While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a condition that seems to be triggered by autoimmunity. Autoimmunity can be described as the body mounting an inappropriate immune response against its own tissues, resulting in pathology. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the thyroid gland is the tissue attacked by such an immune response. As a result of this attack, the thyroid gland stops functioning properly. The thyroid gland is very important for overall metabolism.
Hashimoto's is 4-10 times more common in women than men. Often develops between the ages of 30-50. Family history can be important. May be associated with goiter.
Other autoimmune disorders that can be associated include: Celiac disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, type 1 diabetes.
Some complications of Hashimoto's include: hyperlipidemia, heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, and myxedema.
Symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, joint pain, constipation, dry skin, heavy or irregular periods, bradycardia.
Causes: Some medications to treat bipolar disorder and other mental health problems can trigger this. Iodine can trigger this. Toxins and radiation can trigger this.
Treatment: Thyroid replacement.
Foods that interfere with absorption of thyroid medicine include: Grapefruit juice, espresso coffee, soy, and multivitamins that contain iron or calcium.
What about the link with celiac disease? We know this link exists. Is this link a causation or a mere association? We know celiac disease is quite prevalent, possibly affects 1 in 100 people. We know that the U.S. Nutritional Guidelines published in 1977 recommended that citizens shift to increased grain and carbohydrate consumption. If you read my other posts regarding celiac and gluten, you will have adequate information to allow you to intervene in your own health course and hopefully, feel better!
I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!
Jason Williams, D.O.