Hashimoto’s Is Not Simply a Thyroid Disease, It’s an Autoimmune Condition
Many people are surprised to learn that Hashimoto’s is not just a thyroid issue, but an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid. In fact, estimates suggest that about one in five women will experience Hashimoto’s or another thyroid disorder at some point in their lives. It often activates during hormone fluctuations, such as puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, or perimenopause.
Patients frequently ask, “How did I get thyroid disease?”
The reality is that an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s causes 85-90% of hypothyroidism cases. This explains why many patients taking thyroid replacement medication fail to see significant improvements—it addresses the thyroid hormone levels but not the root autoimmune cause.
Contributing Factors to Hashimoto’s:
- Genetics
- A triggering event, such as stress or infection
- Leaky gut syndrome or hyper-intestinal permeability in the small intestine
The Challenges of Hashimoto’s:
Many patients suffering from symptoms like exhaustion, joint pain, rapid heartbeat, brain fog, headaches, anxiety, PMS, or GI issues don’t realize they may have Hashimoto’s. They often end up being treated for individual symptoms with pharmaceuticals, but this approach merely masks the symptoms and doesn’t address the root cause. This leaves patients feeling confused, unwell, and frustrated, unaware that Hashimoto’s is the underlying issue.
Autoimmunity is progressive, meaning that once diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, you may be at higher risk for developing other autoimmune conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes or celiac disease. Since thyroid hormones play a role in nearly every cell in your body, an autoimmune attack on the thyroid can cause widespread problems throughout your system.
Healing from Hashimoto’s:
Recovery from Hashimoto’s requires a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that may include:
- Addressing metabolic concerns
- Immune modulation
- Gut rehabilitation
- Managing chronic infections
- Reducing stress physiology
- Identifying and managing food intolerances
- Correcting anemia and liver function
At Blue Ridge Acupuncture & Integrative Health (BRAIH), we understand that many people with Hashimoto’s are unwell in multiple areas and will continue to suffer until a personalized, evidence-based plan is developed for them.
We’re here to help. Call our office for a courtesy consultation to learn more about how we can support your journey to health.
