My Top 3 Reasons
I am Izabella Wentz, a pharmacist, Hashimoto’s patient, and author. I believe that thyroid patients are not getting the treatment and attention they deserve from the medical community.
There are three major issues that I see: diagnosis, medication management, and counseling regarding lifestyle interventions.
- Thyroid patients are not diagnosed appropriately. The TSH is not a reliable marker of thyroid function as it can fluctuate, especially in those with Hashimoto’s. TPO antibodies may become elevated years and sometimes even decades before a change in TSH is seen and may be associated with fatigue, recurrent miscarriages, and many other issues before the TSH becomes affected.
- I believe that patients should be better optimized on their medications. Just because a TSH falls within the “normal” range does not mean the medication is dosed appropriately. We need to treat the patient, not the lab values! Patient symptoms are key! As a pharmacist, I can tell you that there are many medications that have prodrugs (an inactive precursor of a drug, converted into its active form in the body by normal metabolic processes) that do not get converted to the active drugs in the body. T4, by definition, is a prodrug and does not always convert to T3! Sometimes combination medications are needed. To learn more about Optimizing Thyroid Medications, download my free guide below!
- Lifestyle interventions such as eliminating infections, addressing nutrient depletions, reducing sensitizing foods and addressing adrenal function can help reduce or eliminate autoimmunity, yet they are ignored by mainstream medicine.
Here is my story
Before I was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, I had been suffering from fatigue and quite a few digestive and allergic symptoms.
I struggled with chronic fatigue for almost eight years before I was finally diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I had always been an active and energetic individual, but then never seemed to have recovered from the debilitating fatigue after a mono infection during my first year in college.
This fatigue kept me from pursuing my dreams and passions in my early twenties, but eventually, I learned to compensate. I would sleep for 12 hours a night so that I could participate in my classes, study, work and enjoy a social life.
I went to numerous doctors to get checked out over the years and was diagnosed with IBS, depression, allergies, anxiety, acid reflux and told that all of my labs were normal.
After my primary care doctor said all of my tests were “normal,” I consulted with an allergist-immunologist who ran a whole slew of tests for food allergies (not intolerances), environmental allergies and autoimmune markers.
One of the tests that came up positive was Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO Antibodies). These antibodies are positive in 95% of those with Hashimoto’s. Mine were above 2000! The normal range for that particular test should have been less than 30.
My TSH was at 4.5, which fell in the “normal” range at the time but is now known to be too high and indicative of subclinical hypothyroidism. I have a note from my physician that says: “Your thyroid function is normal. No need to do anything.”
Additionally, my blood sugar was 53, showing that I had been experiencing hypoglycemia.
The allergist told me that at one point I might be at risk of developing hypothyroidism, but not to worry about it. Instead, I was prescribed three different allergy medications and referred to a gastroenterologist who diagnosed me with acid reflux and IBS and, you guessed it, gave me more medications.
After another year of stomach issues, anxiety, fatigue (sleeping 12 hours per night), a persistent chronic cough, taking my medications as prescribed, I followed up with my primary care doctor again.
At that point, my TSH jumped to 8, which was above the reference range. I was then told that I should start thinking about thyroid hormones.
I don’t blame the doctors. They meant well and were trying to help me, but people don’t always realize what they don’t know. I also didn’t know much … I was a new grad pharmacist at the time, and although my knowledge of pharmaceutical therapies was very much current, I knew very little about lifestyle interventions that would prevent, reduce or eliminate autoimmunity. I was surprised that there weren’t many established lifestyle interventions for my condition, so I decided to start doing some research on my own.
In a perfect world, where autoimmune thyroid conditions would be treated appropriately, this scenario would have happened instead:
- I would have been advised that based on my TPO antibodies, TSH and family history of thyroid disorders I was at high risk for developing hypothyroidism within the next year.
- I should have been started on a low dose of thyroid medication to make up for the extra demand placed on my thyroid that was leaving me exhausted.
- I should have been tested for food intolerances (IgA, IgG), not just food allergies (IgE) or told to follow an elimination diet for my IBS and acid reflux, which would have helped slow down or eliminate the progression of Hashimoto’s.
- I should have been informed about lifestyle interventions to address autoimmunity and inflammation.
- I should have been informed that inflammation from my thyroid, gut, and my hypoglycemia was taxing my adrenals, leading me to develop a multitude of environmental allergies.
- I should have been told to work on balancing my blood sugar …
My personal mission is to spread awareness about lifestyle interventions and promote further research.
The right diagnosis, the right medication, and the right lifestyle changes have made a tremendous difference in my life. I feel like I have the old me back, after almost 10 years of living in the shadow of my fullest potential.
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!
Thank you for writing and it’s always so greta to hear from another health care professional, especially a fellow pharmacy professional:) I was a tech for 8 years before I became a pharmacist and very much enjoyed the work! I am glad that you are starting to see some positive changes! Keep working at it. If you do not start feeling better, I would explore additional sensitivities, the adrenals as well as your gut function. Many of us have hidden gut infections that many need to be eliminated before things start getting better. Thank you for your support and for supporting ThyroidChange.org, we need more professionals like yourself to support the mission. Wishing you all the best in your journey!
WEIGHT GAIN
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/1/post/2013/08/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos.html
I have ordered your book on amazon. I was diagnosed with thyroiditis 14 years ago. After suffering for a few years and was constantly told…you have anxiety, you are peri menopausal, your thyroid tests are in normal range etc etc. I was getting symptoms of both hypo thyroid and hyper thyroid and still do on and off….I would have the palpitations sweats, anxious, couldn’t sleep, sore muscles and then I would be cold lethargic, dry skin, tired no energy, aching muscles and would put on a little weight then I would lose a little weight. I then went into menopause and some of these symptoms became worse. Its been a real rollcoaster ride. I was eventually diagnosed with hypothyroid only because my TSH went to 8. and when I had a bloodtest a year or so before that it was 5 and because it was in the normal range, they said my thyroid was OK….
Looking back I had a flu virus that really knocked me around, had a bad throat and lost my voice and wasn’t well for a few weeks and from that point it slowly went down hill. I also have had acid reflux, and tummy probs for years before but I was told I was I had a anxious tummy and worried too much….also I don’t deal with milk very well, or soy, Regarding grains it depends on what they are, if I have spelt or a wholegrain like buckwheat, quinoa a little rye or barley or a little wholewheat Im not too bad I can have brown rice and basmati rice but if I have Pasta and long grain white rice after an hour or so I feel like I am still hungry I get the hunger sensation in my tummy and that’s not possible after you have eaten a meal so I don’t eat pasta and rice very often if at all. Mild IBS happens on and off….so in effect so many symptoms I can relate too. I try to watch how much sugar I have and it definitely has an effect on me if I have too much, Yes I do take thyroid meds and I started with 50mg and I now take 100mg. I have noticed that my cholesterol has gone up since I started taking thyroid meds and my blood pressure too…
I remember my doctor say oh you are wired up very differently….and I would think to myself….well most of us are not a standard text book patient!!! We are all different.
I will read your book and I will definitely change my diet and looking forward to feeling so much better. Im sure this will also help with menopause symptoms like hot flushes and palpitations 🙂
I have tried a few different diets and supplements and have felt a little better. Its difficult to find a good doctor that understands how you feel, I honestly felt like I was going nuts, no one understood and trying to explain symptoms made me feel like I was a hypochondriac and once given the thyroid meds it was ok well here you go you will feel better and you will have to take them for the rest of your life….
Thank you again
Ella
Ella- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. 🙂
Tracy- Natural essential oils: natural extracts and essential oils enhance antibacterial and antiviral properties of cleaning products. Antibacterial: camphor, cardamom, citronella, cypress, eucalyptus, ginger, juniper, lavender, lime, lemongrass, orange, lemon, pine, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme. Antiviral: cinnamon, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, oregano, sandalwood, tea tree.
I have ordered your book on amazon. I was diagnosed with thyroiditis 14 years ago. After suffering for a few years and was constantly told…you have anxiety, you are peri menopausal, your thyroid tests are in normal range etc etc. I was getting symptoms of both hypo thyroid and hyper thyroid and still do on and off….I would have the palpitations sweats, anxious, couldn’t sleep, sore muscles and then I would be cold lethargic, dry skin, tired no energy, aching muscles and would put on a little weight then I would lose a little weight. I then went into menopause and some of these symptoms became worse. Its been a real rollcoaster ride. I was eventually diagnosed with hypothyroid only because my TSH went to 8. and when I had a bloodtest a year or so before that it was 5 and because it was in the normal range, they said my thyroid was OK….
Looking back I had a flu virus that really knocked me around, had a bad throat and lost my voice and wasn’t well for a few weeks and from that point it slowly went down hill. I also have had acid reflux, and tummy probs for years before but I was told I was I had a anxious tummy and worried too much….also I don’t deal with milk very well, or soy, Regarding grains it depends on what they are, if I have spelt or a wholegrain like buckwheat, quinoa a little rye or barley or a little wholewheat Im not too bad I can have brown rice and basmati rice but if I have Pasta and long grain white rice after an hour or so I feel like I am still hungry I get the hunger sensation in my tummy and that’s not possible after you have eaten a meal so I don’t eat pasta and rice very often if at all. Mild IBS happens on and off….so in effect so many symptoms I can relate too. I try to watch how much sugar I have and it definitely has an effect on me if I have too much, Yes I do take thyroid meds and I started with 50mg and I now take 100mg. I have noticed that my cholesterol has gone up since I started taking thyroid meds and my blood pressure too…
I remember my doctor say oh you are wired up very differently….and I would think to myself….well most of us are not a standard text book patient!!! We are all different.
I will read your book and I will definitely change my diet and looking forward to feeling so much better. Im sure this will also help with menopause symptoms like hot flushes and palpitations 🙂
I have tried a few different diets and supplements and have felt a little better. Its difficult to find a good doctor that understands how you feel, I honestly felt like I was going nuts, no one understood and trying to explain symptoms made me feel like I was a hypochondriac and once given the thyroid meds it was ok well here you go you will feel better and you will have to take them for the rest of your life….
Thank you again
Ella
Natasha- 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
Lisa- 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
Cristy- Here are a couple of articles you may find interesting! 🙂
INFECTIONS AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/infections-and-hashimotos/
HASHIMOTO’S AND THE GUT
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-the-gut
THE GUT AND AUTOIMMUNE THYROID CONNECTION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-gut-and-autoimmune-thyroid-connection
Pamela- Here is an article you may find helpful! 🙂
TPO ANTIBODIES
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-tpo-antibodies
Lisa- 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
Debbie- 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
Debra- Thank you so much for your support!! That is great!! I look forward to hearing your progress on this page!! 🙂
Mary- The Thyroid Bundle Cookbook contains over 100 delicious gluten, dairy and soy-free recipes from me and my favorite thyroid and nutrition experts – available here:
THYROID BUNDLE FREE COOKBOOK
http://thyroidbundle.com/
Also, 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.
ROOT CAUSE RECIPE PORTAL
http://rootcauserecipes.com/
Jennifer – 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
Noemi- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. 🙂
My 16 year old daughter was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism and is going to be tested now for Hashimoto’s. We have picked up our first prescription for the generic synthroid. I spend hours reading online and my husband and I have decided to postpone starting her on them as we read that there may be a healthier alternative. Can you tell me the supplements or different things you do to go through this without prescription meds? I don’t want to wait long to get her treated. I know iodine is a necessary thing and I’m not sure she gets any. We use sea salt. So I’m going to start her on Shaklee multi-vitamin which contains iodine. I also read about sugar having a big part in this so I plan to take sugar out of her diet. Looking for anyones thoughts on helping my girl without drugs.
Lori Ann – Thanks for reaching out! 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 Hashimoto’s thyroid inflammation. 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, in both 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 an entire chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein. Here are the links to my books:
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
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
You might also find this article helpful. IODINE AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/iodine-hashimotos/
Hello
I have few questions, which i want to ask from you:
1. How to Approach you for consultation, i mean your Office is in which Country and is it possible to consult you?
2. I have thyroid Problem, even i don’t know that i have or not because my doctors are good enough to find out the cause. Still i am following your Posts and pages and Research papers. I Diagnosed with Hypothyroid in 2014 not doubt i had some symptoms like hair falling dizziness and something feeling in my brain. From that time till now my TSH is fluctuating but not T3 or T4 , they are every time under the range. And doctor is not telling me proper medication , when he will see it is high , he will high the dose of Levothyroxin and when it is low then he will say now take 50 mg instead of 75mg . so I want to know what should I do ?
3. I stated selenium last two months back and I was begging these people to check my TPO but they said once you diagnosed that you have Hashimoto’s then there is no need to check after 3 months. Is it true?
4. Sometimes I think that my root cause is my GUT, because after diagnosed I got 18 kg and then I lost 12 Kg but my abdominal part is getting back to its normal position then I started Probiotic, I saw little bit changes in the size of my abdominal. So how to go for lab test for GUT or acid reflux and other things related to it.
Waiting for your response.
Thanks in advance for your corporation.
Momna – 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 Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program, 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 before enrolling to this course, like reading my book. Here is the link to the program:
Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program
http://hackinghashimotos.com/
And here is the link to my book in case you haven’t read it already:
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol (this is my latest book)
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
I too receive normal test for T3 and T4 but when I ask for antibodies to be done the TPO is always up and last test TG 126 and TPO 655 but Dr. was happy because previously TPO was 1300 so coming down was considered good??? I aso seem to suffer from allergies intense itching/scratching/burning sensation in different parts of the body. I am currently taking Eurostig (was prescribed at my request) so have no idea if it is what I should be on, or if it is correcting my problems. I also have a multi-nodular goitre (not sure if that is a problem either). Any ideas of what to do next.
Margaret – thank you for reaching out. ❤️ About 95% of people with Hashimoto’s have elevated Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies, while 80% will have elevated Thyroglobulin Antibodies. They can both be important in monitoring the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and can both be used to monitor the effect of interventions. Some interventions will lower TPO antibodies more, while others will have a greater effect on TG antibodies. This can depend on the individual and their body’s response.
Some people with Hashimoto’s test negative for thyroid antibodies because their overall immune health is so weak, they do not produce enough antibodies. I tested negative for antibodies several times. Now, I insist on a thyroid ultrasound. A thyroid ultrasound can be used to detect changes in the thyroid, associated with Hashimoto’s. Given that Hashimoto’s is one of the leading causes of hypothyroidism worldwide, it’s best to be certain, one way or another. I have written several articles about how to best decrease thyroid antibodies.
Here are some articles I think you might find helpful:
HASHIMOTO’S AND THYROID ANTIBODIES: PART 1
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-thyroid-antibodies/
HASHIMOTO’S AND THYROID ANTIBODIES: PART 2
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/part-2-mechanisms-reduce-thyroid-antibodies/
THYROID NODULES
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-thyroid-nodules/