Katie Rothwell, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Katie Rothwell ND - Midland Naturopath
  • About
    • Dr. Katie Rothwell, ND
    • FAQ
  • Services
    • Naturopathic Medicine
    • Acupuncture
    • Nutritional Consultations
    • Bio-identical Hormones
    • IV Therapy
  • Conditions Treated
    • Women's Health >
      • Hormonal imbalances
      • Chronic infections
      • Pre and Peri-Natal Care
      • Well Woman Visits
    • Thyroid Conditions
    • Stress and Adrenal Fatigue
    • Family Medicine
  • BOOKING
  • Blog
  • About
    • Dr. Katie Rothwell, ND
    • FAQ
  • Services
    • Naturopathic Medicine
    • Acupuncture
    • Nutritional Consultations
    • Bio-identical Hormones
    • IV Therapy
  • Conditions Treated
    • Women's Health >
      • Hormonal imbalances
      • Chronic infections
      • Pre and Peri-Natal Care
      • Well Woman Visits
    • Thyroid Conditions
    • Stress and Adrenal Fatigue
    • Family Medicine
  • BOOKING
  • Blog

BLOG

"The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter,  and the spirit heals with joy"

Seven Signs This Common Condition Is Causing Your Thyroid Disorder

3/31/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture

​Hypothyroidism (or low thyroid function) is on the rise and affects 1 in 10 women in North America. The most common cause of hypothyroidism? You may be surprised to know that it’s an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s Disease.

In Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system produces antibodies against the thyroid. Overtime, this causes damage to the thyroid gland and eventually hypothyroidism. While Hashimoto’s affects primarily the thyroid, it’s not just a thyroid condition – it’s an autoimmune condition.

Testing for thyroid antibodies is the only way to truly know if you have Hashimoto’s disease. However, these are some of the signs and symptoms I see in people who have an autoimmune thyroid condition. These are usually in addition to the ‘regular’ or classic symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue, trouble losing weight, cold body temperature and constipation.

1. You still feel like $h*t on Synthroid
Maybe you’ve been on thyroid medication for years (or decades!) but have never felt quite right. While thyroid medication can improve the hormone levels in your blood, it doesn’t address the inflammation and autoimmune process that happens with Hashimoto’s Disease. Without treating the inflammation your symptoms can continue to worsen over time even with “normal” thyroid tests.

2. You have digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, heartburn, diarrhea/constipation OR have been previously diagnosed with IBS
What does the gut have to do with our thyroid? A healthy digestive system is key to proper immune function. If you’ve experienced long-term gut issues, have been previously diagnosed with “IBS” or have never been well since something like food poisoning, Hashimoto’s should be on your radar.

3. You experience random skin rashes or hives 
This is another sign that the immune system is out of control and reacting to things it shouldn’t be. It is also a tell-tale sign that the gut isn’t working properly (see above!)

4. You have joint pain or feel puffy all the time
Autoimmune conditions often affect muscles and joints and can lead to constant aches and pains. Swelling, redness, and pain are all signs of inflammation, which goes hand-in-hand with autoimmune conditions and Hashimoto’s disease.
​
5. You already have an autoimmune condition
Having one autoimmune condition increases your risk for developing others. Autoimmune conditions seen frequently with Hashimoto’s include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Celiac disease, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Pernicious anemia, Vitiligo, and more.

6. Other members of your family have a thyroid condition
There is also a strong genetic link to Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune conditions. I often see autoimmune conditions being present in multiple members of the same family such as sisters, mothers and daughters. Remember, Hashimoto’s is much more common in females! If your family has a strong history of thyroid conditions, or a relative has been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune condition, you’ll definitely want to pursue testing.

6. Your thyroid condition was first diagnosed at a young age or after the birth of a child
I often see Hashimoto’s being diagnosed more commonly in young women between 20 and 30 years old. Pregnancy and postpartum is another time where a change in hormones and the immune system can ignite an autoimmune thyroid condition.

The Bottom Line
If you have been previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism I encourage you to also have your thyroid antibodies checked to rule out Hashimoto’s Disease (Your MD or ND can do this). You’ll want to ask specifically for Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (AntiTPO) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb).
You can also check out my other blog post here on what tests you need for a complete thyroid assessment.

Have questions? We’re here to help!

Dr. Katie Rothwell, ND

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Dr. Katie Rothwell, ND
    Hello! I'm Katie, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who is passionate about sharing knowledge with others. 
    This is the place to stay connected, enjoy my most recent blog post, or link you to my published articles. When I'm not seeing patients or writing new content, you can find me enjoying the outdoors, cooking delicious (and healthy) food, and reading the latest mystery novel with a great cup of tea. 
    Picture

     Sign up below to receive our seasonal newsletter
    ​
    (We promise not to fill up your inbox)

    Categories

    All
    Anxiety
    Digestion
    Gluten Free
    Herbs
    Hormones
    Insomnia
    Miscellaneous
    Nutrition
    Recipes
    Stress
    Thyroid
    Women's Health

    Archives

    February 2018
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    October 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014

    RSS Feed

STAY CONNECTED 


VISIT MY BLOG 


Leaf
Stay up to date with health related news, events, and articles by visiting my blog 

WHERE TO FIND ME



Rooted in Health Naturopathic Clinic
93 Bell Farm Road, Unit 103
For appointments call:  (705) 792-6717
or book online
info@rootedinhealth.ca
​© 2016 Dr. Katie Rothwell, ND. Information contained on this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or replace that of your healthcare practitioner.
Photos used under Creative Commons from Rob.Bertholf, eflon, avlxyz, kthread, rselph