Autoimmune Issues & Your Thyroid

Good morning lovelies, 

Today we are discussing how problems with the thyroid can be affected by your autoimmune system in this 4th installment of the thyroid journey. I have links to the site where I obtained the medical information, (as I am not a doctor, I try to get the best information for you from trusted sites) you can click on the links if you would like to. This is actually going to be part 1 of autoimmune because it is A LOT to cover and there are layers-like onions donkey. Haha. 
              
            
You will need to remember to laugh in all of this sweethearts, it's a bumpy road and laughter helps, so do puppies.
                  

                                      
I don't want to overwhelm and I want to give sound advice with follow-up on some measures you can take to help yourself-always consult with a professional of course. I am speaking of exercise, dietary changes, and lifestyle changes that are needed. That's why there will be more to come on this subject and I want to be thorough on the food front because if you are struggling with an autoimmune disorder, you are going to need loads of info. on autoimmune protocol diets and elimination of triggers. I will also cover children and pregnancy and a whole bunch of other stuff that I will remember to write about. As I said, it's a bit overwhelming if I give it all in one shot, so for now let us start at the beginning with background and symptoms.

This aspect of thyroid illness is still difficult for many because it can take on average 7 years before proper diagnosis is made. 
Yes, you read that correctly, 7 years-sometimes longer!

There are several reasons for this:

1) Usually, it takes time to develop these issues and many factors play into having an autoimmune illness. ie: stress levels, diet, allergies, family history, no family history, exposure to chemicals and other harmful substances, etc.

2) Adrenal glands are often effected and can present as fatigue, crying jags, constant feeling of emotional upheaval, difficulty coping, anxiety attacks, erratic behaviour and mood swings, short fuse, difficulty sleeping, lack of interest in previous activities one enjoyed. Many of these can be attributed to anxiety disorders, depression, grieving, pms, hormonal changes and unfortunately, sometimes even hypochondria. That's why it's important to ask for the right tests, understand it can take time as it is a process of elimination, you may need to see several doctor's before someone listens or believes you, and you will have to be your biggest and loudest advocate for your health.

3) Adrenal issues are still not completely understood and the medical establishment is running to catch up with this rather modern phenomenon. This is an issue that impacts the lives of every person living in these modern times, as we are experiencing such tremendous health, environmental, and spiritual stressors, it is taxing our adrenal glands in ways that were previously not known let alone thought of. Sometimes, and especially for now, it is a great idea to seek out alternative forms of treatment to see what naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and relaxing forms of exercise, can do for you. 

4) This issue effects more women than it does men, sorry gentleman I am not trying to dismiss your valid health concerns, this is just medically documented fact. As such, women are often ignored by doctor's as being a bit hysterical and overly dramatic, as well as being dismissed because we could not possibly know anything about our bodies since we have not been to med school. We only live within our bodies for our entire life time but meh, what do we know? WRONG!!!!!! Again, I say to you, women & men, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE YOUR BIGGEST AND LOUDEST ADVOCATE FOR YOUR HEALTH!

5) The symptoms that are most to be concerned about are also the most subtle. Things such as hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, bloating and swelling, sweats, and sleep disturbances, are things we can ignore for a long time and that's dangerous because if left untreated much worse things will happen and you will begin to fully comprehend, but only once it is too late; the impact autoimmune illness will have.

Continue reading down below for more information.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

It is possible that the main title of the report Autoimmune Thyroiditis is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Hashimoto's disease
• Lymphadenoid goiter
• Struma lymphomatosa
• Goitrous autoimmune thyroiditis
• Chronic Thyroiditis
• Hashimoto's syndrome
• Grave's disease
• Postpartum thyroiditis

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Also called Hashimoto's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease, a disorder in which the immune system turns against the body's own tissues. In people with Hashimoto's, the immune system attacks the thyroid. This can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid does not make enough hormones for the body's needs.

Located in the front of your neck, the thyroid gland makes hormones that control metabolism. This includes your heart rate and how quickly your body uses calories from the foods you eat.

Causes of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

The exact cause of Hashimoto's is not known, but many factors are believed to play a role. They include:

Genes. People who get Hashimoto's often have family members who have thyroid disease or other autoimmune diseases. This suggests a genetic component to the disease.

Hormones. Hashimoto's affects about seven times as many women as men, suggesting that sex hormones may play a role. Furthermore, some women have thyroid problems during the first year after having a baby. Although the problem usually goes away, as many as 20% of these women develop Hashimoto's years later.

Excessive iodine. Research suggests certain drugs and too much iodine, a trace element required by your body to make thyroid hormones, may trigger thyroid disease in susceptible people.

Radiation exposure. Increased cases of thyroid disease have been reported in people exposed to radiation, including the atomic bombs in Japan, the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and radiation treatment for a form of blood cancer called Hodgkin's disease.

Symptoms of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Hashimoto's symptoms may be mild at first or take years to develop. The first sign of the disease is often an enlarged thyroid, called a goiter. The goiter may cause the front of your neck to look swollen. A large goiter may make swallowing difficult. Other symptoms of an underactive thyroid due to Hashimoto's may include:

• weight gain
• fatigue
• paleness or puffiness of the face
• joint and muscle pain
• constipation
• inability to get warm
• difficulty getting pregnant
• joint and muscle pain
• hair loss or thinning, brittle hair
• irregular or heavy menstrual periods
• depression
• slowed heart rate

Because the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroid may be similar to those for other medical conditions, it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Treatments for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

There is no cure for Hashimoto's, but replacing hormones with medication can regulate hormone levels and restore your normal metabolism.

The pills are available in several different strengths. The exact dose your doctor prescribes will depend on a number of factors, including:

• age
• weight
• severity of hypothyroidism
• other health problems
• other medicines that may interact with synthetic thyroid hormone

http://www.webmd.com/women/autoimmune-thyroiditis

Autoimmune illness is so often misunderstood and still new to many, it is understandable that we suffer alone with it's debilitating effects. I think the above ecard puts it quite succinctly.
If you are suffering with an autoimmune illness please connect with other people, check out the Stop the thyroid madness blog-it's a wonderful resource and community for thyroid and autoimmune sufferers(link is below), check out local and even far away autoimmune chapters or organizations(links below to get you started). Mostly though, rest and don't let others make you feel guilty for it. Your exhaustion and myriad of symptoms are real, your life is not your own when at the mercy of this kind of illness, you need to be gentle and understanding because so many others won't be. Most importantly, don't give up and make the necessary lifestyle adjustments you need to be good to yourself. You can get through this and we can do it together, hold on to your smile and hope.

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/autoimmune-thyroiditis/

http://healthfinder.gov/FindServices/SearchContext.aspx?topic=82&Branch=6&show=1

http://www.thyroid.ca/thyroiditis.php

http://www.eurothyroid.com/guidelines/eta_guidelines.html 


http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Thyroid-Disorders/show/73

https://www.inspire.com/groups/national-adrenal-diseases-foundation/discussion/adrenal-insufficiency-with-autoimmune-thyroiditis/

http://pcosdiva.com/2013/08/celiac-and-autoimmune-thyroid-diseases/

http://robbwolf.com/2012/08/27/reversing-autoimmune-thyroid-disease/

http://deliciouslyorganic.net/reverse-hashimotos-thyroid-disease/

http://wellnessmama.com/22689/autoimmune-diet/
You see, you are NOT alone. Leave your comments or experiences in the comment section and don't forget to subscribe. God bless you.