What Is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks thyroid tissue, gradually impairing the gland's ability to produce thyroid hormone. It is far more common in women than men, and often goes undiagnosed for years.
Many patients with Hashimoto's have a "normal" TSH yet still feel profoundly unwell. This is because TSH alone does not capture the full thyroid picture — nor does it tell you anything about the autoimmune process itself.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent fatigue, even with adequate sleep
- Brain fog and poor memory
- Weight gain that does not respond to diet
- Cold intolerance — always feeling cold
- Hair thinning or loss
- Constipation and slow digestion
- Depression and low mood
- Dry skin, brittle nails
- Elevated thyroid antibodies (TPO-Ab, TG-Ab)
How Dr. Mary Approaches Hashimoto's
Complete Thyroid Panel
A thorough evaluation includes TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies. This paints a complete picture of both thyroid function and autoimmune activity.
Addressing the Autoimmune Root Cause
Hashimoto's is, at its core, an immune problem. Dr. Mary investigates triggers that are known to drive autoimmune thyroid disease:
- Gluten sensitivity and intestinal permeability — there is a well-established molecular mimicry link between gluten and thyroid tissue
- Nutrient deficiencies — selenium, iodine, Vitamin D, and zinc are critical for thyroid function and immune regulation
- Gut dysbiosis — the gut microbiome has significant influence over immune tolerance
- Chronic infections and environmental toxins
Medication Management
When thyroid hormone replacement is appropriate, Dr. Mary is comfortable prescribing both levothyroxine (T4) and combination T4/T3 preparations, including desiccated thyroid (NDT), based on labs and symptom response.
Dietary Support
A gluten-free trial is often recommended given the molecular mimicry evidence. An anti-inflammatory, whole-foods diet with emphasis on selenium-rich foods (Brazil nuts, sardines) and iodine balance is part of most plans.
What to Expect
At your first visit, Dr. Mary will review any previous thyroid labs, order a complete panel if not recently done, and begin building your personalized protocol. Hashimoto's management is an ongoing process — most patients check in every 3–6 months as the protocol is refined.