Hashimotos Hypothyroidism
Hasimoto’s disease is also known as chronic Thyroiditis. It is the inflammation of the Thyroid gland. The result of Hasimoto’s is the destruction of Thyroid cells. This impacts the functioning of the Thyroid often resulting in Hypothyroidism.
Millions of people throughout the world suffer from Hashimotos Hypothyroidism. Typically it presents in middle aged women. This has led some to hypothesize Hashimoto’s may have significant links to lifestyle and environmental factors as opposed to strictly being a genetic or autoimmune disease.
Some of the symptoms and signs of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis include:
- Fatigue and Lethargy
- Sluggishness / Decreased desire to exercise
- Heightened awareness of the cold
- Motility issues (irregular bowel movements)
- Dry skin / flaking
- Vocal changes
- Swelling around the facial area
- Higher cholesterol
- Putting on weight for no apparent reason
- Changes to menstrual cycles including heavier flow
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
- Muscle weakness
- Brittle fingernails and hair
- Depression / Poor moods
Hashimoto’s normally involves a slow and steady destruction of the thyroid gland eventually resulting in the thyroid being unable to produce sufficient thyroid hormone. However, during this process there can be periods where the thyroid seems to come back to life, even causing temporary hyperthyroidism.
This oscillation between hypo- and hyper- thyroidism is a key trait of Hashimoto’s.
Medical treatment for Hashimotos Hypothyroidism include drugs, radiation and surgery (sometimes referred to the ‘cut – burn – poison approach’
While there is no definitive cure for Hashimoto’s disease, there are treatments available to help relieve symptoms. Conventional drug therapies include:
- Betablocker/Antithyroid medication
- Thyroid hormone replacement medication such as Levothyroxine
- Surgery
If a person chooses a treatment involving prescription drugs it is important to remember that it is a lifelong treatment as the drugs involved are essentially hormone replacements.
Because of reluctance to commit themselves to a lifelong sentence or hormone replacement through drugs many people are seeking natural, drug-free solutions.
A significant potential benefit to natural treatment options is they do not carry the same risk of side effect induced by traditional drugs.
It is important to investigate and study further potential natural treatment plans. An Australian Naturopath, Duncan Cappichiano ND is one of the foremost experts in the field of natural Hypothyroidism solutions. His seminal work is bringing assistance an hope to thousands around the world. You can investigate his work in further detail here.