Nataliia Sanzo (https://www.instagram.com/all.purpose.nutrition/) is a Registered Dietitian, Nashville Thyroid Expert®️, and Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Nataliia has been helping people since 2015 address their thyroid disorders, gut and liver health, food sensitivities, and intolerances. She will help you to understand the value of lifestyle interventions and functional medicine in restoring health.
Why do you focus on Hashimoto’s and Thyroid conditions in women?
After my diagnosis with an autoimmune disease, Hashimotoʼs Thyroiditis, back in 2016, I was desperate to find answers to the ultimate question, How can I feel normal again?”.
I know many people can relate to this because, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, more than 30 million Americans suffer from thyroid dysfunction, half of whom go undiagnosed by conventional medicine ([1]) Of the detected cases of hypothyroidism, 90 percent are due to Hashimoto’s disease.
I decided to focus on thyroid-related diseases because I understand the frustration of the lack of answers and the lack of support from the conventional medical paradigm. In addition, thyroid disorders affect women five to ten times more often than men.
I also know what it is like to feel like you need to figure everything out on your own.
For me, It was only after I applied my dietetic training, dedicated four years to research, and became my own human guinea pig that I was able to reverse my symptoms, get my life back, and have now guided dozens of others to improved health and improve their thyroid symptoms.
What are symptoms of Hashimoto’s/Thyroid conditions that women should be aware of?
As you may already know, the thyroid gland is a part of an endocrine system that regulates the body’s metabolism in the form of blood pressure, blood temperature, and heart rate. Also, it is essential to understand that thyroid hormones regulate digestive functions, mood, and brain health.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism may be vague and can often mimic other conditions. The most common symptoms my clients experience are changes in the menstrual cycle, constipation, depression, dry hair and hair loss, elevated cholesterol, fatigue, and unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight. Being aware of these symptoms, frequencies, and intensity can help you get the proper diagnosis years earlier.
What are your top two (2) recommendations for women who think they are experiencing some of these things?
It is so hard to narrow down to only two recommendations because it is such a complex disease. But, the two most important pieces of advice I can give women are:
1. First, advocate for yourself! Every woman should find a functional doctor that would treat her symptoms, not just the lab work.
2. Secondly, address the root cause/triggers of thyroid disease! You have to think about improving your digestion, practicing gentle liver detox, and managing adrenal health
[1] All about the thyroid. American Association of Clinical Endocrinology.