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Hashimoto

Let's Get to Know It

 

If you've just received this diagnosis and the name itself scared you a little (yes, it's named after a Japanese doctor), here's some reassuring and easy-to-understand information for you.

Hashimoto's disease (or Hashimoto's thyroiditis) is an autoimmune condition, which means your immune system becomes a bit "confused" and mistakenly starts attacking your thyroid gland – that tiny organ responsible for regulating your metabolism.

This process usually develops slowly, often without noticeable symptoms at first, and over time can lead to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
The good news? When detected in time, it is very manageable and treatable.

What exactly happens in Hashimoto's?

Normally, your immune system protects you from viruses and bacteria.
In Hashimoto's, however, it misinterprets the situation and begins to treat thyroid cells as if they were harmful. This triggers the production of autoantibodies, causes inflammation, and eventually weakens the thyroid's ability to function properly.

Why would the body attack its own thyroid?

The exact cause isn't fully understood yet, but several factors may contribute:

  • Genetic predisposition – If thyroid or autoimmune conditions run in the family, the risk is higher.
  • Environmental factors – Infections, stress, excessive iodine intake, smoking, or hormonal shifts (e.g., after childbirth).
  • Molecular mimicry – perhaps the most fascinating explanation.

Molecular mimicry means certain viruses or bacteria have proteins that closely resemble thyroid proteins.
The immune system then "mixes them up" and ends up attacking both the pathogen and the thyroid.

Which proteins does the immune system target?

Most often, antibodies form against two thyroid-related proteins:

  • Thyroglobulin (Tg)
  • Thyroid peroxidase (TPO)

Similar proteins are found in pathogens such as:

  • Epstein–Barr virus
  • Yersinia
  • Coxsackie viruses

This is why the immune system can become confused.

Why is Hashimoto testing important before trying to conceive?

Thyroid function plays a crucial role in both fertility and pregnancy.
If the thyroid is overloaded or underactive, conceiving may be more difficult and the baby's development may be affected.

1. It affects fertility

Thyroid hormones influence:

  • menstrual cycle regularity
  • ovulation
  • progesterone production

Autoantibodies linked to Hashimoto's (especially anti-TPO) can reduce the chances of embryo implantation.

2. It increases the risk of miscarriage

Research shows that even with a normal TSH level, elevated anti-TPO antibodies can increase the risk of miscarriage.

3. The fetus depends entirely on the mother's hormones at first

During the first trimester, the baby relies 100% on the mother's thyroid hormones, which are vital for brain and nervous system development.

4. Treatment may need to start even before conception

Many women have no symptoms yet, but their labs already show slight abnormalities (mildly elevated TSH or positive anti-TPO).
In such cases, an endocrinologist may recommend low-dose thyroid hormone replacement to keep TSH in the optimal range (<2.5 mIU/L) for a healthy pregnancy.

When should you get tested?

Thyroid and autoimmune testing (TSH, FT4, anti-TPO, anti-Tg) is recommended if:

  • there is a family history of thyroid problems
  • your menstrual cycle is irregular
  • you've had a miscarriage or implantation issues
  • you've been trying to conceive for 6 months (if over 35) or 1 year (if under 35)
  • you've been diagnosed with unexplained infertility

In summary

Hashimoto's can be silent for a long time, but it may significantly affect fertility and pregnancy if left untreated.
A simple blood test can detect it early and help ensure your body is in the best possible condition for conception and a healthy pregnancy.

Don't stay alone!

You don't need to eat perfectly. There's no single "right" diet. But your body responds every day to what you nourish it with. If you dream of having a baby, think of your food choices as a loving preparation for what's ahead.

Change isn't always easy – but you don't have to do it alone.
If you need help creating a hormone-friendly, fertility-supportive nutrition plan, I'm here to support you.

Reach out to me with confidence – I'm Edit Milisits, a gluten-sensitive mom of two through IVF and a conscious eater.As a nutrition consultant, I help you uncover the root cause of problmes and find the right solution together.