Do I have Hashimotos?

Hashimotos is an autoimmune underactive thyroid condition. Women are 10 times more likely to have it than men and it is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

Why we develop autoimmune conditions is still out but from my experience there is often a trigger event such as glandular fever, ross river fever, severe trauma or injury, or a major gut infection.

For some people, this is less obvious to identify. If our parents or close family members have Hashimotos then we are unfortunately more likely to develop it too.

And as with other autoimmune conditions, once we have one we are more susceptible to others such as coeliac disease or rheumatoid arthritis.

The most common symptoms are:

- Weight gain

- Fatigue

- Aches and pains

- Sleep disturbances

- Low mood

- Hair loss

- Constipation

- Dry skin

- Feeling cold

The only way to know for sure is to have your antibodies tested (thyroid peroxidase & thyroglobulin antibodies). If you have been treated for underactive thyroid for a long time with minimal results or you have some of the above symptoms and a family history of Hashimotos, speak to your GP or practitioner as soon as possible.