Hashimoto’s
Functional Labs and Hashimoto’s: Fatigue, Weight Gain, and Cold Intolerance - Oh My!
If you’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis or suspect you may have it, know that you’re not alone. This autoimmune condition is more common than many realize, affecting about 7.5% of the global population and an estimated 14.4% of people in the US who have untreated Hashimoto’s. Despite its prevalence, it’s often overlooked or misunderstood. Hashimoto’s can present a range of symptoms, some of which are subtle and easily brushed off. That’s where functional labs come in—they provide the personalized, detailed insights necessary to gain a deeper understanding of your thyroid health and help you create a clear path to feeling better.
Fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance are some of the hallmark signs of Hashimoto’s. But the symptoms can look different for everyone. You might be feeling sluggish, dealing with unexplained weight changes, or struggling with mood swings or brain fog. The symptoms of Hashimoto’s can creep in gradually, and because they often mimic other health issues, it’s easy to miss the signs.
Early detection is crucial, though. The sooner you know what’s going on inside your body, the sooner you can take steps toward managing your thyroid health. Functional labs can help catch Hashimoto’s in its early stages, before it causes more significant issues with metabolism, hormone balance, or other parts of your body.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This leads to inflammation and may cause the thyroid to become underactive (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto’s tends to develop slowly and can be harder to spot, especially in the early stages. But the good news is, with the right testing and a functional approach, you can start to manage it and prevent symptoms from taking over.
When you visit your doctor, you may have heard of the standard thyroid test, called TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. While this tests can give a broad picture of thyroid function, it doesn’t give you the full story. Functional testing goes deeper, providing a more complete picture of your thyroid health, which is especially important for autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s.
Here are some of the most important thyroid tests that go beyond the basics:
TSH: The most common test to check thyroid function. It can indicate if your thyroid is overactive or underactive.
Free T3 and Free T4: These are the active thyroid hormones in your blood and give a clearer picture of thyroid function.
Reverse T3: This is a form of T3 that isn’t as effective as regular T3, and high levels can suggest an issue with thyroid conversion.
TPO and TG antibodies: These antibodies are markers for autoimmune thyroid disease. Elevated levels often indicate Hashimoto’s or another autoimmune thyroid condition.
These basic thyroid markers can help detect thyroid dysfunction, but functional labs also assess other factors that play a role in thyroid health—like nutrients, blood sugar, and stress. This holistic approach helps to connect the dots and creates a better understanding of what’s happening with your thyroid and your overall health. Here are some key markers that are important for Hashimoto’s:
Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels are common in autoimmune conditions, and they can make it harder for your immune system to function properly.
Vitamin A, Zinc, Copper, Iodine: These nutrients are crucial for thyroid function and immune system health. Iodine, zinc and copper help support the thyroid gland.
Iron: An iron deficiency can exacerbate hypothyroidism symptoms, especially fatigue and weakness. Comprehensive iron panels (like serum iron, ferritin, and TIBC) can help identify deficiencies.
Glucose and Insulin: Insulin resistance can complicate thyroid health. Blood sugar markers like glucose, insulin, and A1c can show if your metabolic function is affecting your thyroid.
Immune function: Testing for immune markers like Total IgA and gluten-related antibodies can help assess the underlying immune system imbalances often seen with Hashimoto’s.
Full Cardiovascular Risk Panel: Hashimoto’s can impact cholesterol levels and heart health, so a comprehensive cardiovascular risk panel helps monitor the broader impact of thyroid issues on your health.
Inflammation and Stress: Markers such as MPO, cortisol, homocysteine, and hsCRP can indicate underlying inflammation and stress, both of which can disrupt thyroid function. Stress hormones like cortisol can negatively impact thyroid health and contribute to symptoms like fatigue and weight gain.
The power of functional labs lies in their ability to create a tailored care plan specific to your needs. Once we have a clear picture of your thyroid health and any potential nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, we can design a personalized approach to support your thyroid and overall wellness.
As a functional dietitian, I interpret these lab results through a lens of whole-body health. In addition to thyroid support, we’ll look at diet, lifestyle changes, stress management, and targeted supplements to help address underlying issues. For example:
Dietary Changes: Eating a nutrient-dense diet rich in vitamins A, D, zinc, and healthy fats can help support thyroid health. Anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, and nuts can calm the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Supplements: Depending on your lab results, I may recommend specific supplements to fill nutrient gaps. Vitamin D, zinc, and selenium are often used to support thyroid function and immune health. Even targeted probiotic supports, including: Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides, B. adolescentis, B. longum 35624, B. subtilis, Faecalibacterum prausnitzii, Lactobacillus fermentum, L. casei, B. fragilis, L. planarum, Roseburia intestinalis, and L. rhamnosus YS9 depending upon your lab findings.
Lifestyle Interventions: Stress management, sleep optimization, and regular physical activity all play key roles in managing Hashimoto’s. Reducing cortisol levels through mindfulness practices, yoga, or relaxation exercises can support both thyroid function and overall well-being.
If you’re struggling with Hashimoto’s, know that you’re not alone—and there’s so much you can do to support your body. Functional labs offer valuable insights that allow for a deeper understanding of what’s really going on with your thyroid and other systems in your body. By addressing these imbalances with personalized diet, lifestyle changes, and supplements, you can regain control over your health and start feeling like yourself again.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or you’ve been managing Hashimoto’s for a while, functional labs and the right support can make all the difference. If you’re ready to dig deeper, I encourage you to consider running these labs and signing up for the Flourish membership for continued guidance and personalized care. Together, we can help you find the balance you need to thrive. You’ve got this!
