1. < Autoimmune Diseases

Hashimotos Disease?

Posted by lluth412 @lluth412, May 23 8:10am

Hi all,

I am normally in the lung health group as I have CEP, a rare lung disease caused by eosinophils. I also have adult onset asthma and sinusitis. I saw a functional medicine Dr last month to see if there are other ways to be healthier and manage my disease. The blood work she did showed my Thyroid Peroxidase TPO at 396 so very high. My TSH is normal and my T3 Free is borderline normal (2.3) as is Free T4 (1.01). I’ve been on prednisone for over a year but in a low dose currently. The functional Dr is very expensive since it’s not covered by insurance. Do I need to send these results to my GP for a referral to an endocrinologist? As background I had Graves’ disease in my 40’s but managed it through diet and meds and I’ve been in remission for almost 15 years without meds.

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lkirnbauer | @lkirnbauer | 5 days ago
In reply to @beverly48 "Your Endocrinologist is correct. There is no medication to control Hashimotos because it is an autoimmune..." + (show)
@beverly48

Your Endocrinologist is correct. There is no medication to control Hashimotos because it is an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder is when the body goes beserk and attacks itself. However, hypothyroidism caused by Hasimotos can be treated with synthroid or other thyroid replacement hormones. It is highly unusual for the thyroid gland to NOT be affected by Hashimotos as it primarily affects the thyroid gland. Anything that you can do dietary wise to reduce the inflammatory response within the body is helpful, be that food choices, stress, rest, sleep, etc.

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I have no nodules on my Thyroid as of now. I have an ultrasound done annually to check for them, as my daughter had Thyroid Cancer 2 years ago and had several removed, along with her Thyroid. She is now cancer free! My Thyroid when I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, was enlarged, but it has now gone back to its normal size. I believe this all came about with Covid, as I never had a thyroid condition or Hashimoto’s before. I do control my Hashimoto’s with diet, by eliminating gluten, dairy and soy. It has helped tremendously! I also get 8 hours of sleep nightly for the most part and try to reduce my stress levels by walking 4 miles 3 x’s per week, along with weight training. It makes a difference.

REPLY
lkirnbauer | @lkirnbauer | 5 days ago
In reply to @lp5000 "I too have Hashimoto's and was diagnosed 37 years ago. About 16 years ago an endocrinologist..." + (show)
@lp5000

I too have Hashimoto's and was diagnosed 37 years ago. About 16 years ago an endocrinologist put me on thyroid medication Tirosint which is a nearly pure form of the hormone. Unfortuntly, it is expensive and there isn't a generic. My TSH values had been fluctuating up and down for years. Once I stated on the Tirosint everything leveled out and most of my symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, etc disappeared. The medication comes in a blister pack to prevent light and air from reaching the pills. If what you are taking now, is working great; however if you are not happy with it, consider trying Tirosint instead. (Side note: I am 85 and feel great.)

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I’m just curious, are you taking thyroid medication to control Hashimoto’s? My Endo said there is no medication for Hashimoto’s, but if you have a low or high thyroid level, then you take medication. I, unfortunately, suffer from both Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism so my doctor put me on Synthroid. Initially was taking 125 mcg along with another Thyroid drug, Cytomel 5 mcg. I have tapered off since being diagnosed where I only now am taking 75 mcg of Synthroid and went off the Cytomel. I have been able to control my Hashimoto’s with diet by eliminating gluten, dairy and soy. It works!

REPLY
2 replies
lkirnbauer | @lkirnbauer | 5 days ago
In reply to @covidstinks2023 "Ikirnbauer, I understand your concern. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis has not gone into Hypothyroidism yet and you are..." + (show)
@covidstinks2023

Ikirnbauer, I understand your concern. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis has not gone into Hypothyroidism yet and you are correct. My inflammation level was very high and my symptoms were severe. I was put on 3 different Thyroid Medicines (Including Synthroid) due to my symptoms being so severe (not all at the same time!). I couldn't tolerate any of them and so now I am not on anything for it.....I also have subclinical Hyperthyroidism and I am on Methimazole for that. Some doctors do treat the symptoms for Hashitmoto's with medication....depending on the severity.

I get checked every 3 months with bloodwork and then see the doctor and get an ultrasound
of my thyroid once a year. I have an enlarged thyroid.

I hope you are doing well on Synthroid and your Hashimoto's is under control with diet.

Bless you.....Blessings & Prayers....

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Thanks for your response. You’re lucky yours hasn’t affected your Thyroid, yet. I also get annual ultrasounds on my Thyroid as it was enlarged, but it has come down and the good news is that I had no nodules! Glad you’re also being checked. Good luck to you and blessings!

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lp5000 | @lp5000 | 5 days ago
In reply to @lkirnbauer "I’m just curious, are you taking thyroid medication to control Hashimoto’s? My Endo said there is..." + (show)
@lkirnbauer

I’m just curious, are you taking thyroid medication to control Hashimoto’s? My Endo said there is no medication for Hashimoto’s, but if you have a low or high thyroid level, then you take medication. I, unfortunately, suffer from both Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism so my doctor put me on Synthroid. Initially was taking 125 mcg along with another Thyroid drug, Cytomel 5 mcg. I have tapered off since being diagnosed where I only now am taking 75 mcg of Synthroid and went off the Cytomel. I have been able to control my Hashimoto’s with diet by eliminating gluten, dairy and soy. It works!

Jump to this post

I have Hashimot’s thyroiditis which means my immune system is attacking my thyroid gland causing it to not produce insufficient hormone. The medication Tirosint is the same as is in Synthroid. The difference is in the consistency of the amount of hormone in each pill. Synthroid may be better now but it used to be inconsistent in the amount of hormone in each tablet. If you have good results with Synthoid, then I would not change. I don’t understand why your doctor said that there is not a medication for Hashimoto’s because Synthroid is one. Some people are hypothyroid but do not have the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s. They get the same medication and have the same issues as those with the autoimmune condition. Please forgive if I am stating information that you already know. I am happy to share with you any thing I can that will make your life better. I don’t know if you know this but if you have one autoimmune disease then your odds of having more are increased. Good Luck!

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1 reply
artemis1886 | @artemis1886 | 4 days ago

As an RN for Hashimotos the only one that is elevated is the thyroid peroxidase. The means you have Hashimotos. Your tsh levels can be within range. They have to bring down the thyroid peroxidase it means you have autoimmune hypothyroidism which means your immune system is attacking your thyroid. At some point it will become enlarged enough it will have to be removed. I have Hashimotos and have an ultrasound done on my thyroid every year because I also have a tumor and cyst on my thyroid.
Have you had an ultrasound on your thyroid? See if it’s enlarged or cyst/tumor?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hashimotos-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20351855
Hers another website
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17665-hashimotos-disease

REPLY
artemis1886 | @artemis1886 | 4 days ago
In reply to @lkirnbauer "I’m just curious, are you taking thyroid medication to control Hashimoto’s? My Endo said there is..." + (show)
@lkirnbauer

I’m just curious, are you taking thyroid medication to control Hashimoto’s? My Endo said there is no medication for Hashimoto’s, but if you have a low or high thyroid level, then you take medication. I, unfortunately, suffer from both Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism so my doctor put me on Synthroid. Initially was taking 125 mcg along with another Thyroid drug, Cytomel 5 mcg. I have tapered off since being diagnosed where I only now am taking 75 mcg of Synthroid and went off the Cytomel. I have been able to control my Hashimoto’s with diet by eliminating gluten, dairy and soy. It works!

Jump to this post

I was put on levothyroxine for my Hashimotos. The endocrinologist is upping my dose. The treatment is levothyroxine. I also have the cyst and tumor.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hashimotos-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20351855
Hers another website
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17665-hashimotos-disease

REPLY
vicscats | @vicscats | 4 days ago
In reply to @lkirnbauer "You’re on Synthroid to control Hashimoto’s? Never heard of that before. I take Synthroid to control..." + (show)
@lkirnbauer

You’re on Synthroid to control Hashimoto’s? Never heard of that before. I take Synthroid to control my Hypothyroidism. I also have Hashimoto’s and there is no medication that will control that, only food elimination. Who put you on Synthroid for Hashimoto’s? You shouldn’t be on Synthroid if you don’t have a thyroid condition.

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What was your tsh

REPLY
lkirnbauer | @lkirnbauer | 4 days ago
In reply to @lp5000 "I have Hashimot’s thyroiditis which means my immune system is attacking my thyroid gland causing it..." + (show)
@lp5000

I have Hashimot’s thyroiditis which means my immune system is attacking my thyroid gland causing it to not produce insufficient hormone. The medication Tirosint is the same as is in Synthroid. The difference is in the consistency of the amount of hormone in each pill. Synthroid may be better now but it used to be inconsistent in the amount of hormone in each tablet. If you have good results with Synthoid, then I would not change. I don’t understand why your doctor said that there is not a medication for Hashimoto’s because Synthroid is one. Some people are hypothyroid but do not have the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s. They get the same medication and have the same issues as those with the autoimmune condition. Please forgive if I am stating information that you already know. I am happy to share with you any thing I can that will make your life better. I don’t know if you know this but if you have one autoimmune disease then your odds of having more are increased. Good Luck!

Jump to this post

Yes, I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism and take 75 mcg of Synthroid to control the Hypothyroidism. It is interesting that my doctor said there is no treatment for Hashimoto’s, only Hypothyroidism, this is why I’m taking the Synthroid. I control my Hashi with diet and if I didn’t, I’d be as big as a house by now. I also have Raynaud’s Disease and probably some other autoimmune issues, but so far, nothing is showing up on my bloodwork, thankfully! Thank you for your input and reaching out. I appreciate it.

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cheryl46 | @cheryl46 | 1 day ago

I also have Hashimoto's as well with normal Thyroid functions.
My TPO has steadily increased since COVID of 2022. No one seemed concerned until I demanded a US which showed an enlarged, irregular, thickened gland with numerous enlarged nodules.
Scheduled in 2 weeks to have removed.

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1 reply
lluth412 | @lluth412 | 2 hours ago
In reply to @cheryl46 "I also have Hashimoto's as well with normal Thyroid functions. My TPO has steadily increased since..." + (show)
@cheryl46

I also have Hashimoto's as well with normal Thyroid functions.
My TPO has steadily increased since COVID of 2022. No one seemed concerned until I demanded a US which showed an enlarged, irregular, thickened gland with numerous enlarged nodules.
Scheduled in 2 weeks to have removed.

Jump to this post

Thank you! This is what I’ve been wondering - it’s obviously a problem since my number continues to climb but no one wants to look further until my TSH is out of range. What was your number before someone finally ordered the US?

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