Weight Woes? Could your Thyroid be the Reason You’re Gaining Pounds?

Sep 25

The American Thyroid Association reveals a startling statistic: approximately 20 million Americans grapple with some form of thyroid disease. What's even more astounding is that over 95 percent of those diagnosed with hypothyroidism are battling a specific culprit known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—an autoimmune disorder.

Shockingly, a staggering 27 percent of the U.S. population harbors Hashimoto's, often without even realizing it. When we delve into the statistics regarding those who have received a formal diagnosis, the number dwindles to a mere 3-5 percent of individuals from the initial 27 percent. This disparity is both astonishing and disheartening because countless individuals are navigating life burdened by misconceptions, believing that their weight, fatigue, and mood struggles are their own fault when in reality, their thyroid bears a significant role.

In the United States, a substantial 90 percent of hypothyroidism cases can be attributed to Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disease that relentlessly attacks and impairs the thyroid gland. Recognizing Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism is paramount because it places the spotlight on the immune system as the primary player in this health saga. A functional medicine practitioner may explore the root causes of the autoimmune attack, addressing factors like gut health, toxins, and stress to create a more comprehensive treatment plan. It's essential to distinguish between Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism, as the key difference lies in the underlying cause of each condition. Hashimoto's disease emerges when the body's own immune system launches and attacks the thyroid gland, while hypothyroidism results from an underactive thyroid that fails to produce adequate thyroid hormone levels.

Thyroid 101: Understanding the Key Differences Between Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism

Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism, although closely related, are not the same. It's crucial to understand that one can exist without the other.

Hypothyroidism, by definition, refers to an underactive thyroid that doesn't produce sufficient thyroid hormones for the body's needs. This condition typically manifests through indicators like a high TSH level and low Free T4 and Free T3 levels. It is oftentimes referred to as a "sluggish" thyroid. Most cases of pure hypothyroidism can be remedied by taking thyroid hormones. That being said, it's not uncommon for me to work with clients who experience no improvements despite taking thyroid medications. This often stems from underlying gut or liver issues that hinder the absorption or conversion (from T4 to T3) of the medication.

The same story rings true for my client, Paola. For a decade, she diligently worked alongside her endocrinologist, yet the persistent symptoms of chronic fatigue and stubborn weight continued to shadow her. Although being on thyroid medication, she would not find relief. However, within just 8 months of working with me, we not only successfully alleviated all of her symptoms but achieved something truly remarkable. For the first time in her life, every single one of her health markers aligned with the optimal range. But rather than hearing it from me, let's hear directly from Paola herself, as she shares her incredible journey.

Getting the right thyroid tests can sometimes be a real puzzle. Understanding what's happening with your thyroid and how it interacts with other parts of your body requires a more comprehensive approach.

Many regular doctors usually base their thyroid diagnosis on just a couple of tests, like TSH levels and sometimes total or free T4. But to really get the big picture and figure out what's going on, it's important to go beyond that. That means running a FULL thyroid panel, which includes TSH, Total T3, Total T4, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Anti-TG antibody, Anti-TPO antibody, and T3 Uptake. This thorough evaluation aligns with the principles of holistic functional medicine and allows for a deeper understanding of thyroid conditions.

This thorough evaluation is vital when it comes to understanding thyroid conditions. If you're interested, you can order this complete panel here.

Root causes of Hypothyroidism

Nutrient deficiencies
Iodine Deficiency / Excess Iodine

Infections (Parasites, Candida, Lyme, H.pylori, etc.)
Surgical removal of the thyroid
Radioactive elements
Inadequate thyroid hormone supplementation
Trauma
Hashimoto’s
Stress
Toxins
Xenoestrogens
Fluoride
Overexercising
Chronic Dieting

95 percent of cases of hypothyroidism are due to advanced Hashimoto’s (autoimmune thyroiditis). Hashimoto's represents a progressive autoimmune ailment in which the body's immune system mistakenly targets and damages the thyroid gland. In this case, restoring thyroid hormones is not enough. It is essential to find and address the root cause, as the autoimmune attack will remain regardless. In the initial stages of Hashimoto's, hypothyroidism may not yet be present; instead, the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland itself is the primary concern.

It's essential to recognize that the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland often begins years before hypothyroidism fully develops. Detecting Hashimoto's in its early stages provides an opportunity to impede its progression. Many individuals experience Hashimoto's symptoms for an extended period before receiving a hypothyroidism diagnosis and starting thyroid medication.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s

Weight gain
Weight Loss Resistance
Anxiety
Depression
Mood swings
Fatigue
Brain fog
Gastrointestinal issues
Multiple food sensitivities (especially to gluten, dairy, and soy)
Forgetfulness
Feeling cold or cold intolerance
Dry skin
Chronic Constipation
Loss of ambition
Dry, coarse hair
Muscle cramps
Stiffness
Joint pain
A loss of the outer third eyebrow
Heavy menstrual periods
Infertility
Muscle aches
Puffy face
Slow heartbeat
Brittle nails
Arthritis
Acid reflux (caused by a low amount of stomach acid)

Common root causes of Hashimoto’s

A genetic predisposition
An external trigger
Intestinal permeability aka leaky gut

To identify Hashimoto's, blood tests can be utilized to assess the presence of two distinct antibodies that play a crucial role in thyroid hormone production.

1. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO Ab): These antibodies signal that the immune system is actively targeting and attacking the TPO enzyme within the thyroid gland.

2. Thyroglobulin antibodies (TGB Ab): These antibodies indicate that the immune system is directing its attack towards the thyroglobulin protein present in the thyroid gland.

The Five Stages of Hashimoto’s

1. In the initial stage, there are no noticeable symptoms; you don't experience the condition itself, but you possess the genetic predisposition for it.

2. The second stage marks the onset of symptoms and the beginning of an attack on the thyroid gland. This is when the immune system identifies the thyroid gland as an intruder and initiates a gradual assault. People at this point might report feelings of anxiety, exhibit obsessive-compulsive tendencies, experience increased fatigue, slight weight gain, and mood fluctuations. Often, they are at a high risk of being misdiagnosed with depression since their TSH test, the initial screening for thyroid disease, still falls within the normal range.

3. As the condition progresses, individuals enter stage three, which is known as subclinical hypothyroidism. At this point, further damage occurs to the thyroid, affecting more of the thyroid tissue and leading to some alterations in TSH levels. Consequently, more symptoms become apparent. In fortunate cases, a diagnosis is received at this stage, and in some cases, thyroid hormones are prescribed.

4. Stage four marks severe damage to the thyroid gland - a significant portion has been destroyed, resulting in an inability to produce adequate thyroid hormone. At this stage, exhaustion, weight gain, and mood disturbances become prominent. Most individuals receive a diagnosis at this stage, are prescribed thyroid hormones, and are often led to believe that this is the final solution. It typically takes about ten years to progress from stage two to stage four. Many people are misdiagnosed with fertility issues, mental health disorders, or other unrelated conditions during this time.

5. Stage five involves the development of additional autoimmune conditions. It's essential to understand that this process doesn't happen overnight; it's a gradual progression within your body. Identifying your current stage is crucial as it enables you to initiate lifestyle changes, prevent further damage, and potentially reverse the course of the condition.

Thyroid Dysfunction's Role in Stubborn Weight Gain

The thyroid, a tiny gland weighing less than an ounce, holds remarkable sway over our body weight, potentially influencing it by a substantial 20 to 30 pounds if it falters. The intricate interplay between thyroid function, body weight, and metabolism has been recognized for ages. Thyroid hormones are the conductors of our metabolic orchestra, governing the rate at which our body consumes oxygen. When we measure this consumption at rest, we refer to it as the basal metabolic rate (BMR).

In individuals suffering from hypothyroidism, their BMR is diminished, and consequently, underactive thyroid function is often associated with some degree of weight gain. The extent of weight gain tends to be more pronounced in those with severe hypothyroidism. The root causes of weight gain in individuals with hypothyroidism are multifaceted, and not solely related to excessive fat buildup.

Thyroid hormones play a pivotal role in various metabolic processes within the body. They facilitate the breakdown of fat, support the liver and pancreas in metabolizing stored calories for energy, and aid the muscles in efficiently utilizing this energy. However, when thyroid hormones are in short supply or thyroid function is compromised, these essential functions can become disrupted. This disruption often results in symptoms of low energy. Moreover, the body tends to hold onto calories, storing them as fat, which can prove particularly challenging to burn off and metabolize and lead to uncontrollable weight gain.

If you've experienced unexplained weight gain, it's important to consider the possibility of an underactive thyroid. The good news is that in numerous instances, hypothyroidism can be reversed without the need for medication. Discover my favorite strategies for naturally addressing hypothyroidism and shedding those extra pounds in the downloadable PDF below.