Hi  – thank you for sharing these details. Indeed, I do see a lot of interconnections between your symptoms.

Let’s start with stress, pregnancy & autoimmunity. Pregnancy and delivery are stressful, and can be triggers for an autoimmune thyroid dynamic; it’s not uncommon (~ 5-10% of women can develop thyroid autoimmunity post-partum). Pregnancy is also a very high progesterone hormone state. The placenta keeps progesterone high as a way to protect the fetus from the immune system (i.e. progesterone helps the immune system “chill out”), which explains why your autoimmune dynamic disappears during pregnancy, but returns post-pregnancy.

You are correct with your assumption that hypothyroid function is at play given your symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, etc., with a FT3 at the clinically low end. A rising TSH would also point to a need for more T4. From what you stated above, chronic stress (i.e. possibly low or high cortisol which can be measured – I like the DUTCH Adrenal), can be at play here, which will create this dynamic. Therefore, focusing on stress reduction measures is a priority. If you share more about what type of stress you’re undergoing, I can possibly provide better guidance with this.

But keep in mind that the thyroid is mainly the victim here. It is the immune system that needs to be optimized. What do you think are other triggers that are possibly taxing your immune system? Food sensitivities? Low immune nutrients vitamin D, vitamin A, zinc? Heavy metals? Mold? Hidden pathogens like parasites? Trauma?

In autoimmunity, I like to visualize the immune system as a wounded dog in a corner. It is weak and injured. If you try to approach the dog, it will be vicious and react aggressively. Therefore, a weakened immune system will not be able to do its job appropriately by keeping the microbiome balanced, which allows opportunistic species like yeast and fungus to overgrow. Therefore, prioritizing immune health is also key, as well as addressing “leaky gut”. The Gut Health Masterclass has plenty of practical tips on this. Make sure your vitamin D, A and zinc are optimal. Discuss immunoglobulin support (Microbiome Labs have something called MegaIgG2000) with your practitioner. Remove anything that is taxing the immune system; with thyroid related issues – gluten and dairy should be fully eliminated. There is a handout on dairy and gluten elimination to help you out. Introduce beneficial bacteria through slow introduction of fermented foods like sauerkraut and coconut kefir for example. I share these recipes in the resources as well.

Chronic stress can also contribute to higher blood sugar levels and insulin resistance so I would encourage you to watch the Blood Sugar Regulation course and consider testing these markers. Elevated blood sugar levels can also contribute to yeast/fungal infections and higher LDL levels.

Hypothyroidism and insulin resistance can both contribute to high cholesterol, and the combination of higher HDL with lower triglycerides can point to an autoimmune dynamic.

Low vitamin D, hypo or hyper-thyroidism, poor immune function, low endemic beneficial gut microbes, microbial overgrowths, poor digestion, poor eating hygiene, frequent snacking… these are just some of the possible causes of IBS symptoms that show up as alternating constipation and diarrhea. IBS is not a root cause but just another symptom as a result of all of the contributing factors I mentioned.

Also, support thyroid health nutritionally. Ensure you’re getting in the nutrients needed; introduce organic liver at least 1 x per week (full of B vitamins, zinc, vitamin A), include sea vegetables (handout just uploaded in resources) or kelp sprinkles over your food as an iodine source. Include sardines with bone and skin on as a source of selenium and 4-5 organic brazil nuts. Check your RBC magnesium and make sure it’s optimal (upper 2/3rds of the reference range).

So you can see, there are many, many connections. Stress is a big factor. Check your blood sugar status. Optimize immune health by focusing on gut health. Focus on a thyroid supportive diet.

Lots to consider and work on. Hopefully, I’ve given you some explanations and a better sense of direction.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hi  – just wanted to follow-up. How are you doing?

 I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better. Stress is absolutely a root cause for higher blood sugar (and its downstream dynamics) which can also affect thyroid! Higher blood sugar levels in itself creates oxidative stress/fire which can damage cell membranes and thyroid receptors (think of receptors like the outlet where you plug in your lamp – without the outlet, the lamp won’t turn on!).

I’m not sure if you’ve had the chance to dive into the new thyroid course yet, but here’s a short video on how higher insulin affects thyroid function.

I would also encourage you to watch this short video on how cortisol (our stress hormone) affects thyroid function.

Both of these hormones (insulin & cortisol) are key to address in your case.

To help you figure out why your T3 might be low, I filmed this short video here about the possible root causes.

And, since autoimmunity is present in your case, please review these autoimmune disease facts.

Finally, here are some recommendations for those with autoimmune thyroid disease that you can begin to implement or add to your protocol. Your results show a suboptimal low AlkPhos which could be inidicative of a need for more zinc. Given the autoimmune dynamic, have you checked your immune nutrients vitamin D, vitamin A and RBC zinc status? I would also add in copper and ceruloplasmin into the tests.

Your MCV is also suboptimal high. Is it always above 89 on other tests? This could mean there’s a need for B12/B9 (folate). Are you taking a B complex supplement by any chance?

The good news is that your autoimmune thyroid antibodies, although clinically high, are both low compared to other clients of mine diagnosed with Hashimoto’s with their numbers in the 1000’s. This means, remission is possible and near!

Focusing on your diet as a next step is a good idea. When you’re ready, complete elimination of dairy, gluten and even grains will be helpful (for autoimmunity and blood sugar regulation). The course also touches on foods for thyroid, ways to protect your thyroid (things to avoid), and supplement suggestions if you need it.

Please keep us posted on your progress and let me know if you have any questions.

 thank you for the feedback about the course. I’m glad it’s helpful!! I look forward to hearing your progress… removing gluten is usually the toughest restriction but if you focus on my VPF principle, it makes it so much easier since it eliminates the majority of glutinous foods (flour products).