🦋 March is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month | Issue 187
Are you in the 90% with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease?
March is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, which is important and relevant to many of us with hypothyroidism. This is because around 90% of us with hypothyroidism also have the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
However, a lot of thyroid patients do not know if their hypothyroidism is autoimmune, even though this can play a part in the management of their thyroid condition.
I am exploring the importance of this awareness event in this newsletter.
Newsletter Housekeeping:
My newsletters go out every Thursday and are the best way to keep up to date with all my thyroid advocacy work and hear directly from me without relying on social media algorithms.
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Each newsletter includes a blend of thyroid research, events, news, articles, discounts, tips and more. Happy reading and let’s be the change we desire in the thyroid world. 😊
Thursday Thoughts
What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease which causes the body to attack and destroy its own thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism as the thyroid begins to dysfunction from the damage caused.
As time goes by, if this autoimmune disease is not well controlled, your own body continues to attack the thyroid gland which can cause your levels to become gradually worse, meaning further increases in thyroid medication dosage and worsening symptoms. It can also feel tricky to get on top of your thyroid condition for good. You may also swing between hypothyroid and hyperthyroid symptoms as this damage in ongoing.
To know if you have Hashimoto’s, you need two thyroid antibody tests: thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies.
Having Hashimoto’s will usually show as one or both of these test results being above range, although it is thought that as many as 10% of those with Hashimoto’s do not show up on tests.
Signs of Hashimoto’s Include:
Symptoms that don’t go away with optimal Free T3 and T4 levels
Swings in feeling hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
and more.
Confirming that my hypothyroidism was caused by Hashimoto’s, and getting my Hashimoto’s in remission formed a big part of my recovery from thyroid disease.
Having Hashimoto’s means that you we should ideally be looking at calming down the disease and lowering those high thyroid antibody levels. By doing so, the attack against your thyroid is slowed down or even halted, meaning that symptoms disappear and recovery can begin.
Read about how I got my Hashimoto’s in to remission in this book.
A popular place you can order some Hashimoto’s testing is Medichecks, who offer countless tests. You can easily order and complete Hashimoto’s testing in the comfort of your own home. (Use my Medichecks discount code INVISIBLE10 for 10% off)
With it being Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, it is crucial that we raise awareness about how important testing these antibodies and knowing if you have Hashimoto’s, is.
Personal Health Check-in
My back pain has returned this past week or so, after a few nights of terribly disturbed sleep (thank you to my 2 and 4 year old children!)
Just a humble reminder that we are not in control of all that impacts our health, no matter how much we try. We can only try our best.
Social Media Spotlight
My most popular online posts in the last week were:
Follow Rachel on » Facebook | Instagram | Threads
Recent newsletters you may have missed:
❓ Why “eat less and exercise more” doesn’t work
💊 How I Got Natural Desiccated Thyroid in The UK
🥱 Fatigued But STILL Can't Sleep at Night
The Positive Thyroid Pregnancy book is releasing in less than a month! I am SO excited to get my latest book out in to the world. It’s the book I needed 7 years ago when I was first pregnant.
My Medichecks discount code is INVISIBLE10 for 10% off.
Healthwatch Survey for England
Healthwatch is inviting us to respond to a survey. Share your views on experiences with thyroid disease in England. Tell them what works and what needs improvement.
Book Review: Healing Your Thyroid Naturally by Dr. Emily Lipinski
Chapters included in Healing Your Thyroid Naturally cover thyroid basics (what the thyroid gland does and types of thyroid issues), toxins and where to find them, stress and its impact on thyroid health, considerations for fertility and pregnancy, diet, gut health and supplements. Dr Lipinkski also includes a health plan and recipes to further compliment the information in her book.
The Thyroid Tests You Need Doing This Month
A lot of people do not seem to know if their hypothyroidism is of the autoimmune kind and this can play a big part in the managing of their thyroid condition.
That's all for this issue of The Invisible Hypothyroidism Newsletter, but you can find more information and support by:
⭐ Reading my books and website articles
⭐ Following me on Facebook | Instagram | Threads
Please Note: None of the statements in this publication should be taken as an official endorsement of any particular product, including any sponsored content. I strongly suggest consulting your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle or health regimen. The information included in this publication is not meant to substitute the clinical guidance provided by a healthcare professional. Rachel Hill / The Invisible Hypothyroidism is not medically qualified and does not offer medical advice. Read the full disclaimer here.
The owner of The Invisible Hypothyroidism disclaims any liability resulting directly or indirectly from the use of any information contained herein. A qualified doctor should supervise in all matters relevant to physical or mental health. There are a lot of risks with purchasing your own, non-prescribed medication. By reading this newsletter, you agree to understanding this.
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