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What If Hashimoto’s Is Ignored?

Posted on March 21, 2012 by OrlandoThyroid

Hashimoto’s disease is a medical condition where one’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This results in thyroid gland inflammation, which causes damage and often leads to hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland.

This medical condition affects both men and women alike of any age including children but more common in the middle-aged women.

The hard part about this disease is that there are no unique signs and symptoms that will point the disease right away. This condition progresses slowly over the years until there is a sudden drop in the thyroid levels. This means there is already a chronic damage in the thyroid.

Being the most common cause of hypothyroidism, their signs and symptoms are almost the same. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that should never be ignored:

  • Increased fatigue, sleepiness, and sluggishness
  • Depression
  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Pale and dry skin
  • Dry, coarse hair
  • Hair falling out
  • Elevated cholesterol level
  • Hoarse voice
  • Decreased concentration
  • Muscle cramps
  • Menorrhagia or prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding
  • Puffiness of the face especially around the eyes.

As soon as one notices some of these symptoms, one should already consult a doctor. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is treatable. Without treatment, symptoms may slowly become more severe that might lead to goiter or an enlarged thyroid gland.

What Causes Hashimoto’s Disease

There is still no definite medical answer as to why one’s immune system would attack its own thyroid gland. Doctors and researchers think it can be some type or bacteria triggering such response from the thyroid.

Hypothyroidism is the most known and common cause of Hashimoto’s disease. There are several causes of hypothyroidism. It could be as simple as not enough iodine intake or could be a result of being treated with hyperthyroidism as the body’s system tries to bounce back.

The Complications From Hashimoto’s Disease

Every disease left untreated will seriously lead to a number of complications. It is always best to catch medical conditions at an early stage. This gives higher chances of responding to treatment, better prognosis, and a higher percentage for recovery.

If Hashimoto’s disease remains untreated for a long period of time, here are just some of the complications that might arise:

  • Goiter – The most common complication arising from Hashimoto’s disease. A condition where enough damage has been made to the thyroid gland making it severely enlarged.
  • Heart Problems – Because of the elevation in cholesterol levels in a person with Hashimoto’s disease or with hypothyroidism, this increases the chance for heart diseases.
  • Mental Health Issues – As depression is one of the major symptoms in this ailment, it can grow more severe as time goes by it is untreated. This can lead to complications with sexual desire both for men and women.
  • Myxedema – This most severe form of hypothyroidism can be a life-threatening condition.
  • Birth Defects – This is why pregnant women are checked for thyroid hormone imbalances.
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Thyroid Hormone Replacement

Posted on March 21, 2012 by OrlandoThyroid

The thyroid is the gland responsible for taking control of the body’s metabolism, protein production, and other processes related to growth and development. The thyroid hormone, produced by this gland is an important hormone that the body needs to grow and properly develop.

Iodine and Its Role in the Body

To produce the thyroid hormone, the thyroid needs iodine. However, iodine is a trace element and the body cannot produce it on its own. Having a sufficient amount of iodine in the body is essential for the production of the thyroid hormone. Lack of iodine in the body can cause problems that specifically affect the thyroid gland.

There are two leading problems experienced by the thyroid; hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. These conditions lead to over production or an underactive thyroid gland respectively. Symptoms vary but some include weight loss or weight gain depending on the condition, feeling stressed, hair falling out, diarrhea, and problems with the bowel.

Another problem that directly affects the thyroid gland is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s disease. It is a form of auto immune disease where the body registers the thyroid gland as a foreign body and attacks to destroy it. In severe cases, the thyroid cells are destroyed and the gland can no longer produce the thyroid hormone.

When this occurs, a person may suffer from symptoms of hypothyroidism with some instances of hypothyroidism. The irregularity of thyroid hormone production is not good but when the thyroid is destroyed, it is permanent.

What is Thyroid Hormone Replacement?

The good thing is that thyroid hormone replacement is available for individuals who need help with thyroid issues. Some conditions of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can last for long periods of time and during this period, it is best to consult a doctor to see if thyroid hormone replacement is an option that an individual can have.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is done when an individual has permanent or long term need of thyroid hormones that the gland is failing to produce. Thyroid hormone replacement is done by using synthetic hormones similar to the thyroid hormone of the body. The synthetic thyroid hormone will then make up for the low or overproduction of hormones from the malfunctioning thyroid gland.

When a person’s thyroid is not functioning normally, a blood workup can be done to determine whether that person will need thyroid hormone replacement therapy, especially is the hormones are already too high or too low.

Consulting a doctor to determine the proper dosage of replacement for thyroid hormones is advised for people who have been suffering from thyroid problems for a long time already.

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Understanding Hashimotos’ Disease

Posted on March 7, 2012 by OrlandoThyroid

What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

The first disease classified under auto immune diseases, Hashimoto’s disease, named after Hashimoto Hakaru, is a condition where the thyroid gland gets inflamed. It is a type of auto immune disease that affects the thyroid and causes it to have hypothyroidism.

This specific auto immune disease is a condition of the body where the thyroid is targeted as a foreign tissue. Thus, it gets inflamed and it does not function properly. In the U.S., Hashimoto’s disease is the leading cause of hypothyroidism.

Also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, this auto immune disease affects the thyroid gland and hampers the production of the thyroid hormone that controls metabolism, regulation of the body’s energy use, and the production of proteins in the body.

The antibodies that target the thyroid gland gradually destroys it and eventually leads to the most common problem that the thyroid experiences; hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones produced) and at times, even bursts of hyperthyroidism (overproduction of the thyroid hormone). This disease causes hormonal imbalance that affects processes of the body connected to growth and maturation.

Recognize the Symptoms

The symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease are very similar to those encountered by individuals who are affected by hypothyroidism. Since the disease causes the hypothyroidism itself, its presence is felt when symptoms of hypothyroidism are already present.

Some of these symptoms are:
• Weight gain due to lack of regulation in the metabolism
• Indigestion and constipation
• Brittle hair that could eventually lead to more hair falling out
• Tiredness and increased feelings of sleepiness

What Causes Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto’s disease has a tendency to be common among family members. It is more common in women especially after pregnancy. Although genetics plays a role on whether a person is more likely to get the disease or not, there are environmental factors that may lead to the development of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

One such environmental factor is an excessive intake of iodine-rich foods. Exposure to second hand smoke can also be a factor that heightens the risk of getting Hashimoto’s disease especially those who are genetically predisposed to it already.

A blood workout can help individuals discover or confirm if they have Hashimoto’s disease. The level of antibodies that target the thyroid gland will be tested in the blood and this will help diagnose the presence of Hashimoto’s disease.

Once diagnosed, treatment is quite simple. Hormone replacements will be given and this will help make the function of the thyroid go back to normal and produce the right amount of thyroid hormone.

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How Hypothyroidism Causes Weight Gain

Posted on March 7, 2012 by OrlandoThyroid

What is Hypothyroidism?

The thyroid gland is responsible for the release of the hormones controlling our metabolism.  When the thyroid gland does not function as it is supposed to be, there becomes a hormonal imbalance.  It can be due to a deficiency or an excess of hormone production.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone, thus, causing imbalance.  On the other hand, hyperthyroidism, from the word itself, is when the thyroid gland excretes more than enough thyroid hormone, thus, still causing imbalance.  It has been always been said that too little or too much of something is not in any way good for our body.

Most Common Causes

Here are some of the most common causes for hypothyroidism:

1. Iodine deficiency – This has been cited to be the most common culprit for causing hypothyroidism.
2. Thyroid gland inflammation – Inflammation damages the thyroid cells, thus, interfering with its natural capacity of hormone production.
3. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – An autoimmune disease where one’s own immune system attacks the thyroid gland.  This results to inflammation, damaging the thyroid cells and interfering with the thyroid’s functions that later leads to an underactive thyroid gland.
4. Postpartum thyroiditis – Usually happens after childbirth when a pregnant woman has history of immune disorders related to the thyroid gland.  If the inflammation is not immediately diagnosed, this can also lead to an underactive thyroid gland.
5. Congenital hypothyroidism – Some persons are born with an underactive thyroid gland.  However, this happens rarely.
6. Radiation treatments to the neck.
7. Surgical removal of the thyroid gland.

Most Common Symptoms of a Hypoactive Thyroid Gland

Most of the time, a hypoactive thyroid gland is not easily detected in a person whose thyroid gland is just starting to malfunction.  The symptoms become much more pronounced and noticeable when the hypothyroidism is already at the latter stage.

Let us classify the symptoms into two – the early and the late symptoms. Early symptoms include increased sensitivity to cold or cold intolerance, constipation and low heart rate or bradycardia. While late symptoms may include goiter or the pronounced enlargement of the thyroid gland and more pronounced abnormal menstrual cycles which can lead to infertility.

Why It Can Cause Weight Gain

Being the gland that produces hormones responsible for the body’s metabolism, there is a complex relationship between the thyroid diseases, metabolism, and weight.  Any abnormality in hormone production can alter the body’s metabolism.

The relationship of the three can be illustrated as:
Hypothyroidism = Decreased thyroid hormones = Low metabolism = Weight gain
Hyperthyroidism = Increased thyroid hormones = High metabolism = Weight loss

The thyroid hormones regulates metabolism making them in direct proportion to each other.  A decrease in metabolism rate results in weight gain because the body cannot metabolize in the way it is supposed to due to lacking thyroid hormones.

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How to Beat Hypothyroidism and Diabetes

Posted on February 1, 2012 by OrlandoThyroid

If you suffer from Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid hormone or diabetes, you know how specific these conditions are and also how many various treatments exist in the health care field to treat them. It can be confusing as well as frustrating when combating these conditions with a doctor that doesn’t specialize in them. After all, the general practitioner that is listed first on your insurance list also treats colds, sinus infections and other general illnesses too. They are not a specialist in your condition.

The tendency of most doctors after reading your A1C Test and determining that you have diabetes is to put you on some sort of oral medication to treat the symptoms. Likewise is the case when you are diagnosed with thyroid disease. But you, the patient, need to remember that you are the one in charge of your own health care. There are other doctors on your insurance plan that believe in treating the whole person, the disease and not just the symptoms of the problem.

Yes, you can take pills that will help lower your blood sugar to acceptable levels, but that is not going to get rid of the problem for good. As soon as you stop taking the pills or your body develops a resistance to them, your blood sugars are going to start going up. If you had only treated the problem as a whole in the beginning, this wouldn’t even be an issue.

If you’re ready to toss the pills and the insulin needles away for good and talk with a professional who specializes in the disease, the time is now to act. In your area is a doctor that can help you lose the weight you need to lose without hours at the gym. They can help you regain the energy you had years ago so that you no longer feel the need to live a sedentary lifestyle.

Beat thyroid disease and end your frustration with hair loss and fuzzy thinking. By partnering up with a professional who will work with you as an individual and not just a number, you will gain control of your health back and become the well person you were meant to be.

So, if you or someone you know has been suffering from either thyroid dysfunction or diabetes, maybe you should think outside the box and see a chiropractor.  What??  What can a chiropractor do?  A chiropractor can treat your problem and not your symptoms.  Chiropractors do not follow the typical ‘standard of care’ and are allowed to treat you in ways other doctors hindered by a generic ‘standard of care’ guidelines cannot or will not.

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The Signs of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Posted on November 25, 2011 by OrlandoThyroid

Hashimoto’s Disease is one type of autoimmune disease that affects many Americans, as well as people all over the world. It is also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Autoimmune diseases are such diseases which arise from an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. In simple words, we can say that the body attacks its own cells. The thyroid gland then becomes inflamed.

This condition is more common in women than in men and starts mostly in adulthood between the ages of 30 and 50. If we take the blood samples of people affected with this disease, you can see that there are an increased number of antibodies to the enzyme thyroid peroxidase which is found in the thyroid gland. As the antibodies over interact with the enzymes, inflammation develops in the thyroid gland and the gland is ultimately destroyed. This leads to a condition called as hypothyroidism in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

These diseases are diagnosed with a blood test to see where the thyroid hormones levels are at. Hashimoto’s is also diagnosed with an antibody test, since it is an autoimmune disease. The sensitive TSH test can often detect the presence of the disease before symptoms arise. If it is hypothyroidism, the person is given medication that synthetically adds T3 and T4 to the body. Most patients are told that they will be taking this medication for the rest of their lives, however there are innovative treatments that can help eliminate medications altogether.

The symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis disease are almost same as that of hypothyroidism. They are fatigue, depression, excessive sleepiness, dry skin and hair, constipation, weight gain, goiter, a hoarse voice, thickened skin, increased cholesterol levels, decreased concentration and swelling of the legs. Women can experience irregular periods. In extreme cases, there may be slow down of heart rate, drop in body temperature. Even heart failure may occur in some critical cases.

The decision to get tested for hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one that should be made after discussion with your doctor. If you have any of the above symptoms, those may be a good indication of a need to get testing done. Also, if you have a family history of thyroid disease, it is a good idea to go for testing. As you grow older, it is important to be aware of any changes or emerging symptoms that may signal a problem with your thyroid.

Many patients with a history of thyroid disorders in their family may want to seek preventative treatments. The idea is still very controversial and dimissed by many practitioners. There has been research done though involving levothyroxine that have shown promising results. Researchers inGermanyconcluded that preventative treatment of euthyroid Hashimoto’s patients reduced various markers of autoimmune thyroiditis, and speculated that such treatment might be able to stop the progress of Hashimoto’s disease, or perhaps prevent development of hypothyroidism.

Just this year, Japanese researchers found that treatment with levothyroxine can reduce the incidence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, as well as help alleviate the symptoms of the disease. As more information about these comes forwards we may be able to help reduce the number of patients who suffer from this sometimes debilitating disease.

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Celiac.com’s Best Ever Gluten-Free Stuffing Recipe

Posted on November 21, 2011 by OrlandoThyroid

Just in time for the holidays, this great gluten-free stuffing recipe will fill your holiday table as well as your family’s bellies!

 

5-6 cups gluten-free bread (~2 loaves), cut into 1″ cubes, toasted and cubed

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cups celery

1 large yellow onion, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped

1-2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1-2 cups gluten-free chicken broth

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

 

Instructions:

1. Sautee onion and celery in olive oil on medium-low heat until translucent.

2. Stir in rosemary, sage and thyme. Cook another one to two minutes until the aroma of the herbs fills the air.

3. Bring the chicken stock to a boil on high heat. Place the egg yolk in a medium sized bown and carefully spoon two or three ounces of the chicken stock into the egg yolk, slowly, while whisking the mixture.

4. Add the rest of the chicken stock to the egg mixture. (Note: blending a small amount of the stock into the egg yolk first will prevent scrambled eggs.)

5. Add the cooled celery, onion and herb mixture into the stock and egg mixture. Toss the bread cubes into this mixture and coat thoroughly.

6. Add the salt and pepper, and toss the bread mixture a bit more.

7. Place all of this into the stock and egg mixture. Toss the bread crumbs into this mixture and coat thoroughly.

8. Place in a 400 degree oven for 40-50 min, covering as needed with aluminum foil until done. Insert a toothpick into the stuffing to check doneness. If it comes out clean, the stuffing is done. If not, bake until the toothpick comes out clean.

Note: If you want to cook the stuffing inside the bird only add 1 cup of chicken broth.

Recipe serves 6-8 people, depending on their appetite for stuffing!

 

 

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Your Thyroid and How it Works

Posted on November 16, 2011 by OrlandoThyroid

Your thyroid gland is quite small and located in the area of your windpipe near your Adam’s Apple. While it may be a small organ it has a mighty big job to do every single day by regulating T3 and T4 hormones, which are responsible namely for metabolism. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be the result of a thyroid that is not functioning properly.

An overactive thyroid is referred to as a hyperthyroid, which means the gland is producing too much of the T3 and T4 hormones. This normally results in weight loss without any effort, hair loss, and nervousness, to name a few. A blood test to look at the levels of the T3 and T4 is needed to make a definitive diagnosis. Treatment options of hyperthyroidism consists of giving the patient medication that slows down the release of the hormones T3 and T4, sometimes these drugs are called anti-thyroid drugs. These medicines can sometimes be difficult to prescribe, in that symptoms can come back after being off of them for 6 months, and in children, where their rapid growth makes the proper amount of medication difficult to measure.

An underactive thyroid is called a hypothyroid, and this refers to the gland not producing enough of the hormones T3 and T4. These symptoms are often the opposite of hyperthyroidism in that the patient typically gains weight and has a very hard time losing it, often feel very fatigued, and can also have hair loss, just to name a few of the main symptoms. This is also diagnosed with a blood test to see where the thyroid hormones levels are at. If it is hypothyroidism, the person is given medication that synthetically adds T3 and T4 to the body. Most patients are told that they will be taking this medication for the rest of their lives, however medical practices such as Integrative Health of Orlando are innovators in developing treatment plans that eliminate these medications altogether.

Any symptoms relating to an underactive or overactive thyroid should immediately be brought to the attention of your primary care provider because the test is quite standard in making the diagnosis. This standard test is as the A1c Test is to those being diagnosed with diabetes. Therefore, the sooner you are diagnosed and treatment is started, you will be able to start feeling better and continue living your life in a more functional way. Many people do not realize how badly they felt until they begin treatment and suddenly realize that they had not felt very well for a long while.

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What You Need to Know About Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Posted on October 18, 2011 by OrlandoThyroid

The thyroid gland. Located in the front of your neck, this little gland is responsible for making the hormones that control metabolism – which includes how fast your body uses calories, and controlling your heart rate. But when something goes wrong with the thyroid, it can cause a number of issues, including thyroid diseases. The most commonly known thyroid diseases are hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) and hypothyroidism (under active thyroid). But a lesser well known thyroid disease is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is when the immune system attacks the thyroid.

Also known as Hashimoto’s disease, when this disease hits, the thyroid is unable to produce the amount of hormones the body needs for proper metabolism. Because of this, people with Hashimoto’s disease develop hypothyroidism, which according to WebMD, lead to symptoms such as:

• weight gain
• fatigue
• paleness or puffiness of the face
• joint and muscle pain
• constipation
• inability to get warm
• difficulty getting pregnant
• joint and muscle pain
• hair loss or thinning, brittle hair
• irregular or heavy menstrual periods
• depression
• slowed heart rate

The problem with this disease is that all too often it is misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism, and is treated as such. But that doesn’t cure the underlying cause, which of course is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is why it’s so important for people who are experiencing these symptoms to visit their doctor as soon as possible.

If you have symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease, your doctor will do an initial exam and order one or more tests. Sometimes, routine screening of thyroid function reveals a mildly underactive thyroid in a person with no symptoms. Tests used to find out if you have Hashimoto’s disease include an antibody test and a blood test to see if your body has the right amount of TSH and the thyroid hormone, T4.

First described in 1912 by Doctor Hashimoto Hakaru, Hashimoto’s disease has no known cure. However, with early detection and the right treatment, Hashimoto’s doesn’t have to have a negative effect on your health. So if you are or have been experiencing symptoms like the ones listed above, talk with your doctor and ask for him or her to test your thyroid.

Fortunately, Hashimoto’s disease isn’t hard to diagnose or treat, and in fact there are special thyroid treatment centers all over the country, including one in Orlando. These centers have doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the thyroid, and offer both traditional and innovated treatment options to their patients. If you or someone you love has a thyroid disease, and are close to one of these centers, these are often the very best places to get treatment.

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What Can Go Wrong With a Thyroid?

Posted on October 12, 2011 by OrlandoThyroid

The thyroid is the main regulator of many of the metabolic functions in the human body. In a sense, you could look on it as being the thermostat that signals the rest of the body’s organs on how fast or slow the metabolism should be running. Therefore, disorders that affect the thyroid can reveal themselves as symptoms affecting the entire body. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the diseases that can cause the thyroid’s ability to regulate your body’s metabolism to fail.

The thyroid plays a vital role in regulating the body’s metabolism and calcium balance. The T4 and T3 hormones stimulate every tissue in the body to produce proteins and increase the amount of oxygen used by cells. The harder the cells work, the harder the organs work. The calcitonin hormone works together with the parathyroid hormone to regulate calcium levels in the body.

Hashimoto’s Disease is the most common cause of thyroid problems among women in the United States. Though it behaves as if it were a problem with the thyroid, the actual failure that occurs is in the immune system. In essence, the immune system for some reason loses its ability to correctly recognize the thyroid as a part of the body, and it begins attacking the thyroid cells as if they were invaders. As the immune system strives to get rid of what it perceives as a threat, it damages the thyroid gland and therefore that gland begins to struggle to function correctly.

As this process causes the release of the critical thyroid hormones to slow, there can be a wide variety of effects. Some of the most noted are weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty tolerating cold temperatures. These are the most common signs that occur when a patient’s metabolism is slowing down. As the condition becomes more severe, the effects may extend to thinning hair and nails and thickening skin, because metabolism also controls the rates at which cells divide and are shed in these organs. Eventually, if left untreated, more urgent systems begin to appear such as a slowing of the heart’s beating, shortness of breath, and sleep apnea.

Anyone in Orlando who feels that they may be experiencing problems with their thyroid should be sure to get tested promptly. The diagnosis is generally a simple process because the levels of the thyroid hormones can easily be checked by drawing a small amount of blood. If it appears that the hormone levels are low, it is then possible to supplement them with medication.

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