Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Hashimoto's was named after Hakaru Hashimoto, the physician who first published his findings regarding lymphomatous thyroid tumors in Japan in 1912. 

It is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, effecting 1 to 1.5 out of 1000 people, and women are 7 times as likely to get it as men. The average age of diagnosis is between 40-60.  

I learned very quickly, by availing myself to sources like, Stop the Thyroid Madness and Hashimoto's 411, that mainstream medicine does not treat Hashimoto's. Mainstream medicine treats hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism with synthetic hormones and sometimes, with natural hormones made from the thyroids of dissected pigs.  

Because most symptoms of Hashimoto's do not show up in labs, like fatigue, heart palpitations, anxiety, tremor, low blood pressure, low body temperature, joint and muscle pain, they are largely ignored, or attributed to mental illness.  Yes, even Dr. X suggested that I was suffering from anxiety and that I just needed to relax.  While this is partially true, I am also in chronic discomfort, I am not firing on all cylinders, and most importantly, my thyroid is under attack! 

Dr. X and the Thyroid Killer

At the continued insistence of dear Dr. Pamela Hite, I phoned the Rheumatologist she recommended, only to find out that his office did not accept my insurance nor was he even in town.  I instead scheduled an appointment with a different Rheumatologist recommended by the doctor that Dr. Hite recommended.  He shall remain nameless, since I have nothing nice to say about him.   The appointment went something like this: 

 Dr. X: Have you ever heard of Hashimoto's?   

Me: Yes. 

Dr. X: Then you may know that Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease that causes your thyroid antibodies to attack your thyroid.  

Me: Yes, I have heard of it. 

Dr. X.: Your thyroid antibodies are quite high, but your thyroid function is still good, so there is nothing I can do for you. Once your thyroid isn't functioning anymore you can take a pill every day to replace the hormones your thyroid is no longer producing.  

Me: Isn't there anything I can do to prevent my thyroid from being destroyed? Maybe take some supplements or something? 

Dr. X: No. What you need is to relax.  You need, what they call, "Cognitive Behavior Therapy," to control your anxiety. You are too anxious. 

Unbeknownst to Dr. X, I am a strong believer and regular practicer of behavior therapy and regularly monitor my stress to eliminate triggers.  My symptoms, contrary to popular mainstream medical opinion, are not all in my head. 

I left my appointment with a stronger resolve than ever to seek out alternative treatments that could dispute Dr. X's claim. Is there really no treatment to stop my antibodies from attacking my thyroid?  Let's just see...