Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Low‑dose naltrexone (LDN) is a low dose of naltrexone that is thought to briefly block opioid receptors to boost natural endorphins and support immune balance.
Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can develop when the immune system targets healthy cells in the body and damages them. This damage often results in the underproduction of thyroid hormone. Hashimoto’s disease medication is designed to help alleviate the damage inflicted upon the thyroid gland by supplying the body with thyroid hormone (via T3 and/or T4, or desiccated thyroid) or by limiting inflammation.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis medication can provide supplemental thyroid hormones individually or in combination to support the body’s needs and address Hashimoto’s symptoms. Belmar Pharmacy offers many therapeutic options to restore the body’s thyroid hormone balance, including synthetic liothyronine sodium (T3), synthetic levothyroxine sodium (T4), and dessicated thyroid. In addition, low dose naltrexone (LDN) is a medication that can help with autoimmune symptoms.
Our Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Medication Offerings
Liothyronine Sodium / Levothyroxine Sodium
Levothyroxine sodium is a synthetic bioidentical form of T4 that the body converts into active T3 as needed, while liothyronine sodium is a synthetic bioidentical form of T3 that provides the active thyroid hormone.
Levothyroxine Sodium
Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of the thyroid hormone T4 that converts into its active metabolite T3 (triiodothyronine).
Liothyronine Sodium
Liothyronine is a synthetic form of triiodothyronine (T3).
Desiccated Thyroid Compound
Desiccated thyroid is an extract derived from dried porcine thyroid glands that contains T3, T4, and additional triiodothyronine compounds.
About Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Causes
An immune system gone awry is generally the root cause of all autoimmune diseases. The white blood cells (WBCs) that normally fight foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria, and cancer, begin to attack the body’s own healthy cells. In Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, specialized WBCs lead a persistent attack on the thyroid gland which can result in permanent dysfunction and underproduction of thyroid hormone.
While autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis do not have a clear cause, some possible causes include:
- Genetics and environmental factors. If one or more family members has an autoimmune condition, genetic preposition may put an individual at increased likelihood for developing one as well. It doesn’t however dictate how autoimmunity will present and impact daily life.
- Triggers like bacterial and viral infections, toxins, stress, and diet can also set the stage for immune system malfunction. Infection history matters because sometimes foreign pathogens can lie dormant and create problems later.
- Stress can lead to physical manifestations in the body, such as autoimmune flares.
- Perimenopause causes hormonal imbalances, where changes in estrogen and progesterone can also unmask underlying hypothyroidism or worsen existing disease. These hormones affect immune activity. When they fluctuate, antibody production can increase and bring autoimmunity to the surface.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis are a result of the immune system’s attack on the thyroid gland, typically resulting in hypothyroidism and inflammation. Many autoimmune conditions share common symptoms. The severity of these symptoms may ebb and flow as autoimmunity progresses over time, meaning Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis medication management may change over time as well.
Signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s, which mirror hypothyroidism symptoms, may include:
- Skin rash or dry skin
- Rough patches of dry, itchy skin are common because patients experience less skin turnover with decreased thyroid hormone. Rashes are less common, but can be associated with autoimmune disease.
- Weight gain
- Hypothyroid conditions slow the metabolism, causing weight management difficulties.
- Hair loss
- Chronic, persistent fatigue
- Deep exhaustion not relieved by rest.
- Joint pain and swelling
- Trouble concentrating and brain fog
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
- Physical manifestation of chronic inflammation and thyroid dysfunction.
- Cold sensitivity
- Metabolism slows, making it harder for the body to create heat.
- Digestive issues
- Constipation can occur due to slowed gut motility.
Diagnosis
Autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can be challenging to diagnose. Many of the earliest symptoms like fatigue and hair loss are found in a wide variety of illnesses. Symptoms often come and go, and effects can be localized or spread throughout the body. A single autoimmune disease can show up in different ways in different people.
Working with a specialist in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis to review symptoms and health history, including any family history of autoimmune disease, is just as important as completing a physical exam. If an autoimmune disease is suspected, there are lab tests that can help with a diagnosis.
The antinuclear antibody test (ANA) is often one of the first diagnostic tests Hashimoto’s specialists issue. This test detects abnormal proteins called antinuclear antibodies that the immune system makes when it attacks the body’s own cells. A positive result on this test may indicate the presence of an autoimmune disorder, but it doesn’t narrow down which one.
Further evaluation by a specialist in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis will likely be required to measure specific autoantibodies like thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase. Additionally, white and red blood cell counts, as well as other chemical indicators of inflammation, may be necessary to determine appropriate Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis treatment.
Commonly Asked Questions About Hashimoto’s Disease
Both conditions are autoimmune thyroid disorders. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a form of hypothyroidism where antibodies damage the thyroid gland and cause underproduction of thyroid hormone. Graves’ disease is a form of hyperthyroidism where antibodies also damage the thyroid gland, but cause overproduction of thyroid hormone.
Medical professionals like endocrinologists or thyroidologists receive specialized training to clinically support patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. General practitioners like primary care physicians are important for routine monitoring and functional medicine providers offer a holistic approach to autoimmune disease management. If surgery is required, an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon is an appropriate fit.
Thyroid hormone replacement options like levothyroxine sodium (T4), liothyronine sodium (T3), or desiccated thyroid can support the body’s hypothyroidism needs and address Hashimoto’s symptoms. Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is an immune modulator and anti-inflammatory agent that may positively impact the autoimmune nature of the thyroid disorder. For many patients, dietary changes can also help decrease disruptive symptoms.
