PCOS? CUSHING’s? POI? A Round-Up of Common PCOS Misdiagnosis

We have found that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can be misdiagnosed or confused with other conditions due to overlapping symptoms. We’ve rounded up the common conditions that can be misdiagnosed instead of PCOS. 

  • Hypothyroidism: Both PCOS and hypothyroidism can cause irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, and fatigue.

  • Cushing’s syndrome: This condition involves excess cortisol production and can cause weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, and hirsutism (excessive hair growth), which are also common symptoms of PCOS.

  • Adrenal hyperplasia: This condition affects the adrenal glands and can cause symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, and infertility, similar to PCOS.

  • Ovarian tumors: Some ovarian tumors can cause symptoms similar to PCOS, such as irregular menstrual cycles and pelvic pain.

  • Endometriosis: While not directly related to hormonal imbalances like PCOS, endometriosis can cause pelvic pain, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility, leading to potential misdiagnosis.

  • Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated levels of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates milk production, can cause irregular menstrual cycles and infertility, symptoms that overlap with PCOS.

  • Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI): Formerly known as premature ovarian failure, POI involves a loss of normal ovarian function before the age of 40, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and infertility, which can mimic PCOS.

At Rocco’s Remedy, we conduct a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests, to accurately diagnose PCOS and differentiate it from other conditions with similar symptoms.

Do you struggle with any of the above symptoms or have you been diagnosed with any of the above? Come into Rocco’s Remedy for lab work to learn more!

A Holistic Approach to Hashimoto’s

Welcome to the first in our Hormone Health blog post series!

 We are highlighting Hashimotos this month as we have seen patients who have been diagnosed incorrectly or prescribed thyroid medication that does not suit their needs. This article hopes to provide you with insights on Hoshimotos and potential treatment options.

What is Hashimoto’s?

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder that is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) in the United States. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and an inability to produce sufficient thyroid hormones.

Key Characteristics of Hoshimotos

  • Autoimmune Nature: The body’s immune system targets thyroid cells as if they were foreign invaders, causing inflammation and damage to the thyroid tissue.
  • Thyroid Hormone Production: As the thyroid gland becomes increasingly damaged, it’s less able to produce the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), leading to symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
  • Symptoms: These can include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, muscle weakness, depression, and slowed heart rate, among others.
  • Diagnosis: Hashimoto’s is diagnosed through blood tests that look for elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO antibodies), which indicate an autoimmune attack on the thyroid.
  • Treatment: While there is no cure for Hashimoto’s, treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms through thyroid hormone replacement therapy to normalize hormone levels.

Who is impacted by Hashimoto’s?

The condition can affect anyone but is most common in middle-aged women. The exact cause is unknown, but factors such as genetics, gender, and possibly infections and environmental exposures may play a role in its development.

How can I manage Hashimoto’s? 

Management of Hashimoto’s focuses on monitoring thyroid function and maintaining balanced thyroid hormone levels through medication, addressing symptoms, and improving quality of life. 

Diet plays a crucial role in either alleviating or exacerbating symptoms. Based on various studies and expert recommendations, certain foods are commonly advised to be avoided to help manage the condition effectively:

  1. Dairy and Soy Products: Both dairy and soy can interfere with thyroid function and are suggested to be avoided. Soy, in particular, is considered goitrogenic and may inhibit thyroid hormone production.
  2. Gluten: Gluten consumption is linked to autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto’s, due to potential cross-reactions between gliadin and thyroid antigens.
  3. Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods: These foods can increase inflammation, which could worsen Hashimoto’s symptoms. It’s recommended to limit processed meats and other highly processed fast foods.
  4. Alcohol: Alcohol harms the thyroid gland and liver, which is crucial for thyroid hormone conversion. Limiting or avoiding alcohol is advised.
  5. Refined Sugars and High-Sugar Foods: Consuming high amounts of added sugars can promote inflammation and potentially exacerbate symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease.
  6. Certain Fats and Oils: Industrial seed oils and vegetable cooking oils, like soybean, corn, and canola oil, are recommended to be avoided due to their potential to cause inflammation.

A Mediterranean diet is a great way to incorporate food groups that improve your thyroid health. This includes:

  1. Lean Proteins like chicken and fish
  2. Seeds and Nuts 
  3. Olive Oil
  4. Cooked Vegetables
  5. Fruits 
  6. Beans 

Rocco’s Remedy can support you in incorporating these dietary changes. 

LOW-DOSE NALTREXONE AS A TREATMENT OPTION:

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to chronic inflammation and often hypothyroidism. Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) has emerged as a potential off-label treatment option for managing this condition, despite the primary use of naltrexone being for alcohol and opioid dependence in higher doses. In lower doses, LDN is believed to act as an immunomodulator, potentially offering benefits for those with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s.

The proposed benefits of LDN for Hashimoto’s include its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the severity of symptoms associated with the condition. It’s thought to suppress inflammatory cytokines and decrease autoimmune responses, potentially allowing the thyroid gland to function more normally. Although scientific studies directly linking LDN to improvements in Hashimoto’s are lacking, anecdotal evidence suggests it may help reduce symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and lethargy, and possibly lower thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies.

However, LDN is not considered a cure for Hashimoto’s, and its use is still considered off-label, meaning it is not FDA-approved for this specific condition. Most healthcare providers prescribe it alongside thyroid hormone replacement therapy and recommend lifestyle and dietary modifications for comprehensive management of Hashimoto’s. The side effects of LDN are generally mild and may include headaches, stomach upset, insomnia, anxiousness, dizziness, and fatigue, although they are considered rare.

An article from Towne Lake Pharmacy elaborates on the benefits of LDN for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, highlighting its role in reducing inflammation, improving endorphin function, decreasing inflammation-causing cytokine concentration, inhibiting cells causing autoimmune processes, and potentially increasing the remission rate of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis when combined with probiotics and appropriate Vitamin D supplementation. They also note improved quality of life for patients using LDN, such as decreased thyroid antibodies, mood enhancement, increased energy, pain reduction, and improved immune system function.

Before considering LDN, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss its potential benefits and risks based on your health profile and to ensure that it fits within your overall treatment plan for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

 

References:

Nourish. (n.d.). 8 Foods to Avoid with Hashimoto’s Disease (And What To Eat Instead). Retrieved from https://www.usenourish.com/blog/worst-foods-for-hashimotos

Towne Lake Pharmacy. (n.d.). 5 Benefits of Low-Dose Naltrexone for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Retrieved from https://townelakepharmacy.com/5-benefits-of-low-dose-naltrexone-for-hashimotos-thyroiditis/

Paloma Health. (n.d.). Low-dose naltrexone for Hashimoto’s. Retrieved from https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/naltrexone-hashimotos

SingleCare. (n.d.). The best Hashimoto’s diet: 7 foods to eat and 5 to avoid. Retrieved from https://www.singlecare.com/blog/hashimotos-diet/

Westin, W. (n.d.). Don’t eat these 10 foods if you have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. RestartMed. Retrieved from https://www.restartmed.com/10-foods-hashimotos-patients-should-avoid/

SEMINAR: STRESS, HORMONES, AND HEALTH

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 5:45PM-6:30PM

If you are struggling with: stubborn weight gain, fatigue and brain fog, signs of a hormonal imbalance, chronic inflammation, and chronic pain. Why simply taking medication may not be enough; and what really works for controlling chronic health problems like fatigue and brain fog. This fun, informative, and useful lecture will focus on the underlying reasons that men and women struggle with inflammation.

Presentation hosted by Kari Rocco, Nurse Practitioner

Location: Eugene Natural Grocers

201 Coburg Road

Call us today to reserve your spot! 

541-818-8289 

EUGENE HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

COME JOIN US FOR GREAT INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Rocco’s Remedy owner Kari Rocco, Nurse Practitioner, will be presenting at the Eugene Health & Wellness Expo on Saturday, October 14 at noon. Stop on by!

FREE DINNER AND SEMINAR: IMAGINE YOURSELF WITHOUT BELLY FAT!

Are You at Your Wit’s End Trying to Get Rid of it?

FREE DINNER

Immediately following our free seminar entitled: 

Stress, Hormones & Health Instructional Seminar

Whirled Pies logo

199 W. 8th Ave Eugene

Tuesday, August 15th at 6pm

  • Learn how hormone imbalances –men and women-can distort your midsection into a large belly and prevent weight loss- even with diet and exercise
  • Learn how hormone imbalances can affect your libido, weight, body temperature, menstrual cycle, erections, sleep cycles, mood, energy, fat burning, inflammation, skin irritation, aches, and pains
  • Learn why counting calories doesn’t work for belly fat 

Presented by Kari Rocco, Nurse Practitioner 

Call to RSVP: 541-818-8289 

Must have reservations

Owner and medical provider Kari Rocco

Are you FED UP with our current healthcare model?

Do you want an alternative to deal with common symptoms of depression, fatigue, weight gain, hormone imbalances, difficulty sleeping, aches and pains and more? Please come join us for a FREE presentation on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mid-morning to learn more. Our current upcoming dates and times are June 3rd @ 11a.m. and June 7th @ 5:30p.m. Seating is limited, so you must RSVP!

Presented by Kari Rocco, Nurse Practitioner

Call or email Penny ASAP as seating is limited for these events! Reservations are required.