Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Over time, this leads to inflammation and reduced thyroid hormone production, often resulting in hypothyroidism.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine uses her background in integrative and functional medicine to take a whole-person approach to treating Hashimoto’s disease. She addresses the autoimmune process and the thyroid hormone imbalance, providing compassionate, individualized care to restore balance, reduce symptoms, and improve long-term wellness.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of Hashimoto’s disease is not fully understood, several factors may increase risk, including:
- Genetics: A family history of autoimmune disorders.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop Hashimoto’s disease.
- Age: Most commonly diagnosed in middle age, though it can occur at any age.
- Other Autoimmune Conditions: Such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Environmental Triggers: Stress, infections, or high iodine intake.
Understanding these risk factors allows for a more personalized approach to managing the condition.
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease
Hashimoto’s symptoms often develop slowly and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Unexplained weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin and thinning hair
- Hoarseness or swelling in the neck (goiter)
- Constipation
- Depression or mood changes
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Menstrual irregularities in women
Because Hashimoto’s disease can progress gradually, early evaluation is crucial to prevent long-term complications.
How Hashimoto’s Disease Is Diagnosed
At Shine Health and Wellness, diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation that may include:
- Medical History and Exam: Reviewing symptoms and family history.
- Blood Tests: Measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, and free T3 levels.
- Antibody Testing: Checking for thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, which are often elevated in Hashimoto’s.
- Ultrasound: Assessing the size and appearance of the thyroid gland.
This comprehensive process ensures accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
Treatment Options for Hashimoto’s Disease
Treatment focuses on balancing thyroid hormones and addressing autoimmune activity. Options may include:
- Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Prescribing and adjusting medications to restore hormone balance.
- Nutritional Counseling: Developing a diet that supports thyroid and immune health, often focusing on reducing inflammation.
- Lifestyle Guidance: Stress reduction, sleep optimization, and exercise to improve energy and resilience.
- Supplement Support: Targeted vitamins and minerals, such as selenium and vitamin D, that may benefit thyroid function.
- Functional Medicine Approaches: Addressing gut health, hormone balance, and immune system triggers.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups and lab testing to adjust treatment as needed.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
By blending conventional medicine with integrative strategies, Shine Health and Wellness provides holistic support for managing Hashimoto’s disease. Kimberley Shine, MD, has more than a decade of experience in family medicine and specializes in integrative and functional medicine. By focusing on both symptom relief and root causes, she helps patients feel empowered in managing their thyroid health.
Patients also benefit from the Shine Health and Wellness team, which includes experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist. This team-based model ensures that patients have access to multiple resources to support their health journey.
Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health
Living with Hashimoto’s disease can be challenging, but with the right care, you can manage symptoms and protect your long-term health. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team provide personalized treatment plans that focus on restoring balance and improving quality of life. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.