Hashimoto’s Disease

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Hashimoto’s Disease thyroid disease Dr. Raphael Kellman

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition characterized by hypothyroidism, or a low-functioning thyroid gland. For people with this disease, also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system overproduces antibodies- proteins that usually work to protect the body from microbes and other foreign substances. Hashimoto’s constitutes about 90% to 95% of all cases of hypothyroidism, and research estimates that around 15 million Americans experience symptoms. The number is likely higher since it is an underdiagnosed condition. Globally, Hashimoto’s affects 4.8% to 25% of all women and 0.9% to 7.9% of men. (1)

If you suffer from Hashimoto’s or are experiencing the effects of thyroid disease, treating the root cause of your health issues should be a priority. At Medicine of Tomorrow, Dr. Raphael Kellman prides himself in providing education and exceptional patient care for all conditions related to this vital gland. His trailblazing methods have allowed him to find optimal treatment plans for each individual who has yet to find a solution with conventional prescriptions.

To get started today, call Dr. Kellman’s office at (212) 717-1118 or inquire with his online form, and a member of his medical team or staff will reach out to you shortly. Medicine of Tomorrow serves the residents of NYC and the surrounding areas.

What is the Thyroid Gland?

As an essential part of the endocrine system, the thyroid secretes hormones into the body. One of the main tasks of this gland is to control the body’s metabolism, which is how your body converts food into energy. When overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), it fails to help accomplish this process in a healthy, optimal way. All of the body’s cells can be affected by an abnormal thyroid. The thyroid releases a combination of these three hormones:

  • Triiodothyronine (T3). T3 is the active form of the thyroid hormone, affecting the nervous system, resting metabolism (basal metabolic rate), the reproductive system, oxygenation throughout the body, and the functioning of other organs and glands of the endocrine system.
  • Thyroxine (T4). The thyroid produces T4, but it is an inactive hormone that becomes active T3 after the body’s organs convert it.
  • Calcitonin. This hormone is designed to regulate calcium levels in the bloodstream, and it is involved with bone health. It serves to block osteoclasts that break down bone, preserving bone structure and density.

The Importance of Treating Hashimoto’s Disease

Like other conditions caused by hypothyroidism, many patients are unaware of their Hashimoto’s before receiving a proper diagnosis or treatment. For the most part, testing can completely miss the signs of a low thyroid, and there are few effective treatments that conventional medicine can offer. Though it is a prevalent condition, it impacts health as a whole beyond just the functioning of the thyroid gland. Misdiagnosing the condition can have long-lasting negative effects on health and well-being.

Here are some of the main aspects of health that Hashimoto’s affects:

Thyroid Function

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis leads to chronic inflammation and damages the thyroid gland over time. It leads to an underactive thyroid and results in uncomfortable symptoms such as weight gain, digestive issues such as constipation, cognitive issues, and cold intolerance.

Inflammation

Chronic inflammation extends well beyond the thyroid gland and can interfere with the functioning of other organs of the body. Widespread inflammation is associated with various chronic diseases, including those that impact cardiovascular, neurological, and immune health. Research finds that it is related to other inflammation-mediated diseases including diabetes, arthritis, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (2)

Cardiovascular Health

Hypothyroidism has especially dramatic effects on cardiovascular health. This is because thyroid hormones have an important role in maintaining and regulating heart rate, cholesterol metabolism, and blood pressure. The specific cardiovascular effects include high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart problems like atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

Neurologic Function

Thyroid hormones are responsible for normal brain development and functioning. Hashimoto’s can result in several cognitive problems like memory issues, depression, personality and mood changes, and even a rare but severe condition called Hashimoto’s encephalopathy. (3) Proper management and treatment can lessen these symptoms and support overall brain health.

Quality of Life

Quality of life is an aspect that should not be ignored when it comes to dealing with a disease like Hashimoto’s. Effective treatment promotes long-term health that improves daily functioning, giving you more energy and greater cognitive health. There are also several less severe symptoms that Dr. Kellman’s protocols can alleviate.

Risk Factors for Hashimoto’s Disease

Unfortunately, there is no one cause of Hashimoto’s, but some common risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing it. This includes:

  • Another autoimmune condition
  • A genetic predisposition to Hashimoto’s or another autoimmune dysfunction
  • Gluten intolerance and other food allergies
  • “Leaky gut” syndrome or another gastrointestinal disorder
  • Stress
  • Increased exposure to mold, metal, and other contaminants found in the environment
  • Lyme disease
  • Viral infections

Common Symptoms of Low Thyroid

The symptoms of other conditions characterized by a low thyroid may overlap with Hashimoto’s. These symptoms include:

  • Lower energy levels
  • Low libido
  • Mental health concerns
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Inability to lose weight
  • Hair loss
  • Memory loss and brain fog
  • Constipation and GI distress
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Tingling sensations in extremities
  • Poor immunity
  • Joint pain
  • Puffy face
  • Dry, flaky skin

Treatment for Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto’s Disease thyroid disease Dr. Raphael Kellman

Many conventional physicians choose to treat Hashimoto’s as if it were any other condition related to hypothyroidism. The most commonly prescribed medications include Synthroid and Levothyroxine. For so many who struggle with Hashimoto’s, these simplified solutions are not enough. Dr. Kellman offers a comprehensive treatment plan that is personalized to each patient’s needs and includes:

Better Quality Testing

Dr. Kellman utilizes the most effective thyroid test called the TRH stimulation test. This test can more accurately diagnose low thyroid functioning that other tests frequently miss.

Reduced Antibodies

Conventional treatments do not treat the root cause of inflammation, which is an abundance of antibodies that damage the thyroid gland. Dr. Kellman describes that there are various ways of reducing this inflammation, including prescribing nutritional supplements like selenium, plant-based cholesterol, and other compounds to lessen the antibodies.

Alternative Thyroid Medications

Many physicians prescribe synthetic thyroid hormones, but often, patients still experience symptoms despite having thyroid hormone levels within the normal range. This treatment only involves supplementation with T4, which is only effective for those who have trouble with conversion to the active form of the hormone, T3. Dr. Kellman, on the other hand, prescribes a compounded thyroid treatment that has both T4 and T3. This alternative is also bio-identical to the hormones produced in the gland.

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

LDN is a medication that physicians prescribe to help patients overcome opioid addiction, however, in tiny doses, it can help regulate the immune system. LDN also has an effective anti-inflammatory effect, so it is greatly beneficial for those with Hashimoto’s.

Balancing the Gut Microbiome

Many autoimmune conditions are associated with gut microbiome imbalances. Probiotics, postbiotics, medicinal herbs, botanicals, and other all-natural supplements can assist the gut. When implemented in combination with diet and lifestyle changes, Dr. Kellman can alleviate or even significantly improve all symptoms.

Stress Reduction

Stress is a common trigger of autoimmune diseases because it increases cytokine production, a type of immune system protein that stimulates inflammation responses. (4) Supplements that support stress reduction can aid the body’s healing processes.

Consultation

During a consultation with Dr. Kellman, he will ask you about your history with Hashimoto’s, the treatments you have tried so far, and the symptoms you are still experiencing. If you have any blood tests that give insight into your condition, he will review them to get a more comprehensive summary of your health. He may recommend a TRH stimulation test to gain a more precise understanding of your thyroid function. He will then be able to formulate a treatment protocol tailored to your needs and discuss your next steps moving forward. He will provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision for the good of your health. If you decide to proceed with treatment at Medicine of Tomorrow, Dr. Kellman will conduct frequent evaluations.

If you are ready to combat your disease and establish a better quality of life, get in touch with Dr. Kellman’s office in NYC at (212) 717-1118 or inquire with his contact form. A team member will help you find an appointment time and date that works well within your schedule.

If you want to learn more about other services at Medicine of Tomorrow, read through our website’s blog.

Cost of Hashimoto’s Treatment in New York City

The cost of your treatment will depend on the range of Dr. Kellman’s recommendations and the severity of your condition. If he recommends a TRH stimulation test, this will also add to the total cost. We will provide a detailed quote at the end of your consultation.

FAQ

What is the most effective treatment for Hashimoto’s disease?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating Hashimoto’s disease because underlying triggers are different for everyone with the condition. A combination approach of supplements, anti-inflammatory treatments, and regulation of the immune system can resolve many symptoms even when thyroid levels are within normal range.

What is the most accurate way to diagnose Hashimoto’s disease?

A TRH stimulation test can be one of the most accurate ways of diagnosing thyroid conditions because it provides a more well-rounded assessment of thyroid function, not just the level of thyroid hormones in the blood at any given time.

What is the difference between Hashimoto’s and a low thyroid?

People with Hashimoto’s have immune systems that release antibodies that work against thyroid functioning. Those with a low thyroid may have the condition for a variety of reasons, including the presence of Hashimoto’s.

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References

  1. Hu X, Chen Y, Shen Y, Tian R, Sheng Y, Que H. Global prevalence and epidemiological trends of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health. 2022;10. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1020709
  2. Pahwa R, Jialal I, Goyal A. Chronic Inflammation. NIH.gov. Published June 4, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/
  3. Wang J, Zhang J, Xu L, Shi Y, Wu X, Guo Q. Cognitive Impairments in Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy: A Case-Control Study. Chao L, ed. PLoS ONE. 2013;8(2):e55758. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0055758
  4. Stojanovich L, Marisavljevich D. Stress as a trigger of autoimmune disease. Autoimmunity reviews. 2008;7(3):209-213. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2007.11.007