Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, gradually reducing its ability to produce hormones. It's the most common cause of hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in 2018 when I ran a standard thyroid panel which highlighted my low functioning thyroid. You can track whether you have Hashimoto’s by running TPO and Tg antibodies and a full thyroid panel (TSH, FT4 & FT3). Through lifestyle changes and addressing the root cause I now no longer have raised antibodies and am symptom free.
Early signs can include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, hair thinning, muscle/joint aches, brain fog and low mood, often dismissed as normal stress or ageing. A full thyroid panel including TPO and Tg antibodies is the best way to confirm it.
Not exactly. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid isn't producing enough hormone, for any reason. Hashimoto's is one specific cause, an autoimmune attack on the thyroid - 80% of people with Hypothyoidism is caused by Hashimoto’s. You can be hypothyroid without Hashimoto's, but Hashimoto's usually leads to hypothyroidism over time.
