Well-rested yet tired, constantly feeling cold, or suddenly having less stamina – sometimes the thyroid is behind such symptoms. One potential cause of an underactive thyroid is Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
However, fatigue does not automatically mean Hashimoto's – and Hashimoto's does not automatically mean an underactive thyroid. What happens with this autoimmune disease, what role do TSH and thyroid hormones play, and what should one make of iodine, selenium, or special "Hashimoto diets"?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland. In this condition, the immune system targets components of one's own thyroid tissue. This leads to chronic inflammation, which can damage the tissue over time.
The result can be an underactive thyroid – known as hypothyroidism. However, this does not happen to everyone immediately. Some people have Hashimoto's and maintain normal thyroid levels for a long time. An underactive state only develops once the thyroid can no longer provide sufficient hormones.
Women are significantly more affected than men. A familial clustering of thyroid and other autoimmune diseases is also known.
The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck and primarily produces the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These influence numerous bodily processes – including energy metabolism, the heart and circulatory system, body temperature, digestion, and the nervous system.
The thyroid is regulated, among other things, by the hormone TSH, which is produced in the pituitary gland. In simple terms, the thyroid receives the signal via TSH to produce thyroid hormones.
Thyroid hormones influence energy metabolism and numerous other bodily functions. If too few thyroid hormones are provided due to an underactive state, various processes slow down.
Fatigue and reduced performance are therefore among the possible symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Some affected individuals describe feeling exhausted despite sufficient sleep, having trouble getting going in the morning, or finding it harder to concentrate.
Often, other symptoms occur simultaneously. These can include sensitivity to cold, dry skin, constipation, weight gain, concentration or memory problems, muscle and joint discomfort, changes in hair, or a depressed mood.
Fatigue is one of the most common and non-specific symptoms there is. Lack of sleep, stress, infections, anemia, medication, and numerous other factors can also be behind it. Therefore, it is not possible to determine if the thyroid plays a role based on fatigue alone.
The terms are often used interchangeably in everyday life, but they describe two different things: Hashimoto's refers to the autoimmune disease, while hypothyroidism describes the reduced function of the thyroid gland.
A person can have Hashimoto's even if the thyroid still produces enough hormones. In this stage, TSH and free thyroid hormones can still be within the normal range.
Only when hormone production is no longer sufficient does an underactive state develop. Therefore, treatment is not based solely on whether thyroid antibodies are present, but primarily on the actual thyroid function and the individual situation.
The diagnosis is based on several pieces of information. In addition to symptoms and medical history, blood tests play a primary role.
TSH and free T4 (fT4) are particularly important because they provide information about thyroid function. Additionally, thyroid antibodies can be determined. Typical for Hashimoto's are, in particular, antibodies against thyroid peroxidase, known as TPO antibodies. Thyroglobulin antibodies can also occur.
An ultrasound scan can provide supplementary information about the size and structure of the thyroid and make typical changes visible. However, it is not always necessary to diagnose Hashimoto's.
It is also important to note: The level of antibodies does not directly indicate how well or poorly the thyroid is currently working. TSH and fT4 are particularly decisive for assessing thyroid function.
If thyroid antibodies are detectable but thyroid values are normal, treatment with thyroid hormones is not automatically required. Instead, it may be sensible to monitor thyroid function over time.
If, on the other hand, an underactive state requiring treatment has developed, levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) is generally used. It corresponds to the thyroid hormone T4 and replaces the hormone that the thyroid can no longer provide in sufficient quantities.
The required dose is individual. After starting treatment or changing a dose, thyroid values are therefore monitored and the dosage is adjusted as needed.
There is a lot of dietary advice circulating regarding Hashimoto's. The impression is often given that individual foods or dietary supplements can specifically influence or even reverse the autoimmune disease. There is no simple, universal solution for this.
This is not generally true. Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones and is needed by the body. However, very high amounts of iodine can be problematic. In particular, high-dose iodine supplements should not be taken with Hashimoto's without medical consultation.
No. Selenium is an essential trace element and is involved in normal thyroid functions. However, it does not follow that people with Hashimoto's generally need a selenium supplement. Supplementation should not be done routinely and, in particular, not in high doses on one's own initiative.
There is no general recommendation for a gluten-free diet for all people with Hashimoto's. The situation is different if celiac disease has been diagnosed: in that case, a gluten-free diet is medically necessary.
No. Thyroid antibodies support the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis but do not directly indicate how much thyroid hormone is currently being produced. TSH and fT4 are assessed for this.
There is no special diet that has been proven to cure Hashimoto's. For everyday life, the focus should be on a varied and balanced diet.
Individual nutrients like iodine and selenium have normal functions in relation to the thyroid. However, this does not mean that additional intake automatically provides a benefit in Hashimoto's.
Dietary supplements should not be combined indiscriminately, especially if a thyroid condition exists. If a nutrient deficiency is suspected, it can be medically assessed whether targeted examination or supplementation is sensible.
Those taking levothyroxine should follow the medical or pharmaceutical instructions for intake. Certain foods, drinks, medications, and dietary supplements can influence how well the thyroid hormone is absorbed.
These include, for example, preparations with calcium or iron. Therefore, a time interval before or after taking levothyroxine may be necessary. Taking it with food can also influence absorption.
However, your own medication should not be changed based on general internet recommendations. If you are unsure about how to take it or about potential interactions, your doctor's office or pharmacy can provide individual advice.
Thyroid hormones play an important role during pregnancy. At the same time, the requirement for thyroid hormone can change.
Anyone who has Hashimoto's and would like to become pregnant should discuss their thyroid values with their attending specialist while planning for pregnancy. During pregnancy, regular check-ups are particularly important, and if a levothyroxine therapy is already in place, a dose adjustment may be necessary.
Iodine requirements change during pregnancy and breastfeeding. At the same time, an existing autoimmune thyroid disease requires an individual assessment. Therefore, do not discontinue or supplement high-dose iodine preparations on your own; instead, discuss appropriate care with your attending specialist.
One point is important, especially regarding fatigue: If symptoms persist even though thyroid values are well-adjusted, it does not automatically mean that more thyroid hormone is needed.
Fatigue, concentration problems, weight fluctuations, or a depressed mood are not specific to Hashimoto's. Therefore, it may be sensible to consider other possible causes together with a medical professional, rather than changing thyroid medication on your own.
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid that can lead to an underactive state over time – but it does not necessarily lead to one from the beginning. Fatigue, feeling cold, and weight gain can occur with an underactive thyroid, but they are not proof of a thyroid disorder in and of themselves.
A careful diagnosis, an assessment of actual thyroid function, and – if necessary – individually adjusted treatment with regular check-ups are decisive.
If Hashimoto's leads to an underactive thyroid, fatigue, reduced performance, and concentration problems can occur. However, fatigue has many possible causes, and it cannot be used to reach a diagnosis on its own.
No. With Hashimoto's, thyroid function can initially be normal. Over time, an underactive state can develop due to damage to the thyroid tissue.
Assessment includes medical history, examination, and blood values. TSH and fT4 are particularly important, as well as potential thyroid antibodies such as TPO antibodies. An ultrasound scan can be a useful supplement.
No. If thyroid antibodies are present but thyroid values are normal, treatment with thyroid hormone is not automatically required. For an underactive state that requires treatment, levothyroxine is generally used.
Iodine does not have to be fundamentally eliminated from the diet. However, very high iodine amounts and high-dose iodine preparations can be problematic in autoimmune thyroid diseases. Therefore, dietary supplements should be discussed with a medical professional.
Selenium has normal functions in the body and contributes to normal thyroid function. However, it does not follow that a selenium supplement is generally required for Hashimoto's. Supplementation should be assessed individually.
There is no general recommendation for a gluten-free diet for all people with Hashimoto's. In the case of a diagnosed celiac disease, however, a gluten-free diet is necessary.
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Thyroid disorders as well as the intake of thyroid hormones, iodine, or dietary supplements should be discussed individually with a medical professional. The contents do not refer to HAWLIK products.
Share
Share information about your brand with your customers. Describe a product, make announcements, or welcome customers to your store.
Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
