7 New Treatments For Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

February 15, 2024

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Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the front part of the lower neck. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In someone with Hashimoto’s, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and damage over time. This damage generally leads to hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland can no longer produce enough hormones.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common thyroid disorder, affecting 14 million people in the United States alone. And women are ten times more likely than men to develop this thyroid disease.

Speaking from personal experience, living with Hashimoto’s can be a real challenge. Finding treatments that work for you, plus learning preventative measures to take to avoid flare-ups, can take a long time. Luckily, there is ongoing research to help find the best ways to manage this autoimmune condition.

So today, I’m sharing a round-up of new treatment options for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. I hope this will help you quickly find the treatments that will improve your quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or exhausted, even after getting enough sleep.
Cold sensitivity: Feeling unusually cold, particularly in the hands and feet, even in warm environments.
Dry skin: Dry, rough, or pale skin.
Menstrual cycle changes: Changes in menstrual cycle length, flow, or frequency, including irregular periods or heavy bleeding.
Brittle hair or hair loss: Dry hair that is prone to breakage and may fall out more easily.
Muscle weakness: Weakness or achiness in the muscles, especially in the arms and legs.
Constipation: Difficulty passing stools or experiencing infrequent bowel movements.
Weight gain: Difficulty with losing weight or unexplained weight gain even when maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Joint pain: Pain, stiffness, or swelling in the joints, often resembling symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Memory problems: Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or experiencing brain fog.
Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or decreased interest in once enjoyable activities.
Goiter: A visible swelling in the front of the neck that is caused by an enlarged thyroid gland.

Unfortunately, even while taking medication for your autoimmune disorder, your immune system can flare up, disrupt thyroid hormone levels, and cause symptoms to worsen. You can read all my tips for calming a Hashimoto’s disease flare-up so you can feel better again ASAP.

Causes

The exact cause of autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s isn’t fully understood; several factors are believed to contribute to its development. It’s important to note that while these factors are believed to contribute to the development of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the precise interplay between genetics, environment, and immune dysregulation is complex and not fully understood.

Genetic Predisposition

Since Hashimoto’s thyroiditis tends to run in families, there appears to be a genetic component. Certain genetic variations may increase the risk of developing the condition, although having these genetic factors doesn’t guarantee that someone will develop Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

I can easily see the genetic component within my own family. My mother never tested her thyroid hormone levels or tested for an autoimmune disease. However, she often complained of her thyroid, was hypoglycemic, and had a gluten intolerance. I also have hypoglycemia and gluten intolerance, and I and another sibling take thyroid hormone replacement medications. My daughter is following in our footsteps with food intolerances, but I hope that by managing the other lifestyle factors, she’ll be able to avoid this disorder.

Environmental Triggers

Environmental factors, such as infections, exposure to certain chemicals, toxins, or dietary factors, may trigger or exacerbate autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals. For example, infections with certain viruses or bacteria may activate the immune system and trigger an autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland.

Hormonal Factors

Changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen, may play a role in triggering or exacerbating autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. This is supported by the higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disorders in women, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

New Treatments For Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Some researchers believe that intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as “leaky gut syndrome,” may contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Increased intestinal permeability allows for the passage of undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response and inflammation.

Iodine Intake

While iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, excessive iodine intake has been linked to an increased risk of autoimmune thyroid disorders in susceptible individuals. In regions with iodine deficiency, excessive iodine supplementation can trigger or worsen Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Testing For Hashimotos Thyroiditis

Testing for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis typically involves a combination of blood tests and sometimes imaging studies. These are the most common diagnostic tests that your healthcare provider will do.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): TSH is usually the first test ordered to assess thyroid function. In Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, TSH levels are typically elevated because the thyroid gland is underactive.
Free Thyroxine (FT4): FT4 is a measure of the active form of thyroid hormone circulating in the bloodstream. With Hashimoto’s FT4 levels may be low due to decreased thyroid function.
Triiodothyronine (T3): T3 is another thyroid hormone that you can measure in conjunction with TSH and FT4. While T3 levels may initially be normal in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, they may decrease over time as the condition progresses.
Thyroid Ultrasound: In some cases, your doctor may perform a thyroid ultrasound or a physical exam to assess the size, shape, and structure of the thyroid gland. This can help identify characteristic features of Hashimoto’s, such as thyroid enlargement (goiter) or the presence of thyroid nodules.

7 New Treatments For Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Living with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can be challenging, but the good news is that medical research and advancements have paved the way for new and exciting treatments. In this blog post, we’ll explore five innovative approaches that offer hope and promise for individuals navigating the complexities of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy for Hashimoto thyroiditis is still largely in the experimental stages and requires further research. However, research in this area shows promise for potential future applications.

In theory, stem cell therapy could involve the transplantation of stem cells into the thyroid gland, where they could regenerate damaged thyroid tissue. By replacing or repairing damaged thyroid cells, stem cell therapy may help restore normal thyroid function and reduce inflammation.

Another approach involves using stem cells in combination with tissue engineering techniques to create functional thyroid tissue in the laboratory. These engineered tissues could then be transplanted into individuals with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis to replace damaged or dysfunctional thyroid tissue.

Immunomodulatory Therapies

Immunomodulatory therapies are treatments that aim to modify or regulate the immune system’s activity. These therapies are often used to manage various autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto’s. These ntypes of therapies work by either suppressing or modulating the immune response to reduce inflammation and tissue damage. Here are some common types of immunomodulatory therapies:

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or cortisone, are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can suppress the immune system’s activity. They are often used to manage acute exacerbations of autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Corticosteroids may be administered orally, intravenously, or topically, depending on the severity and location of inflammation.

Immune Suppressants: Immune suppressants are medications that work by suppressing the immune system’s activity, thereby reducing the autoimmune response. Examples of immune suppressants used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases include methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclosporine. These medications target specific components of the immune system involved in the autoimmune process, helping to dampen the immune response and alleviate symptoms.

Biological Therapies: Biological therapies, also known as biologics, are medications derived from living organisms that target specific molecules or pathways involved in the immune response. Biological therapies may target cytokines or immune cells implicated in the autoimmune process.

Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy

The most common treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, especially when it progresses to hypothyroidism, is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This typically involves taking thyroid hormone medication to supplement the hormones your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough of. The goal is to restore thyroid hormone levels to normal, alleviating symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold sensitivity. There are two main medications that doctors usually prescribe to treat an underactive thyroid.

Levothyroxine (Synthroid). Although synthetic, levothyroxine is chemically identical to the thyroxine hormone. This is the primary hormone that the thyroid gland naturally produces. With the standard treatment, you typically take Levothyroxine orally as a daily medication. The dosage is individualized based on factors such as the patient’s age, weight, thyroid hormone levels, and underlying health conditions. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, levothyroxine is converted into triiodothyronine (T3), the active form of thyroid hormone, in various tissues throughout the body.

Desiccated thyroid extract (Armour Thyroid). Desiccated thyroid is derived from the thyroid glands of pigs or cows. It contains a combination of thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), in natural proportions similar to those produced by the human thyroid gland. Some people prefer desiccated thyroid because they believe it provides a more natural form of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

However, it’s important to note that desiccated thyroid extract is not standardized like synthetic hormone medications, meaning the potency of thyroid hormones can vary between batches. This can make dosing less precise compared to synthetic thyroid medications.

Side Effects: While levothyroxine is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects such as headache, insomnia, nervousness, palpitations, or gastrointestinal symptoms. These side effects are usually temporary and may resolve with adjustments in dosage.

Supplements and Alternative Therapies

Beyond the traditional approach of thyroid hormone replacement therapy, emerging research emphasizes the importance of specific nutrients in supporting thyroid health. Selenium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids have shown promise in reducing inflammation and improving overall thyroid function. You can learn more about the Best supplements for Hashimoto’s here.

Gut Health and Probiotics

The gut-thyroid connection has gained attention in recent years, with studies suggesting that imbalances in gut microbiota may contribute to autoimmune disorders, including Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Probiotics, which promote a healthy gut microbiome, are being explored as a complementary therapy. By fostering gut health, individuals may experience improvements in both digestive and thyroid function.

Stress Management and Lifestyle Modifications

Stress can worsen autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s by triggering inflammation and disrupting hormone balance. Incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, are also important.

Dietary Modifications

Making dietary changes can help manage Hashimoto’s thyroiditis symptoms and promote overall thyroid health. Some individuals (like myself) find relief by following a gluten-free diet. You can have gluten sensitivity without having celiac disease, and there’s evidence to suggest that gluten may exacerbate autoimmune thyroid conditions. Additionally, ensuring adequate intake of nutrients like selenium, iodine, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can support thyroid function and reduce inflammation.

Conclusion

Thankfully, Hashimoto’s is a manageable autoimmune disease. And even though living with the symptoms of hypothyroidism is tough, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism for the future. The journey of managing this condition has challenges, but with each advancement in medical research, we’re getting closer to more effective and personalized treatments.

As someone who may be navigating the complexities of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone on this journey. By staying informed, advocating for yourself, and seeking support from healthcare providers and the community, you can empower yourself to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

Xx Monti