Hashimoto’s disease can feel confusing. Some days you feel fine. Other days you feel tired and low. You might put on weight even when you maintain a healthy diet. Changes in mood and difficulty concentrating are also frequent.
Understanding Hashimoto's treatment can help you take control. Knowing how your thyroid works and how to support it makes a big difference. Many people seek functional doctors in NJ to get care that looks at the cause of the problem.
What Is Hashimoto’s Disease and How Can It Affect You?
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease. This means your body attacks your own thyroid in error. The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck. It makes hormones that control your energy, mood, and metabolism.
When the thyroid is attacked, its function is disturbed, sometimes starting with higher function, but typically resolving with impaired, low function. This low function is called hypothyroidism. When this stage of Hashimoto's disease happens, you may notice:
Feeling very tired
Gaining weight even with healthy eating
Feeling sad, anxious, or irritatable
Trouble remembering things or thinking clearly
Feeling cold more than usual
Thinning hair
Symptoms appear slowly. You might not see them at first. Understanding your thyroid helps you know why treatment matters.
How Do Doctors Check for Hashimoto’s?
Doctors check thyroid function with blood tests. These tests include:
TSH test: Shows thyroid-stimulating hormone. High levels can mean low thyroid.
T4 test: Measures thyroid hormone in your blood.
Antibody tests: Find TPO and ATA antibodies that attack the thyroid.
These tests give a clear picture of your thyroid health.They help doctors make a treatment plan. Regular tests make sure your treatment is safe. Importantly, even without finding antibodies on testing, autoimmune disease can exist.
What Medicines Are Usually Used for Hashimoto’s?
Most patients use T4 hormone replacement therapy. This usually comes as levothyroxine. It replaces the thyroid hormones your body lacks. But sometimes, T4, which is a "pro-hormone" expected to become active as needed, fails to act, so other hormone replacement with active hormones is necessary to achieve good results.
Appropriate medication can reduce tiredness, weight gain, and mood changes. The dose is based on your labs and symptoms. Tests are repeated to make sure the dose is right. This helps your thyroid work better and keeps you safe.
Can Lifestyle Changes Help with Hashimoto’s?
Yes. Small changes can make a big difference. Functional medicine in Bergen County looks at how daily habits affect your thyroid.
Healthy eating: Eat whole foods, get enough protein, and reduce sugar. Selenium and iodine support thyroid health. Supplements are often necessary, including iron,.
Stress control: Meditation, yoga, or daily breathing exercises help lower flare-ups.
Exercise: Walking, stretching, or light workouts boost energy and mood.
These steps support medicine and make you feel better daily.
How Do Functional Doctors in NJ Treat Hashimoto’s Differently?
Functional doctors in NJ treat your whole body, not just your thyroid. They look for hidden causes of symptoms.
These can include:
Food sensitivities
Long-term stress
Gut problems
Environmental toxins
Fixing these causes can help your thyroid work better. Symptoms may improve. A functional doctor uses lab tests, health history, and habits to make a plan that fits you.
Another key to treatment is assessment of the adrenal gland function. These glands serve the role of carrying out thyroid "commands" to the body, as well as suppressing auto-immune phenomena such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. So this critical piece is a must in treating this condition,
How Do You Find the Best Functional Doctor in Bergen County?
Choosing the right doctor matters. Look for someone who:
Has experience with thyroid and autoimmune conditions
Knows functional medicine in Bergen County
Offers clear, lab-based plans
Explains things in a way you can follow
The best functional doctor in Bergen County will, of course, pay careful attention to your symptoms, labs, and habits. They will make a plan that fits your life. This allows you to take meaningful control of your Hashimoto’s.
How Often Should You Get Lab Tests?
Lab tests track progress. Doctors usually check every 4 to 6 weeks at first. This helps adjust medicine if needed. Once levels are stable, twice yearly tests may be enough, as levels fluctuate in this condition,
Regular testing helps you and your doctor see what works. This keeps treatment safe and most important, effective.
What Are Some Natural Ways to Support Your Thyroid?
Functional medicine includes safe, natural approaches:
Anti-inflammatory foods: Cut sugar, gluten, and processed foods
Supplements: Selenium, zinc, iodine, vitamin D, and probiotics support thyroid and immune health
Gut health support: A healthy gut lowers autoimmune activity
Stress reduction: Daily breathing, walking, or mindfulness helps
These strategies do not replace medicine. But they help you feel stronger and healthier.
Can Nutrition Affect Your Thyroid?
Yes. Food can affect thyroid function and inflammation. Many patients benefit from:
Lean proteins like chicken, fish, or eggs
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins
Foods with selenium and iodine, like nuts and seafood
Limiting sugar and refined foods
Eating well can improve energy, mood, and overall health. Small changes add up over time.
Can Exercise Help Hashimoto’s?
Yes. Exercise boosts energy and helps manage weight. Light or moderate exercise is best. Walking, yoga, swimming, and stretching are good choices.
Exercise also lowers stress. It can improve mood and thinking. Combining exercise with medicine and diet provides the best results.
FAQs
Q: What is Hashimoto’s disease?
Ans: It is an autoimmune disease where your body attacks your thyroid and in the long run, lowers thyroid hormone levels.
Q: Can Hashimoto’s be cured?
Ans: No, but symptoms can be controlled with medicine, lifestyle, and functional medicine care.
Q: Do I need medicine?
Ans: Most people need thyroid hormone therapy. Doses depend on your labs and symptoms, and can fluctuate over time.
Q: Can lifestyle changes help?
Ans: Yes. Eating well, moving, and managing stress can improve energy and mood.
Q: Which specialists take care of this problem most comprehensively in NJ?
Ans: A functional doctor in NJ provide full care for autoimmune thyroid conditions, as well as associated adrenal conditions.
Take Control of Your Thyroid Health Today
Managing Hashimoto’s can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you are looking for Hashimoto's treatment in NJ, Dr. Robin Leder at A Better Alternative Medical Center offers personalized care that focuses on the root cause of your symptoms, not just temporary fixes.
Her functional medicine in Bergen County approach combines thorough thyroid care with hormone replacement therapy, weight loss treatment, gut health and mental health support, helping you feel more energized, focused, and balanced in your daily life. Every plan is tailored to your unique needs, lifestyle, and lab results, so you get care that truly works for you.
Taking the first step is easier than you might think. Schedule a consultation today and start a path toward managing your thyroid naturally. With the right support, you can feel stronger, more balanced, and ready to enjoy life again.