Hypothyroidism vs Hashimoto’s

Posted by auntieheid @auntieheid, Nov 29, 2020

Hi! I’m new here and hoping this can be explained, in layman’s terms, the difference betwixt Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s. A few months back, my primary said that I may have bumped up to Hashimoto’s due to my blood labs. Is there much of a difference? And, are bith considered autoimmune diseases? Thank you for any responses! Have a great day!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

Good question, @auntieheid. Allow me to tag a few fellow members, like @rainglogirl @devinsmom @rarelybees2889 @astaingegerdm @campergirl411 @fighter @sparshall who have first-hand experience with Hashimoto's and thyroid function. You may also be interested in this related discussion:

- Sjogren's, Hashimoto's and Thyroid Dysfunction: Got questions https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sjogrenshashimoto/

The National Institue of Health explains the relationship between Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism this way (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hashimotos-disease)
"Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. With this disease, your immune system attacks your thyroid. The thyroid becomes damaged and can’t make enough thyroid hormones."
"Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs."

Auntie Heid, it sounds like the diagnosis of Hashimoto's was made because your doctor discovered the cause of your underactive thyroid. You said that the diagnosis was changed due to your blood test results. Do you know what the blood labs showed?

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@auntieheid here is another reference that may be helpful to answer your question...

"What is the difference between Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is a problem with your thyroid gland; Hashimoto's is a problem with your immune system. In Hashimoto's– as in all autoimmune diseases– the immune system gets confused and mistakenly attacks a part of your own body, kind of the metabolic equivalent of “friendly fire”."
--- Do You have Hypothyroid or Hashimoto’s?: https://naturemed.org/do-you-have-hypothyroid-or-hashimotos/

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I was diagnosed with RA in 2001 and Hashimoto's a few years later. I asked my then rheumatologist who was putting me on another DMARD what effect that might have on the Hashimoto's and he said that was a good question. Then he went down the hall to ask the endocrinologist and the endocrinologist said that was a good question. Has anyone had a remission of Hashimoto's during a remission in RA?

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@johnbishop

@auntieheid here is another reference that may be helpful to answer your question...

"What is the difference between Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is a problem with your thyroid gland; Hashimoto's is a problem with your immune system. In Hashimoto's– as in all autoimmune diseases– the immune system gets confused and mistakenly attacks a part of your own body, kind of the metabolic equivalent of “friendly fire”."
--- Do You have Hypothyroid or Hashimoto’s?: https://naturemed.org/do-you-have-hypothyroid-or-hashimotos/

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Tish is 24, however a T test said normal.

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Don't know what RA is and all blood work is in order excetpt TISH at 24 and platlets were down some but not enough to address. Would symptoms define between thyroid and immune system.

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I ask question if levothyroxin would be okay with Metoprolol 12g every other day. Also have aneurysm. would hormone thereapy be counterindicated.

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@marioncole

I ask question if levothyroxin would be okay with Metoprolol 12g every other day. Also have aneurysm. would hormone thereapy be counterindicated.

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Hello @marioncole, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. We are patients like yourself and can only share our personal experiences. I have no medical background or experience but you have some very good questions that it would be best to discuss with your doctor or health care team if you have one.

Here are a few articles that may help you learn a little more about thyroid and platelet levels.
-- Interpreting Thyroid Levels Tests: https://www.healthline.com/health/optimal-thyroid-levels
-- Platelet Count: https://labtestsonline.org/tests/platelet-count

Are you able to discuss your medications with your doctor or pharmacist to see if they may have an interaction with your hormone therapy, if that was your question?

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Hi looking see if anyone could help me. My gp was late diagnosis hypothyroid. Can’t sleep have history anxiety depression. New thing I’ve started to get is my hands inside out my body shakes. Although I’m hypothyroid I’m only 7stone. My feet burn my hand hurt. Either on fire or freezing cold. No one seems have any answers. More importantly no one understands
Been going on for over seven years now just keep pushing tablets at me. Very strange one I wanted ask was does anyone with hypothyroidism ever suffered from pins needles in there mouth? My hand all lumps very painful too. Just do fed up as no one understands

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This is my hand forgot mention the bruising I get especially on my legs

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@reeha

Hi looking see if anyone could help me. My gp was late diagnosis hypothyroid. Can’t sleep have history anxiety depression. New thing I’ve started to get is my hands inside out my body shakes. Although I’m hypothyroid I’m only 7stone. My feet burn my hand hurt. Either on fire or freezing cold. No one seems have any answers. More importantly no one understands
Been going on for over seven years now just keep pushing tablets at me. Very strange one I wanted ask was does anyone with hypothyroidism ever suffered from pins needles in there mouth? My hand all lumps very painful too. Just do fed up as no one understands

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Hello @reeha, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. I'm sorry to hear you haven't gotten any answers or help from your doctors. @fighter has discussed hypothyroidism in another discussion awhile back and may have some information to share. Here's some information you may find helpful:

"Hypothyroidism - An underactive thyroid gland may cause a sensation of burning in the feet, along with weight gain, dry skin or fatigue." -- Burning Feet Syndrome (Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17773-burning-feet-syndrome-grierson-gopalan-syndrome

There is also another discussion where members are discussing burning feet and legs - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/burning-feet-and-legs/

Have you thought about seeking help from a major teaching hospital or health facility like Mayo Clinic?

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