Unexplained Fatigue is a well-known symptom of hypothyroidism. In addition, there are many other symptoms including:
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Fatigue
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Digestive issues such as bloating, gas, irritable bowel syndrome
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Mood disturbances such as irritability, anxiety, depression
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Weight gain and inability to lose weight
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Cold hands and feet, cold intolerance
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Hair loss and hair thinning
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Menstrual abnormalities
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Pain in muscles and joints
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Memory loss and brain fog
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Dry and scaly skin
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High Cholesterol
Undiagnosed Hypothyroidism
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60% of individuals with thyroid disease are unaware of it. Part of the reason is that they have not been screened appropriately. Conventional medicine only looks at 1 or 2 markers for hypothyroidism such as TSH and Free T4. Functional medicine looks at the entire panel including Free T3 (the active thyroid hormone) and Reverse T3.
Hashimoto’s linked to other Autoimmune Diseases.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.. Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease which simply means that your body has made antibodies that are attacking your own thyroid gland. Unfortunately these individuals are at risk for another autoimmune disease such as
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Addison’s disease
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Graves’ disease
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Premature ovarian failure
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Type 1 Diabetes
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Lupus (SLE)
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Pernicious anemia (Low B12 absorption)
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Thrombocytopenia Purpura (Low platelets)
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Vitiligo
Root Causes of Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism
Leaky Gut (Intestinal permeability)
One of the key reasons for the development of antibodies is a gut or digestive tract that allows the undigested protein to pass through and this protein becomes the trigger for the production of antibodies.
SIBO (Small intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
This is a condition in which there is an excess of bacteria in the small intestine causing the gut to become leaky as well as deplete nutrients required for gut healing. Those who have taken antibiotics and antacid medications are at risk for SIBO.
Infections
Parasitic and Fungal infections (Candida) and viral infections such as Mononucleosis can potentially trigger leaky gut and antibody formation. All these infections lead to inflammation, which can cause a leaky gut and high Cortisol, leading to impaired T3 (thyroid hormone) release.
Nutritional deficiencies
Individuals with liver issues, digestive issues, frequent infections, exposure to toxins and those on multiple medications have nutritional deficiencies such as deficiency of Selenium, Zinc, and Vitamin D. This can lead to an impaired immune system and autoimmune disease.
Toxins
Exposure to toxins such as Mercury leads to multiple problems including inflammation, leaky gut, nutritional deficiencies as well as immune dysfunction. All of these predispose to the development of hypothyroidism.
It is critically important that these root causes are identified and treated to overcome symptoms and help the thyroid to heal and prevent the development of other autoimmune diseases. Functional Medicine is an approach that can help identify the cause and reverse it without significant side effects.
5 STEPS to Balance Thyroid Hormones
Discuss your symptoms of hypothyroidism with Dr. Nadia Ali (Complimentary consultation)