Why Hashimoto’s Goes Untreated: Understanding the Challenges and Solutions

Introduction

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto’s disease, is a common thyroid autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many individuals with Hashimoto’s go undiagnosed or untreated for years. This delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to various health issues and significantly impact quality of life. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind untreated Hashimoto’s disease, its consequences, and the importance of timely intervention. We’ll also discuss available treatment options for Hashimoto’s and how to find specialized care, such as Hashimoto’s treatment in Ogden, UT.

Understanding Hashimoto’s Disease 

What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly creates antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. This antibody attack is an inflammatory response towards the thyroid and can lead to permanent damage over time. There is a belief that Hashimoto’s will often result in reduced thyroid function, known as hypothyroidism. When in fact it’s the opposite. The thyroid has been functioning on such a low level (despite normal TSH levels) that it triggers Hashimoto’s. 

Common Symptoms of Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto’s symptoms and Low Thyroid symptoms are the same. A person can have Hashimoto’s with or without being diagnosed with Hypothyroid. Some common signs include:

1. Unexplained weight gain
2. Fatigue and Hashimoto’s are closely linked
3. Cold sensitivity
4. Dry skin and hair
5. Constipation
6. Depression or mood changes
7. Muscle weakness or joint pain
8. Irregular or heavy menstrual periods

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may develop gradually.

Reasons Why Hashimoto’s Often Goes Untreated

1. Inconsistent Lab tests

One of the main reasons for untreated Hashimoto’s disease is that Western medicine does not have a medication to treat Hashimoto’s. Thyroid medication does not treat Hashimoto’s. Many initial signs, such as fatigue or weight gain, will only suggest to your doctor to test your TSH thyroid levels, and since that test has a 440-point range, this can lead to both patients and healthcare providers overlooking the possibility of a thyroid disorder.

2. Misdiagnosis or Incomplete Testing

Sometimes, Hashimoto’s is misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, or other conditions with overlapping symptoms. Standard thyroid function tests (TSH) may not always detect Hashimoto’s in its early stages. Comprehensive testing, including thyroid antibody tests, is often necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

3. Lack of Awareness

Many people are unaware of Hashimoto’s disease and its symptoms. This lack of awareness can prevent individuals from seeking medical attention or advocating for thorough thyroid testing when they experience symptoms.

4. The “TPO” Hoshimoto’s test can and does show a false negative 

The TPO lab test for Hoshimote’s gives a false picture. The lab test indicates that if there are fewer than 34 antibodies, you don’t have Hoshimotes. This is not the case, hoshimotes is present, it just means you are not in a “Hashimoto’s flare”. Even if you were in a flare, which means the antibodies are over 34. Doctors have no treatment options available, and they will say, “Let’s just watch it.”

5. Limited Access to Specialized Care

Some individuals may seek specialized treatment from an endocrinologist and end up being sent home with the same answer. General practitioners may not always have the specialized knowledge required to diagnose and treat Hashimoto effectively, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses.

Going to a thyroid specialist in Ogden, UT, Can make all the difference when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Timely diagnosis and treatment of Hashimoto’s disease are crucial for several reasons:

1. Preventing Progression: Early intervention can help slow the progression of thyroid damage and maintain better thyroid function.
2. Symptom Relief: Proper treatment can alleviate symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes, significantly improving quality of life.
3. Reducing Complication Risks: Untreated Hashimoto’s can lead to various complications, including cardiovascular problems, fertility issues, and an increased risk of other autoimmune disorders.
4. Monitoring for Related Conditions: Hashimoto’s is associated with an increased risk of other autoimmune diseases and thyroid cancer. Early diagnosis allows for better monitoring and management of potential related conditions.

Hashimoto’s Treatment Options

When it comes to managing Hashimoto’s disease, only one real Hashimoto’s treatment option is available. The most appropriate treatment plan will depend on individual factors and should be determined in consultation with our Practitioner.

1. Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy

Today, the primary treatment for Hashimoto-induced hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This typically involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones, such as levothyroxine, to restore normal thyroid hormone levels. This does not last past 3 months. Synthetic or Natural thyroid medication is not an antidote for Hashimoto’s. Remember, Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease that attacks thyroid hormone inside the body and then eventually attacks the thyroid itself. Medications do not change how Hashimoto’s reacts.

2. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes can help.

While not a substitute for medical treatment, certain lifestyle and dietary changes can support thyroid health and overall well-being:

• Staying away from gluten and sometimes dairy. This varies from person to person
• Managing stress 
• Regular exercise appropriate for your energy levels
• Ensuring adequate sleep

3. Treatment that shows promise

While there’s no cure for Hashimoto’s, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) treatment has shown great promise and supports in overall immune function in reducing inflammation. This treatment must be administered carefully, or it can exacerbate the condition. 

• Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) therapy: This needs to be done by someone who is skilled and has experience with this type of medication.
• Certain supplements (under medical supervision)
• Hormone replacement therapy: Often, there are other hormones that show deficient, that if treated would improve symptoms greatly.

4. What is LDN (low-dose naltrexone) 

The short answer: Naltrexone is a medication that came out in the 1970s’s it was used and FDA approved for drug addiction, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms, at much higher doses, 50mg-300mg. Then in the 1990’s a few physicians decided to test really low doses for various reasons. They found that at much smaller doses it relieved symptoms for over 200 different autoimmune disorders, including those that suffered with chronic pain. 

Any dose of Naltrexone is not FDA-approved for autoimmune disorders. We use it “off label” because it works. There are no long-term side effects with Naltrexone; it’s considered a “no harm drug”.  

5. What does “off-label” mean

A good example would be Birth Control. Birth Control is FDA-approved to prevent women from becoming pregnant. But almost all practitioners used birth control for hormone-induced acne, or hormone-induced facial hair, heavy periods, continuous periods, menstrual cramping, migraines, PCOS, and so on. Therefore, birth control is used “Off-label”. The same applies to naltrexone. 

Finding Specialized Care for Hashimoto’s

Seeking care from healthcare providers experienced in treating thyroid disorders is crucial for effective management of Hashimoto’s disease. If you’re looking for Hashimoto’s treatment in Ogden, UT, or seeking autoimmune disease management in Ogden, consider the following steps:

1. Look for healthcare providers who take a comprehensive approach to thyroid health
2. Consider seeking care at specialized clinics like the Medical Weight Loss and Hormone Clinic
3. Don’t hesitate to ask about a provider’s experience with Hashimoto’s disease

The Role of Comprehensive Care in Managing Hashimoto’s

Effective management of Hashimoto’s often requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply prescribing thyroid hormone replacement. At the Medical Weight Loss and Hormone Clinic, we understand the complexities of thyroid autoimmune disorders and offer personalized care plans that address all aspects of thyroid health.

Our approach includes:

1. Thorough diagnostic testing, including comprehensive thyroid panels
2. Personalized treatment plans that may combine conventional and integrative approaches
3. Ongoing monitoring and adjustment of treatment as needed
4. Support for lifestyle modifications that can improve overall health and thyroid function
5. Management of related health issues, such as weight concerns or other hormonal imbalances

Empowering Yourself: Steps to Take If You Suspect Hashimoto’s

If you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to Hashimoto’s disease, consider taking the following steps:

1. Document your symptoms, including their frequency and severity
2. Request comprehensive thyroid testing from our provider, including thyroid antibody tests
3. Educate yourself about Hashimoto’s disease and its management
4. Consider consulting with a thyroid specialist at our clinic, we are  experienced in treating thyroid disorders

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Thyroid Health

Untreated Hashimoto’s disease can have significant impacts on your health and quality of life. However, with proper diagnosis and management, many individuals with Hashimoto’s can lead healthy, symptom-free lives—the key lies in awareness, timely intervention, and comprehensive care.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to Hashimoto’s or are seeking more effective management of your thyroid health, don’t hesitate to seek specialized care. At the Medical Weight Loss and Hormone Clinic, we’re committed to providing expert Hashimoto’s treatment in Ogden, UT, and comprehensive management of autoimmune diseases in Ogden.Take the first step towards better thyroid health today. Contact the Medical Weight Loss and Hormone Clinic to schedule a consultation with our experienced thyroid specialists. Let us help you navigate the complexities of Hashimoto’s disease and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Your journey to optimal thyroid health starts here.