In this episode of The Dr. Rob Show, we continue our series on Hypothyroidsim and discuss Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

Hypothyroidism affects roughly 4.6% of the US population.  Hashimoto's disease, also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and is the most common type of hypothyroidism, which accounts for approxiatmely 70% of hypothyroid cases.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is a form of chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland and is also an autoimmune disorder.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism: 

Just like with Hypothyroidism, there are a wide variety of symptoms associated with Hashimoto's disease.  Below is a list of some of the more common symptoms associated with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

Fatigue
Weight gain
Inability to lose weight
Constipation
Hair loss
Insomnia
Depression
Anxiety
Carb cravings
PMS
Heavy periods

Causes of Hashimoto's 

Gluten
Sugar (insulin resistance)
Toxins (food, water, home)
Stress (cortisol)
Aging (menopause)

Lab Testing for Hashimoto's 

Most often, a TSH level is the only test done to evalute thyroid function.  The TSH test can be a decent screening test, as it is intended to be; however, many people go undiagnosed because of the large reference range.  Depending on the lab, the reference range for TSH is 0.45 uIU/mL to 4.5 uIU/mL.  Ideally, the TSH should be less then 2.0 uIU/mL.  Below is a list of blood tests that could be done when diagnosing or managing someone with Hashimoto's.  In addition to TSH, a anti-TPO and an anti-thyroglobulin auto-antibody test should be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Blood Tests:

TSH (should be less then 2.0 )
Free T3 (should be greater then 3.5)
Free T4
Anti-TPO (screen for Hashimoto’s)
Anti-Thyroglobulin

If you are interested in getting lab testing done, we offer specific lab panels.  To see our panels, click here.

Treatment Options for Hypothyroidism: 

Below are lists to provide an idea of the many options that may help to minimize symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Prescription Options for Hypothyroidism: 

Dessicated Thryoid (porcine)

Nature Throid
WP Thyroid
Armour

Compounded T4/T3
T4 mono-therapy medications (not ideal in our opinion)

Synthroid
Levoxyl
Levothyroxine

Supplement Options for Hypothroidism

Iodine (maybe)
Selenium
Zinc
Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Probiotics
Liver support