How to Know If You Have Hashimoto’s Disease (& What to Do)

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How to Know if You Have Hashimoto's Disease and What to Do
Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » How to Know If You Have Hashimoto’s Disease (& What to Do)

There are symptoms that a lot of us might chalk up as just “part of life,” but nothing is normal about chronic fatigue, acid reflux, achy joints, inability to lose weight, hair falling out in clumps, and depression. In fact, these symptoms are usually telling us that there is something going on inside our bodies that we need to address.

I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks the thyroid. My path to diagnosis was long and frustrating. I even had symptoms for a long time that I didn’t even know were associated with thyroid problems.

I get questions daily relating to what I do for my thyroid, how I got diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease and hypothyroidism, and how to find answers so you can start feeling better.

This post is a collection of all I’ve learned about Hashimoto’s in the last several years. I’ve written this post to give you resources so that you can find your own answers.

While I’m not a doctor and this isn’t medical advice, hopefully sharing this will save you a few bumps along the way and speed up the process of finding the right doctor/solution for you.

What Is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

You’ve probably heard of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, as I’ve written about it in the past. Hashimoto’s is one of the world’s most common autoimmune disorders. It is also known as autoimmune thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. What it really is, though, is a literal pain in the neck!

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of the neck. It makes hormones that regulate metabolism. This is why thyroid problems can result in weight gain or loss, as well as feeling too hot (overactive thyroid) or too cold (underactive thyroid).

Out of Hashimoto’s cases in the United States, women are impacted 10 times more than men. While most women will be diagnosed between ages 30 to 50, women of any age can develop thyroid problems.

While Hashimoto’s is different from hypothyroidism, the autoimmune disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S., according to the American Thyroid Association.

Conservative estimates say that 1 in every 5 women will suffer from Hashimoto’s or another type of thyroid disease at some point during their life. Women are more prone to thyroid problems, and autoimmune disease in general, thanks to a combination of hormones, how our bodies respond to the environment, and genetics.

This might sound like a bold statement, but when you’re so exhausted that it literally hurts to get out of bed, or you’re so anxious you think you’re going crazy, or your hair literally won’t stay on your head—you can see how this disease puts life on hold while you struggle to get through each day.

Signs & Symptoms of Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto’s shares a lot of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Having an underactive thyroid leads to shared symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and dry skin. But when you also have an autoimmune component, you might be more likely to have chronic pain or related autoimmune disorders.

Signs or symptoms that are common with Hashimoto’s are:

  • Goiter, or swelling of the neck
  • Weight gain
  • Dry skin
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Frequent sore throat
  • Hair loss
  • High cholesterol
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Low heart rate
  • Low basal body temperature
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Constipation
  • Joint pain and feelings of stiffness
  • Depression and mood changes
  • Memory lapses and poor cognitive ability
  • Heavy menstrual periods
  • Infertility or miscarriage
  • Reduced exercise or activity tolerance

Talk about an awful list! While most people with Hashimoto’s won’t have every symptom on that list, even just one or two are enough to make you feel terrible.

I had trouble losing weight and felt tired all the time. I chalked these up to being a mom of young kids and sleeping poorly. Unfortunately, new moms are at higher risk for developing something known as postpartum thyroiditis. It can be a temporary form of autoimmune thyroid disease, or it can turn permanent.

Differences Between Hashimoto’s & Hypothyroidism

If you have symptoms of low thyroid, how can you tell the difference between whether it’s hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to have it.

The best way to understand what’s causing your symptoms is to get the proper testing. It took a long time for me to get diagnosed because I didn’t really know what I was looking for. If you have signs of hypothyroidism, getting the right labs done can rule out the cause and get you answers faster.

Testing for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

In order to get the full picture of your thyroid health, you need several thyroid tests. Some doctors will only run TSH, which gives an incomplete picture of what the thyroid is doing. This is why it took so long for me to get a proper diagnosis. To avoid a lengthy time of diagnosis limbo, the following tests should be run:

  • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): This test shows how hard the pituitary gland is having to work to tell the thyroid to make more hormone. Elevated levels would indicate hypothyroidism. In early stages of Hashimoto’s, TSH might be normal.
  • Free T3 and Free T4: These are the active versions of your thyroid hormones. By testing the free forms, your doctor gets to see how much hormone you have available to use. Suppressed levels would indicate a struggling thyroid. Free T3 and Free T4 may be elevated or suppressed in Hashimoto’s patients, depending on where you are in the disease process. T3 is considered the active thyroid hormone.
  • Reverse T3: This lab helps to assess why your T3 or T4 levels may not be optimal. In times of stress (for example starvation) or hyperthyroidism, the body stores excess T3 as Reverse T3.
  • Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody and Thyroglobulin Antibodies: These measure the level of antibodies that your body has made to attack your thyroid. Normal levels, or having none, show that you don’t have Hashimoto’s. Elevated levels could indicate Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease (the hyperthyroid version of autoimmune thyroid disease).
  • Thyroid Ultrasound: Some doctors will also check your thyroid via ultrasound, especially if you’ve had symptoms for a long time or have an enlarged thyroid gland. It’s important to tell your doctor if you have pain at the base of your neck or it hurts to swallow, as these could also be signs of a swollen thyroid gland.

How to Get the Right Diagnosis

After you get lab work and tests done, working with a doctor to get an official diagnosis is important. The thing you need to know is that not every doctor is a thyroid expert, and some of them might write off your symptoms as normal. But if you don’t feel normal, you need to find someone who will take you seriously.

I struggled to get a diagnosis. It finally happened after I was at a conference and a dear friend heard about my symptoms, immediately knew what it was, and connected me with Dr. Alan Christianson, a thyroid expert. He reached out and felt my thyroid. He also ran some labs, but based on those things, he rather quickly diagnosed me with Hashimoto’s.

I felt so much relief at finally having an answer for feeling so terrible! A diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it also gives some clear direction for a way to feel better. If your doctor says your TSH levels are “normal” and won’t run other blood tests, it’s probably time to get a second opinion.

What Causes Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto’s happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly targets the thyroid for attack. This can happen for one or more reasons, but these risk factors are the most common:

  • Genetics or family history
  • Environmental triggers (diet, stress, toxins, chemicals, air pollution, etc.)
  • Leaky gut (including certain trigger foods like dairy, gluten, and soy)
  • Hormone triggers (having a baby, entering menopause)
  • Having another autoimmune disorder (type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
  • Certain viral infections (such as Epstein Barr, enterovirus, rubella, mumps, herpes simplex, and parvovirus)
  • Graves’ disease, or autoimmune hyperthyroidism, can also “burn out” the thyroid and lead to Hashimoto’s

Alessio Fasano is an expert on leaky gut and autoimmunity. His research has found that while the above triggers, especially leaky gut, can be involved in the cascade that sets off autoimmunity, you don’t have to fix everything before you start to feel better. Of course you can’t control your genes! But you do have the ability to address the other elements, and I want to discuss how I did that in my own life.

There isn’t a cure for Hashimoto’s. Autoimmune diseases don’t go away once you develop them, but you can enter remission. It’s possible to be symptom-free and have your antibodies down to zero. But this process takes time. You can’t expect to feel completely normal after just a few days or weeks.

Still, the changes you make to address Hashimoto’s will benefit the rest of your life!

How to Start Feeling Better From Hashimoto’s

I’ve joked before that I created the perfect recipe for causing autoimmune disease. I was not sleeping, eating really bad food, and stressed out all the time. With a genetic disposition, that lifestyle can easily trigger autoimmunity.

But if you can live a lifestyle that makes you prone to disease, you can also live a lifestyle that helps to address it! Part of working toward feeling better from Hashimoto’s is addressing the areas that can improve your disease: diet and nutrients, environment (like personal care products), gut health, stress, and other lifestyle factors.

Your doctor will put you on a personalized plan, but these are the basics of wellness for thyroid disease.

Diet & Nutrients

Many experts recommend beginning with nutrition, and I certainly agree that this is an important first step! Start by removing gluten, dairy, and soy from your diet. You may find that paleo or autoimmune paleo options are the best diets to use while you’re trying to get your health back.

You guys know how I feel about gluten, dairy, and soy, so when I found out these are the recommended steps to be proactive about preventing thyroid disease, it was a no-brainer! You may find my Wellness Mama Cookbook helpful because it’s full of great recipes to support your gut and fill you and your family with delicious nutrients.

Make sure to get the proper amount of vitamins and minerals to give the body a fighting chance to combat disease and illness. A lot of times, people suffering from thyroid disease and especially Hashimoto’s are nutrient deficient. Loading up on selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and even magnesium will drastically improve the way that you feel.

Eating plenty of vegetables—any and all vegetables—is a great way to pack your diet with vitamins and minerals. Some fear cruciferous vegetables with thyroid disease, but if they’re cooked, you avoid any potential complications. So you don’t have to avoid broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. In fact, these are packed with healing nutrients!

Don’t go low-carb, either. The thyroid needs carbohydrates to make and convert hormones. Dr. Alan Christianson, a thyroid expert, recommends consuming carbs at night though, which goes against normal advice. Carbs at night helps to regulate your cortisol and other hormones, promoting better sleep, and also helping you avoid feeling hungry!

Supplements can also aid in healing, but make sure your healthcare provider recommends them and knows what you’re taking. Iodine and other “thyroid support” supplements might worsen Hashimoto’s. Dr. Alan Christianson has a line of products that have had a tremendous impact on those suffering with thyroid conditions.

Personal Care Products

Our environment is what we live in, but it’s also the things that we breathe in and that we take in through our skin. If you have Hashimoto’s, consider doing a clean out of your personal care products.

Skincare, make-up, lotions, perfumes, hair care, and other products tend to make women more susceptible to thyroid-related conditions than men. Women use an estimated 12 personal care products with 168 ingredients on a daily basis. Compare this to a man using 6 products with 85 ingredients. Both numbers are high, but 168 is nearly double!

When we slather lotions and creams all over our faces, necks, and bodies, it seeps into our bloodstreams and deposits right into other organs, especially the thyroid. The thyroid is like a hoarder, and instead of releasing the toxins, it just holds onto them. Over time, this builds into a toxic environment. If they’re not released properly, they can wreak havoc on your thyroid gland, triggering autoimmunity.

It has never been easier to replace toxic personal care ingredients with natural ones. I’ve made it my mission to do this for my family, and I even started a product line to make it easier for others. There are many companies out there doing the same thing!

Gut Health

In addition to dietary changes, helping repair gut health comes down to giving your body the tools it needs. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and they are also important for repairing things like the tight junctions in your gut wall. Gelatin found in bone broth can help promote a healthy gut lining. Collagen supplementation can help, too.

Probiotics are another important part of gut health. Your microbiome is always a mix of good and bad bacteria, but the bad guys are hardier than the good ones. Your good bacteria need to be replaced often, especially when you have autoimmune disease. You can do this by eating fermented foods and by taking a daily probiotic supplement.

Stress

It’s nearly impossible to never stress, I get that. But working to help your body process stress in a healthier way is really essential to recovering from Hashimoto’s.

Creating a healthy sleep routine, where you have a regular bedtime that you try to stick to is a big part of it. If you have small kids, it might be hit or miss, but it’s about valuing it. The more you try to make sleep a priority, the better it will get.

Exposing yourself to morning sunlight is also great for regulating cortisol and your circadian rhythm. It doesn’t have to be on your skin, and you don’t have to try to get a tan. Just be in the morning light as soon as possible after you wake up for at least 30 minutes. This will help balance cortisol, melatonin, and work to lower inflammation in the body.

How Long Does It Take to Feel Better From Hashimoto’s?

Your journey in developing Hashimoto’s is different from mine and from someone else’s. There isn’t a specific length of time you’re guaranteed to feel better in. But taking the long view is important. It may take weeks or even months to notice a huge difference, but because the changes are happening over time, they’ll last.

Addressing underlying causes versus just treating symptoms takes more work, but the payoff is so much better. Getting to remission was very much a decade-long journey for me. But if you get diagnosed sooner than I did, you may also feel better faster.

Should You Take Medication for Hashimoto’s?

Some people who have Hashimoto’s do need thyroid hormone replacement. There’s no shame in this! Levothyroxine is a common one, but there are several options. The medication that works for someone else may not be the one that helps you the most.

I try to avoid medication whenever possible, but there’s absolutely a time and place for conventional medicine. If your thyroid has been damaged and can’t make its own hormone, or if you just need a temporary boost while your body is healing from Hashimoto’s, thyroid hormone replacement can make a huge difference in how you feel.

I found success with Nature Throid, a natural desiccated version of thyroid hormone. There are many different kinds and your doctor should work with you to determine the best fit for your needs. This often means checking your thyroid levels a few times a year to make sure your dose is right. Too much thyroid hormone can make you feel every bit as bad as too little!

What Not to Do for Hashimoto’s

If you have Hashimoto’s, addressing lifestyle and diet to help promote healing is important. It’s also every bit as critical that you avoid things that could make your thyroid disease worse.

Avoid Iodine for Thyroid Disease

The thyroid needs iodine to make hormones. However, this small amount can be obtained through dietary sources. Supplementing with iodine on its own can be bad for Hashimoto’s and can set off a firestorm of symptoms, worsening the autoimmune attack.

I learned this the hard way. After taking iodine at the recommendation of a chiropractor, I started feeling a lot worse. Research backs this up, too. Countries who add iodine to salt to avoid hypothyroidism also have higher rates of Hashimoto’s! This was evidenced by studies in Sri Lanka, Brazil, China, Greece, and India.

Iodine worsens the autoimmune attack on the thyroid because it slows the activity of thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme that is needed for making thyroid hormones.

Dr. Terry Wahls, an expert on autoimmunity, notes that iodine is worse when selenium levels are also too low. Antibodies should be tested periodically to see if they are increasing or decreasing based on your treatment plan.

Don’t Skip Doctor Visits

Speaking of doctors, following through with regular appointments and lab work is important when it comes to addressing Hashimoto’s. You need to see how your thyroid levels and antibodies are responding. You may also need to adjust medication doses or make other changes over time, and it’s hard to do this if you don’t have regular check-ins.

About Remission from Hashimoto’s

Many have asked questions about how I got to remission, so I want to really make it clear that the process of getting there is a marathon, not a sprint. Since autoimmune diseases can’t be cured, getting to remission means no antibodies present. It is possible! But it takes the combination of everything I discussed in this post, plus time, plus addressing your unique factors, to get there.

Once I got into remission, I could stop being as strict with my diet. Addressing emotional triggers, for me, was also part of getting to this place. I eat more food now than I’ve ever been able to as an adult—including the occasional gluten or sugar, as well as dairy. They don’t bother me now that I am not inflamed and flared up with autoimmunity.

For two years after being diagnosed, I was very strict with my diet and highly regimented. While that was happening, I was not losing weight. It took years after that to be able to lose the weight and enter remission. It is a process that takes time.

Build habits that let you implement healing protocols and track what you’re doing. This way, you’ll be able to see what’s working, and what helps improve your energy and sleep. I saw improvements in these far before I lost weight or achieved remission. You will start to feel better, but to be fully better, it’s a journey.

Shifting my mindset and addressing the emotional factors behind my weight loss, which were related with Hashimoto’s, was also something different that I had to focus on. I was mad at my body. It’s understandable, when your body attacks itself, to feel angry. But those feelings have to be resolved to help you move forward.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Pfleghaar, D.O., FACEP, ABOIM. Dr Jennifer is a double board certified physician and is now working in Emergency Medicine and has an office in Ohio practicing Integrative Medicine. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

What are your thoughts about Hashimoto’s? Do you or someone you know suffer from some form of thyroid disease? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

85 responses to “How to Know If You Have Hashimoto’s Disease (& What to Do)”

  1. Karen Avatar

    I was diagnosed about 5 years ago with hypothyroidism. I have also been suffering with arthritis especially in my fingers and hands for over 5 years. I now feel pain all over my body with stiffness aches and joint pain. A medical student looked at my hands and told me I needed to go to a Rheumatoid Arthritis Doctor.

  2. Juanita Avatar
    Juanita

    I take levothyroxine 225 I still get bad eye problem headache dizzy weak cold feet can’t loose weight I take the recommended supplement my no are optimal but inflammation and antibodies high taking a. Adrenal plus I have hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia hell

  3. Lindsey Avatar

    Hi, I have had the antibidy test for Hashimotos and it was literally zero….but yet I still have hypothyroidism along with many of its symptoms, many of which are well controlled. Will following the diet recommendations for someone with Hashimotos help me since my hypothyroidism is not caused by an autoimmune disorder? Any recommendations would be great!! Thank you!

  4. Warren Avatar

    Check into Shaklee brand products. That’s what I use; cleaning products, shampoo, conditioner, supplements, etc.

  5. Lindsay Avatar

    So, if I suspect I have Hashimoto’s do you recommend going to my PCP and requesting all the possible blood tests?

  6. bre Avatar

    Long time reader and huge supporter here!!
    I keep seeing ads on your pages for things like Dunkin Donuts, and Speedway gas station food?! I know you are reputable, but if I were new to your site, this would be very very confusing. Just curious as to whether you know that the ads on your page don’t always support your mission!
    Thanks!

  7. Kirsten Thomas Avatar
    Kirsten Thomas

    I was diagnosed with this several years ago…after I had already gone paleo! It all happened within months of each other, but my adrenals were so shot, and I was eating so much sugar and also had fibermyalgia…it was a huge soup of problems! As things began to settle, the diagnosis was more clear, and I began to read about this. I know for sure that my Mom must have had this, and so yes, I do believe that genetics play a role. She and I both struggled with thyroid issues, and were on the same medication before her death. One thing I figured out was that you have to be pro-active, and you have to want to live…that sounds melodramatic, but for me it was true. Nothing is as important to me as being alive, healthy and living a full life with my family, which is why I started taking care of my own health. Thank you for posting this. I wish I had known about Hashimotos about 15 years ago!

  8. Erin T Avatar

    I had Hyperthyroid right after my daughters birth, and I wouldn’t undergo testing or treatment because I was breast feeding. After about a year, for a short time, it swung to Hypo and then to normal levels. I have tried to keep testing since then. Lately, however, I have been so sluggish in afternoons, and ganging weight with no change to eating or exercise. and there are times I am feeling like I am swallowing a lump in my throat. Do I ask to be tested for exactly that?

  9. Tara Avatar

    I have recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I had to pull myself together a few times as I read on. You were describing me! I described myself as feeling like a “sloth and Jaba short circuting” I have a hard time finding words when I’m speaking. I thought I had a stroke at one point. My endocrinologist said there was no diet that can help but did out me on Vitamin D and magneszium. I am willing to try anything. I just want to feel better for at least one day. This brick wall called Fatigue is horrifying. So happy to have come across your experience.

    1. Kirsten Thomas Avatar
      Kirsten Thomas

      Tara, the Whole 30, or a Paleo diet really does help. It won’t “cure” things, but you will feel a ton better, for sure, getting off of processed foods and hidden sugars, etc., calming down inflammation. It worked really well for me. 🙂

  10. Carmen Avatar

    People, GET TESTED!!! I’m 19, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 17, so you’re truly never too young! If experiencing mood swings, excessive hair loss, fatigue, or have a family history of thyroid disorders, definitely visit a endocrynologist and at the very least get a blood test! Cancer sucks, and it sucks even more if it’s advanced when discovered. Blood tests and ultrasounds save lives!

  11. Shelly Avatar

    Hello I am the Mother of Elizabeth she just got diagnosed with Hashimoto’s like 2 months ago. Now I am completely against having her on medication! But because they insist and tell you she could die without it to scare me into allowing her to take it! I want to know would it be safe to take her off of it after just 2 months of the medicine? Would it be safe for her to just quit taking it or reduce the dose before taking her off of the medicine? Because it has not helped at all!!!

  12. Brittany Avatar
    Brittany

    I am not sure if I have Hashimoto’s Disease or how to go about asking for the correct testing for it. I’m 32 years old with multiple auto immune diseases (Multiple Sclerosis, Raynauds, Lichen Sclerosis), and I cannot get warm! It will be in the 70’s outside and unless I’m wearing a sweater or sweatshirt, I’m freezing. I am thin, but I remember being 135lbs and having the same problem. It’s very hard to even list the symptoms I am having because MS has many in common with Hashimoto’s, so maybe that is why I’m basically being blown off by doctors? =( – Is there a specific test that I can ask for? I’m willing to try/do anything because I can’t take freezing anymore!!

  13. Amanda Avatar

    Hi… for body products try the honest Company or kiss my face olive oil bar soap. Work great! Also there are so many options for gluten free out there.

  14. Shelley Avatar

    I am hypothyroid and one of our daughters was born with Turner Syndrome and was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease. I am currently taking B-12 (but only 1,000 mcg, which is about 1 mg) per day because my blood tests came back showing I am slightly deficient in B-12. My daughter used to take B-12 regularly, but when she was tested, she no longer needed it.

  15. anne Avatar

    Hello,

    I wanted to pass along my success with low dose naltraxone as a treatment for Hashimotos. I’m not sure how well known this is among the natural remedy community and wanted to spread the word. Of course that being said, it’s a pharmaceutical, so not exactly natural, but it’s been a miracle for me. I was initially skeptical when my naturopath recommended it because it’s a drug, but has been a main reason for my recovery to near normal health. Not only is it amazing for auto-immune disease treatment, but it apparently staves off problems with cancer and other disease. It apparently does something with the serotonin levels in the brain while you sleep. I don’t really understand it other than it works! I have to get it from a compounding pharmacy to get it at the low dosage that’s required. Anyway, I hope this is a help to all of you ladies struggling with this disease that is apparently so insidious in our society.

  16. Tara Avatar

    Have you any tips on diet for a vegetarian? I’ve been trying to cut out gluten dairy and soy for years but since going vegetarian I find it’s even harder especially as most dairyfree and meat Alternatives contain soy. I don’t eat them often as they are highly processed but around twice a month I like to treat myself to some meat replacements or vegan cheese(which is made from soy, so I think dairy is better tbh). But I’m finding almost everything has gluten soy and lactose in it. I’m struggling a bit

  17. Shelley Simmerman Avatar
    Shelley Simmerman

    Thanks so much for your comment. I was beginning to think no one had read my comment!

  18. Julie Avatar

    I am looking for a little direction regarding my daughter, and the drastic changes that I’ve witnessed in her over the past year. Last year, my daughter was diagnosed with staph infection; which originated on her tonsils (which were then removed). Since this illness, my daughter has developed severe anxiety, and insomnia. Her periods are very heavy. She als has major issues with concentration. Before all of this started, my daughter was a straight “a” student, who loved school, and life in general. She is now homeschooled (the school environment causes too much anxiety), and taking only 2 courses, as she has no focus. This has become a disaster! Her dr recently attempted to diagnose her with “bipolar II”, which I detest!! My daughter is not bipolar..and no, I’m not in denial! I have Hashimotos disease…and I’m wondering if, with these symptoms…she might too?? She’s only 14. Please, if anyone has any insight that they could provide, I would be so grateful!!!

    1. sara Avatar

      This sounds like a classic case of PANS/PANDAS.. there are many medical and alternative treatment options you can look into. Good luck!!

      1. Julie Avatar

        Thank you very much for your feedback, Sara!! I am not familiar with the specifics of PANDA/PAN. I will need to research! did end up taking my daughter to a pediatric endo. at Akron Children’s Hospital (OH), and she didn’t feel that she should medicate her for possible autoimmune thyroid issue at this time, though her antibodies came back high. She will retest in 2 months. She also had a vitamin D level of 16, so she is taking 5,000/day currently. I hope that we can figure this out sooner than later! I’ve read that B12 may be something to have tested, as well. Anyone else have isssues with Hashimotos and low B12?

        1. Lisa Avatar

          I hope you have looked into the PANDAS dx. Doctors May resist since she is a teen, but it is more common than realized. My anxiety/OCD/ADHD is worse when I have a recurring shingles flair up. I have had good results from Super B, zinc and magnesium. But if my child was showing symptoms like this after an infection I would push until I had test results that were conclusively negative for PANDAS.

  19. Donna Avatar

    I thought this was the one where you got that shot of under the tongue thing of HcG? is it? thought that’s what my friend says she has that has that done for it

  20. sara Avatar

    Which thyroid medication do you take katie? A natural one from your naturopath? Also, do you gave any thoughts on how to maintain enough carbs on a grain free diet to avoid harm to one’s thyroid? How many carbs per day?
    Thanks!

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