The 5 stages of Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Doctor, where and when did my Hashimotos start? Why did nobody diagnose it before?

These are frequently asked questions.
Perhaps looking at the different stages of Hashimoto’s will help you answer this question.

Stage 1
Your genes make you more prone to developing Hashimoto’s. Thyroid function is normal and no attack on thyroid gland, antibodies are not present on bloods

Stage 2
Your TSH is normal but antibodies are now detectable in your bloods. An ultrasound might show Hashimoto’s changes.

Stage 3
The thyroid gland loses some of its ability to produce thyroid hormones and TSH might be slightly elevated. T3 and T4 is still normal. More symptoms of hypothyroidism will be noted now

Stage 4
The thyroid has now lost is capability to produce thyroid hormones and TSH, T4 and T3 will now be abnormal. This is often the stage where hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s is diagnosed.

Stage 5
There is a progression of the autoimmune response and other autoimmune diseases might now also be diagnosed.

So, if you track your progression into Hashimoto’s, you might realise that this has been a development over many decades or years.

For assistance with your Hashimoto’s please contact Dr Marike de Klerk on
​071 610 2852 at Naturopathic health care centre.