HASHIMOTO’s and the REALITY OF FATIGUE

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Hashimoto’s, and the Reality of Fatigue

Yesterday, we headed out for a beautiful day of hiking and exploring. The sun was shining, the scenery breathtaking—but about halfway through the day, the familiar wave of exhaustion that comes with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis began to hit me. I could feel myself slowing down, my body heavy, my steps more labored. By the time we finished, the fatigue was overwhelming.

On our drive home, I couldn’t keep my eyes open—I had to sleep. After resting, I felt better, though my movements and thoughts were slower than usual throughout the evening. This isn’t uncommon for me. Whether it’s a day of hiking or an intense workout, I know I’ll face significant fatigue afterward. But here’s the thing: I refuse to let Hashimoto’s stop me from living fully. I get up, push through, and keep moving forward.

The fatigue isn’t just “feeling tired.” It’s an intense, systemic exhaustion rooted deeply in how my body functions due to this autoimmune condition. My thyroid is under attack, causing low hormone production, slowed metabolism, chronic inflammation, and reduced cellular energy production. All of this contributes to the extreme fatigue I experience.

Managing this fatigue means my recovery is different—not worse, just different. I’ve learned to listen closely to my body, knowing when to rest and recover.

A crucial part of managing this is through diet. Eating healthier, choosing anti-inflammatory foods, and being mindful of nutrition helps me regulate my body’s response.

MY favorite dish, but with caution because steamed buns have gluten and that is on the do not eat list!

Read my post about AIP diets.

If I eat something that’s not on the list, I just have to accept that I won’t feel my best afterward, and if I do it too often, it will keep me from reaching remission. My body reacts differently now, and I have to be mindful of that. But in my humble opinion, cheating is just fine once in a while—life is meant to be enjoyed, and sometimes that means indulging. The key is balance, knowing when it’s worth it, and making sure those choices don’t become habits that set me back.

My current TPO antibody number is 392, reflecting where I am on this journey. I’ll be updating this number as I work towards remission and healthier days ahead.

I’m committed to not only pushing myself physically but also improving how I nourish my body. Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing more soon on how dietary changes are helping me manage Hashimoto’s and reduce inflammation.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Your support means everything.

Elevating People

My hope is to elevate people navigating Hashimoto’s and autoimmune challenges by sharing my journey with honesty, resilience, and hope. Through personal experiences, education, and practical strategies, I aim to normalize the need for rest, encourage perseverance, and show that recovery isn’t a setback—it’s just different. By fostering a supportive community, I strive to empower others to take control of their health, embrace their unique healing process, and live fully despite the challenges they face.