Thyroid Health
Navigating Hashimoto Thyroiditis is something that is close to my heart as I developed this autoimmune thyroid disease after the birth of my last daughter. I just felt something was ‘off’ I didnt feel like myself, I was gaining weight with no change to diet, my face was puffy and I could barely get out of bed in the morning.
The doctor I saw suggested postnatal depression and a script for this but I knew I wasn’t depressed and that something was just not right. I am glad I pushed for blood tests to look at my thyroid function. I often reflect back on this and wonder how many other postnatal mothers are dismissed this way.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and produces hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a crucial role in regulating various functions within the body including metabolism.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to produce sufficient thyroid hormones to meet the body's needs.
There are two main types of hypothyroidism:
Primary hypothyroidism occurs when there are problems with the thyroid gland itself. Thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism. The most common type of thyroiditis is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Secondary hypothyroidism is rare and occurs from abnormalities or diseases affecting the pituitary gland which regulates how much thyroid hormone is produced.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks thyroid tissue causing inflammation, which eventually destroys the gland and causes it to leak thyroid hormone. Hashimoto’s often affects women following childbirth.
Studies have also shown an increased prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease after COVID-19.
If hypothyroidism is suspected based on symptoms a blood test to measure TSH is done. This test measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. Abnormally high levels of TSH can indicate primary hypothyroidism. Testing for anti-TPO antibodies can detect autoimmune thyroid disease.
The medical treatment for Hashimoto’s is hormone replacement therapy to control not cure hypothyroidism.
A synthetic hormone called levothyroxine is given daily. Around 6 weeks after the medication is started a blood test is repeated and the amount of levothyroxine prescribed is adjusted if required.
Once stable levothyroxine is usually taken for life with monitoring by blood test every 6–12 months. Some individuals respond very well to hormone replacement therapy alone, but many unfortunately do not.
From a functional perspective nutrition and naturopathy can offer an additional layer of support that looks at the key driver of Hashimoto’s: autoimmunity.
Such as comprehensive practitioner-only vitamin, mineral and herbal supplementation to nourish and support healthy thyroid cell metabolism, thyroid hormone function and the microbiome.
Identifying and rectifying any nutrient deficiency is essential, this can be done via blood tests and analysing nutrient intake. Individualised nutrition and lifestyle interventions based on symptoms, co-existing health conditions, biomarkers and key health habits to support the whole body.
If you would like functional support for your thyroid health please get in touch.
Kylie@nourishedclinic.co.nz
