Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid gland.
In the U.S., Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's presents when the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, damaging the thyroid and resulting in inflammation. The damage that Hashimoto's causes then reduces the production of thyroid hormones. This reduction in hormones triggers a wide range of symptoms, including depression, weight gain, fatigue and hair loss.
Treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis at The Lapidus Clinic
Traditionally, Hashimoto's has been treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Research has recently shown that other modalities can be effective in treating Hashimoto's, including:
- Low dose naltrexone (LDN)
- Controlling chronic mononucleosis
- Gluten and dairy-free diet
- Genomics-based hormonal therapy
LDN, which has been used to treat addiction to opioids, has been found to be effective in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. LDN blocks opioid receptors in the body, which then increases the endorphin production. These endorphins reduce inflammation, regulate the regulate the immune system, and heal thyroid gland damage.
By keeping chronic mononucleosis in check, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can be better treated. Research has shown that patients often have chronic mononucleosis, which aggravates unwanted autoimmune response. After treating the underlying infection, patients can reduce thyroid gland damage and inflammation.
A dairy-free and gluten-free diet has also been shown to be useful in treating Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Sensitivities to gluten and dairy are common in patients with the disease, and this can contribute to the autoimmune response. Working to eliminate dairy and gluten from the diet can help reduce inflammation and further damage to the thyroid.
Lastly, genomics-based hormone therapy is a promising new avenue for treating Hashimoto's disease. Dr. Lapidus can analyze a patient's genetic makeup, and then discover the specific hormone imbalances that may contribute to the disease progression. Dr Lapidus and her team can then prescribe a tailored hormone replacement therapy regimen, leading to better outcomes.
In conclusion, while traditional treatmens for Hashimoto's thyroiditis concentrate on hormonal replacement therapy, new and effective treatments can be explored and result in reducing thyroid gland damage and inflammation.
As with any medical treatment, prospective patients should consult with their doctors or sign up for our Hormonal Therapy membership at The Lapidus Clinic to determine the best treatment plan for their individual needs.
In Lapidus Med Spa news, save the date for our Open House on May 25th. "Spring" into your best body with EVOLVE Body Contouring. See below!
In good health,
Yelena Lapidus MD
The Lapdius Clinic and Med Spa
6685 Bay Laurel Place Bld 1
Avila Beach, CA 93424
1-805-900-33511-805-540-3072 fax
Save the Date for our upcoming Open House!
