M. Butterfly: A Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Success Story
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a type of hypothyroidism and an autoimmune disease that stops the production of thyroid hormones. This affects the body’s ability to regulate its metabolism, the process by which the body transforms the foods we eat into energy, and other functions related to the absorption of nutrients during the digestive process.
Helping M. manage her Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
When M. [not her real name] contacted me looking for help to treat her Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, we found that she was experiencing low energy, was considered pre-diabetec, and that she had been a tempting to lose weight with not much success.
During our discovery call - the first process I take when working with a new client - I learned that M. had been taking a regimen of medication to balance her thyroid for 20+ years and laxatives to stimulate bowel movement every morning. It was definitely not an ideal situation to be in.
Testing for TSH
After our meeting, we decided to test M. for TSH levels. THS are the hormones responsible for normal thyroid gland function. Too much or too little THS in the body can significantly affect the body’s ability to convert and use energy, a probable reason for the symptoms M. reported having experienced.
Her test reports indicated that her levels of TSH were above 11, while optimal levels are under 2.5. We went straight to work creating M.’s unique D.R.E.S.S. protocol to minimize her dependency on medication and work on her weight management, cholesterol, glucose and thyroid function regulation.
The Road to Remission
M. didn’t lose much weight right away, but slowly and surely, she stopped needing the laxatives she had been taking for years. She started having normal bowel movements, experiencing higher energy, and her muscle mass started to increase.
After 4 months on the D.R.E.S.S. protocol, we re-ran blood tests and for the first time in many years, her TSH levels were normal. As a result, M.’s cholesterol levels also dropped, making her no longer at risk for diabetes.
Although there is no cure for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, M.’s positive management of her hypothyroidism has resulted in a remissions status, allowing her body to better regulate her metabolic rate without the use of medications.
M. is now experiencing a better quality of life and experiencing weight loss from a change in diet, exercise and lifestyle that has had an overall effect on her wellbeing.
Regain Control of Your Life
If you, like M., are experiencing chronic symptoms that are affecting the quality of life you are living, I encourage you to reach out for help and support. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is just one of the many conditions affecting people’s quality of life. Dependency on medications should not be the endgame.
Together, we can find another way. A way that uses a combination of nutrition, exercise, and functional medicine to regain your quality of life.