and ebv early antigen is high. My tsh is the highest I ever had 11, but my t4 and t3 are in the middle of the range. I am confused and feel like the body is not as simple as all the bloggers think and this hashimotos is a nightmare to deal with.
Like I said I feel great but my numbers are not. I am lean, athletic and don’t have issues except maybe some colder hands and feet in the winter time, but this happens in my office that is extremely cold and everyone complains.
Could my ebv driving my hashimotos?
Why it reactivates if I do everything I can to control it?
Why with tsh of 11 I feel great?
Funny part is my dad also has hashimotos and after he lowered his medication synthroid to bare minimum he started to feel better nevertheless he fact he has tsh of 20. Before he had tsh of 2 and was feeling terrible. I feel like this tsh values are completely useless and not important at all. Tsh is just the snapshot of what is your body doing right now. One hour after the test it can completely be different.
I believe I have suffered with hashimotos most of my life but was only diagnosed when I was 34 yrs old. I am 41 now. Prior to that I had tried many hairloss products, healthy eating, etc anything to try to make me feel better having no idea there was an underlying cause. Within recent years my daughter who is now 7 has been diagnosed with hashimotos. I do not want my daughter to suffer s much as I did growing up and im currently doing everything I can to help her. Your website has been extremely helpful and given me an insight into helping both my child and myself overcome the symptoms of hashimotos. Thank you so much.
Sufia – you are very welcome! For children, teens, (and adults), I always recommend starting with the diet. Are they gluten, dairy, corn and soy free? Are they eating a nutrient dense diet with fermented foods?
Implementing those changes can help many symptoms. For example, some cases of anemia can be helped by eating liver, others may resolve by going gluten free. Acid reflux is often caused by food sensitivities. Most of the interventions recommended in my book can be done with children, with the exception of the dosing of supplements. I do suggest that you work with a functional medicine doctor that is familiar in working with children (I only works with adults). I hope this helps!
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
https://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Hi again, from England.
I have recently been diagnosed with hyperthyroid wkth large multinodular goitre. For yeara i was borderline. Waiting to see endocrinologist, not got treatment yet.
Two queries, before being diagnosed as hyper, following a 24 hour swelling in goitre, tnat has now gone, i was takimg 300mg sea kelp do you think that was/IS a good/bad idea? Not taking it T the moment, been off it 3 weeks.
Other thing, i have 7 cousins and a late aunt with hypo a d hyper thyroid issues. Aunt had a goitre removed many years ago. Basica.ly, our paternal gra dfather/aunts father worked as a hatter in early 20th century. This included much exposure to mercury, arsenic and other heavy metals during the process. Would this have been carried through genes to myself a d cousins a d now 2 daughters who are diagnosed with tnyroid disease, in early stages?
Thank you.
Lindka – thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your journey. I am sorry to hear you are struggling. My heart goes out to you and your family. <3 I do not recommend Kelp, Dulse, Spirulina Chlorella and Seaweed for those with active Hashimoto’s due to their high content of Iodine and their propensity to modulate the immune system. Spirulina, in particular, has been associated with new onset autoimmune conditions. Additionally, excess iodine can perpetuate/worsen the autoimmune attack in Hashimoto’s and lead to additional thyroid cell destruction. Nodules and goiters are often the result of toxicity and/or the autoimmune process. So, doing interventions to reduce the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and toxicity, can be helpful to reduce them. 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. Here are the links to my books:
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://amzn.to/2DoeC80
Hashimoto’s Protocol
http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq
After having my daughter a doctor found a nodule on my neck that was tested and determined to be non cancerous. He did further blood work and identified that I have Hashimotos but it is not active. I don’t have any Hashimotos symptoms as of yet and my thyroid is at normal levels. But I do go back every 6 months for a check up on this. I eat in moderation high in vegetable low in gluten diet, exercise 3-4 days a week, live a healthy lifestyle. My question is what can I do to further help to keep my Hashimoto in remission as it is now proactively? As I mentioned I don’t have any symptoms & am not taking any medicine. Would love to read more on this topic more specifically.
Indra – thank you for following this page. Pregnancy can often be a trigger for developing Hashimoto’s or for an autoimmune flare – iron deficiency and immune shift, as well as potentially the baby’s thyroid cells that circulate in the body, may be a trigger. Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
TOP 10 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year
SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care