Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an auto-immune inflammation of the
thyroid gland. This means that the body can sometimes aim an immune
attack, similar to the way it might fight germs or cancer, against
its own thyroid gland. When that occurs, white blood cells called
lymphocytes can infiltrate into the tissue of the thyroid gland.
When doctors remove small amounts of thyroid tissue, either with
a needle biopsy or during surgery, pathologists are able to see
this infiltration, using microscopes. Blood tests can also demonstrate
antibodies against the thyroid gland.
Hashimoto's is more common in women, especially of child-bearing
age. It can result in diffuse swelling of the thyroid gland. Patients
may not have any thyroid function complaints at all. Sometimes
patients can develop symptoms of low thyroid function, and rarely,
overactive thyroid symptoms.
If patients do develop low thyroid complaints it is recommended
that they receive thyroid hormone replacement. However, some patients
with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis develop classic symptoms of low thyroid
function and still have normal thyroid blood tests. They are often
told that since their thyroid tests are normal, they can't benefit
from thyroid treatment.
In Dr. Wilson's experience, patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis
and Wilson's Temperature Syndrome respond indistinguishably from other
patients suffering from WTS. The Hashimoto's patients are no more,
or less likely to respond favorably to the treatment, have side
effects, or to relapse once their symptoms have been corrected.
In addition, doctors report that they've seen anti-thryoid antibody
levels drop in Hashimoto's patients treated with T3.
In other words patients with Hashimoto's disease may have normal
blood tests, low body temperatures, and classic symptoms of low
thyroid function. They may be told that they're symptoms aren't
due to low thyroid function. Yet, their symptoms may respond dramatically
well to proper T3 therapy for Wilson's Temperature Syndrome, and remain
improved even after the treatment's been discontinued, thus providing
a persistent cure for their complaints.