WRITTEN BY: Tammy C. Perez, M.A., NCC, LCDC, LPC
REVIEWED BY: Dr. Terry Schroeder on April 18, 2023
Hashimoto's Disease
What is Hashimoto’s Disease?
Hashimoto's disease, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and damage. As a result, the thyroid gland may not produce enough hormones, a condition known as hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto's disease is more common in women and often develops during middle age. It is usually diagnosed through blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels and antibodies. Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or radioactive iodine uptake scans, are also used for diagnosis.
What causes Hashimoto’s Disease?
The exact cause of Hashimoto's disease is unknown, but researchers believe genetic and environmental factors produce the disorder. Clinicians continually study the condition to understand its causes better and develop more effective treatments.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing Hashimoto's disease include being female, having a family history of thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, exposure to radiation, age, and having another autoimmune disease, such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease.
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease?
The most common symptoms of Hashimoto's disease include fatigue, weakness, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, constipation, joint and muscle pain, dry skin and hair, depression and mood swings, menstrual irregularities, and cognitive difficulties, including concentrating issues, memory problems, and brain fog.
How is Hashimoto’s Disease treated?
Hashimoto's disease is treated by managing its symptoms to prevent further thyroid gland damage. Treatment typically includes thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which involves consuming synthetic hormones in pill form, such as levothyroxine. This method replaces hormones the thyroid gland can no longer adequately produce. Medication doses are adjusted based on symptoms and blood levels.
Other recommended treatments are based on symptoms experienced and disease severity. For example, enlarged thyroid glands may require medication to reduce inflammation and swelling. Medicines are also used to regulate irregular heartbeats. Occasionally, surgery is needed to remove all or part of the thyroid gland.
Lifestyle changes that support overall health are eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and getting enough sleep. These modifications are beneficial in reducing the effects of Hashimoto's disease.
Blood tests are essential for monitoring thyroid function to ensure thyroid hormone replacement therapy is working effectively and detecting any changes in thyroid function that may require adjustments in the treatment plan.
How does Hashimoto’s Disease affect brain wellness?
Although Hashimoto's disease primarily affects the thyroid, it can also affect brain functioning and mental health.
Research has shown that hypothyroidism, a typical result of Hashimoto's disease, can cause cognitive impairment, memory problems, and mood changes. These symptoms may include depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Occasionally, those with Hashimoto's disease may experience more severe symptoms such as psychosis, hallucinations, or delusions.
Hashimoto's disease affects the production of thyroid hormones, which can influence brain wellness. Thyroid hormones are essential for developing and maintaining the brain and nervous system. They regulate the production of neurotransmitters, which are critical for nerve cell communication. Thyroid hormones also modulate glucose metabolism, the brain's primary fuel source. Underactive thyroid glands decrease the production of hormones, leading to a reduction in the metabolism of glucose and neurotransmitter synthesis.
These changes can result in cognitive impairment, mood changes, and other neurological symptoms.
How can Brain Frequency™ help?
The Brain Frequency™ AI system is an innovative therapeutic approach to improving brain health and wellness. We use proprietary science-based technology to promote optimal brain functioning across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. Our diagnostic technology and individualized treatment protocols help decrease or eliminate trauma-related symptoms and various mental health disorders.
The Brain Frequency™ 3 Step Treatment Process consists of; first, performing a Baseline EEG and completing Psychometric Assessments; second, conducting a Brain Frequency Consultation; and third, Initiating Treatment.
An Electroencephalogram (EEG) analyzes brain waves and produces a brain map identifying current and optimal frequencies in 19 areas of the brain. Based on the individualized brain map, Brain Frequency™ will determine possible diagnoses of various mental health disorders or brain trauma for the provider to consider during treatment. Brain Frequency™ AI software provides clinicians with an "Approval Ready" treatment plan using personalized protocols based on each patient's needs.
Those suffering from symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease can efficiently and effectively improve their brain health and wellness by using the Brain Frequency™ AI system. Our innovative system drastically reduces the time needed to properly diagnose and construct treatment plans leading to a faster recovery and greater quality of life.
RESOURCES
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): https://www.hrsa.gov/
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/
American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/
National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/
National Suicide Prevention Line: https://988lifeline.org/
National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Contact Us Today To See How Brain Frequency™ Can Help You: