Autoimmune disorders of the thyroid result in an over or underproduction of thyroid hormones due to the presence of antibodies.
Graves and hashimoto’s are autoimmune disorders of the thyroid gland resulting in an overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormone. The thyroid is essential for appetite, metabolism, energy, heart rate and sleep (circadian rhythm) via its production of hormones.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Contributing factors of Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Emotional Suppressions
- Toxicity
- Poor Detox
- Gut Dysbiosis
- Lymphatic Congestion
- Side effects of drugs
- Stress
Thyroid Antibodies
Thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb) – Also known as TSHR-ab, These target the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) receptors in the Thyroid leading to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, linked with graves disease (measured by thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) assay and the TSH receptor-binding inhibitor immunoglobulin (TBII) )
Thyroid stimulating blocking antibodies (TSB Ab) – cross-react with the cells of our thyroid, sending the thyroid into overdrive.
Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-ab) – attacks the healthy tissues of the thyroid gland, stopping it from producing thyroid hormones linked with hashimoto’s thyroiditis yet sometimes in Graves. That cross-react with the cells of our thyroid, sending the thyroid into overdrive. The Overproduction of thyroid hormone is referred to as hyperthyroidism (1), (2).
Why did my autoimmune thyroid condition change from extremes?
- Pharmaceuticals and their side effects (too long on a drug leading to damage)
- Pharmaceuticals changing concentrations of antibodies
- Emotional change in life
- Change in gut-dysbiosis status
- Fluctuation of inflammation in thyroid gland
- Nutrient status change
- Stress
Graves is related to hyperthyroidism and hashimoto’s thyroiditis associated with hypothyroidism. Good thyroid function boasts a balance between these two antibodies. It was thought that hyperthyroid patients only have Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Antibodies but they also have Thyroid Stimulating Blocking Antibodies (which can be potent in lower concentrations, inducing hyperthyroidism initially) (3). It can then lead to follicle destruction due to the continued expression of TSB Ab and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO) (4).
Simply the reason you see less cases of hypothyroidism switching to hyperthyroidism (graves), is possibly due to increased TPO levels, as progressive follicle damage makes regeneration (5).
How Pharmaceutical Drugs can contribute to the change in thyroid
Some studies show that hypothyroid patients on levothyroxine switched to hyperthyroidism as well as in cases of anti-thyroid drugs. With pharmaceuticals it is observed that the change in concentrations of antibodies, alter the clinical presentation. The changes involve TSAb versus TBAb concentration fluctuations. Sometimes the same medication for hyper or hypo thyroid is used for autoimmune thyroid conditions. Methimazole to prevent the thyroid from producing excess hormones is often used in hyperthyroid cases. Initially decreasing hormone production excessively leading to hypothyroidism results, or over a slower longer period of time. Alternatively, Levothyroxine is prescribed for hypothyroidism which can over time slow down the thyroid as well as the fact that after long term usage patients tend to become dependent on these medications as the thyroid loses its ability to generate its own hormone production. Please note that even as a naturopath and functional nutritionist, there are cases whereby even short term use of such drugs are favourable. Please always research all modalities and if you are on such medications and are concerned speak to your healthcare provider, never come off the medication without guidance.
What to do?
If you find yourself with a fluctuation from one extreme to the other with your thyroid, whilst there is hope for managing the condition, it does show you that it’s not been resolved yet. Getting tested with functional medicine markers via functional lab testing will bring light to what is going on. Moreover, working on the issues above such as gut health, inflammation & stress can positively impact your thyroid health naturally.
1 to 1 professional support?
Whilst knowledge is power, sometimes we cant do it alone, either there is too much information, we need someone to coach us, we dont even know exactly what our issue is, or we are dissatisfied with the service of the consultants we have seen thus far. If this sounds like you, worry no more.
My Four-Pillar Protocol is designed to heal you on four planes, the physical is the bulk of our work together (Nutrition + Exercise + Grounding + Therapeutics), yet we will also touch on the emotional (Self-enquiry, Experiential-therapy, Connection to others + Objectivity to emotions), the Mental (Perspective + Meditation + Goals + Objectivity to thought,), & the Spiritual ( Connection to higher self & all + Gratitude + Breath-work to reconnect.)
It is assumed a nutritionist will force someone on a diet, this could not be further from the truth. Rather we work to change how you perceive and eat food, learning about its many healing properties to lead to long term sustainable positive change in your health and well-being.
I will assess your overall health including your medical history
Looking into lifestyle & emotional factors that most practitioners wont
Individualize the protocol to implement suitable changes for you
You will be sent a bespoke eating plan
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Lab testing will be recommended if necessary
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