I know you know doctors that base everything on your labs and essentially ignore your symptoms, but let me tell you something: labs don't always tell the whole story.
It's a snapshot of what is going on in your body.
But what if I told you that you can have Hashimoto's even if your thyroid labs are normal?
It is possible and you may be experiencing it right now.
First things first, let's talk about what Hashimoto's actually is.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where your immune system targets your thyroid gland causing inflammation and damage over time. This can lead to a whole host of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and more. But here's the kicker: in the early stages of the disease, your thyroid labs may come back totally normal.
So, how is that possible?
Well, your thyroid hormone levels can fluctuate from day to day, and even from hour to hour. That means that if you happen to get your labs done on a day when your thyroid is functioning normally, your results may look totally fine. But that doesn't mean that you don't have Hashimoto's.
So, what can you do if you suspect that you have Hashimoto's but your labs are coming back normal?
The first thing you should do is talk to your doctor. They can order additional tests, such as thyroid antibodies or an ultrasound of your thyroid gland. These tests can help to provide a more complete picture of what's going on in your body.
This is where I was when I discovered I had Hashimoto's. My antibodies were in the hundreds and I had symptoms like low energy, poor digestion, and a little weight gain, but I just assumed it was because I was in naturopathic medical school.
It's also important to remember that Hashimoto's is a progressive disease.
That means that even if your labs are currently normal, your thyroid function could decline over time. So, if you're experiencing symptoms of Hashimoto's, it's important to take action sooner rather than later.
Just because your thyroid labs are normal doesn't mean that you don't have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. If you're experiencing symptoms of the disease, talk to your doctor and advocate for yourself. Remember, you know your body better than anyone else, and it's important to take charge of your health. And if you are in California and ready to reverse your Hashimoto's symptoms, apply to become a patient HERE.