A Guide to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients and their doctors are often frustrated beyond belief because of the disease’s propensity to vacillate among hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and normal thyroid (euthyroidism).  One minute you’re coping with Symptom Set A, and managing quite well.

A week later, you’re plagued by the onset of Symptom Set B, which has you feeling altogether differently. It’s a whole new ball game and you have to readjust your thinking, your supplements, your meds — everything — to cope with this new manifestation of your illness.

Blame is on the varying levels of hormones (Free T3 and Free T4) generated by a Hashimoto’s thyroid. This up- and-down production can lead to wide-ranging, confusing symptoms that make treating the disease discouraging, difficult, and even dangerous.

Common Symptoms – Overactive Thyroid

A Hashimoto’s patient may for period of time — when the thyroid is overactive — have symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Fast heart rate
• Pressure headaches

This temporary Hashimoto’s hyperthyroid state is called Hashitoxicosis, and can be very dangerous or even fatal if left untreated.

Common Symptoms – Underactive Thyroid

When the thyroid function of a Hashimoto’s patient goes back to a more typical hypothyroid state, a sufferer may experience:

• Depression
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Dull, foggy headaches
• Many other symptoms – for a full list, see http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/long-and-pathetic/

And when the Hashimoto’s thyroid is producing “normal” amounts of thyroid, a patient may have no symptoms at all.

The takeaway? Hashimoto’s disease is tricky. Pay attention to your body and don’t hesitate to call the doctor if something doesn’t “feel right.”

And if your doctor doesn’t listen but you know you’re not feeling right, consider finding another doctor who will listen to your concerns about your symptoms.  In the ideal case, you will get to the point of not having symptoms!

Read more about Hashimoto’s:
Is Your Post-Partum Thyroid Condition Chronic? 
Thyroid Hormone Deficiency: Treatment and Monitoring
Testing Children For Thyroid Conditions
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Pregnancy Planning
Pregnancy Complications of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Pre-Term Delivery
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis – What Is The Latest Research For Better Treatments And Quieting Symptoms?

Hashimoto’s mom stories:
Getting My Life Back After Hashimoto’s
Pregnant With Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
3 Months Postpartum With Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

References and Further Reading

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hashimotos-disease/DS00567
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/hashimoto-disease.cfm
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/hashimoto
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/hypothyroidism/a/hashivshypo.htm
http://www.netplaces.com/thyroid-disease/the-unhealthy-thyroid/things-that-can-go-wrong.htm
https://www.clinicalkey.com/topics/endocrinology/thyroiditis.html
http://thyroidbook.com/blog/
http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

Are there others you would add to this list?  Let us know in the comments below!

About the Author
Gretchen Heber is an autoimmune mom and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in online media. She has also worked with several daily newspapers across the United States, serving as a graphic designer, writer and editor.

This blog post was originally published by AutoimmuneMom.com, written by Gretchen Heber, and first published on Jun 7, 2013.

This post contains the opinions of the author. Autoimmune Association is not a medical practice and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is your responsibility to seek diagnosis, treatment, and advice from qualified providers based on your condition and particular circumstances. Autoimmune Association does not endorse nor recommend any products, practices, treatment methods, tests, physicians, service providers, procedures, clinical trials, opinions or information available on this website. Your use of the website is subject to our Privacy Policy.