Understanding Hashimoto's: When Your Body Turns on Your Thyroid

Women between 30-50 are most commonly affected.

Why It Matters: Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States, yet it is one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed autoimmune conditions today. Many people live with symptoms for years before receiving proper care. Hashimoto's occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to chronic inflammation, hormone imbalance, and eventually thyroid dysfunction. This condition disproportionately affects women and can profoundly impact mental health, fertility, metabolism, and overall energy. The more we understand this illness, the better we can advocate for ourselves and each other.

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Fatigue and depression are common.

The Breakdown:

• What Is It?  An autoimmune condition in which the immune system creates antibodies that attack the thyroid tissue, gradually impairing its function.

• Who Gets It?  Most common in women aged 30–50, but men, teenagers, and even children can be affected.

• Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, constipation, sensitivity to cold, dry or thinning skin and hair, depression, menstrual irregularities, slowed heart rate, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating.

• Diagnosis: A full thyroid panel is essential—this should include TSH, Free T3, Free T4, anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. Many people are misdiagnosed because doctors only test TSH.

• Treatment: Typically involves daily synthetic thyroid hormone (like levothyroxine). Many patients also benefit from lifestyle changes, including stress management, anti-inflammatory diets, and support for adrenal and gut health.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Can Hashimoto's be cured?  No, but it can be effectively managed with the right combination of medication, diet, and lifestyle.

• Is it genetic?  Yes, there is often a family history of thyroid or autoimmune conditions.

• Is it the same as hypothyroidism?  Hashimoto's is an autoimmune cause of hypothyroidism, but not all hypothyroidism is autoimmune.

• Can diet help?  Absolutely. Many patients see improvement by removing gluten, dairy, and processed sugar, and following an anti-inflammatory or autoimmune protocol diet.

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My Journey:

This is the first medical condition I'm addressing that I don't actually have myself. When my dear friend was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and stage 2 thyroid cancer, it was a wake-up call.

She has always been a powerhouse—creative, outgoing, bright, hilarious, and empathetic. But this illness has understandably dimmed her spark.

This made me realize how misunderstood thyroid issues are. Thyroid disorders are often dismissed as “just stress” or “getting older,” especially in women. Symptoms can mimic other conditions or seem vague—making it easy for both patients and doctors to overlook the thyroid as the source. (Case in point, I was checked repeatedly for thyroid issues because of the overlap of symptoms.) This lack of understanding can lead to misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and years of unnecessary suffering. Raising awareness is key to changing that.

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We are a community, all are welcome!

Your Turn:

If your body is whispering that something is off—listen. Don't accept vague explanations or normal lab results that only test TSH. Ask for a full thyroid panel, especially if you have a family history of autoimmune disease. If someone in your life is struggling with chronic exhaustion or unexplained symptoms, share this post. Empowerment begins with awareness, and awareness can lead to healing. We rise when we support one another.

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Until next time,

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Sources, Resources & Further Reading:

• American Thyroid Association: https://www.thyroid.org/hashimotos-thyroiditis/

• Dr. Isabella Wentz (The Thyroid Pharmacist): https://thyroidpharmacist.com/

• Autoimmune Wellness: https://autoimmunewellness.com/

• Stop the Thyroid Madness: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/

• National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hashimotos-disease

• Personal Experience & Intuition – My unique perspective and experience

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