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How I Got My Hashimoto’s into Remission

How I Got My Hashimoto’s into Remission

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, more often referred to as just Hashimoto’s, is an autoimmune disease and considered to be the most common cause of Hypothyroidism (at around 90% of us), yet thyroid antibodies are often not tested by doctors, who refuse to acknowledge it’s importance. [1] 

However, discovering that I had Hashimoto’s with antibodies so high that the number they gave me was ‘more than 1300’, and bringing those numbers back down in to normal ranges, has made a significant improvement in my health.

When I revealed to you all that my Hashimoto’s was in remission for the first time ever in February 2019, I unsurprisingly received a huge amount of messages asking me how I did it. And although each person’s thyroid journey is unique and what interventions or changes may help each thyroid patient can differ, I agreed to write a blog about what exactly helped me get my Hashimoto’s in to remission and antibodies lowered.

But To Start: What Does Being in Remission Mean?

Simply, the word ‘remission’ refers to a reduction of the severity of a disease.

When it comes to Hashimoto’s, remission is characterised by the thyroid antibodies TpoAb and TgAb (Thyroid Peroxidase and Thyroglobulin) either being at zero or within normal ranges. And this typically means that the Hashimoto’s is more well controlled and managed, as the attack and destruction of the thyroid gland is either halted or slowed down.

Essentially, the progression of the disease is halted or slowed down.

How My Antibodies Dropped and Dropped and Dropped… 

Now, it’s important to say that I didn’t have my thyroid antibody levels tested after each and every one of the ‘interventions’ or changes that I have ever made in regards to my thyroid health, so I can’t say for sure how much each intervention or change brought the numbers of thyroid antibodies down exactly.

However, I can say what I did between each retesting to give you an idea of what worked for me. 

TpoAb from >1300 to 244 

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in June 2015 and at the time of diagnosis, my TpoAb’s where >1300 on a normal scale of 0 – 60iu/mL. So off the charts! This is also when I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism as the Hashi’s had already begun destroying thyroid function.

Due to the NHS not routinely retesting thyroid antibody levels past diagnosis, the next time I was able to get them retested was in April 2018, so three years later (yes, it really did take me that long to convince them to retest) and by then it had dropped all the way down to 244iu/mL. Still above range but less than a quarter of what they used to be.

It was a huge decrease and I was really shocked.

What Did I Do?

During those three years I did the following things:

  • I was initially on Levothyroxine medication but changed to Natural Desiccated Thyroid Medication after six months
  • I started supplementing Vitamin D, first at 10,000iu a day to raise my very low levels, then 5,000iu and currently 4,000iu (as this is what personally maintains my Vitamin D levels at optimal). Vitamin D has also been shown to lower thyroid antibodies. [2]
  • I started supplementing Vitamin C at 2000mg.
  • I started supplementing Selenim at 200ug. It has also been shown to lower thyroid antibodies. [3]
  • I got my low iron levels up to optimal.
  • I went gluten-free, which is probably the most commonly cited intervention to help control Hashimoto’s. One study suggested that a gluten-free diet may bring clinical benefits to women with autoimmune thyroid disease. [4]
  • With a history of disordered eating habits and obsessing over my weight, I finally stopped yo-yo dieting and calorie counting (I deleted all the apps and trackers that drive you mad with logging everything) and instead focused on feeding myself nutritious, wholesome food instead. I feel that more people need to go back to just eating healthily and moving when they can and listening to their body. We’re in an age of over-tracking absolutely everything. This helped to balance my blood sugar and improve my high cortisol levels.
  • I also stopped over-exercising and forcing my body to do gym work-outs and cardio that were limiting its ability to heal. Everyone is different but you must listen to your own body, and for me, cardio was making me feel worse.

TpoAb from 244 to 175

From April 2018 to November 2018 my TpoAb’s dropped even further, from 244 to 175iu/mL.

The changes I made in this time were:

TpoAb from 175 to 30.7
And TgAb at 13.2 

In February 2019, so just three months later, TpoAb fell even more and by quite a bit too, signalling that my Hashimoto’s was in remission. And I had my Thyroglobulin antibodies tested for the first time as well.

Both TpoAb and TgAb should be tested, but the NHS were never happy to test my TgAb, so out of curiosity, I arranged to do it myself through Medichecks.

And happily, my TgAb’s came back at just 13.2kU/L, bottom of the range when the top of the range was 115. And even more shockingly, my TpoAb’s came back at 30.7. On both the range my NHS GP uses of 0 – 60iu/mL and the smaller range Medichecks uses of 0 – 34 kIU/L, it was considered to be ‘normal’.

In layman’s terms, these numbers are what people without Hashimoto’s have. It was in remission!

In those last two months, the only changes I had made were:

  • Starting a L-Tyrosine Supplement on guidance from my FMP.
  • Cleaning my diet up even more so and focusing on really nutritious eating (in particular, I followed a lot of the recipes in this book).
  • Increasing my exercise frequency to include more long walks in nature.

I do want to say that I’m not expecting my dose of thyroid medication to decrease with my Hashimoto’s being in remission. If it happens then it happens, but I find it easier to see that as a plus if it does just so happen, but not something I’m going to fixate on or obsess about achieving.

Most people have lost too much thyroid function by the time they are diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, to ever be able to live without that crucial thyroid hormone replacement. And I’m sensible enough to recognise this. However, if my dose does end up reducing over time, and if my Hashimoto’s relapses and the antibodies rise again (which in all honesty, they can do for many reasons), I’ll be sure to cover it in my General Update blogs which you can find here.

We’re Not All The Same 

It’s important that I also stress here just how individual we all are and how we all have our own ‘thyroid jigsaw puzzles‘ to piece back together. Whilst my pieces consisted of specific supplementation, dietary changes and more, yours will most likely be made up on your own combination of puzzle pieces.

It’s your responsibility to advocate for yourself in locating which things make up your thyroid jigsaw. What worked for me may or may not work for you.

Having a functional medicine practitioner guide me on the interventions and changes I needed to make, made a big difference and she managed what dosage of supplements I should take. Again, what each of us need or don’t need can vary a lot.

The Importance of Testing Your Thyroid Antibodies 

As demonstrated through my own thyroid health journey, many thyroid patients benefit from being more involved in their thyroid care and treatment, which is where self-testing and the ability to order your own tests can be critical tools for getting your health back on track.

Many doctors will not test or retest thyroid antibody levels, but it is worth knowing that you can order them yourself, just as I did.

Where Can I Order Thyroid Antibody Testing From?

In The UK

Medichecks is a very popular choice for inexpensive yet comprehensive testing with a fast turn around. Their test kits are also designed so that you can obtain a blood sample from yourself in the comfort of your own home via a finger prick and then put it back in to the post. Results in two days.

You can order the all important thyroid antibodies to check for autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s) or to monitor how your numbers may be going up or down over time. 

Results are securely emailed to you with commentary made by their in-house doctors, letting you know how to proceed with your health.

Worldwide Testing Company 

Another trusted place you can order some more in-depth thyroid testing is LetsGetChecked, who offer countless tests that ship worldwide. You can easily order thyroid antibody testing from their website too.

Have you lowered your thyroid antibodies?

Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate Book CoverSee also:

The book Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate: When You’re Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tiredwhich builds on this article in detail, as Rachel discusses all the steps she took to get her Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism under control so she could enjoy life again.

References:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3066320

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27186560.

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11932302

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30060266

About Author

Rachel Hill is the highly ranked and multi-award winning thyroid patient advocate, writer, speaker and author behind The Invisible Hypothyroidism. Her thyroid advocacy work includes writing articles, authoring books, producing her Thyroid Family email newsletters and speaking on podcasts and at events about the many aspects thyroid disease affects and how to overcome these. She is well-recognised as a crucial and influential contributor to the thyroid community and has a large social media presence. Her bestselling books include "Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate" and "You, Me and Hypothyroidism".

21 Comments

  • Iris
    September 18, 2023 at 2:43 am

    Hi Rachel,

    You said you still eat dairy. Can I ask what type of dairy you eat? did you ever do a food sensitivity test?

    Reply
    • Rachel Hill
      September 26, 2023 at 8:49 am

      Hi, things like yoghurt, cheese, chocolate! I don’t avoid it at all. I didn’t do a food sensitivity test as the reliability of these are heavily disputed. Avoiding something completely for a while is all you need to do to know if your body doesn’t like something. I avoided dairy for several months with no changes noted.

      Reply
      • Iris
        November 16, 2023 at 8:58 pm

        Thanks for this info! I’ve read so many articles that say avoid dairy forever. I just can’t see myself doing that. It’s good to know there are people like you who have out your disease in remission and still consume the foods you love. Your story inspired me. To be honest, whenever I feel discouraged I read your story again and get reminded that I, too, can enjoy life the way I want to and still work towards remission. Thanks!

        Reply
  • Rachel
    May 6, 2023 at 12:50 pm

    Is your Hashimoto’s still in remission? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Rachel Hill
      May 11, 2023 at 8:20 pm

      It is. It came out of remission briefly in 2020 after having my first child but went back.

      Reply
  • Lesley Evans
    September 11, 2021 at 2:42 pm

    I live in Wales & they are adamant they will not test my antibodies again. For years I have been doing okay on Armour Thyroid (Levo never agreed with me & contains lactose which I’m intolerant to) but lately I have been suffering from double vision (which I know can be thyroid-related) and just generally feeling yuk.
    Had a blood test last Monday but obviously they only do Tsh, T3 & T4.
    Hoping for some answers!

    Reply
  • Sundas
    March 9, 2021 at 6:25 pm

    Hello! Thanks for the great information, I believe my problems started after overuse of antibiotics. It was after finishing a lengthy course that my hormones went haywire, i agree with everything you have said on your website, detox + de-stress + manageable exercise + diet is key. It’s about finding out what’s trigging the inflammation and addressing that, allowing the gut to heal and then reintroducing non inflammatory foods. Did you use any flours? And if so which ones? I’m struggling the most without bread 😅

    Reply
  • Jo Clayton
    July 11, 2020 at 2:32 am

    Thank you for sharing this positive story. I have had Hashimotos for around 5 years now and have recently gathered the strength to kick it’s ass! I am in the early stages with a FMP. Wishing you all the best with your health.

    Reply
  • Cora zaki
    May 5, 2020 at 6:09 am

    My husband diagnosed with hashimotos a year ago I had no idea what was going on with him we have been married for over 36 years and one day he decided he was not happy and just wanted to be left alone he said he loved me but was not happy he cut off all our friends found no joy in life at all and this is the opposite off the person he is, then we found out what was wrong it took a while to get the med correct he was almost 1200 now he’s normal and he is happy again and loves life; my fear is can he change again if the meds stop working, I don’t think I can go through another year like that again I stuck it out because I love him very much but it was hard and he had no comparison for my pain at all he was cold and unloving. I love your news letter I’ve been reading it since he out he had hashimotos and it’s help me understand and not gave up. Thank you.

    Reply
  • Bee
    February 24, 2020 at 6:52 pm

    All, what changes were noticed for the people who switched from synthetic to natural medicine replacement? How many on here suffer from heart palpitations (skipped/extra beats)? I have been on levothyroxine for about 27 years. I have just started a combination therapy with T4/T3 and have struggled with it. The heart palps seem to be getting unbearable but doctor doesn’t think it is from medicine. My biggest concern is my heart and causes more anxiety with every palpitation. Trying to work in supplements like magnesium and things to reduce the systemic inflammation.Any thoughts suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

    Reply
    • Catlady82
      December 16, 2020 at 1:34 am

      Hi Bee,
      I was on 50mcg Synthroid and then switched to Levothyroxine which both were causing such severe heart palputations and maddening panic, I had to stop taking it. All of my doctors and cardiologists said it was not the medicine and I need to keep taking it. I felt like I was going to have a heart attack every day. I strongly recommend listening to your body and slowly cutting down your dose. My levels stayed normal even after weaning down to half of a 25mcg tablet. Some of us are very sensitive to these meds and only need a small amount for levels to even out. Don’t suffer, listen to your heart and what it’s telling you. I found a new GP and am currently waiting to get on NDT to see if it makes me feel better. Also, caffeine and sugar increase the palps and anxiety for me.

      Reply
  • Marie
    January 28, 2020 at 9:32 am

    Hi Rachel, you give me great hope! After having 10yrs of problem free hypothyroidism, SIBO has caused my current diagnosis of Hashimoto’s. I’ve done everything you have, for the last 8 months and now that the bacteria has cleared (supposedly), I am hoping I will reverse this new diagnosis. Great article, thank you x

    Reply
  • Elizabeth
    January 21, 2020 at 5:03 pm

    Sorry for the late comment. Did you cut out dairy as well?

    Reply
    • Rachel Hill
      January 21, 2020 at 5:04 pm

      I went dairy-free for a few months in 2018 when working on my gut health. It made no difference whatsoever, so I went back to eating dairy. My Hashimoto’s is still in remission (low thyroid antibodies) while I eat dairy. Luckily!

      Reply
  • Susan
    November 13, 2019 at 5:07 am

    The first time I had my TPO antibodies tested they came back at 2600. I was retested a few months later and down to 250. I did absolutely nothing…no meds. My tsh has been fluctuating for years in the 3.5 to 7.5 range. Recently started on 50 mcg Levothyroxine. 🤷🏻‍♀️

    Reply
  • Rachel Hill
    August 12, 2019 at 8:10 pm

    Thank you for sharing! I appreciate you sharing your experience and I’m glad you found what works for you! I have been planning on finding a new doctor and this post helped to kick me into high gear. I also have to say, I find it funny that we have the same name, Hashimotos and a passion for heath!

    Reply
  • Greg Lonergan
    June 23, 2019 at 12:16 pm

    Just discovered this site. Already found some great info, mostly the full blood panel through quest which I am going to do at some point. My NP only checks my TSH which was 211, 150, then .100 mcg of levothyroxine it went to 23; 25, 28, now at 35. So it has never got back to normal range. I feel depressed a lot. It’s very difficult to function at work for a variety of reasons. Thanks, Greg

    Reply
  • Emily
    May 15, 2019 at 1:12 am

    This is helpful- thanks for sharing. Any suggestions for finding a good FMP?

    Reply
    • Rachel Hill
      May 15, 2019 at 12:42 pm

      I believe organisations like ThyroidChange have lists, if you’re in the UK then Thyroid UK have a list too. Otherwise you can start by googling your area and ‘functional medicine’ for example.

      Reply
  • Claire Morley
    February 23, 2019 at 12:06 am

    Well done Rachel. It’s fantastic news 😀 I’ve only been diagnosed with underactive thyroid for a year and have so much to learn and do about changing my diet. It’s quite daunting but you are very inspiring with your blogs, especially this one, so hopefully I will get organised and sort myself out one day! X

    Reply

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