Hashimoto’s Disease Treatment: Doctors Explain Options for Managing The Autoimmune Disease

While anyone of any age can develop Hashimoto’s disease, it is most prevalent in women aged 30 to 50. Unfortunately, the thyroid condition can have a significant impact on daily quality of life and overall health. The good news is that there are various methods — from medication to lifestyle enhancement, that can help treat Hashimoto’s and control symptoms. Keep scrolling to learn more about the condition, what people with Hashimoto’s disease can do to minimize side effects, discover more about the treatment of hyperthyroidism and more.

Hashimoto’s disease and symptoms

“In Hashimoto’s, your immune system has become overstressed and mistakenly attacks your thyroid tissue,” explains Amy Myers, MD, Functional Medicine Physician. “This causes your thyroid to become inflamed, which leads to the underproduction of its hormones.”

If your thyroid isn’t producing enough thyroid hormone, Dr. Myers adds, it causes your metabolism rate to decline. This can lead to many symptoms such as weight gain, digestive issues, hair loss, fatigue, mood imbalances and potentially other autoimmune diseases.

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Hashimoto’s disease treatment

Because all autoimmune disorders are a result of a malfunctioning immune system, you can stop the system’s attack on your thyroid, affirms Dr. Myers. By tackling the underlying issues that caused your immune system to go rogue in the first place, she says, you can restore optimal function and eliminate your symptoms.

“Hashimoto’s usually requires some form of treatment, particularly when the autoimmune process progresses to an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism,” says Heather Krantz, MD, Thyroid Doctor at Paloma Health. “The primary goal is to restore and maintain normal thyroid hormone levels.”

Without treatment, she says, symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, depression and muscle weakness can progressively worsen. Long-term, untreated Hashimoto’s can lead to more serious health complications, she cautions, including goiter (enlarged thyroid), heart conditions, high cholesterol and an increased risk of developing additional autoimmune disorders.

In some cases, mild Hashimoto’s may initially present without obvious symptoms or with only subclinical hypothyroidism, Dr. Krantz notes. However, because Hashimoto’s is a progressive autoimmune condition, even mild cases should be monitored closely by a healthcare provider.

Regular follow-up with blood tests is essential to adjust treatment as needed and to prevent complications associated with untreated or inadequately managed thyroid dysfunction. Consistent monitoring and communication with a healthcare provider are essential to adjust treatments as needed and ensure the best possible outcomes.

“The most effective treatment depends on individual factors, including the severity of symptoms, lab results, personal response to medications and any coexisting conditions,” offers Dr. Krantz.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy

Treatment for Hashimoto’s typically involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy, such as levothyroxine, to maintain normal thyroid hormone levels and alleviate symptoms of hypothyroidism, says Dr. Krantz. In some cases, LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) may be prescribed to help reduce autoimmune activity and inflammation, she adds.

Hashimoto’s disease diet

Nutritional support can also play a key role in managing Hashimoto’s, says Dr. Krantz. Supplements like selenium, found in Brazil nuts, can help lower thyroid antibodies, while zinc, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may support overall thyroid health.

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There is also the AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diet, which can help identify and reduce exposure to potential autoimmune triggers. The AIP diet is designed for people with autoimmune diseases. It typically involves removing potentially harmful foods like grains, dairy, nightshade vegetables, added sugar, coffee, legumes, eggs, alcohol, nuts, seeds, refined sugars, oils and food additives.

In a 10-week study of 16 women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the AIP diet significantly improved quality of life scores and significantly decreased levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP).

“Many Hashimoto’s patients have a sensitivity to gluten and eliminating it from the diet can significantly reduce inflammation and autoimmune activity,” offers Gina Nick, NP. “Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods such as leafy greens and fatty fish can help reduce systemic inflammation.”

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However, further studies are required, and an elimination diet such as AIP should be prescribed and monitored by an experienced healthcare provider.

Read on for more ways to boost thyroid health: