Hashimoto’s: A Survival Mechanism, Not a Failure
Here’s something I wish I knew earlier about Hashimoto’s: it’s not your body failing you. It might feel that way when you’re dealing with exhaustion, brain fog, cold intolerance, and other frustrating symptoms. But what if I told you Hashimoto’s is actually an evolutionary survival mechanism?
The Link Between Stress and Hashimoto’s
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid, often stems from one major trigger: stress.
For me, stress was the primary driver that pulled the genetic trigger, leading to Hashimoto’s. It wasn’t my thyroid “breaking down”; it was my body’s way of responding to prolonged high stress. My immune system produced harmful antibodies, which disrupted vital metabolic processes and brought on symptoms like:
Fatigue
Brain fog
Dry skin
Cold intolerance
Thinning eyebrows
And guess what? This isn’t unique to me. Many of the women I see with Hashimoto’s share a similar story: juggling endless to-do lists, navigating emotional stress, and constantly being “on.”
Hashimoto’s: An Ancient Survival Instinct
Our bodies evolved to protect us during times of extreme stress, crisis, or scarcity—think war, famine, or illness. Hashimoto’s can be understood as part of this adaptive response.
In early humans, a slowed metabolism during high-stress periods conserved energy for survival and healing. Fatigue and low energy were protective mechanisms, keeping people from overexerting themselves or venturing into danger.
What looks like fatigue, brain fog, or sluggishness today might have been the very traits that kept our ancestors alive.
The Stress-Thyroid Connection
Fast forward to modern life, where we’re no longer fighting for survival in the same way, but our bodies still interpret chronic stress as a crisis. The result? Stress stimulates the immune system, triggering the production of thyroid antibodies, which can lead to Hashimoto’s.
Interestingly, women with high-stress levels are more likely to develop thyroid antibodies, making them more susceptible to autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Reframing Hashimoto’s
This evolutionary perspective can help us approach Hashimoto’s with more compassion for our bodies. Rather than seeing it as a breakdown, we can honour it as a sign of resilience—and a signal that we need to slow down, reduce stress, and provide the care our bodies are asking for.
Healing Hashimoto’s is less about “fixing” your thyroid and more about addressing the underlying triggers, like stress, inflammation, and immune imbalance.
Your Next Steps
If you’re navigating Hashimoto’s and feeling stuck, it’s time to focus on why your body is reacting this way. Healing starts with addressing stress at its core—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
I help women manage their stress, balance their hormones, and reduce the impact of Hashimoto’s naturally. If you’re ready to reclaim your energy and wellbeing, go to ‘Book Now’ or send me an email.
Your body has been protecting you all along—now it’s time to give it the support it needs to thrive