SYMPTOMS OF HASHIMOTO’S – you may have all or some of these:

• Constipation, stomach cramps, diarrhea, gas, bloating, sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as IBS
• Fatigue and sluggishness Depression Increased sensitivity to cold
• Pale, dry skin A puffy face Hoarse voice
• Unexplained weight gain — occurring infrequently and rarely exceeding 10 to 20 pounds, most is fluid
• Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness, especially in your shoulders and hips
• Pain and stiffness in your joints and swelling in your knees or the small joints in your hands and feet
• Muscle weakness, especially in your lower extremities
• Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a condition in which the immune system turns against the body’s own tissues and inappropriately attacks the thyroid gland – as if it is foreign tissue. It’s a sneaky “chameleon” disease, frequently misdiagnosed and is commonly not tested for within a regular thyroid panel.

Located in the front of your neck, the thyroid gland makes hormones that control metabolism. This includes your heart rate and how quickly your body uses calories from the foods you eat. The underlying cause of the autoimmune process remains unknown. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis tends to occur in families, 5 to 10 times more common in women than in men and most often starts in adulthood.

Normal levels should be under 35. What’s your level? If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, Dr. Mitchell can accurately diagnose and treat your Hashimoto’s to control inflammation and damage. There is no cure for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune disease. The timeframe of severity and the declining process will continue and is not predictable without treatment. Schedule an appointment with Mitchell Medical today.