Autoimmune Thyroid Recovery: A 6-Month Transformation Case Study

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A Functional Medicine Approach to Thyroid, Anxiety, Gut Health & Chronic Symptoms

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PRESENTING SYMPTOMS & GOALS

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The client presented with a cluster of thyroid-related, metabolic, neurological and immune-mediated symptoms:

Primary goals

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• Underactive thyroid with confirmed autoimmune activity (elevated TPO & Tg antibodies)

• Improve energy, metabolism, and reduce reliance on daily medication

• Reduce chronic anxiety and stabilise mood long-term

• Support gut health and reduce bloating/digestive discomfort

• Reduce brain fog and improve cognitive clarity

• Support weight management (approx. 1.5 stone gain)

• Resolve persistent dry lips and assess hydration/nutrient status

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SYMPTOM ANALYSIS (MSQ Score)

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The Medical Symptoms Questionnaire (MSQ) provides a quantifiable measure of symptom burden.

 

** Anything below ten is deemed excellent health and low inflammation 

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Consultation MSQ Score:

 

• Initial Consultation MSQ score                                  84 (significant symptom load)

• 1st Follow-up -                                                             24

• 2nd Follow-up appointment                                       21 

• Final Consultation                                                        7 (near-complete resolution)

 

A drop from 84 → 7 reflects an excellent clinical response and restoration of systemic function.

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CLINICAL OVERVIEW

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A Functional Medicine evaluation identified several likely contributors to thyroid dysfunction and systemic inflammation:

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Key factors identified

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• Autoimmune thyroid activity (Hashimoto’s pattern)

• Historical respiratory challenges possibly linked to environmental exposures (Possible Mould) 

• Longstanding tendency towards heightened sympathetic drive 

• Nutrient insufficiencies: low-normal B12, low vitamin D

• Suboptimal thyroid conversion (T4 → T3)

• Potential microbial imbalance  

• Possible low-grade nasal congestion suggestive of environmental triggers

• Increased stress load and metabolic strain

• Weight gain associated with hypothyroid physiology

• Medication history: Levothyroxine. 

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This multi-layered pattern required a whole-systems approach targeting immune modulation, nutrient repletion, gut integrity, nervous-system regulation and thyroid physiology.

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LABORATORY TESTING SUMMARY

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Medichecks Thyroid Panel – June

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• TSH: 5.95 (elevated)

• T4: 12 (low-normal)

• Free T3: 3.5 pmol/LALP: 137 (raised)

• Free T4: 15 pmol/L

• Thyroglobulin Antibodies: >4000 (very high)

• TPO Antibodies: 278 (high)

• B12: low-normal at 55

• Vitamin D (42 nmol/L): insufficient

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FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE INTERPRETATION

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Findings suggested:

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• Autoimmune thyroiditis driving a metabolic slowdown

• Impaired thyroid hormone conversion

• Chronic immune activation

• Nutrient insufficiencies impacting thyroid physiology

• Gut-immune axis involvement

• Stress and HPA-axis load influencing symptoms

• Possible mucosal microbiome imbalance (BV)

• Underlying inflammatory load

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The programme focused on:

(1) calming autoimmunity,
(2) restoring nutrient sufficiency,
(3) supporting thyroid hormone dynamics,
(4) improving gut integrity,
(5) stabilising the nervous system,
(6) reducing inflammatory and toxic load.

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THIS MONTH’S OBJECTIVES

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• Continue thyroid optimisation protocol

• Support prenatal nutrient requirements

• Implement microbiome support protocol

• Focus on hydration, minerals and mitochondrial function

• Adhere to the AIP dietary framework

• Progress nervous-system retraining  

• Maintain supplement rotation and reduce inflammatory triggers

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SUPPLEMENT & THERAPY PROTOCOL

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(All products selected for purity, clinical efficacy and minimal excipients.)

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Core Supplements

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SupplementPurposeDose

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Supplements Used

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• Omega-3 

• Phosphatidylcholine

• Prenatal Multinutrient 

• Hydroxocobalamin B12 injections

• Selenium 

• Ubiquinol 

• Ashwagandha

• ADK (Vitamins A, D & K)

• T-Convert (thyroid conversion support)

• Electrolytes (daily hydration support)

• Adaptogens 

• Electrolytes 

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Advanced Therapies

• Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

• Helminth (HDC) therapy

• Myo-Inositol

• Nicotine micro-dose patch

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Advanced Therapies

• Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) — autoimmune modulation

• Helminth Therapy (HDC) — immune recalibration protocol

• Myo-Inositol (Lamberts) — thyroid antibody & insulin support

• Nicotine patch (micro-dose) — neurocognitive support (3x/wk)

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DIETARY STRATEGY

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Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet

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Implemented as foundational therapy to:

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• Reduce systemic inflammation

• Support gut barrier integrity

• Calm autoimmune activity

• Improve nutrient density

• Restore immune tolerance

• Heal leaky gut / Intestinal permeability 

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Focus on:

✓ Meat, fish, vegetables
✓ Sweet potato
✓ Bone broth
✓ Fermented foods
✓ Organ meats
✓ Coconut-based yoghurts
✓ Herbs, green teas

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Avoid:

✘ Grains
✘ Dairy
✘ Legumes
✘ Nuts & seeds
✘ Nightshades
✘ Sugar & alcohol
✘ Industrial seed oils

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LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS

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• Limbic system retraining programme - targeted neuroplasticity for anxiety, stress & limbic system resetting

• Hydration strategies with structured electrolyte support

• Breathwork & vagal tone practices

• Daily movement & light exposure

• Stress load reduction strategies

• Environmental audit (sleep hygiene, air quality, mould awareness)

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RESULTS

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Over 6 months, the client experienced a substantial resolution of symptoms, improved clinical markers, and dramatic improvement in quality of life.

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Key Improvements

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• MSQ reduced from 84 → 7

• Anxiety symptoms significantly reduced

• Energy markedly improved

• Thyroid symptoms stabilised

• Brain fog resolved

• Gut function improved

• Dry lips resolved

• Weight stabilisation began

• Mood is more resilient, stable and regulated

• Autoimmune symptoms calmed

• Overall well-being restored

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This level of improvement reflects the power of addressing the root cause, supporting the immune system, and restoring physiological balance through personalised Functional Medicine.

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This case study demonstrates the clinical outcome of a personalised Functional Medicine programme targeting autoimmune thyroid dysfunction (Hashimoto’s), anxiety, fatigue and gut health.

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If you are experiencing symptoms of underactive thyroid, Hashimoto’s, autoimmune thyroid disease, fatigue, anxiety, gut issues, weight gain or chronic inflammation, Functional Medicine can help you identify and treat the root cause.

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 Book a Functional Medicine Consultation

Personalised support for thyroid health, autoimmune balancing, gut repair & long-term vitality.

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