Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a form of hypothyroidism that develops from an autoimmune reaction against the thyroid. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Goiter
- Fatigue
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Weight gain
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in countries with adequate iodine intake.. The incidence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis increases with age, typically affecting women between the ages of 30-50, and men between the ages of 40-65. Generally, it is 10-15 times more common in women. Medical treatment involves the avoidance of excess iodine and thyroid hormone replacement. Conversely, Naturopathic medicine seeks to identify and treat the underlying trigger(s) that promote the autoimmune reaction. This is accomplished through:
- Asian medicine
- Botanical medicine
- Diet counselling
- Hormone regulation with either botanical medicine or bioidentical hormones
- Lifestyle counselling
- Natural desiccated thyroid
- Nutraceuticals
The duration of treatment is typically 3-6 months, with the expectation of reducing antibody levels and, in turn, resolving symptoms.