Logan Steele
Hashimoto's disease, also known as Hashimoto thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world. Hypothyroidism can cause muscle weakness and pain, especially in the larger muscles of the body such as the shoulders and thighs. This condition is known as hypothyroid myopathy. Research has shown that a large percentage of people with thyroid disorders also experience muscle-related issues. Muscle wasting, pain, and weakness are common symptoms of Hashimoto's. This can be treated through medication, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle pain | Common |
| Muscle weakness | Common |
| Muscle loss | Common |
| Muscle stiffness | Possible |
| Muscle hypertrophy | Possible |
| Muscle spasms | Possible |
| Muscle cramps | Possible |
| Muscle atrophy | Possible |
| Muscle fatigue | Possible |
| Muscle tenderness | Possible |
| Muscle pseudohypertrophy | Rare |
| Rhabdomyolysis | Rare |
| Myoedema | Rare |
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What You'll Learn
Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism
Muscle weakness, aches, and cramping are common in people with hypothyroidism. People with hypothyroid myopathy can experience weakness throughout the body, but it is typically most severe in the muscles of the thighs or shoulders. This can lead to problems climbing stairs or combing hair.
Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world. It is characterised by elevated levels of serum anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies. HT can lead to muscle weakness due to hypothyroid dysfunction. HT patients often report profound fatigue, poor sleep quality, and muscle pain and tenderness.
The muscle issues seen in Hashimoto's can fall into more than one category, including myopathies and muscle atrophy. Myopathies are commonly caused by muscle fatigue or electrolyte imbalance, resulting in stiffness or cramping. In rare cases, hypothyroidism can cause severe muscle symptoms, such as Hoffman's syndrome, which leads to muscle hypertrophy (enlarged muscles) and significant muscle stiffness, weakness, and pain.
Treating the underlying thyroid disorder can relieve muscle symptoms. For instance, the primary treatment for muscle wasting in Hashimoto's is physical exercise, with a focus on strength training. Additionally, addressing the root cause of pain can help; for instance, studies have shown that Wobenzym, a systemic enzyme, can significantly decrease the levels of anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies in Hashimoto's patients, leading to a reduction in pain.
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Muscle weakness and wasting
Hashimoto's can cause muscle issues in several ways. One is myopathy, a broader term for diseases affecting muscle tissue, resulting in weakness, inflammation, spasms, or paralysis. Myopathies can be acute or acquired. Acute myopathies are linked to exposure to viruses or bacteria or are inherited. Acquired myopathy, the most common form, is caused by muscle fatigue or electrolyte imbalance, leading to stiffness or cramping. Another form of muscle issue seen in Hashimoto's is muscle atrophy, or sarcopenia when it occurs in older individuals. Sarcopenia is an age-related muscle loss that starts in most women in their thirties, and Hashimoto's can accelerate it.
The primary treatment for muscle wasting is physical exercise, particularly strength training. However, exercise alone will not address the root cause of Hashimoto's and is unlikely to reverse the condition. Other treatments for muscle wasting include optimising thyroid hormones, focusing on amino acid and protein intake, balancing the adrenals, and reducing inflammation. Carnitine supplementation has been shown to be beneficial for muscle weakness in people with Hashimoto's. Functional movements, such as squats and deadlifts, can also help improve muscle strength and stability.
It is important to note that the symptoms of muscle weakness and wasting in Hashimoto's can vary widely and are not specific to the disorder. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a timely and accurate diagnosis.
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Myopathies and muscle atrophy
Muscle weakness, pain, and loss are common symptoms of Hashimoto's disease. Research has shown that up to 80% of people with thyroid disorders also experience muscle-related issues. Myopathies and muscle atrophy (also known as sarcopenia in older individuals) are two categories of muscle issues observed in people with Hashimoto's.
Myopathies are a group of diseases that cause muscles to become weaker and lose mass over time. They are commonly associated with thyroid disorders, and can be caused by muscle fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, or immune disorders that trigger inflammation and pain. In the context of Hashimoto's, hypothyroid myopathy tends to cause muscle weakness in larger muscles such as the shoulders and thighs. Hyperthyroid myopathy, on the other hand, causes muscle weakness throughout the body and may rarely affect muscles that control swallowing and breathing.
Muscle atrophy, or muscle wasting, is another manifestation of Hashimoto's. It can be challenging to treat without addressing the root cause, which may be linked to nutrient deficiencies or thyroid hormone imbalances. The primary treatment for muscle wasting is physical exercise, particularly strength training. However, this may not be sufficient to reverse the condition, and other treatments such as medication or physical therapy may be necessary.
It is important to note that an early diagnosis of Hashimoto's is crucial for effective management of muscle issues. While treating the underlying thyroid disorder can alleviate muscle symptoms, it may take time for the symptoms to improve. Additionally, lifestyle changes can positively impact thyroid function and medication absorption, but these should be discussed with a physician to ensure regular monitoring of thyroid levels.
In summary, myopathies and muscle atrophy are common muscle-related disorders associated with Hashimoto's. Myopathies can lead to muscle weakness, stiffness, and pain, while muscle atrophy results in muscle wasting. Treatment options vary and may include exercise, medication, and addressing root causes such as nutrient deficiencies or thyroid hormone imbalances. Early diagnosis and management of Hashimoto's are vital to alleviate muscle-related symptoms effectively.
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Inflammation and neurotransmitter support
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland, causing it to produce lower-than-normal levels of thyroid hormones. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, and it plays a crucial role in metabolism and growth by secreting hormones that affect almost every organ system in the body.
In people with Hashimoto's, the immune system produces antibodies that attack the thyroid tissue, leading to inflammation (thyroiditis) and subsequent damage. This inflammation is characterised by the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the frontal cortex, along with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This neuroinflammation has been linked to emotional alterations, including an increased risk for mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
To address this inflammation and provide neurotransmitter support, the following approaches can be considered:
Dietary Modifications
Dietary changes can play a significant role in reducing inflammation associated with Hashimoto's. The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, for example, has been shown to improve quality of life and decrease inflammatory markers in people with Hashimoto's. This diet should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. Additionally, an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits and vegetables may also help to improve symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle modifications can improve thyroid function and enhance the absorption of thyroid hormone medications. However, it is important to consult with a physician before making any significant lifestyle changes, and thyroid function should be monitored regularly.
Physical Exercise
While it may not address the root cause, physical exercise, particularly strength training, is the primary treatment for muscle wasting associated with Hashimoto's. It can help manage symptoms and improve overall health.
Medications
Pain medications, antidepressants, and thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed by healthcare professionals to address muscle pain and thyroid hormone imbalances.
By combining these approaches under the guidance of medical professionals, individuals with Hashimoto's can effectively manage inflammation and receive neurotransmitter support, thereby improving their overall quality of life.
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Treatment and lifestyle changes
Treatment and management of muscle pain caused by Hashimoto's disease can be approached through medication, lifestyle changes, and therapy.
Medication
Hashimoto's disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland, causing lower-than-normal levels of thyroid hormones. This condition is treated with medication to manage thyroid hormone levels. The thyroid hormone replacement medication Synthroid (levothyroxine) is often used to improve symptoms. It may take weeks for cramps and stiffness to improve, and several months for muscle weakness to get better. It is important to monitor thyroid function regularly to ensure an adequate dosage.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can improve thyroid function and increase the absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose. It is important to discuss these changes with a physician and monitor thyroid function every 6-8 weeks. Lifestyle changes include eating well, exercising, sleeping well, and managing stress, all of which can help the immune system.
Supplements such as Myo-Inositol Powder by Rootcology can also help with Hashimoto's. This supplement has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower thyroid antibody and TSH levels when taken with selenium.
Therapy
Therapies such as OMT (a form of therapy that uses stretches, gentle pressure, and resistance to move a patient's muscles and joints) and craniosacral therapy (a gentle pressure technique used to manipulate the joints in the cranium, pelvis, and spine) can help treat pain related to Hashimoto's. These holistic treatments can be used in conjunction with other therapies such as massage or chiropractic treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, muscle weakness, pain, and muscle loss are common symptoms for people with Hashimoto's.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) may lead to muscle weakness due to hypothyroid dysfunction. Low levels of thyroid hormones can result in muscle weakness, aches, and cramping.
The primary treatment for muscle wasting in Hashimoto's is physical exercise, with a focus on strength training. Other treatments include craniosacral therapy, OMT, and supplements like GABA and 5HTP.
Other symptoms of Hashimoto's include profound fatigue, poor sleep quality, joint tenderness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability, mood swings, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating.
