Hashimoto's thyroiditis affects 14 million people in the United States alone, making it not only the most common form of thyroiditis but also the most common thyroid disorder in America.
Functional Medicine for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Disease
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, also commonly referred to as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Thyroiditis means the inflammation of the Thyroid gland and can be assisted or helped with functional medicine focus.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder which causes antibodies in your body are directed towards the thyroid gland and begin the chronic inflammation process. Unfortunately, it is still unknown why some individuals make antibodies, however, the disease typically runs in a family line or becomes hereditary.
Most patients diagnosed with Hashimoto’s will need to proceed with lifelong treatments, however, in roughly 25% of individuals, the disease will pass on its own. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis most commonly occurs in middle-aged women above the age of 45. However, do note that Hashimoto’s can affect an individual regardless of age or gender.
How does the Epigenetic Healing Center Address Hashimoto’s?
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Test (TSH)
For those patients who have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, treatment will likely consist of thyroid hormone replacement with Dr. Goodbinder. Initially, our skilled physicians will test your TSH levels (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) against a standard range for your age, gender, and other factors.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormones are not produced by your thyroid. They are instead generated in your pituitary gland that resides in your brain. When this gland notices even the tiniest decrease in hormone production for the thyroid, it begins to release a greater amount of TSH in attempts to make your thyroid produce additional hormones. When this happens the common symptoms of a hyperactive thyroid and Hashimoto’s begin to surface such as:
- Weight Loss
- Increased Heart Rate (tachycardia)
- Increased Appetite
- Anxiety and Irritability
- Sweating
- Changes in Menstrual Patterns
- More Frequent Bowel Movements
- Swelling at the Base of Your Neck (enlarged thyroid gland)
- Muscle Weakness / Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Brittle Hair
The goal of the TSH test is to determine if your TSH levels are abnormally high. Adequate TSH levels vary from patient to patient and our physicians at The Epigenetic Healing Center can assist you in determining if your production rate is too high.
Thyroxine Test (T4)
Normally, your doctor will first perform the TSH test mentioned above to check your TSH production levels. If your TSH test comes back reporting above-average levels, a T4 test will normally follow to determine if your respective Thyroxine levels are low. Low levels of T4 indicate some level of deficiency in your thyroid production, even if your TSH test came back normal.
Additional Tests
At The Epigenetics Healing Center, we treat every case of Hashimoto’s like a unique one. Your physician may also suggest you undergo the following tests to help discover and combat the root of your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- TSH Test
- T4 Test
- 3T4 Test
- T3 Test
- 3T3
- Thyroxine Binding Globulin Test
- Reverse T3 Test
- Insulin Level Test
- Hemoglobin Level Test
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Consultations in Kansas City, MO
To schedule a consultation or make an appointment with a Hashimoto’s specialist, please call us at 816-673-1230 or fill out an online contact form and our office will be in touch with you. Thank you for choosing Epigenetics Healing Center in Kansas City, MO!
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