Unlocking Hormonal Health – Lessons from Woman Code by Alisa Vitti - Part 3
Fertility, Hormones, and Holistic Wellness: Optimizing Your Journey
Fertility is a deeply personal journey, yet 1 in 8 couples face challenges along the way. Understanding how to support your body and hormones holistically can make a significant difference, whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or with assistance like IVF. Let’s explore key factors that influence fertility, how to support your body, and how to navigate this chapter of life with intention and care.
Signs Your Hormones Need Support
Your hormone levels play a central role in fertility, and imbalances often present themselves in subtle (or not-so-subtle) ways.
Estrogen Dominance: Conditions like ovarian failure, endometriosis, cysts, and fibroids can signal high estrogen levels. Supporting your body’s ability to eliminate excess estrogen—through balanced nutrition, regular bowel movements, and low-tox living—is essential.
Progesterone Balance: A healthy luteal phase (the time between ovulation and your next period) is key for sustaining early pregnancy. A length shorter than 10 days or longer than 14 days may suggest low progesterone. Documenting PMS symptoms and their intensity can also give clues about your estrogen-to-progesterone ratio.
Remove Obstacles to Conception
Optimizing fertility is about more than timing. It requires addressing physical, emotional, and environmental barriers:
Inflammation and Nutrition: Chronic inflammation and nutrient deficiencies can interfere with conception. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and nutrient-dense meals into your diet.
Digestive Health: Constipation can worsen estrogen dominance by slowing elimination pathways. Support regularity with fiber-rich foods and hydration.
Emotional Wellness: Depression and anxiety often correlate with low progesterone. Managing stress and creating space for rest and self-care are vital.
Living in Partnership with Your Body
Preparing your body for pregnancy also means preparing your life. Slowing down and living as though you already have a child can help balance cortisol levels, bringing your body out of “fight or flight” mode. Reprioritize your time, let go of unnecessary stressors, and create an environment where you can thrive—physically and emotionally.
IVF and Egg Freezing
These fertility treatments can be hard on the body and mind. Beyond avoiding caffeine and alcohol, consider additional ways to support your body, such as nutrient-rich meals, gentle movement, and mindfulness practices. Partner with your healthcare provider to address your unique needs during this process.
Fertility-Boosting Foods
Your diet has the power to nourish your reproductive system. Incorporate these foods regularly:
Buckwheat: Supports ovulation by lowering insulin and testosterone.
Leafy Greens: Rich in folic acid, essential for fetal development.
Chickpeas: Helps maintain B6 levels for hormone balance.
Honey & Bee Pollen: Natural fertility boosters.
Eggs: Provide vitamin D for hormonal health.
Sunflower Seeds: Packed with zinc for reproductive function.
Salmon: Omega-3s help regulate hormones.
Cinnamon & Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and ovulation-supportive spices.
Post-Baby Wellness
After pregnancy, nourishing your body remains crucial, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Continue eating for emotional and physical wellness to support both you and your baby.
Supercharging Your Sex Drive Holistically
Sexual wellness and fertility go hand in hand. Libido is influenced by hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, as well as brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. Optimizing your hormonal balance can improve each phase of your sexual response:
Follicular Phase: Libido may be lower; focus on arousal.
Ovulatory Phase: Peak libido—enjoy the moment!
Luteal Phase: Adjust to changing needs; more stimulation may be needed earlier in the phase.
Menstrual Phase: Lower libido is natural, but some women find intimacy helps alleviate symptoms.
Health Benefits of Intimacy
Beyond emotional connection, a healthy sex life offers incredible benefits:
Improves blood flow to reproductive organs.
Increases fertility and supports hormonal balance.
Relieves stress, pain, and tension while boosting oxytocin and nitric oxide levels.
Elevates mood and strengthens the immune system.
A Word About Birth Control
If you’ve been on hormonal birth control, it’s worth noting that it can reduce libido and alter hormone levels. Transitioning off the pill may require time and intentional support to rebalance your system.
Fertility Is About Connection
Your journey to fertility isn’t just about biology; it’s about living in harmony with your body, mind, and environment. Take small, intentional steps to care for yourself holistically, and trust that your body is capable of incredible things. Whether you’re trying to conceive now or planning for the future, the path to optimal fertility begins with connection—to yourself, your partner, and the life you’re creating.
Unlocking Hormonal Health – Lessons from Woman Code by Alisa Vitti - Part 2
Understanding Your Healing Code:
A Guide to Stabilizing Blood Sugar, Supporting Adrenals, and Enhancing Elimination
It’s time for Part 2! In Chapters 4-6 of Woman Code, Alisa Vitti discusses the Healing Code—a transformative approach to stabilizing blood sugar, nurturing your adrenals, and supporting your body’s detox pathways. These steps provide clarity on why we experience certain symptoms and how to create balance in our bodies. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned and how I’m planning to implement it in my own life.
Why Is Your Body Experiencing Symptoms?
Symptoms like fatigue, hormonal imbalances, or weight gain often feel frustrating and mysterious. However, they’re not just random occurrences; they’re signals. Two key factors are at play:
Nutritional Factors: How we nourish our bodies directly impacts how we feel and function. Excess sugar, for instance, not only affects weight but also disrupts liver function, preventing it from breaking down excess estrogen. This can lead to hormonal imbalances.
Generational Impact: Did you know that your body’s ability to store and absorb nutrients is partially influenced by your mother’s and grandmother’s nutritional habits? It’s a powerful reminder of how interconnected we are through generations.
Step 1: Stabilize Blood Sugar
Balancing blood sugar doesn’t happen by accident; it’s intentional. Mismanaged blood sugar leads to hormone imbalances that send your body into a state of stress, triggering hunger even when you don’t need to eat. It’s not about willpower—it’s about breaking the cycle.
What Type of Burner Are You?
Fast Burner: You lose weight easily but feel anxious, dizzy, or overheated when hungry.
Slow Burner: You gain weight quickly, feel cold often, and experience irritability or brain fog when hungry.
A Day of Balanced Blood Sugar
Morning: Start your day with 8 oz of room-temperature water or hot lemon water. Eat a protein-rich breakfast within 1.5 hours of waking—no caffeine before breakfast!
Lunch: Have your largest meal within 3.5 hours of breakfast. Include healthy fats and consider taking a digestive enzyme.
Afternoon Snack: Eat a nutrient-dense snack within 2.5-3.5 hours of lunch.
Dinner: Keep it light with proteins and vegetables. Avoid grains and sugars, which are more likely to be stored as fat at night.
Before Bed: Try not to eat within 3.5-4.5 hours of your last meal to avoid late-night cravings.
Reflection: After each meal, jot down how you feel in a journal. Are you energized, bloated, or tired? This practice has been transformative for me—it’s amazing how much insight you gain by paying attention.
Step 2: Nurture Your Adrenals
Balancing blood sugar is the first step to reducing stress on your adrenal glands. These tiny glands are powerhouses, controlling everything from blood pressure to the production of cortisol and even testosterone.
Understanding the Adrenal Layers
Cortex: Manages blood pressure, fuels the body by mobilizing stored energy, and produces 90% of women’s testosterone.
Medulla: Triggers the fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones.
Adrenal-Friendly Exercise
3 days a week: Walk for 20 minutes, alternating 2 minutes of walking with 30 seconds of light jogging.
2 days a week: Do full-body weight training (e.g., squats, lunges, push-ups).
2 days a week: Rest! Once you are feeling better go ahead with gentle yoga or light walking.
Exercise shouldn’t leave you drained. If you’re energized post-workout and waking up feeling refreshed, you’re on the right track. These are signs that your body is adjusting and can soon take on longer workouts and higher intensity. Remember, slowly increase. Do not just from 20 to 40 minutes or from 5 lb weight to 20!
Step 3: Support Your Organs of Elimination
Your body’s detox pathways—the liver, large intestine, skin, and lymph system—work together to remove toxins. When they’re sluggish, symptoms like acne, bloating, or fatigue can appear.
How to Support These Pathways
Liver: Include glutathione-rich foods (e.g., broccoli), selenium-rich foods, and cilantro. Aim for a bowel movement within 20 minutes of waking—if you need coffee to go, your liver might need extra support.
Large Intestine: Focus on soluble fiber to keep things moving.
Skin: Exfoliate with sea salt scrubs, use saunas or steam rooms, and watch for signs like acne or eczema.
Lymph System: Support with rebounding (gentle bouncing exercises) and lymphatic massages.
How I Plan to Apply This
In January, I’ll be diving into this process with intention. I’ve planned two 12-day resets with a functional nutrition coach via Facebook to help me implement these principles. I’ve done these resets before and experienced amazing results—they’ve been transformative for my energy levels, digestion, and overall well-being. This time, I’m excited to dive back in with a fresh perspective and new goals.
I’d love for you to join me on this journey! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and implement these practices alongside a supportive community. See picture below for information on the resets!
In addition to the resets, I’ll be using my very own 28-day planner (available HERE) to track my meals, exercise, and overall well-being. The planner is thoughtfully designed to help anyone stay organized and motivated on their journey to better health—it’s the perfect complement to the resets.
To support my body during the resets, I’ll also be incorporating MAKE Wellness Fit peptides. These products have been a game-changer for me, and I’m excited to see how they enhance my results. I’ll track my progress throughout January and share updates after the resets are complete. If you’re interested in trying MAKE Wellness products you can find them HERE!
This process is a journey, not a quick fix. By stabilizing blood sugar, nurturing your adrenals, and supporting your detox pathways, you’re not just addressing symptoms—you’re creating a foundation for long-term health and balance.
Find Jayne on her social media HERE!
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Unlocking Hormonal Health – Lessons from Woman Code by Alisa Vitti
Hormonal imbalances are often misunderstood and overlooked, yet they affect millions of women worldwide. Alisa Vitti’s Woman Code provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the endocrine system and reclaiming hormonal health through diet, lifestyle, and a connection to our feminine energy.
In this post, I’ll dive into the insights I gained from Chapters 1–3, breaking down the foundational principles and actionable steps outlined in this transformative book. But first let’s discover if this book is right for you.
Is This Book for You?
Vitti’s Woman Code is a must-read if you experience symptoms such as:
PMS, PMDD, or irregular periods
PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts
Thyroid issues (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
Chronic fatigue, anxiety, or depression
Low libido or challenging menopause transitions
Let’s be honest, I’m not sure that i know any woman who IS NOT experiencing at least one of the above symptoms. So what do we do about it?
The Woman Code Protocol outlines five essential steps to address these symptoms:
Balance blood sugar.
Nurture adrenal glands.
Support organs of elimination.
Sync with your menstrual cycle.
Engage your feminine energy.
By following these steps, Vitti explains, you can start to see results as early as two weeks into the process, with significant improvements in 2–4 months. The key is adopting a mindset of self-healing rather than simply managing symptoms.
The Silent Epidemic of Hormonal Imbalances
These statistics are staggering. I knew the numbers were high but seeing them raises a new kind of awareness. Let these sink in:
1 in 9 women suffers from PCOS.
1 in 10 women globally has endometriosis (8 million in the U.S. alone).
3 in 10 women over 35 develop fibroids.
13 million Americans have underactive thyroids—half of them undiagnosed.
1 in 8 couples struggles with infertility.
7 million U.S. women meet diagnostic criteria for clinical depression.
1 in 2 women will experience Thyroid related health issues
Beyond the numbers, Vitti highlights cultural and environmental factors increase hormonal imbalances:
Misinformation: Without a clear understanding of how hormones work, women often overlook early warning signs.
Cultural Conditioning: Media perpetuates the idea that menstruation is something to hide or “manage”. Something that needs controlling rather than as a vital health indicator.
Toxic Environments: Everyday exposure to chemicals in food, water, and personal care products disrupts the endocrine system.
Stress: Chronic stress taxes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to a cascade of imbalances.
Modern Diets: Processed foods, pesticides, and fad diets contribute to hormonal dysfunction.
Why Clean Living Matters
Environmental toxins, particularly endocrine disruptors, play a significant role in hormonal health. Vitti emphasizes the hidden dangers in everyday products:
Cosmetics and Personal Care: UK studies show women absorb up to 5 pounds of chemicals annually from makeup alone. Ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and sodium lauryl sulfate are common offenders.
Food Choices: While organic produce may have similar nutrient profiles to conventionally grown foods, avoiding pesticides reduces immune stress and inflammation. The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists are essential tools for prioritizing organic purchases.
Epigenetics: Research reveals that our diet and lifestyle choices affect not only our health but also the genetic expression of future generations.
Cracking the Woman Code: Understanding the Endocrine System
Vitti introduces the endocrine system as a complex network of glands and organs that communicate using hormones. She explains the importance in understanding how it operates from the top down and communicates before we dive into supporting it. In her book she likens the endocrine systems function to a domino effect: when one area falters, the entire system can be thrown off balance.
It starts with the Hypothalamus:
An almond sized part of the brain that acts as the endocrine systems control system. It constantly receives information about concentrations of various hormones. Depending on what it finds, it sends out 1 of two hormones. Releasing hormone or Inhibiting hormone, to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a garbanzo bean sized structure directly below the hypothalamus. After receiving a command from the hypothalamus the pituitary gland communicates with the remainder of the endocrine system. It sends TSH to the thyroid, Parathyroid hormone to target the parathyroid, Adreno hormone to communicate with the adrenals, and follicle stimulating hormone to the ovaries. Those glands receive the command (the hormone) and release hormones based on the pituitaries instruction.
Here’s a breakdown of the five zones of the endocrine system and their roles:
Blood Sugar Group (Pancreas and Liver)
Regulates blood sugar and eliminates excess estrogen. Imbalances here can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and weight gain.Stress Group - hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA Axis)
Oversees the body’s stress response. Chronic stress causes a constant release of cortisol and adrenaline, leading to burnout and hormonal dysfunction.Metabolic Group (Thyroid and Parathyroid)
Controls your basal metabolic rate, affecting energy levels, heart rate, and temperature. Thyroid dysfunction impacts 1 in 2 women during their lifetime.Elimination Group (Liver, Large Intestine, Lymphatic System, Skin)
Responsible for removing toxins and excess hormones. Poor elimination can manifest as acne, bloating, and inflammation.Reproductive Group (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis)
Governs menstrual cycles, mood, energy, and libido. Hormonal fluctuations here dictate how you feel day to day.
Identifying and Addressing Hormonal Imbalances
Symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and brain fog often become “normalized,” but they are your body’s way of signaling imbalances. Vitti outlines five underlying causes of hormonal problems and their solutions:
Mismanaged Blood Sugar: Stabilize through balanced meals.
Overexerted Adrenal Glands: Nurture with stress management techniques.
Congestion in Elimination Pathways: Support detoxification with nutrient-rich foods.
Misaligned Lifestyle: Sync daily routines with your menstrual cycle.
Disconnected Feminine Energy: Reconnect with your body’s rhythms.
Building a Baseline
Vitti encourages readers to begin their healing journey by tracking symptoms. Pay attention to when and how symptoms arise and which zone of the endocrine system they relate to. Jump Back to chapter 2 for a list of symptoms to help you make your baseline. Then, Reflect on these questions:
What is one thing you’ve learned about your endocrine system?
Which of the five zones needs your attention most?
What messages is your body sending through its hormonal signals?
Final Thoughts
Chapters 1–3 of Woman Code provide a powerful framework for understanding and addressing hormonal imbalances. By combining self-awareness, dietary changes, and toxin reduction, Vitti’s approach empowers women to reclaim their health and vitality.
The journey to hormonal balance isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about creating lasting harmony within your body. Personally, I am excited to jump into this information and her functional approach as I am currently experiencing elevated Estrogen.
Stay tuned as I dive deeper into this book and explore the practical steps of the Woman Code Protocol.
Living a Low-Tox Life in a High-Tox World
Embarking on a low-tox lifestyle is one of the best decisions I have made for my health, but it has not been an easy road. What began as small, practical changes soon turned into a deep dive into the hidden chemicals and toxins lurking in everyday products and foods. From figuring out which foods to avoid to realizing that stress and certain environments were impacting my autoimmune health, this journey has been a complete transformation.
Low-tox Products
I first realized how toxic everyday products can be when I was traveling with my partner. He had already eliminated all toxic items from his environment, so when he broke out in a rash from the hotel bedsheets, I was skeptical. Then it happened again after his clothes were washed in the regular detergent, and the rashes appeared right where his clothing touched his skin. Up until that point, I’d made a few small changes at home, swapping out laundry detergent and surface cleaners, but this made me curious. I started researching, trying to understand why these reactions were happening.
My functional nutritionist helped me dig deeper, recommending non-toxic alternatives for personal care, cleaning supplies, and laundry products. She introduced me to EWG.org, which helped immensely. With this knowledge came an overwhelming realization of how much money I had spent on products filled with toxins—products I was using multiple times a day. Many of them had endocrine disruptors, which can affect hormone health and even execrate autoimmune conditions. This is when I committed fully, I threw out boxes of skincare, haircare, candles, perfumes, lotions, and scented wall outlets. It was painful, financially and emotionally, but I felt more empowered knowing I was making choices that aligned with my health.
Low-Tox Food
When I started changing my diet, the first things to go were gluten, dairy, and sugar. My nutritionist told me to read every label and only buy foods with recognizable, whole ingredients. I quickly realized how difficult it was to find foods that were, well, just food. The most memorable moment was in the tomato paste aisle. After scanning every brand and every can, I could not find one that was just tomatoes. Finally, in the “health” section (why should there even be a separate section for that?), I found a tomato paste with one ingredient: tomato. Not only did it taste better, I used less of it because it was so rich.
From there, I started phasing out non-organic foods, which turned out to be a huge challenge. So many “healthy” products are marketed as gluten-free or sugar-free, but they’re still packed with preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or “natural flavors.” Protein bars might have tons of vitamins, but they’re often hiding food dyes or other additives I wasn’t willing to consume anymore. This made me rethink everything I had assumed about food labels. Words like “healthy” mean nothing unless the product is certified organic and the ingredient list is clean. Grocery shopping turned into a mini-investigation that included; reading labels, often putting items back on the shelf, realizing almost everything had something I did not want to put in my body.
I used to think vegetable oils were healthy, but they are often heavily processed and contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which contribute to inflammation when out of balance with omega-3s. Oils like canola, soybean, and sunflower are usually extracted with high heat which make them rancid. These crops are also sprayed with toxic chemicals to terminate them before harvest which carries over into the final product. Switching to oils like olive, avocado, and coconut became an obvious choice. It was shocking to realize how many foods, even organic ones, rely on these cheap oils that can disrupt our health.
This overhaul didn’t happen in a few quick grocery trips. It was a year-long process of trial and error, of figuring out what I would and would not buy. Online shopping on Thrive Market became a lifesaver. Being able to filter options by gluten-free, paleo, or autoimmune protocol (AIP) saved me from the exhausting label-scrutiny at the grocery store.
Though it was a long road to relearn how to shop and eat, the changes in my health were undeniable. Within a few months of adopting this lifestyle, I lost nearly all the weight I had gained from my autoimmune condition. I realized that so many things I had considered “normal” were not, they were symptoms. Even those “signs of aging” I had accepted, disappeared. I felt sharper, more energized, and more like myself than I had in years. This was about more than what I took out of my diet; it was about feeling in control of my health and seeing real, positive changes.
Navigating social situations while avoiding foods with toxic ingredients is still challenging, even five years in. I can not expect others to prepare food the way I do, so eating out usually means I will encounter ingredients I try to avoid, such as inflammatory seed oils. I plan ahead by eating a filling meal before I go out and bringing snacks with me to stay on track. For meals, I love to make a big batch of something like a veggie and protein stir-fry or a hearty salad with homemade dressing. These meals are not only nourishing, they keep me grounded and remind me why I am making these choices.
Low-Tox Socializing
Recognizing that relationships and environments can also be toxic was a pivotal moment in my journey. Stress is a major contributor to autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s, and living in high-stress environments keeps your body in “fight or flight” mode. This constant change disrupts your natural cortisol cycle, which ideally should be high in the morning to help you wake up and gradually taper off by evening. When stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, it throws off sleep, energy, and overall health.
In January 2024, I took 30 days off work to travel with my partner, and the change was profound. I felt less inflamed, more energized, and more mentally clear than I had in years. But after returning and resuming work, I got sick within 36 hours. That was the sign I needed to step away from a career I had spent 13 years building. While I enjoyed my clients and the artistry of cosmetology, the constant exposure to product chemicals and daily stress of the environment did not align with my new self.
Leaving that career was a huge pay cut, but it was a choice I made for my well-being. Ironically, after quitting, I noticed the last bit of inflammation my body had been holding onto finally started to drop and within 45 days I was able to quit my thyroid medication that I had been working for years now to eliminate. Removing that daily stress allowed me to heal in ways I had not expected. This taught me that the people and environments around us are as crucial to our health as the food we eat or the products we use.
What Thyroid Antibodies actually mean
My Journey with Thyroid Antibodies
My journey with thyroid health began when I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It was a challenging time filled with various symptoms that left me feeling overwhelmed. A friend, who had experience with thyroid issues, encouraged me for nearly six months to get tested for Hashimoto’s, a common autoimmune response linked to hypothyroidism. This required having my thyroid antibodies tested—something I didn’t fully understand at the time, other than it would lead to a new diagnosis. I was anxious about what the results would mean for my health, but I knew I needed answers to make sense of what was happening. After advocating for testing and being denied by two doctors, I finally received my results and embarked on my own research to understand their implications.
Understanding Thyroid Antibodies
Thyroid antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly target the thyroid gland, resulting in autoimmune responses. The two primary types of antibodies tested are:
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies: These antibodies attack TPO, an enzyme crucial for the production of thyroid hormones. High levels of TPO antibodies are commonly associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Thyroglobulin Antibodies: These target thyroglobulin, a protein vital for synthesizing thyroid hormones. Elevated levels can indicate a risk of thyroid dysfunction or autoimmune activity.
Why Are They Important?
The presence of thyroid antibodies is significant for several reasons:
Indicators of Autoimmune Disease: Elevated antibody levels are often linked to autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves' disease. Hashimoto's typically leads to hypothyroidism, while Graves' causes hyperthyroidism.
Asymptomatic Cases: Not everyone with elevated antibodies will experience symptoms. Some individuals may have high antibody levels without any clinical signs of thyroid dysfunction, making routine monitoring essential.
Potential Progression: While some may remain asymptomatic, elevated antibody levels can indicate a risk for developing thyroid dysfunction in the future. Regular testing and monitoring can aid in the proactive management of thyroid health.
Influence on Treatment: The presence of antibodies can impact treatment decisions. In some cases, individuals with high antibody levels might be monitored more closely or treated preemptively to avoid the onset of symptoms.
Understanding thyroid antibodies is vital for anyone navigating thyroid health, especially those with a family history of autoimmune diseases or those experiencing unexplained symptoms. Regular testing can provide crucial insights into one's overall health and guide appropriate management strategies.
Interpreting My Results
When I received my thyroid antibody test results, I was taken aback by the numbers—my levels were sky-high, around 17,000. Yes, you read that correctly! For context, the normal range for TPO antibodies is generally considered to be below 35 IU/mL, indicating that my results were significantly elevated.
While it was a relief to finally have a diagnosis, it brought on a new wave of overwhelm. I realized I needed to make significant lifestyle changes, which felt daunting. I don’t recall the exact book, but I remember reading early in my journey about the importance of grieving the loss of my perceived health—the idea that I was healthy and didn’t have to worry. It was also about letting go of the lifestyle I had envisioned. Yet, despite these challenges, I knew I had to get up and dive in.
Connection to Symptoms
Elevated thyroid antibody levels can correlate with a variety of symptoms. As I learned more, fatigue, weight changes, and mood swings became more pronounced, allowing me to connect the dots between my antibody levels and my experiences. Understanding my elevated antibody levels was pivotal; it provided context for the physical and emotional challenges I faced. I realized that the thyroid medication I was on was indeed supporting my thyroid that could not function properly, however it was not doing anything to take care of my elevated antibodies.
Factors Influencing Antibody Levels
Several factors can influence thyroid antibody levels, including genetics, environmental triggers, and lifestyle choices. Genetic susceptibility plays a significant role in autoimmune conditions; if you have a family history of thyroid issues, your risk may be higher. Environmental factors, such as stress, infections, and exposure to toxins, can trigger antibody production. Feminine hygiene products rank high on toxic load and often have endocrine disrupting ingredients. Additionally, lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise, can impact immune function and overall thyroid health.
The Three-Legged Stool of Hashimoto’s
The concept of the “three-legged stool” of Hashimoto’s, inspired by Dr. Alessio Fasano, highlights three critical factors necessary for autoimmunity: genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, (Like those feminine products we talked about above) and leaky gut. Addressing these components is vital for effective management.
Testing for thyroid antibodies is crucial as part of a comprehensive thyroid panel, providing insight into your autoimmune status and guiding treatment decisions. Knowing your antibody levels allows you and your healthcare provider to tailor a management plan that addresses both your symptoms and the underlying autoimmune activity.
Empowering yourself on your healthcare journey is crucial. Advocate for comprehensive testing and seek to understand your thyroid health deeply. The road to managing thyroid antibodies can be overwhelming, but knowledge is power. By educating yourself and asking the right questions, you can take control of your health. Remember, you're not alone in this journey—many have navigated similar challenges and emerged empowered. Take the first step today: inquire about your thyroid health, understand your antibody levels, and embrace the changes that lead to a healthier future.
For more details on the three-legged stool concept, check out this resource.
Birth control… Its not menopause
For many women, birth control is often a part of their healthcare journey, but the conversation around it can be confusing and lacking in clarity. I was first put on birth control to address my irregular periods—short and infrequent cycles that made me feel like I had no control over my body. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what I was being prescribed; the conversation rarely delves into the complexities of how birth control works. We are told it will regulate our cycles, provide control, and is safe for long-term use. However, what I soon learned is that it doesn't truly regulate the body's natural hormone cycle—it overrides it, and that can have consequences.
My understanding of birth control shifted dramatically after my Hashimoto’s diagnosis. As I began to experience weight gain, nausea, hot flashes, and severe night sweats—so intense that I developed a heat rash on my chest—I feared I was entering premature menopause. I consulted a doctor and was switched to a low-estrogen birth control, mistakenly believing it was a better option for my hormonal balance. While it may have alleviated some symptoms, the truth is that it was still taking a toll on my hormone health. I eventually did come to the conclusion that birth-control was not right for me. I was on a journey to heal my body and take it back to its natural rhythm and I couldn’t do that while on hormones.
One common misconception that I encountered is the belief that birth control is safe for women of all ages to use indefinitely. In my opinion, this simply isn’t the case. Birth control can mask underlying health issues and may lead to a variety of side effects, especially upon discontinuation. The idea that a teenager with painful or heavy periods should be put on birth-control is prescribing for a symptom, not adjusting to treat the root cause of the issue.
A key connection to note is between birth control and thyroid health. Birth control can impact thyroid function by altering hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Hormonal contraceptives often increase the levels of binding proteins, such as thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), which can lead to a higher total thyroid hormone level while masking the actual available hormone (free T3 and free T4).
For individuals with thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s, the fluctuations in hormone levels caused by birth control can complicate the management of thyroid function. Birth control may also exacerbate symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, as the artificial hormones can interact with the body’s natural hormonal balance.
Moreover, if someone with Hashimoto’s is using birth control, they might experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or mood swings that they attribute to their thyroid condition, rather than recognizing that the birth control might be a contributing factor. This can lead to mismanagement of both the thyroid condition and any hormonal contraceptive effects, making it crucial to consider both when discussing treatment options with healthcare providers.
It’s essential for women with thyroid conditions to monitor their symptoms closely when starting or stopping birth control and to engage in open discussions with their healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to their hormonal health.
Another important point is that the "period" experienced while on birth control is not actually a true menstrual period, but rather withdrawal bleeding. This occurs during the placebo week of your pill regimen when hormone levels drop. Unlike a natural menstrual cycle, which is part of the body’s hormonal rhythm, withdrawal bleeding does not indicate ovulation or the usual hormonal changes that accompany a true period.
For anyone considering or currently using birth control, it is important to be aware of the potential temporary side effects when stopping, which can vary widely from person to person. These may include:
Menstrual cycle changes: Irregular periods, heavier periods, cramping, and increased PMS symptoms.
Mood changes: Increased irritability, mood swings, and depression.
Weight changes: Fluctuations including weight loss or temporary weight gain.
Acne: A resurgence of breakouts or acne returning.
Other side effects: Headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, withdrawal bleeding, and unwanted hair growth.
Some individuals may experience longer-lasting effects, particularly a phenomenon known as the “Mirena crash” after removing a Mirena IUD. This crash can manifest as psychological, neurological, and physical issues, impacting one’s well-being significantly.
It can take several months for hormones to balance back out to a natural rhythm after quitting birth control. Some women may notice changes in their cycles within a few weeks, while for others, it might take up to a year to feel fully balanced again.
It’s important to note that you can stop using birth control methods you control, like the pill, patch, or ring, "cold turkey," but it’s always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes. If you notice any alarming symptoms after stopping, such as heavy bleeding, worsening dizziness, shortness of breath, or persistent pain, do not hesitate to reach out to your provider.
Knowledge is empowering, and being informed about your body is a crucial step in making the best decisions for your health. Remember, birth control is not synonymous with menopause—it’s a different phase of your reproductive health journey, and being aware of this distinction can lead to more informed choices about your hormonal health.
Thyroid Labs - in range vs optimal
Thyroid Labs - In Range vs. Optimal
Navigating the world of thyroid health can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding lab results. As someone who has traveled this journey, I’ve learned that the distinction between “in range” and “optimal” thyroid labs is crucial for effective treatment and overall well-being. While an optimal range reflects a healthy individual, being merely “in range” can indicate someone on the path to needing medication. Those who are out of range are likely sick enough to require intervention with medication. However, it’s unnecessary to wait until we are out of range to address imbalances. By treating these imbalances while still in range through holistic preventive measures, such as lifestyle and dietary changes, and addressing the root cause, the need for medication is often eliminated.
Understanding Ranges
Initially, my understanding of thyroid lab ranges came from a knowledgeable nurse practitioner I found well into my journey. Through our conversations and my own research, I discovered that the studies used to establish these ranges were often inadequate. Many people are told that their thyroid levels are "normal" if they fall within the standard reference range, but this doesn't always correlate with optimal health. It's essential to recognize that optimal levels can differ significantly from the standard range and are critical for those managing conditions like Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism. An individual can have “In range” lab results but still be experiencing symptoms. for a better idea of what this looks like with Hashimoto’s visit this post.
Why Optimal Labs Matter
Thyroid hormones play a vital role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. When lab results are interpreted solely based on the standard range, many may overlook subtle imbalances that can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss.
I experienced this firsthand when, at just 25, I was brushed off and told that my symptoms were merely a result of “getting older.” My metabolism was “just slowing down”, “it is normal to become more tired as we age”, “you stand all day for work its normal for your knees/legs to hurt.” I’m sorry, WHAT!? There was no way! If this is what 25 feels like then what about 35?…45?…75!? Luckily I didn’t accept that as a final answer and I learned to advocate for my health.
Sometimes I cant help but think about what would be different if I had received a diagnosis before my levels were out of range. I could have potentially avoided flaring up my Hashimoto’s and not had to spend multiple years making efforts to reverse it. It was hard for me to accept for a while, but now I view it as an experience that has led me to a point where I can help others.
Advice for Others
For anyone newly diagnosed with thyroid issues, I encourage you to find a trustworthy Facebook group with knowledgeable participants. That was truly my ultimate resource in the beginning. These communities can offer invaluable support and guidance in reading labs Especially if your doctor is hesitant to base treatment on optimal levels. They often have multiple resources and some even have lists of drs state by state to help you find a good fit for your needs
Resources
One resource I highly recommend is the work of Dr. Izabella Wentz, a renowned expert in thyroid health. Her insights have been incredibly helpful in understanding the complexities of thyroid conditions and advocating for proper treatment. She has books that guided me through my journey and recipes that I have on repeat! You can find her information on my “Brands I Trust” page under “Resources I Trust”
Navigating thyroid health can indeed feel daunting, but with the right knowledge and support, you have the power to make informed decisions about your care. Understanding the difference between "in range" and "optimal" thyroid levels is essential to reclaiming your well-being. Remember, your health journey is unique, and by advocating for yourself and seeking the appropriate resources, you can pave the way toward improved health and vitality.
WTF is going on with my hair
Hair loss can be a devastating experience—especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it or how to fix it. For me, it started as I was gaining weight (see my previous post on my journey with Hashimoto’s and inflammation). As a hairstylist, my hair was a big part of my identity. To see it become brittle, fall out in handfuls, and need to be cut short was heartbreaking.
But something surprising came out of it: when I opened up to my clients, I discovered just how many of them were facing similar struggles. Thyroid disease affects an estimated 20 million Americans, with women making up about 80% of those affected. Hashimoto’s, the leading cause of hypothyroidism, is especially common among women. Many of my clients shared stories of similar challenges, from fatigue to hair loss, and we connected on a whole new level. I never would have known so many women were experiencing this if I hadn’t gone through it myself. Through these conversations, I met some incredible ladies I’ll never forget. Each salon appointment became a chance for us to learn more about our health, sharing advice, experiences, and encouragement along the way.
Trying Everything: My Hair Loss Journey
Being in the beauty industry, I tried countless salon products, searching for “the best of the best.” But no product seemed to make a lasting difference. Eventually, After meeting my Functional Nutritionist (who was also a client at the time) I realized that my hair loss was more than just a surface issue—it was coming from within.
With a Hashimoto’s diagnosis, anemia, and various nutrient deficiencies, I learned that real healing needed to start at the root of the problem. This journey ultimately led me to an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, one that focused on nourishing my body from the inside out. Today, studies show that about 50% of Americans are considered malnourished, primarily due to the typical American diet, which is often high in processed foods and lacking in essential nutrients. This realization reinforced the importance of prioritizing real, nutrient dense foods in my healing journey and eliminating nutrient negative foods.
The Turning Point: Real Food, Real Results
It wasn’t an overnight transformation. After nearly two years of committing to anti-inflammatory changes, my hair began to regrow. Slowly, it went from brittle and sparse to soft, shiny, and finally long again. I worked with a nurse practitioner that came highly recommended in a thyroid Facebook group. She treats the thyroid with a holistic approach rather than just relying on numbers and prescriptions. My overall strategy included reducing stress, eating organic, and eliminating preservatives and toxic feminine hygiene products, which often contain harmful ingredients.
Did you know that the average woman uses 12 personal care products daily, exposing herself to hundreds of chemicals? Many of these unregulated chemicals can have serious long-term effects on our health. One common ingredient, "fragrance," is a blanket term that encompasses a cocktail of potentially harmful chemicals that can disrupt hormones and trigger allergies. Alarmingly, companies aren’t required to disclose the contents of these fragrances, leaving us unaware of what we’re applying to our bodies. Awareness of these issues drove me to be more mindful about my toxic load, and I began choosing fragrance-free products whenever possible. I was still in the salon industry so I was able to remove the toxic load completely from my home but I was still going to work in it every day. More on that will come in a future post!Anyway, I was most shocked when i found out that while Europe bans over 1,300 chemicals in these products, the U.S. only restricts about 30.
As I continue my journey toward healing, I realize that the path isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about understanding my body and making choices that nurture it. Each small change adds up, and by prioritizing my health, I’m reclaiming not just my hair, but my confidence and well-being. I hope my story inspires you to reflect on your own health journey, explore the impact of what you put into your body, and embrace the power of informed choices. Together, we can foster a healthier, more supportive community.
Life Changing lifestyle change – What is Anti Inflammatory
When people talk about anti-inflammatory lifestyles, it’s more than just a wellness trend. But what does "anti-inflammatory" actually mean, and why should we care about inflammation?
What is Anti-Inflammatory?
Anti-inflammatory refers to choices—like foods, activities, and habits—that reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can become harmful, potentially leading to conditions like autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and digestive issues. An anti-inflammatory lifestyle aims to calm these responses, reducing stress on the body and promoting healing.
Why Should I Care About Inflammation?
Chronic inflammation often goes unnoticed until symptoms—like fatigue, weight gain, and joint pain—become too much to ignore. Over time, inflammation can contribute to various health problems, from heart disease to autoimmune disorders. Addressing inflammation can make a huge difference in how you feel every day and in the long-term health of your body.
My Story
When my health struggles began, I felt completely out of control. Within six months, I had gained 60 pounds, and no matter how many diets or workouts I tried, my body wouldn’t respond. My diagnosis of Hashimoto’s gave me some answers, but traditional approaches didn’t provide the relief I hoped for. Then, a few years later, I found out I also had endometriosis, and I was left feeling stuck, wondering if I’d ever feel good in my body again.
Finally, I decided to work with a functional nutritionist. We started with some foundational changes: going gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. I expected this to feel restrictive, but instead, it was the opposite. I didn’t have to count calories, weigh food, or stress over macros. For the first time, I was able to simply listen to my body’s natural hunger cues. I focused on real, whole foods with ingredients I could recognize and trust.
To my surprise, I was never hungry or deprived. I enjoyed meals that were not only satisfying but also nourishing. This freedom from constant restriction was life-changing. Within four months, my body began to change. I lost all 60 pounds that I’d gained, my energy returned, and I started to feel like myself again. Two years later, I was even able to go off thyroid medication, and my endometriosis stopped progressing.
A Life-Altering Commitment
When I first committed to the initial 28 days with my functional nutritionist, I was intimidated. The idea of changing how I’d eaten my whole life felt daunting. Little did I know, those 28 days would spark a long-term transformation, teaching me to nourish my body with real food and heal from within.
That experience inspired me to create a wellness journal for others beginning this journey. My 28-Day Wellness Challenge guides you step-by-step through the first month of anti-inflammatory eating, making the transition as smooth and supported as possible. You can learn more about it here.
Looking back, the journey wasn’t just about weight loss or specific diagnoses—it was about reclaiming my health and learning to trust my body. This anti-inflammatory lifestyle has brought me a kind of peace and confidence I never thought possible.
Stages in Hashimoto’s
Stages in Hashimoto’s
Navigating Hashimoto's: Understanding and Embracing Every Stage
Living with Hashimoto's thyroiditis can feel overwhelming, especially when the path to diagnosis isn’t straightforward. My journey started similarly to many others – I was well on my way to Stage 4 when I was finally diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It took almost a year and multiple doctor visits to get a Hashimoto's diagnosis. Many doctors dismissed my concerns, saying, “We already know you have hypothyroidism, so it doesn’t matter if it’s Hashimoto’s.” One even added, “I’ll test the numbers, but I won’t diagnose or treat based on them; I treat based on TSH and T4.”
After finally receiving my Hashimoto's diagnosis, it took another year to find someone who would treat it as an autoimmune response attacking my thyroid – not just a thyroid disease. Through persistence, I found support and treatment that acknowledged the autoimmune nature of Hashimoto’s, allowing me to better manage my health.
For anyone navigating this journey, here’s an overview of Hashimoto’s stages to help you feel more empowered at each step.
Stage 0: Genetic Predisposition
The journey often begins quietly, sometimes years before symptoms appear. Knowing your family history and focusing on overall wellness can set a strong foundation.
It’s not until you combine your family history with other triggers such as EBV infection, other viral infections, major stressors in your life, exposure to chemicals or heavy metals, eating an unhealthy diet, not exercising enough, and so on, that you will then develop Hashimoto’s.
Stage 1: Immune Cell Infiltration
Stage 1 is immune cell infiltration of the thyroid gland. Despite the fact that antibodies are present in this stage, most people are NOT diagnosed in this stage.
Why?
Even though you have positive antibodies, the symptoms associated with this stage tend to be VERY mild and they are often not related to your thyroid. Such as low energy and feeling run down. Antibodies may develop long before symptoms arise. If you notice subtle changes or have a family history of thyroid issues, advocate for yourself and seek testing early.
Stage 2: Subclinical Hypothyroidism
This stage brings more noticeable symptoms like fatigue and brain fog, but diagnosis can still be tricky. Lifestyle adjustments can help at this stage – and remember, your body is worth listening to.
Here we see 2 very important markers on your thyroid lab tests. First is a RISE in TSH (this is never normal and means that something is wrong with the thyroid gland).
Second, a RISE in your thyroid antibodies
These two markers will also now be associated with the start of low-grade thyroid symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, constipation, and mild hair loss.
Stage 2.5: Thyroid Hormone Fluctuation
In this stage, your thyroid may switch from hypo to hyper which can make diagnosis difficult.
One month you may experience weight gain and constipation and the other you may experience hot flashes, weight loss, and diarrhea.
Getting a diagnosis during this time can be confusing.
Stage 3: Overt Hypothyroidism
(+ Antibodies, Increased TSH, Decreased Free T3/Free T4)
As thyroid function begins to slow, symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and weight changes become noticeable. While frustrating, this stage can be an opportunity to adjust lifestyle factors that may influence thyroid health. Nutrient-dense foods, mindfulness, and staying active are powerful allies.
The good news is that most people are finally diagnosed here, the bad news is that it’s very late in the disease. Around 10+ years or so have passed from stage 1 to stage 3 and getting a diagnosis has been hard.
If you remain untreated, you will experience significant weight gain, significant fatigue, significant hair loss, significant constipation, and so on.
Natural therapies can still effective in stage 3, you will need to be aggressive with them and they will sometimes require the help of medication.
If you catch Hashimoto’s in stage 1, you may be able to get by just going gluten or dairy-free.
By the time you get to stage 3, those lifestyle changes likely won’t cut it.
At this point you will need to make lifestyle changes such as the elimination diet, going gluten, dairy, and soy-free, or even low FODMAP or AIP.
Stage 4: Hypothyroidism
When thyroid hormone levels drop, daily symptoms may increase, from sluggishness to cold sensitivity. Many find relief through medications that help balance hormone levels. Consider exploring dietary and holistic practices that support your journey toward balance.
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune Response. When you have one, you are more likely to develop another. If you fail to fix whatever was causing the immune dysfunction that started your Hashimoto’s in the beginning, your body may eventually start to develop antibodies to OTHER tissues.
If your body creates antibodies to gluten it’s Celiac disease.
If your body creates antibodies to destroy your joints it’s rheumatoid arthritis.
If your body creates antibodies to destroy your salivary glands its Sjogren’s.
If your body creates antibodies to destroy melanin in your skin its Vitiligo
and so on…
Treating your thyroid with medication alone at this point will NOT stop the progression of your autoimmune disease.
Stage 5: Myxedema (Severe Hypothyroidism)
While rare, being aware of this stage highlights the importance of treating Hashimoto's as an autoimmune condition. Stay proactive and prioritize self-care to keep your health in balance.
Once you are in this stage, your thyroid gland has atrophied and shrunk from the damage.
Sadly, once in this stage, the damage is irreversible and you have likely had Hashimoto’s for 20-30+ years.
It’s much harder to optimize thyroid hormone at this stage but it’s definitely still possible.
Embracing Your Hashimoto’s Journey
Hashimoto's can be challenging, but each stage offers an opportunity for greater self-awareness and healing. If you're advocating for your health or searching for the right support, know that you’re not alone. By sharing our stories, we can foster understanding and compassion on this journey.
What should you know?
Know your family history
Advocate for testing beyond TSH if you start to experience mild symptoms.
In range labs are NOT optimal labs and should not be treated as such.
Making lifestyle changes can stop and even prevent an autoimmune response from happening.
Medication does not have to be a life sentence if caught early enough and paired with the appropriate lifestyle changes.
If you develop additional autoimmune responses your Hashimoto’s is not being treated, it’s being medicated.
Lifestyle changes should expand beyond just food
If you are already in stage 5 lifestyle changes can still make a lasting impact.
Back at it - taking care of me
It’s been awhile since I have been here. Almost exactly a year actually! Last year at this time I thought my life was on a direct path in one direction. Little did I know that I was approaching a fork in the road that would either keep me where I was headed, or completely alter the course of my 5 year plan. I think it’s clear that I chose the latter based on my absence. However my Thyroid journey hasn’t stopped. I still have a lot of topics I want to cover and discuss, learn about, and spread awareness about. But for the time being, it is a side project rather than Main focus.
Today I want to update you on whats been going on over the last year, personal and health related.
I wrote my last post in the mountains of Colorado. While my partner was enjoying skiing, I was enjoying the base and researching topics related to the thyroid that I wanted to share. After returning home, it was time to start the garden and summer activities were in full swing. Life just got busy with the little things and rather than spending time inside, we were outside enjoying the weather and the animals we were raising. We were, and still are, embracing the farm life and raising food that is fresh.
Summer started to wind down and thats when I came to a fork in the road, two actually. First, I bought a house! And second, I was given an opportunity to grow within the salon I work for. I jumped into the role and the last 6 months have been a series of events that keep me learning as I go. It’s hard, but it’s rewarding and I love it.
It’s April again and we are soon headed back to Colorado for a weekend. I immediately was looking forward to enjoying the base wherever Elliot decides to ski. I will be doing some much needed catching up on this project I left resting for a year.
My thyroid has been acting up for just over a month now. I had a blood draw a couple weeks ago and an appointment to follow up soon. It hasn’t been fun but it was a reminder that even though I am busier than I was a year ago I still need to focus on taking care of me.
Mourning the loss – It’s not a choice anymore
Up until this point, my lifestyle and diet changes were all a choice. They helped me feel better and I chose to do them long term so I could continue feeling ‘normal’ after a couple years of decline. But now it wasn’t a choice. I was told to read a book by Izabella Wentz called Hashimoto's Protocol. Within the first 3 pages I felt so validated about how I was feeling. It seemed as though the book could have been written about me it was so spot on. But it was on page 20 she discussed when she finally got a diagnosis. Having just gotten the same diagnosis, the words resonated deeply. She encourages mourning the loss. Sounds odd but it made perfect sense. Yes, I finally had answers! But now I needed time to mourn the loss of how I was able to live up until this point in life. Everything was about to change and it was no longer a choice but something I had to do to just feel ‘normal’. Everything from the time of day I was eating to the products I used in my home were going to be questioned and changed. Although all these changes are positive, and now I would never go back, it felt like everything was changing without choice. So, I allowed myself 1 week to sulk in the feeling of not being in control of all these changes that were about to come. After that, I dug in. I had to make the choice to look at everything in my daily life and ask ‘Does this help or hinder my Thyroid health?’ It was shocking how many times a day I realized I was using things or eating things that were not helping me and even worse, hindering my Thyroid. It was unbelievably overwhelming to realize I needed to throw out all of my skincare, cleaning products, foods, stop drinking tap water… and on and on.
This is when my Functional Nutritionist put me on to my new favorite website. Environmental Working Group I Check all of my products through this page! Slowly, I began to weed out the things in my daily life that did not serve me and switched them out for items with the lowest toxic level I could get my hands on. That is a whole other blog post though. In the meantime there are links on my homepage to the brands and people I trust!
All of these changes had me wondering though. Where did my Hashimotos come from, and why now? What made it flare up so suddenly and intensely? I started to research and asked my Nutritionist what she knew. She told me about "The three legged stool" of Hashimoto’s. The link provided is a great resource answering a lot of questions about it better than I can. But the short of it is, Hashimotos will flair up when 3 things all fall into place. 1. You were gifted the genes, 2. You have a leaky gut (most americans do unfortunately), and 3. There was a tigger such as stress, poor gut health, and viruses.
It is nobody’s fault, but I spent a better part of a year wishing I had known I had the genes so I could have prevented my Hashimoto’s from flaring up. But I kept on researching anywhere I could and asking questions to anyone who would listen until I found that it can be put into remission! Take away one of the three legs on the Hashimoto’s stool and it can no longer stand on its own.
This became my motivation. Remission.
I am Hashimoto’s
I am Hashimoto’s
Hi. My name is Hashimoto's. I'm an invisible autoimmune disease that attacks your thyroid gland causing you to become hypothyroid. I am now velcroed to you for life.
Others around you can't see me or hear me, but YOUR body feels me.
I can attack you anywhere and any way I please.
I can cause severe pain or, if I'm in a good mood, I can just cause you to ache all over.
Remember when you and energy ran around together and had fun?
I took energy from you, and gave you exhaustion. Try to have fun now.
I can take good sleep from you and in its place, give you brain fog and lack of concentration.
I can make you want to sleep 24/7, and I can also cause insomnia.
I can make you tremble internally or make you feel cold or hot when everyone else feels normal.
I can also give you swollen hands and feet, swollen face and eyelids, swollen everything.
I can make you feel very anxious or very depressed, too. I can also cause other mental health problems.
I can make your hair fall out, become dry and brittle, cause acne, cause dry skin, the sky is the limit with me.
I can make you gain weight and no matter what you eat or how much you exercise, I can keep that weight on you. I can also make you lose weight. I don't discriminate.
Some of my other autoimmune disease friends often join me, giving you even more to deal with.
If you have something planned, or are looking forward to a great day, I can take that away from you. You didn't ask for me. I chose you for various reasons:
That virus or viruses you had that you never really recovered from, or that car accident, or maybe it was the years of abuse and trauma (I thrive on stress.) You may have a family history of me. Whatever the cause, I'm here to stay.
I hear you're going to see a doctor to try and get rid of me. That makes me laugh. Just try. You will have to go to many, many doctors until you find one who can help you effectively.
You will be put on the wrong medication for you, pain pills, sleeping pills, energy pills, told you are suffering from anxiety or depression, given anti-anxiety pills and antidepressants.
There are so many other ways I can make you sick and miserable, the list is endless - that high cholesterol, gall bladder issue, blood pressure issue, blood sugar issue, heart issue among others? That's probably me.
Can't get pregnant, or have had a miscarriage?
That's probably me too.
Teeth and gum problems? TMJ? I told you the list was endless.
You may be given a TENs unit, get massaged, told if you just sleep and exercise properly I will go away.
You'll be told to think positively, you'll be poked, prodded, and MOST OF ALL, not taken seriously when you try to explain to the endless number of doctors you've seen, just how debilitating I am and how sick you really feel. In all probability you will get a referral from these 'understanding' (clueless) doctors, to see a psychiatrist.
Your family, friends and co-workers will all listen to you until they just get tired of hearing about how I make you feel, and just how debilitating I am.
Some of them will say things like "Oh, you are just having a bad day" or "Well, remember, you can't do the things you use to do 20 YEARS ago", not hearing that you said 20 DAYS ago.
They'll also say things like, "if you just get up and move, get outside and do things, you'll feel better." They won't understand that I take away the 'gas' that powers your body and mind to ENABLE you to do those things.
Some will start talking behind your back, they'll call you a hypochondriac, while you slowly feel that you are losing your dignity trying to make them understand, especially if you are in the middle of a conversation with a "normal" person, and can't remember what you were going to say next. You'll be told things like, "Oh, my grandmother had that, and she's fine on her medication" when you desperately want to explain that I don't impose myself upon everyone in the exact same way, and just because that grandmother is fine on the medication SHE'S taking, doesn't mean it will work for you.
The only place you will get the kind of support and understanding in dealing with me is with other people that have me. They are really the only ones who can truly understand.
I am Hashimoto's Disease.
Advocating for my health and doing the research - I’m finally feeling better.
After 3 months of supplementing I went back to retest everything. But this time I went in with expectations. I had gathered enough information from facebooks groups that I knew I needed to have multiple tests done regularly. It included a full Thyroid panel and a few other things like magnesium, cortisol, and vitamins. At the appointment, I ended up not even seeing my Dr and only seeing someone for a blood draw. When I asked what all we would be testing and if I could have a few specific things tested (specifically a Full Thyroid panel and not just TSH and free t4, which I found out was all that was tested last time) I experienced what many others had told me to prepare for.
Rejection. The response was that if my TSH comes back abnormal then they will do further testing, but at this point it is unnecessary to test the thyroid beyond that. I suspected that I had Hashimotos and I knew what needed tested to give me the answer. But I was told that I wasn’t able to request any testing beyond what the Dr recommended. So I left with minimal testing but tests nonetheless.
I started researching different clinics I could go to and request testing. I found out that I had to wait 3 months before I could go back in and if I didn’t that insurance wouldn’t cover it. So while I waited 3 months, I set up an appointment with a friends mom who is a Functional Nutrition Coach and scheduled an appointment with a primary care provider. At this point I had gained 60 lbs with no explanation and nothing was working to even just stop the weight gain. I got to a point where I was so down and out about it that I would cry at the thought of going another month with no answer. I knew something had to be done but I felt like I had tried everything. I met with Jayne and she got me set up to change to an anti inflammatory lifestyle. (I want to be very careful about calling it a diet. It’s so far from a diet. If you want specifics on it I will have a post in the future talking about it more in depth but mostly it’s no gluten, dairy, or sugar.) I committed to it and started in. At this point, what do I have to lose.
If I were to tell you that I was shocked at my check in with Jayne it would be an understatement. Three months of committed lifestyle change and I had lost 40 lbs. I started feeling better mentally. My joints quit hurting, my mood improved, my fatigue all but went away, things I didn’t even know were not “just normal aging” healed…! I want to emphasize that I did not restrict either! There was no calorie counting, weighing out food, measuring portions, nothing. If I was hungry, I ate, but I ate food that served me instead of processed “filler” foods. I’m FINALLY on a path to healing and the answer had nothing to do with my Dr. But 3 months had passed and I was ready for my appointment.
I went in with hopes to get what I wanted and expectations to walk out with the minimal. In my appointment she asked what I was there for and I responded, “Honestly, if all I get out of today is the blood tests I would like to get then I will leave happy.” Her response shocked me, She pulled out a paper and asked what I wanted then let me know what each test would cost if insurance chose not to cover it. I left with a full thyroid panel and all 3 of the vitamins I was deficient in 6 months prior. She informed me that she could do the tests no problem but would have to refer me out to endocrinology to treat anything. Perfect! I got what I needed and a referal where I needed to go! I would have my test results in a couple days and I would finally have an answer to if I had Hashimotos or not.
At this point I was on my 3rd Dr and being referred to a 4th. I was hopeful that endocrinology would be my landing place and I would be able to monitor and heal my thyroid alongside my Functional Nutritionist based off of the test that were just ordered. Because of the Thyroid group I had joined on facebook I knew I would statistically go through a few Doctors before I found one that could really help the way I needed. I don’t remember the specific statistic, but unfortunately it’s common to have to see something like 4-6 doctors before finding one that treats the thyroid the way it needs treated.
Two days passed and I got my results. My Thyroid antibodies were off the charts high. I have Hashimotos.
My first year of hypo – all the vitamins
After getting my results and a prescription for levothyroxine I started to research. The internet had a million opinions on the diagnosis and I couldn’t find anything consistent. It seemed like as soon as I would find an answer on one website, another website would contradict what the first one said. Meds will change everything for you, meds wont help at all. You have to change your diet, it won’t help changing your diet. You need to take these 27 vitamins every day, you won’t get any help for taking a vitamin. And on and on and on. It was extremely frustrating to have this mystery illness and not know a damn thing about it. And on top of that not be able to get any clear answer!
So I joined a facebook Group….or 6.
The facebook Groups helped but for some reason it took about 6 months post diagnosis to even think about joining one. And then another 6 months of reading posts and asking questions to even begin to start understanding what people were talking about. I would introduce myself and say I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and didn’t know where to start and the amount of questions people would ask me trying to help was amazing. But I felt like I was trying to decode the whole time. This lead to even more defeat and confusion. I just wanted someone to say, ”Hey, this is what you need to do. It’s that easy. Good luck.”
There were a few groups that I ended up leaving. Every time I participated I was told, “This is your new normal, you need to accept it and move on. You aren’t going to ever, not be tired. You are never going to lose the weight. You will always have this problem and the sooner you accept it the better.” Thank god I did not accept that as an answer. I was a year post diagnosis and my quality of life had only slightly improved with taking levothyroxine. But I had gathered enough from these groups and a co worker at the time, to know I needed to start getting a full thyroid lab done regularly. So I scheduled the appointment.
I called the dr that diagnosed me and she referred me to someone else in the building that could help me monitor everything. I went into the appointment almost just as oblivious about what I had as when I was diagnosed. A full year had gone by and I had received no guidance from a doctor on how to care for what I had. Just a prescription. I know now, that was unacceptable.
I can’t even remember everything she tested at that appointment. It all felt very over my head. But I felt good after the appointment knowing she cared enough to test multiple things including vitamin levels, arthritis, fibromyalgia and more.
A week later I got my results back and it felt like I had answers for the first time in a year. I needed my levothyroxine increased to 75mg from 50 and I was “extremely low” on vitamin D, B12, and Iron. I was Given 50,000 of Vitamin D to take weekly for 3 months. I Needed B12 injections once a week for 3 months. (I can’t remember exactly how much it was) And I was given a referral for an iron infusion. I went for my infusion and walked out without it. I was told that I didn’t need it and I only had low iron because I was a menstruating woman and I just needed to go to the grocery store and get some iron to supplement it. After calling my Dr back she Explained that I was actually anemic and needed more than a supplement and was given 325 mg of iron to take 3 times a day for 3 months.
It was a waiting game at this point. I had answers to my questions and hopefully these would become solutions to my problems. I was diagnosed a year prior but this is the point where my life actually started to change.
Leading up to my diagnosis
It was a slow progression up to the point where I wouldn’t accept that “I was just getting older”. I was in my early twenties and people constantly told me “Just wait till your 30” whenever I complained about something.
I was always tired, in fact, I don’t remember a time in life that I wasn’t always tired. However it was becoming increasingly worse to the point I had no energy for anything other than the absolutely necessary. But that’s just what it’s like being an adult working full time and then some, right?
I suddenly developed anxiety and acid reflux. But that was just my body changing and getting older, right?
My periods became very heavy and extremely uncomfortable. But what amount of pain is “normal”?
I started to feel sick pretty much all day during my period. But that was just PMS, right?
I started gaining weight all of a sudden despite never having an issue with watching what I eat. And not just a little here and there. More like 5-8 lbs a month despite trying everything I knew to stop it. But that was just my metabolism slowing down, right?
My joints hurt and felt swollen constantly. But thats just because I stand all day at work, right?
My muscles were achy 24/7 to the point it would keep me up at night. But that’s just getting older, right?
And so on….
I was so uncomfortable on a daily basis that I had Ibuprofen and CBD on me at all times and I would countdown the hours until I was able to take them again. Every night before bed I would take 3 ibuprofen, a full dropper of cbd tincture (normal was a few drops) and if it was really bad that day a benadryl so that hopefully I could get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep before my aching joints and muscles woke me up. I knew it wasn’t a healthy solution but it was all I could do to just function.
Everyday I, and other people would help me explain away my symptoms as “getting older”. Every month I would tell myself that the next period wouldn’t be as bad and I wouldn’t have to take time off from work for it. I was working as a teacher at a cosmetology school and I had a heavy and demanding workload. My job was fast paced and stressful more than not. I was convinced that’s why I was having all these problems. I was going to work at 7 am and getting home between 5 and 6, eating something if I felt up to it, and falling asleep on the couch until it was acceptable to go to bed. Just to get up and do it all again. And because of all of the above, My partner at the time was convinced I was depressed.
That’s the thing about Hashimotos and Thyroid disease in general. It shows up as a million different things that seem completely unrelated and can all be explained away. I just got lucky enough to have an OBGYN that thought to test my TSH and Free T4 when I went in for an annual appointment and said I feel like I have severe PMS. I understand now that it’s not common. I got blood drawn and a week later had a diagnosis for Hypothyroidism. I was given a prescription for levothyroxine 50 mg and I was happy for an answer to my problems and hopeful that I could feel better. I thought it would be as easy as that, until very little changed for me…
sitting down and just beginning…
I finally decided to sit down and brain dump. I’ve had this site ready to go for months now and every time I try to think about what to say I don’t know where to start. So, this is me starting. I’m not sure where this blog will go, but I hope it helps whoever needs it, or at least makes someone feel like they aren’t alone in this journey.
In any of my posts you come along, it’s important to understand that I am NOT a doctor. I do not give medical advice. And I cannot diagnose you. I advise you to speak with your Doctor if and before you try anything that I mention. This is about sharing my personal journey, beginning to current. I don’t know everything there is to know about hashimoto and thyroid disease, which is why I ended up here. Im learning as I go, from the friends I have made with the same or similar diagnosis, books, my Doctor, Functional Nutrition Coach (Whom I will rave about later) and the million web searches I have done late at night trying to absorb information.
I’m not here to sell you a special pill, or a quick easy fix. There is no, ‘one answer’ for anything. There is no, ‘This is the solution’. There is only a constant try and try again to see what will work for you and make you feel better. Yes, it is possible to feel better. I cannot tell you how many times I was told that this was my new normal and I should accept it. Or that, ‘No, you will not be able to lose the weight. It’s just part of your diagnosis.’ Thankfully, I refused to accept that I was going to always have adrenal fatigue, painful joints and muscles, swollen and freezing extremities, brain fog, extremely painful periods, weight gain and much more. It took almost a year post diagnosis for me to actually start working on bettering myself, but when I did, I found people who have changed my life for the better.