Do you wake up every day feeling inexplicably tired? Are you gaining weight despite a healthy diet? Are you constantly cold, suffering with dry skin, or experiencing mood swings?

This broad range of symptoms can all be tied to Hashimoto’s disease, an often misunderstood and underdiagnosed condition. It’s an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the thyroid gland, and it can lead to a cascade of health issues if left untreated.

Read on to find out more about Hashimoto’s disease and Dr. Kevin’s unique approach to Hashimoto’s.

What Is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland.

This small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism by producing hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

In patients with Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland leading to inflammation and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Causes of Hashimoto’s Disease

The exact cause of Hashimoto’s disease remains unclear, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development. These include:

• Genetics: Family history of thyroid disorders or other autoimmune diseases increases the risk.
• Gender and Age: Women are significantly more likely to develop Hashimoto’s disease than men, and it commonly appears in middle-aged individuals.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during pregnancy and menopause, may trigger the onset of the disease.
• Excessive Iodine Intake: High levels of iodine in the diet can lead to thyroid dysfunction.
• Radiation Exposure: Exposure to radiation, particularly during childhood, is a known risk factor.
• Environmental Triggers: Stress, infection, and other environmental factors might play a role in the disease’s manifestation.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease

The symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease can vary widely and often develop slowly over time. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Fatigue: Feelings of persistent tiredness and lack of energy.
• Weight Gain: Unexplained weight gain despite no significant changes in diet or exercise.
• Cold Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures.
• Constipation: Frequent or persistent constipation.
• Dry Skin and Hair: Skin becomes dry, and hair may become brittle or fall out.
• Muscle Weakness and Joint Pain: Generalized muscle weakness and aching joints.
• Depression and Memory Issues: Feelings of depression, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.
• Menstrual Irregularities: Heavy or irregular menstrual periods in women.

Hashimoto’s disease can be difficult to get a diagnosis for, but at Dr. Kevin’s Wellness Clinic, our comprehensive labs look through every potential option. We don’t rule out any disease until we are completely sure that it’s not the one causing you discomfort.

Autoimmune diseases are typically identified by the fact that your immune system is attacking an otherwise healthy system for one reason or another. 

What Traditional Medicine Gets Wrong

Once Hashimoto’s disease has been identified and diagnosed, our methods really stray from traditional medicine’s plan.

Whereas most traditional medicine focuses on artificially replacing hormones to stifle symptoms, which only makes the thyroid weaker, our proven treatment strategy affects the root cause of the issue, calling off your immune system to stop it from attacking your thyroid in the first place.

Dealing with Hashimoto’s disease can be challenging, but there is hope for a better quality of life. Dr. Kevin’s Wellness Clinic utilizes cutting-edge technology and proven treatment methods that combine to help you achieve better health, and relief from Hashimoto’s disease and a range of other autoimmune diseases.

Our patients leave feeling revitalized, with a new lease on life because we provide the highest quality and most effective autoimmune disease treatment in Lafayette, LA. Get in touch with our New Patient Team to learn more.