THYROID DISEASE » thyroiditis

thyroiditis

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Read and learn more about thyroiditis. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: thyroiditis?
can someone explain this to me. i have a series of blood test, tsh – 0.258 (slightly low-ref.range 0.27 -4.0) then tsh irma above normal, normal free T4, thyroid scan showed thyroiditis, low level of activity according to iodine uptake. sometimes feel irritable, mild anxiety, mild nervousness, no palpitations, no high blood pressure.

A: Only a minor treatable condition. 3 in 10 people have it. You are slightly hyperthyroidism. They may prescribe low dose of synthroid.

Q: Thyroiditis?
I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism after the birth of my son. Have been taking Eltroxan for a month now,but my ears are still aching and it feels if there is something stuck in my throat! Get horrible neck pain and headache as well. My thyroid levels have been tested recently and it was normal. Could my thyroid be inflamed???Should I rather go and see an ear,throat and nose specialist?

A: Check out The American Thyroid Society at www.thyroid.org.

Q: How long until Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is gone if taking meds properly?
I know that it’s never really GONE, but how long until the person is back to normal.

****ALSO does Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis cause a person to be hard to handle and become a completely different person?

A: I had the tumor remove thirty years ago, and no I didn’t change at all, I don’t even take syntheroid now, but losing weight is a problem.
Generally you perk up more when you get your thyroid or thyroid substitute working again.
So you might be more active or cheerful. But not manic or crazy or a completely different person.

Q: What Did They Do For Your Thyroiditis if you had it?
I have thyroiditis, it is not comfortable, and my swelling seems to get more infront of my neck. I am worried about my heart, it is in good shape, but can this thyroid mess with my heart at all? Should I be worried about my heart or anything? I’m tired of the swelling but can live with it, if it is not upsetting my heart any.

A: You treat the cause, if possible. With the most common thyroiditis, (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) you can’t treat the cause though, so you treat the symptom (the hypothyroidism) with synthetic replacement thyroid hormones.

Q: Does thyroiditis have anything to do with loss of vocal range and singing ability that was once there?
I sang all through high school and have continued to sing and had an extensive range. Now, after being diagnosed with thyroiditis it has drastically decreased and many times i cant sing at all through songs i once could. is this caused by my condition and will it go away?

A: There is a possiblility that you have inflamation of your thyroid and you may have an enlarged thyroid, or nodules on your thyroid. There is a possibility that an enlarged thyroid is pressing on your vocal chords, due to its location in your neck. Has the doctor done a physical exam of your neck to see if you have an enlarged (called a goiter) thyroid? If not, it is time for an exam. People diagnosed with thyroiditis may have a sonogram or ultrasound to make sure the thyroid doesn’t have any nodules. Nodules are almost always non-cancerous.
If the thyroid is not enlarged, then another condition may be causing your loss of vocal range. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux disease can cause problems with your voice. It will start with loss of vocal range, then you may find that you cannot sing at all like you used to, or you can’t make it through a song. If you have frequent heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth after you eat, then definately go see yoru doctor.
When I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (Grave’s Disease) I had a enlarged thyroid and I was starting to lose my vocal range. I used to be able to sing first soprano through first tenor. Now my voice sounds hoarse and horrible, and I cannot make it through a song. I have been treated for the thyroid problems, but still have problems with my voice. I used to think the thyroid was to blame, but it is my allergies, sinus problems and my history of acid reflux disease.
Have your doctor examine your thyroid, and if that is not the problem, explain your problems. Once the doctor determines what is going on, hopefully you can get your voice back.
Good luck.

Q: Is it safe to concieve when i have Thyroiditis?
I have been diagonised as having Thyroditis & have started having hormone tablets since 2 weeks now. I have a 2.5 yr old child & I want to conceive as soon as possible for the second time. Is it safe concieve this month? What extra precaution do i need to take during preganancy? I want for sure a 100% normal child. What do I do for it?

A: My mom conceived 4 children with thyroiditis, and we were all completely healthy. However, it can be hard to conceive with thyroid disorders. I to am being tested for thyroid problems, and have been trying to get pregnant for the past year, and still no luck. Good luck to you!

You may want to double check with your doctor, but if you are taking a med such as synthroid, that is to balance out the thyroid hormones, and I’m pretty sure it is safe to take while trying to conceive and during pregnancy. Again, double check with your doctor.

Q: What body systems are affected with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
And how are they affected?

A: Technically all body systems (and cells for that matter) are affected because your thyroid is controlling T4/T3 levels… In reality, however, only the thyroid should be of concern, and chances are you probably have already noticed it is enlarged and warm to the touch… It is fairly easy to treat as well, I might add…

Good Luck and I Hope this Helps…

Q: My wife has hoshimoto thyroiditis and cannt loose any weight?
she has gained at least 120 pound in 2 years, she is seeing a personal trainer, but actually looks like she is gaining more weight, she has absolutely no sex drive at all. I love her I want to be there for her but I am loosing my attraction to her. Is there anything that will help her loose the weight, I don’t want to loose her I want her to be healthy. I want my wife the way she was before this disease

A: Is your wife on Synthroid? She should be. She should have a blood test every 3 months or so to see if her hormones are regulating. She has to have a sono of her thyroid to make sure there are no nodules. She should, and I know this is hard, avoid carbs. No more than one fruit a day, stay away from sugar, make sure her intake of carbs is no more than 35grams a day. She should eat foods high in dietary fiber.
Say she has a rice-cake with 8g of carbs, yet that rice cake has 3g of dietary fiber, that means the total amount of net carbs is 5! 8-3=5 Easy to do! Next, along with personal training she should see a nutritionist. (if it is too much considering it is cosly, go on sparkpeople.com) it is an amazing, informitive website designed ecactly for what your wife needs, advice, tons of info, menues, personal meal plans etc. FREE!!! Good luck! It sucks to have thyroid problems, it affects sleep, weight, menstruation, mood, hair, nails, skin, etc… IT SUCKS!!! Please be kind to your wife, it is overwhelming enough to deal with this, best of luck!!

Q: I was diagnosed with Hoshimoto’s thyroiditis, but told there was not any treatment necessary?
I have many of the symptoms, joint pain, unable to stand cold, headaches. The doctor says that all of my thyroid levels are normal, including my t4, so no treatment is necessary. My thyroidglobulin level was 346. That is what caused my diagnosis. She said that my tyroid will be fine.I feel tired all the time. I walk and eat right. Does anyone have a further suggestions as to how I might treat this from home or with natural remedies since I require no thyroid at this time.

A: Read this article it may help you. It depends on your levels as to whether it needs treatment or not.

http://www.useless-knowledge.com/1234/may/article378.html

Q: What is thyroiditis and how is it treated?

A: This going to be a long post but will answer the bulk of your questions. Hope it helps. This is taken from a powerpoint lecture on Thyroiditis so the formatting may be off.

Thyroiditis

Inflammation of the Thyroid Gland

Thyroiditis is an inflammation (not an infection) of the thyroid gland. Several types of thyroiditis exist and the treatment is different for each.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (also called autoimmune or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis) is the most common type of thyroiditis. It is named after the Japanese physician, Hakaru Hashimoto, that first described it in 1912. The thyroid gland is always enlarged, although only one side may be enlarged enough to feel. During the course of this disease, the cells of the thyroid becomes inefficient in converting iodine into thyroid hormone and “compensates” by enlarging (for a review of this process see our function page). The radioactive iodine uptake may be paradoxically high while the patient is hypothyroid because the gland retains the ability to take-up or “trap” iodine even after it has lost its ability to produce thyroid hormone. As the disease progresses, the TSH increases since the pituitary is trying to induce the thyroid to make more hormone, the T4 falls since the thyroid can’t make it, and the patient becomes hypothyroid. The sequence of events can occur over a relatively short span of a few weeks or may take several years.

Treatment is to start thyroid hormone replacement. This prevents or corrects the hypothyroidism and it also generally keeps the gland from getting larger.

In most cases the thyroid gland will decrease in size once thyroid hormone replacement is started.

Thyroid antibodies are present in 95% of patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and serve as a useful “marker” in identifying the disease without thyroid biopsy or surgery.

Thyroid antibodies may remain for years after the disease has been adequately treated and the patient is on thyroid hormone replacement.

De Quervain’s Thyroiditis. De Quervain’s Thyroiditis (also called subacute or granulomatous thyroiditis) was first described in 1904 and is much less common than Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. The thyroid gland generally swells rapidly and is very painful and tender. The gland discharges thyroid hormone into the blood and the patients become hyperthyroid; however the gland quits taking up iodine (radioactive iodine uptake is very low) and the hyperthyroidism generally resolves over the next several weeks.

Patients frequently become ill with fever and prefer to be in bed.

Thyroid antibodies are not present in the blood, but the sedimentation rate, which measures inflammation, is very high.

Although this type of thyroiditis resembles an infection within the thyroid gland, no infectious agent has ever been identified and antibiotics are of no use.

Treatment is usually bed rest and aspirin to reduce inflammation.

Occasionally cortisone (steroids) (to reduce inflammation) and thyroid hormone (to “rest” the thyroid gland) may be used in prolonged cases.

Nearly all patients recover and the thyroid gland returns to normal after several weeks or months.

A few patients will become hypothyroid once the inflammation settles down and therefore will need to stay on thyroid hormone replacement indefinitely.

Recurrences are uncommon.

Silent Thyroiditis. Silent Thyroiditis is the third and least common type of thyroiditis. It was not recognized until the 1970’s although it probably existed and was treated as Graves’ Disease before that. This type of thyroiditis resembles in part Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and in part De Quervain’s Thyroiditis. The blood thyroid test are high and the radioactive iodine uptake is low (like De Quervain’s Thyroiditis), but there is no pain and needle biopsy resembles Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. The majority of patients have been young women following pregnancy. The disease usually needs no treatment and 80% of patients show complete recovery and return of the thyroid gland to normal after three months. Symptoms are similar to Graves’ Disease except milder. The thyroid gland is only slightly enlarged and exophthalmos (development of “bug eyes”) does not occur. Treatment is usually bed rest with beta blockers to control palpitations (drugs to prevent rapid heart rates). Radioactive iodine, surgery, or antithyroid medication is never needed. A few patients have become permanently hypothyroid and needed to be placed on thyroid hormone.

Q: Does symptomatic depression caused by Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis have to be treated independently of Hashi’s?
Are separate meds usually prescribed, or does the depression usually clear up over the course of treatment?

A: Hello, I’m a doctor. Use alprazolam. I think that you want to get more info about it. Please go to —-> http://treatment-table.notlong.com/?q=alprazolam&qid=20090611205630AAAqb2j

Q: Has anyone know of a treatment for HASHIMOTO THYROIDITIS?
If anyone knows of any type of therapy for this disease, whether is alternative medicine or diets, I would really appreciate your info. The doctor says there’s nothing that can be done until she’s ready to take thyroid medicine but I am hoping there my be something out there that could help. THANK YOU

A: there are alternative ways for treatment of such diseases and many people have been succesfully cured using this alone.

Foods that depress thyroid activity are broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, turnips, soy, beans, and mustard greens. These foods should be included in the diet for hyperthyroid conditions and avoided for hypothyroid conditions.
• Avoid refined foods, sugar, dairy products, wheat, caffeine, alcohol.
• Essential fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and necessary for hormone production. Take 1,000 to 1,500 mg flaxseed oil three times per day.
• Calcium and magnesium help many metabolic processes function correctly. Calcium and magnesium must be present together in sufficient quantities, or the body can’t use either. The optimal ratio is 3 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium. Never supplement calcium without also supplementing magnesium, because if you do so, the body will actually use its stored Mg to try and process the supplemented Ca, the end result of which is that the body actually depletes its stored calcium reserves because the Mg holding it in place was taken away trying to process the supplemented Calcium. If you think about it, all the extra calcium added to foods and drinks these days only results in us having lower calcium levels overall – due to the Mg not being supplemented… not good, not good at all! So, if you supplement Ca, make sure to supplement 1/3 as much Mg at the same time. 1000 mg of Ca needs 334 mgs of Mg; 1500 mgs of Ca needs 500 mgs of Mg.

Regardless of which alternative treatment you decide to use, thyroid function needs to be carefully evaluated and is likely to need specialist medical advice. Some people have had great success using only alternative medicine, while others must utilize a combination of alternative and conventional medicine.

Q: any softer remedy to thyroiditis, inflamation due to medical treatment. ?
finally its its not hypothyroid but thyroiditis. inflamation of thyroid (due to an interferon treatment now ended)
If I dont act quickly with softer or alternative remedy I ll have to get on the hard and slippery slope of synthetic hormones, blood test says only problem is high TSH, T3 T4 are ok.
physical symptoms are real ennoying.
thanks to any sensible advice.

A: You need to be tested to see what is really going on with your body. The thyroid is part of the endocrine that is a system of complex relationships. When you have a problem with one of the endocrine organs, it affects ALL the others. The TSH hormone comes from your pituitary gland that gets it’s commands from the Hypothalamus gland that is part of the endocrine “feed back loop.” If you focus just on the thyroid gland, you are only focused on a symptom and this is what doctors and the medical profession is trained to do. Their answer will be to treat the thyroid because that is where the symptom is coming from, but that will not solve the problem, only put a band aide on and not get to the “root cause.” Your original problem, thyroiditis may be due to what is called Hashimoto’s disease. The medical people will tell you that it is not from infection, but inflammation. lol. The “itis” at the end of the word thyroiditis means “infection.” There are many things that can cause this problem. The so called “autoimmune” problem basically says that your body is producing antibodies that are attacking the thyroid tissue.

If you believe that your body would just start making antibodies for “some reason” and then attack your thyroid for “some reason” and that the only thing you can do is take hormones, you will not be fixing the “root cause” and you will have to live with the so called “side effects” of all this for the rest of your life.

Personally, I believe you need to find the “root cause” and make your body healthy. The thyroiditis was a “result” not “the” problem.

There are many things that can cause this problem and I suggest you find a good Certified Nutritional Therapist that understands QRA testing to find the source of infection(s) in your body. Once you find that, you can focus on making your body healthy. Most likely you are also very iodine deficient. If you are not allergic to iodine, I suggest you do a simple test to determine that. Get a bottle of “tincture of iodine” and paint a patch about 2″ x 3″ on your forearm or on your chest. Note the time of day. Watch it throughout the day and note the time when it disappears. It should be visible after 24 hours. If it is gone in a few hours, you are very deficient in iodine. This is very common now in the U.S. due to all the Fluoridation and fluoride products being sold. Fluorine depletes the body of iodine. When this happens, glands dependent upon iodine as it’s primary mineral will “ENLARGE.” The thyroid is one such gland. Also the thyroid absorbs heavy metals very well because it is a very soft gland. Mercury is a huge problem for it.

I would first look to your teeth for the primary source of the infection to your thyroid or any scars or traumas to your head area next. ALL amalgam fillings, root canals, and extractions or traumas to the teeth create huge infection problems for the body. Dentists are not your friend most of the time. Many of the chemicals they use, procedures cause many problems like this for the body.

good luck to you

Q: Which autoimmune disease causes Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
I know I have an auto-immune disease caused by mono and related to EBV, but what’s the name of the immune disorder itself?

A: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis IS the autoimmune disease itself. It is caused by the body attacking itself. Go here:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/hashimoto-thyroiditis.cfm
and here:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hashimotos-disease/DS00567

I think this is what you are talking about, you may want to use the links on the article to further explore:

http://thyroid-disorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/mononucleosis_and_hashimotos_thyroiditis

Q: Difference between hashimoto’s thyroiditis and subacture thyroiditis?
I understand that subacute can be set off by a viral infection that triggers T-cells which attack the thyroid gland after the infection has been killed, but I don’t really understand hashimoto’s thyroiditis and the difference between these two forms of thyroiditis.

thanks in advance…

A: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is caused by antithyroid antibodies and is an auto-immune disease. It is presented with hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) and is painless. This is a permanent situation. This type of thyroidism requires thyroid replacement therapy. Some of the symptoms include the following: fatigue, constipation, weight gain, dry skin, and poor exercise tolerance. Thyroid replacement therapy would be for a lifetime. The biggest difference between the two is that the actual thyroid gland would be enlarged.

Subacute thyroiditis is a viral infection. It originally looks like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, except that it is painful. Additionally, the infection usually dissipates within 12-18 months. Only 5% of those individuals fall into a category whereby permanent hypothyroidism remains. Additionally, as long as the disease goes away in that time frame, it rarely ever reoccurs. Thyroid replacement therapy is generally give for only 6-12 months to see if the Thyroid functions normally after that.

Hope this helps.

hashimoto’s thyroiditis

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Read and learn more about hashimoto’s thyroiditis. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: How long until Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is gone if taking meds properly?
I know that it’s never really GONE, but how long until the person is back to normal.

****ALSO does Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis cause a person to be hard to handle and become a completely different person?

Q: What body systems are affected with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
And how are they affected?

Good Luck and I Hope this Helps…

thanks in advance…

Hope this helps.

A: Hello, I’m a doctor. Use alprazolam. I think that you want to get more info about it. Please go to —-> http://treatment-table.notlong.com/?q=alprazolam&qid=20090611205630AAAqb2j

Q: Which autoimmune disease causes Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
I know I have an auto-immune disease caused by mono and related to EBV, but what’s the name of the immune disorder itself?

A: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis IS the autoimmune disease itself. It is caused by the body attacking itself. Go here:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/hashimoto-thyroiditis.cfm
and here:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hashimotos-disease/DS00567

I think this is what you are talking about, you may want to use the links on the article to further explore:

http://thyroid-disorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/mononucleosis_and_hashimotos_thyroiditis

Q: Anyone out there with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis on Armour? What dose works for you? How are you doing?
Hair was breaking off, aches and pains, swelling. Feeling a little better this week. How did you do? Do you still have fatigue?

A: I don’t have hashimotos but I am hypothyroid. I take levothyroxine( pretty much the same as Armour) for my issue. It will take about a month for you to feel better. I had the same symptoms as you, I could barely get up the gumption to shower. Now I have tons of energy and have lost 40 pounds so far. My dose is 2mg a day, my dr keeps it a bit high as I had thyroid cancer and the higher dosage stops other nodules from growing. Take care!

Q: Is lymphedema associated in some way with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, fibromyalgia, or compartment syndrome?
I have all four of the following conditions and am looking for a link between them. All of my specialists have no idea. I’m 25 and this all occured after pregnancy 19 months ago. Please help!

A: Hi there, alot of lymphedema patients have thyroid problems and fibromyalgia. Recently there was an article called “unlocking the lymph” and also another one about fibromyalgia that made a general link to linking them together. We all as patients have wondered the same thing. Compartment syndrome involves the muscles, as you may or may not know, muscles contractions move lymph so there is somewhat of a link there. You may be one of the people who was genetically prone to lymphedema (primary) and the pregnancy was enough stress on the body to bring it out. Most specialists and doctors are not that well versed in lymphedema unfortunately, and there is not yet alot of research in the field of lymph disorders, lymphology and lymphedema. We hope to change that! We’re working on it.

Q: Are severe migraines and dizziness some of the less common symptons of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

A: TopList of symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis:

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis includes the 42 symptoms listed below:
No symptoms
Goiter
Lump at front of neck
Protruding eyes
Low thyroid hormone level
Hypothyroidism – see symptoms of hypothyroidism
Mental slowness
Physical slowness
Slow pulse
Cold sensitivity
Weight gain
Coarse skin
Dry skin
Fatigue
Depression
Muscle weakness
Brittle hair
Constipation
Muscle cramps
Increased menstrual flow
Neck discomfort
Periodic paralysis
Thyroid enlargement
Hypothyroidism
Myxedema
Musculoskeletal symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis
Reduced thyroid hormone level
Muscle weakness
Hoarse voice
Dry skin
Pale skin
Constipation
Cold sensitivity
Facial swelling
Weight gain
Muscle tenderness
Muscle stiffness
Joint pain
Joint stiffness
Depression
Excessive menstrual bleeding

Note that Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis symptoms usually refers to various symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis signs may refer to those signs only noticable by a doctor.

So migraine is not very likely the symptom of Hashimoto Thyroiditis, but an associated disease!
Dizziness is common to a lot of conditions!

Hope that may help you!
Good luck!

Q: What are the effects of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis on Diabetes? Anyone have that combination?
Goiter with normal T-3, T-4, TSH and negative thyroid biopsies. Antibodies 100 X Normal.

A: Hi. Insulin is considered by some to be an autoimmune disease. So there’s an association between Hashimoto’s and T1DM. People with higher proportion of people with Hashimoto’s/T1DM have T1DM/Hashimoto’s compared to general population.

An increased thyroid hormone is considered to be diabetogenic (it increases blood sugar levels, hence worsening the diabetes) but as T3 and T4 is normal, physiologically, this will not affect the blood sugar by much.

Seeing as the said patient has BOTH Hashimoto’s and Diabetes, I would imagine that the disease process would be bad, and might worsen more quickly than someone with just pure hashimoto’s/diabetes. Would also look out for other autoimmune diseases.

Q: is hashimoto’s thyroiditis associated with non hodgkin’s lymphoma?
is hashimoto’s thyroiditis associated with non hodgkin’s lymphoma?

A: There is an association between Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and NHL and thyroid cancer, but it’s not very common.

Q: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: anyone who has dealt with this? Any good suggestions, medical or alternative med?
I was just diagnosed with this today and am in the beginning stages of it…. although i suspect this has been the cause of many sypmtoms I’ve dealt with for years.

A: Excercise regularly or at least by walking.
Take your medication.
It can psossibly be reversed if you can up your metabolism enough but most likely you will be on meds teh rest of your life.
Medication does help with feeling cold all the time, and it regulates the miscommunicated signals your brain is sendgin your body.

Q: is there anyone with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis who could give me more info about it?
I would be interested to know what symptoms this may cause.. I’ve recently had a lot of joint pain (hips, knees), tiredness, anemia, can barely get up the stairs sometimes- are these related to thyroid disease? I am taking thyroxin 100mcg daily.

A: Doing more research through the internet search engines will give you your answers.
It can make you tired ..no energy.
It can effect your memory.
It can make you get cold easier which is why you may have those joint aches, the body doesn’t regulate itself like it should. The brain is nor communicating signals correctly with the body.

Q: Sjorgens,Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis& Insulin Resistance?
I was diagnosed first with a bad thyroid, then it turned to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, then insulin resistance (with weight gain) and now Sjorgens.Are these all related?
I forgot to add that im 33 years old

A: Hi. That is interesting the chain of events your diagnosis went. I would actually see a doc and ask to be tested for Celiac Disease. You don’t list your symptoms but, the symtpoms of CD are so far wide and spred that they are often misdiagnosed for other things–including all that you already mentioned!! The test is a simple blood test and the treatment is even easier–a gluten free diet!! Because Celiac is a an autoimmune disease, patients oftenf ind they ahve secondary autoimmune diseases but those go away or lessen on the gluten free diet.
Please feel free to email me for more info.

Q: What are some statistics for hashimoto’s encephalopathy?
I really need help. Google did me no good at all and I really need to know the stats for this disease. I don’t need the stats for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. They are two different diseases.

A: Try

Q: hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
When and Who discovered hashimoto’s thyroiditis?

A: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Give us feedback on this page
[Printer-friendly version -- PDF file, 65 Kb]

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
What is an autoimmune disease?
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Does this disease run in families?
How can I know for sure if I have this disease?
What is the treatment for this disease?
What would happen without medicine to make sure my thyroid works?
What happens if I have this disease and get pregnant?

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroid disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. The thyroid helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. Hashimoto’s stops the gland from making enough thyroid hormones for the body to work the way it should. It is the most common thyroid disease in the U.S.

What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system becomes misdirected and attacks the organs, cells or tissues that it was designed to protect. About 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most often during their childbearing years.

What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Some patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis may have no symptoms. However, the common symptoms are fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, forgetfulness, muscle weakness, puffy face, dry skin and hair, constipation, muscle cramps, and increased menstrual flow. Some patients have major swelling of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck, called goiter.

Does this disease run in families?
There is some evidence that Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can have a hereditary link. If autoimmune diseases in general run in your family, you are at a higher risk of developing one yourself.

How can I know for sure if I have this disease?
Your doctor will perform a simple blood test that will be able to tell if your body has the right amount of thyroid hormones. This test measures the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to find out if the levels are in the normal range. The range is set by your doctor and should be discussed with you. Work with your doctor to figure out what level is right for you. There are other available tests that your doctor may choose to do if need be, such as a blood test to measure the level of “active thyroid hormone” or Free T4 and a scan (picture) to look at the thyroid.

What is the treatment for this disease?
Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is treated with thyroid hormone replacement. A small pill taken once a day should be able to keep the thyroid hormone levels normal. This medicine will, in most cases, need to be taken for the rest of the patient’s life. When trying to figure out the amount of hormone you need, you may have to return to your doctor several times for blood tests to guide adjustments in the medicine dose. It is important that the dose be right for you. A yearly visit to your doctor will help keep your levels normal and help you stay healthy overall. Be aware of the symptoms. If you note any changes or the return of symptoms, return to your doctor to see if you need to have your medicine dosage adjusted.

What would happen without medication to regulate my thyroid function?
If left untreated, hyporthyroidism can cause further problems, including changes in menstrual cycles, prevention of ovulation, and an increased risk of miscarriage. Symptoms such as fatigue, depression and constipation, may progress and there can be other serious consequences, including heart failure. It is also important to know that too much thyroid replacement hormone can mimic the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This is a condition that happens when there is too much thyroid hormone. These symptoms include insomnia, irritability, weight loss without dieting, heat sensitivity, increased perspiration, thinning of your skin, fine or brittle hair, muscular weakness, eye changes, lighter menstrual flow, rapid heart beat and shaky hands.

What happens if I have this disease and I get pregnant?
It is important to get checked out by your doctor more often if you are pregnant. Inadequately treated thyroid problems can affect a growing baby, and the thyroid replacement needs of pregnant women often change. A doctor can help you figure out your changing medicine needs.

For More Information . . .
You can find out more information about Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and hyporthyroidism by contacting the National Women’s Health Information Center at 1-800-994-9662 or the following organizations:

National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive Diseases and Kidney Diseases
Phone: (301) 496-3583
Internet Address: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/

Thyroid Foundation of America
Phone: (800) 832-8321
Email: info@tsh.org
Internet Address: http://www.tsh.org/

The American Thyroid Association
Email: admin@thyroid.org
Internet Address: http://www.thyroid.org

This FAQ was reviewed by Dr. David Cooper, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Division of Endocrinology.

Back to FAQ Index

In 1912 (Fig. 8-1) Hashimoto described four patients with a chronic disorder of the thyroid, which he termed struma lymphomatosa. The thyroid glands of these patients were characterized by diffuse lymphocytic infiltration, fibrosis, parenchymal atrophy, and an eosinophilic change in some of the acinar cells.(1) Clinical and pathologic studies of this disease have appeared frequently since Hashimoto’s original description. The disease has been called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic thyroiditis, lymphocytic thyroiditis, lymphadenoid goiter, and recently autoimmune thyroiditis. Classically, the disease occurs as a painless, diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland in a young or middle-aged woman. It is often associated with hypothyroidism. The disease was thought to be uncommon for many years, and the diagnosis was usually made by the surgeon at the time of operation or by the pathologist after thyroidectomy. The increasing use of the needle biopsy and serologic tests for antibodies have led to much more frequent recognition, and there is reason to believe that it may be increasing in frequency.(2) It is now one of the most common thyroid disorders.

Figure 1. Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto

The first indication of an immunologic abnormality in this disease was an elevation of the plasma gamma globulin fraction detected by Fromm et al.(3) This finding, together with abnormalities in serum flocculation test results(4) indicated that the disease might be related to a long-continued autoimmune reaction. Rose and Witebsky(5) showed that immunization of rabbits with extracts of rabbit thyroids produced histologic changes in the thyroid glands resembling those seen in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. They also found antithyroglobulin antibodies in the blood of the animals. Subsequently, Roitt et al.(6) observed that a precipitate formed when an extract of human thyroid gland was added to serum from a patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Thus, it appeared that the serum contained antibodies to a constituent of the human thyroid and that these antibodies might be responsible for the disease process. These original observations led directly to entirely new concepts of the causation of disease by autoimmunization.

Pathology
The goiter is generally symmetrical, often with a conspicuous pyramidal lobe. Grossly, the tissue involved by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is pinkish-tan to frankly yellowish and tends to have a rubbery firmness. The capsular surface is gently lobulated and non-adherent to peri-thyroid structures. Microscopically, there is a diffuse process consisting of a combination of epithelial cell destruction, lymphoid cellular infiltration, and fibrosis. The thyroid cells tend to be slightly larger and assume an acidophilic staining character; they are then called Hurthle or Askanazy cells and are packed with mitochondria. The follicular spaces shrink, and colloid is absent or sparse. Fibrosis may be completely absent or present in degrees ranging from slight to moderate; it may be severe, as observed in subacute or Riedel’s thyroiditis. Foreign body giant cells and granulomas are not features of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in contrast to subacute thyroiditis. In children, oxyphilia and fibrosis are less prominent, and hyperplasia of epithelial cells may be marked. Deposits of dense material representing IgG are found along the basement membrane on electron microscopy (Fig. 8-2).

Figure 2. Electron microscopy image of thyroid tissue from a patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, showing electron dense deposits of IgG and TG along the basement membrane of follicular cells.

Within the follicles may be seen clusters of macrophage-like cells. The lymphoid infiltration in the interstitial tissue is accompanied by actual follicles and germinal centers (Fig. 8-3, below). Plasma cells are prominent. Totterman has studied the characteristics of the lymphocytes in the thyroid and reports that they are made up of equal proportions of T and B cells.(7) Most infiltrating T cells have alpha/beta T cell receptors. Gamma/delta T cells are rare(8), although their proportion in intrathyroidal lymphocytes is higher than that in peripheral lymphocytes(9). CD4+CD8+ cells and CD3lo-TCRalpha/beta-lo/CD4-CD8- cells also are present in the infiltrate in the thyroid(9). Infiltrating T cells are considered to be a highly restricted population, based on the study of T cell receptor V alpha(10) and beta(11) gene expression. Heuer et al. studied cytokine mRNA expression in intrathyroidal T cells and found increased expression of IFN-gamma, IL-2 and CD25, which are Th1-related cytokines(12) in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Thyroglobulin-binding lymphocytes were increased in percentage relative to their occurrence in blood.

Figure 3. Pathology of

thyroiditis symptoms

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Read and learn more about thyroiditis symptoms. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: Can anyone help me with symptoms of thyroiditis?
My doctor is treating me for thyroiditis (very low TSH level), but I have other symptoms that are affecting my every day life. My symptoms have been occuring for over a month. They include, pain to touch my neck, pain when swallowing, low grade fever, jaw pain, night sweats and chills, confussion, mood swings (mostly mean and cry alot), muscle ache in legs. My endocrinologist says that this is self resolving but that it may take 3 to 4 months. I cannot go on like this much longer. What should I do? HELP!

A: Yep, those are the classic symptoms….aren’t they lovely?!? I also had…and still experience…muscle pain of unknown origin…that one is always special! All these symptoms will subside once you are on the proper medication. Please give it time. I know exactly what you are going through….you don’t know whether to cry or to beat the crap out of someone. This will pass…hang in there. I assume you are on some form of synthetic hormone (synthroid, levoxyl)….this is what will alleviate your symptoms.

Q: What diagnostic tests/physical symptoms diagnosed or made you think you may have lupus?
I am constantly developing mouth sores that look like thrush, get a rash on my cheeks when outside, and feel totally sick when I’m in the sun. Some times I itch like crazy, everywhere on my body. And I just can’t seem to get enough sleep. I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is controlled with Armour thyroid. Do these symptoms sound like lupus? And how is it diagnosed?

A: It could be lupus. The sun combined with your other symptoms is the biggest tip off.

To diagnose lupus one needs to give a full medical history, clealry describe symptoms, have other disorders ruled out, and get a battery of lab tests. There is no single lab test that is definitive for lupus.

Hashimoto’s is also autoimmune. Autoimmunes often come in syndromes or overlap with one another.

Get a referral to a rheumatologist who is knowledgeable about lupus.

Learn more at www.lupus.org

I was diagnosed after being hauled off in an ambulance. I ignored the symptoms for far too long.

Q: What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

A: Some patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis may have no symptoms. However, the common symptoms are fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, forgetfulness, muscle weakness, puffy face, dry skin and hair, constipation, muscle cramps, and increased menstrual flow. Some patients have major swelling of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck, called goiter.

Personally, I believe you need to find the “root cause” and make your body healthy. The thyroiditis was a “result” not “the” problem.

good luck to you

A: Read this article it may help you. It depends on your levels as to whether it needs treatment or not.

http://www.useless-knowledge.com/1234/may/article378.html

Q: Why do i still have symptoms if my blood tests are “normal”?
I have been on thyroid replacement therapy since age 12 but still have hypersensitivity to cold, thin brittle nails and hair, dry skin and a really tough time losing weight? It seems as though the T4 is there but is not being utilized properly by the body. Im tired of being tired. Can Hashimotos Thyroiditis cause that?

A: I’ll bet you are on Synthroid or Levoxyl, right? Well, the reason you are sensitive to cold, have thin nails and hair, dry skin, hard time losing weight…is because those meds, and the use of the TSH lab, keep you hypo. They do MILLIONS of us. Synthroid and Levoxyl are T4-only meds. T4 is a storage hormone. But the body is NOT meant to live on a storage hormone alone. Thus, we stay hypo on them.

The solution is the find a doctor to put you desiccated thyroid like Armour or Naturethroid. They contain exactly what your own thyroid makes: T4, T3, T2, T1 and calcitonin. And do NOT dose the by the TSH, but by elimination of symptoms and getting your free T3 lab at the top of the range. They really work! Read this site: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com It will explain what is going on.

Q: I was diagnosed with thyroiditis 2 years ago and my thyroid level has not stabalized. What is going on?
Two years ago, after bloodwork my doctor diagnosed me with an overactive thyroid, but by the time I got to the doctor for a checkup my thyroid had dipped low. After a thyroid scan, I was diagnosed with thyroiditis. She said cases usually clear up in 8 months-1 year. I am currently on synthroid because my levels are usually low, but about 3 times a year I become hyperactive again, having symptoms at these times that affect my daily routines. While I do see my endochronologist frequently–has anyone had a similiar problem, or know of the alternatives so I, being a 21 year old, active female, don’t have to live with these crazy symptoms associated with thyroiditis? Thanks so much!!

A: my daughter too, and me…it turned out that while she is currently going through testing, I was finally diagnoised with hashimotos, which is named after the guy who discovered it. and it is the thyroid getting large and excreting too much and then shrinking down and then not excreting enough. heart palps on the high side and total loss of energy on the low side. You can ask your endocronologist to do a test for it (it is an antibody test-blood work again!) It is actually very common for this to not be diagnoised. I ended up with nodules and had to have my thyroid removed, and after the fact they discovered thyroid cancer. ( I was turning 50) there are 4 kinds and 95 percent of us have the first two kinds which have an incredibly high survival rate of 95%. I am not telling you that to scare you, but if you ever travel down that road, it is not as horrible as it sounds. ANYWAY, there are some great support groups for thyroid issues on the web with yahoo…I am in one for thyroidectomies and one for thyroid cancer….you could log into one and just read, you don’t have to post, and many people talk about hashimotos…just know that there are some real psuedo science sites out there that really are rediculous. If your synthroid is not controlling your hashimotos, eventually they may say you should have a thyroidectomy and remove it…I actually feel better now without it and just the synthroid. It sounds crazy to think that slitting your throat would be good for your health, but for me it was. The scar is about 2 to 3 inches long, in a natural crease in my neck and really does not show at all. (it stopped being pink by about 5 months). I believe my daughter is pretty much in the same boat as you and I have investigated alot about it. also, for future, you will have to be even more closely monitored when you decide to get pregnant. good luck

Q: I have hoshimoto’s thyroiditis and still have symptom’s after being on the right dose med. Can someone explain
I just looked up thyroid transplant and read “synthetic levothyroxine does not contain all the thyroid hormone precursors that the thyroid gland produces. While the full contributions of T0, T1, and T2 are unclear, research shows that T2 is necessary for the production of enzymes necessary for thyroid function. “
So doesn’t that mean that our meds are not replacing the thyroid function totally? I was since told I have fibromyalgia, but am thinking it’s my thyroid since ALL the symptoms are the same, YET I’m on the right dose of thyroid med for 20 years. Symptoms came about 12 years ago. Symptoms-total body aches, very dry skin, light sensitive, constipation, temperature body issues, weight gain. Does anyone have any opinions or advice or new advances in thyroid disease?
Oh I also have memory problems and low libido.
I used to go to an endo years ago and just went about a year ago and both times they just put me on the normal med and sent me on my way. They don’t seem to look into things too much. I also do have Anemia. I really don’t have sleep problems.
Thanks Deb for your response. I was diagnosised by a doctor that I had fibro even though I don’t have sleeping issues. This was actually by two different doctors. I also am very careful with my diet and have been tested for celiacs and don’t have a gluten issue.

A: I’m assuming that you are being treated by an endocrinologist. If not, I would make that change immediately. There’s more to treating thyroid than taking thyroid supplements. You have to monitor the functioning of other systems as well (e.g, hormones, iron absorption, etc.).

You may also want to rule out problems with sleep. Symptoms of fibromyalgia can also occur or made worse with sleep disorders (not uncommon with thyroid problems as well).

Q: Mixed symptoms (Thyroid)?
Ok.

When I was first diagnoised with thyroid problems, I was diagnoised with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (hypothryoidism).

I have symptoms of it: dry skin, brittle nails, I’m constantly tired, I have memory problems, a large goiter, and I’ve always had weight problems.

However- I also have symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms I have: I’m nervous, my hands shake, I sweat a lot, I’ve got a 50% chance of running to the bathroom after eating, my hair isn’t exactly what I would call fine, but it is soft, and it falls out.

So is it normal to have symptoms of both? Thank you.

A: A very important thing to bear in mind is that not every quirk of your body is necessarily connected to single thing. Different symptoms hit different people, and in addition to that hypothyroidism used to be called “the great imitator” because it has such a huge and general range of symptoms which could mean anything. Shaking, nervousness and hair loss are all hypOthyroid symptoms as well, and going to the bathroom a lot or sweating is probably for a whole host of possible other reasons, it’s not all about thyroid – diet, psychology, and lifestyle all have a part to play too.
It is absolutely impossible to have both hypo- and hyper- thyroidism at the same time, since they’re opposing disorders (i.e. one is too little and the other is too much) but it is very normal to have some symptoms which could be construed as meaning either, since the symptoms of both are very general.

Q: Why isnt there any treatment for HASHIMOTOS THYROIDITIS?
??????????????????????????????? i was told i ahve this 4 years ago and evenutally it will BURN off my thyroid gland and now i have symptoms of hypothyroid yet my tsh is normal WHAT DO I DO>????

A: First of all your disease is an autoimmune disease in which your own body is attcking the thyroid. i have a book called Women and Autoimmune Disease which I suggest you get and it is by Robert G Lahita MD. He says he treats Hashimotos by giving the patient lifelong thyroid hormone replacemnt such as Synthroid. If I understand what i read correctly he believes Hahimotos to be the first sign of more autoimmune disorder like Lupus. You need to see a doctor who knows what is going on. If you are not being treated in this manner you must seek another Rheumatologist because as I have said other autoimmune disorders ride alongside the obvious ones in some instances!

Q: Tightness in throat and thyroiditis?
I have had a sore throat for a few weeks now. The doctors ruled out strep throat, mono, etc. Ear,nose and throat scoped me but said nothing was there. Anyway, it got worse last night, in the lower part of my throat, right by the trachea. It feels tight, swollen and difficult to swallow. It went to the ER, they did blood work and suggested it was a thyroid problem. The blood work came back fine, but they believe its irritated and the symptoms are there. I don’t have the over/under weight, hair falling out, etc. symptoms though. Just tired sometimes, tight/sore throat, difficult to swallow,sensitive to touch the throat area (thyroid location), somewhat moody, etc. I can’t wear a scarf or turtleneck because it hurts to touch. I have an appt with an endocrinologist next week. Anyone have these symptoms?

A: Your thyriod glands may be working fine, although you may have a goitre. This can press against your windpipe, giving the feeling of beeing unable to swallow something. Have your doctor check you out as it is very important that you get a diagnosis, even if the diagnosis is ‘everything is fine’.

Q: Hoshimoto Thyroiditis?
I was diagnosed with Hoshimoto Thyroiditis. I am taking 50mcg of Levothyroxin. I was feeling great but the past couple of weeks some of my old symptoms have returned. I know that with hoshimoto thyroiditis, antibodies attack the thyroid gland. Could that be the reasons that my symptoms have returned or do I need to have my levels checked to see if I need a higher dose of meds?

A: Hoshimoto Thyroiditis has been classified as an autoimmune disease but there is controversy surrounding this. In fact, most so called autoimmune diseases are actually a result of infection. In order for a doctor to prescribe a medication, you must first get a diagnosis. Since he diagnosed you with Hoshimoto’s, he is within his standard of care to prescribe thyroid medication.

This medication basically makes the thyroid useless and you will find that the medication has to be increased typically until you are receiving the maximum dosage. This typically lasts for the rest of your life.

There may or may not be, but most likely is a “root cause” that is making your thyroid slow down or it may simply not be getting the nutrients in your diet that is supplying the components it needs to make the hormones. You could have an endocrine issue that is generating the problem with your thyroid. To treat the symptom and not understand what is causing it, is typical of doctors today. It’s very easy for them to do this and relieves them of the difficulty in finding the true problem. You get a life sentence and they get a check.

The thing they don’t seem to tell you is that ALL drugs damage the body and it is labeled “side effects.” So instead of focusing on real health, you get “make believe health” and don’t get real resolution to the problem.

I have a particular interest in thyroid problems because I was once a victim of the doctor’s solution, drugs. My doctor told me that I would never be able to stop taking them once I started and that I would get very sick if I did stop. Well, he was wrong. I have been off the thyroid medications for over 1-1/2 years now and NO SYMPTOMS. It took a lot of understanding and work and several months, but my thyroid is working just fine now. I didn’t get the resolution through doctors because ALL of them I saw, including G.P.’s, endocrinologists, all said the same thing, “take the med’s.”

I discovered that an injury I had as a child on the back of my head and a deficiency of iodine was the root cause. I strongly suggest you get some help from people that understand nutrition and how the body works rather than some drug pushing, lazy person that may or may not even understand the whole picture.

A Certified Nutritional Therapist can test you for specific deficiencies and pin point organs that are not working well. They focus on health, not diagnosing sickness. Making your body healthy is primary. Your body has an innate intelligence that can go to work for you if you give it what it needs.

One very simple test I would do, if I were you, is determine if you have an iodine deficiency. You can do this in one day, yourself. Go to the pharmacy and buy a bottle of “Tincture of Iodine” and paint a 2″ x 3″ patch on your forearm. I would do this in the morning. Note the time of day on a piece of paper. Now watch it throughout the day. If it disappears before 24 hours, you are deficient. You need iodine to make the thyroid hormones. If you are deficient, how can you expect your thyroid to make the hormones? You can’t, simple as that. I find many people are deficient in iodine due to the large quantities of Fluorine we are being subjected too. Fluoride depletes the body of iodine. It’s now being put into many things; toothpaste, tap water, sodas, beer, etc.

Look at your teeth. Yes, any amalgam fillings, root canals done with modern dentistry, extractions, all lead to infections that deplete your body of minerals and also can reflex to the thyroid to slow it down!

good luck to you

Q: Hashimotos thyroiditis?
Just found out my dad has hashimotos thyroiditis. I know it’s genetic, but what are the chances of me having it? And if I do have it, what are the symptoms? I’m 18 and female

A: Hashimoto’s disease is about seven times more common in women than men. Although it often occurs in adolescent or young women, the disease more commonly appears between 40 and 60 years of age. Hashimoto’s disease tends to run in families. Scientists are working to identify the gene or genes that cause the disease to be passed from one generation to the next. Possible environmental influences are also being studied. For example, researchers have found that excess iodine consumption may inhibit thyroid hormone production in susceptible individuals. Certain drugs or viral infections may also contribute to autoimmune thyroid diseases.

People with other autoimmune disorders are more likely to develop Hashimoto’s disease and vice versa. These disorders include

1) Vitiligo, a condition in which some areas of the skin lose their natural color
2) Rheumatoid arthritis
3) Addison’s disease, in which the adrenal glands are damaged and cannot produce enough of certain critical hormones
4) Type 1 diabetes
5) Pernicious anemia, a type of anemia caused by inadequate vitamin B12 in the body.

Hashimoto’s disease does not have unique signs and symptoms. The disease typically progresses slowly over a number of years and causes chronic thyroid damage, leading to a drop in thyroid hormone levels in your blood. The signs and symptoms are mainly those of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary widely, depending on the severity of hormone deficiency. At first, you may barely notice any symptoms, such as fatigue and sluggishness, or you may simply attribute them to getting older. But as the disease progresses, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

> Fatigue and sluggishness
> Increased sensitivity to cold
> Constipation
> Pale, dry skin
> A puffy face
> Hoarse voice
> An elevated blood cholesterol level
> Unexplained weight gain – occurring infrequently and rarely more than 10 to 20 pounds, most of which is fluid
> Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, especially in your shoulders and hips
> Pain and stiffness in your joints and swelling in your knees or the small joints in your hands and feet
> Muscle weakness, especially in your lower extremities
> Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
> Depression

Without treatment, signs and symptoms gradually become more severe and your thyroid gland may become enlarged (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow, or you may feel depressed.

Hope you got your answer.

Feel free to ask if you have any further querry.

Regards,
Dr. Zeeshan Chattha.

Q: postpartum thyroiditis anyone??
My daughter is 11 months old and I am having a lot of symptoms that are similar to thyroid disease. I am waiting for my lab results which are due next week. I just read about postpartum thyroiditis and learned that it usually corrects itself after a year plus…. Has anyone had this and can you describe your situation, treatment and outcome?
Thank you in advance!!
Oh yeah, I’m 41 years old…

A: I have not had this but I read about it, did you see the treatment that is suggested on several sites?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-US&cx=disease_for_patients&q=+Postpartum+thyroiditis++treatment

I hope it helps.

autoimmune thyroiditis

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Read and learn more about autoimmune thyroiditis. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: I have Autoimmune Thyroiditis & Hypothyroidism, How tired should I be?
I have just found out how very much my doctor doesnt seem interested in helping me, (I’m seeking a new one), and I was hoping someone could help me in the mean time. I was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimotos Thyroiditis) 7 years ago, and hypothyroidism 13 years ago. I am so tired all the time, and i was just wondering how normal this was? My doctor told me it’s just something I’ll have to learn to deal with, but it’s interfering with my life. It wasn’t that big of a deal when I was in school, I would just go to bed as soon as I got home, but now that I’m out of college and trying to work full time it’s become impossible. I can only work part-time because of it, and even then I’m still exhausted. I probably sleep 10-12 hours a day, but if i dont sent an alarm I can sleep for 15-18. Is this normal for hypothyroidism sufferers? or should i be getting my doc to look for something else going wrong?

A: I’m so sorry you have this disease. I’m not a doctor, just another sufferer. I’ve get so tired I can literally barely move. I’ve been after my doctor and am also thinking about changing to another.

I had symptoms of this disease over 10 years ago, along with low thyroid levels. My gut instinct was that something was very wrong and getting worse. Long story short-several docs refused to start me on medication. After searching online, I went in armed with printouts from various sites. I was referred to an endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid disorders. I wish I had listened to my gut instinct and been more persistent. I may have been started on medication earlier and avoided this getting so bad.

My point is, see an endocrinologist who treats thyroid disorders. If you don’t like the one you have, change. Listen to your own gut instinct – it’s usually right. I don’t think it’s normal that you sleep so long and are still exhausted. The doctor shouldn’t be blowing you off, imho.

I’ve got several links for you to check out. Bring in some print outs of your symptoms and the treatments to you doctor. You have to get some help with this. Move on, if you can’t get help where you are.

I hope you get help and begin to feel better. Good luck.

Q: can i die from hashimoto’s disorder(autoimmune thyroiditis)?
I am a 15 year old girl that just recently got diagnosed with cancer in my neck. I just had surgery to remove it about 2 months ago. Everything was going better for me like making the varsity basketball team at my school, my grades were good, and i have the best of friends always supporting me. I just recently found out i have hashimotos disorder (autoimmune thyroiditis). I have been reading up on it but all the extremely large words confuse me! I just want to know if there is another possibility that i can die from this disorder? I think i am entitled the know but no one will give me a straight answer seeing as they always change the subject when i approach the question. Can someone please just tell me about this disorder as i am trying to do my own research but it is not working out so well…thank you very much i would greatly appreciate it!
kimberly

A: You can only die from Hashimoto’s if your case is very severe, and if you refuse treatment. So don’t refuse treatment, and you will be fine, ok.

That being said, this sounds very fishy. Cancer in your neck? Do you mean thyroid cancer? If so, that is very different from Hashimoto’s. Are you in treatment for thyroid cancer? So you’ve had radiation or a thyroidectomy? If so, I don’t see how you could possibly have Hashimoto’s if you don’t have a thyroid. Anyway, I hope your cancer treatment, whatever it was, was successful, and you are all clear now.

Q: higher risk of miscarriage with hashimoto-thyroiditis (autoimmune disease of the thyroid)?
i just had a miscarriage this week, i was 5-6 weeks along. i have hashimoto-thyroiditis, and i read that women with this autoimmune disease suffer from a higher risk of having a miscarriage than women without it. can anybody tell me more about this, maybe someone who has that illness too? it was my first pregnancy, i am 21 years old. i will be thankful for any kind of help or information.

A: I looked into some articles for you and most are saying that the miscarriages are more common in 2nd trimester. 5 weeks is very early on.

There is some things you can do if you plan on getting pregnant again and one articles states this:

I think it is wise to see the endocrinologist and wait the recommended time before attempting pregnancy again. You need time to build up energy, as well as nutrient, iron and calcium stores again

Rates of recurrent miscarriage are reported to be higher in hypothyroid women than in those with normal thyroid studies.
Early replacement with thyroxine improves fetal outcome.
Because of the association between autoimmune thyroid disease and recurrent miscarriage, thryoid antibodies should be obtained in women with recurrent miscarriages.
There is no documented benefit from treating low-thyroid women with recurrent miscarriage with L-thyroxine.

Q: Which autoimmune disease causes Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
I know I have an auto-immune disease caused by mono and related to EBV, but what’s the name of the immune disorder itself?

A: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis IS the autoimmune disease itself. It is caused by the body attacking itself. Go here:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/hashimoto-thyroiditis.cfm
and here:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hashimotos-disease/DS00567

I think this is what you are talking about, you may want to use the links on the article to further explore:

http://thyroid-disorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/mononucleosis_and_hashimotos_thyroiditis

Q: is tehre a cure for HASHIMOTOTS THYROIDITIS a AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE?
HOW DO I STPI MY IMMUNE SYSTEM FROM ATTACKING MY THYROID GLAND WHAT HERBS PILLS ANYTHING REMEDIES CAN HELP PLEASE??????????????
yes i was find when i was born this barely started a few years ago and yes i eat tons of FAST FOOD JUNK FOOD I THINK YOU HAVE A HUGE POINT

A: go to a local homeopath and discuss with doctor your condition and ask about these medicines

Nat Mur 1M weekly 1 dose

Thyr 3x 3-3-3 daily

Q: Autoimmune Hypothyroidism (autoimmune thyroiditis)?
I am having problems, problems with my thyroid and always have but a situation has come up that I don’t understand..Every time I go back to the doctor he says my thyroid is still too low and he increases mt medicine which I take armor thyroid and when he increases after about a week of this working on my stem I get moody (bad mood city) and I always wind up in an outrage fit to my family and this is not me and my husband and I have notice this happens every time he speeds up my system. I’m wondering does anyone else have this hap ping and what can i do. I do have a goiter and nodules which haven’t been tested in years. Please someone help if you have this same effect. My daughter has low thyroid and she says it makes her feel good when her system speeds up but it doesn’t work that way on me.

A: Hi. I have Hypothyroidism, and have the exact same issues. I get so depressed, i’ve already tried to take my life twice. I also go into rages where i just scream at anybody around me. It’s really horrible. I was a very happy-go-lucky person before i got thyroid disease, so i know that’s what causing it. My personality is totally different then it use to be. I’m not the same person anymore, and every body has noticed it. I use to be very outgoing, and i would talk to anybody. Now i get very moody, and won’t talk to anybody ( won’t answer the phone either ). A lot of people don’t understand that it’s not my fault that i get like this, and that is the worst part of all. I try very hard not to be like this, but i can’t control it. You’re definitely not the only one this happens to. Best of luck to you, hope you feel better soon

Q: A question about autoimmune thyroiditis and breastfeeding?
I was diagnosed with AI during pregnancy, with hypothyroidism (aTPO antibodies 20 times higher than normal, freeT3 and freeT4 normal, TSH high) and I was stupidly recommended by that doctor to increase my hormonal intake in the last month of pregnancy, even if the blood tests showed that my previous dose was enough to control my hormones. I stupidely took the advice and, as a result I overdosed on thyroid hormones for about 2 months (I was supposed to take the increased dose until 6 weeks after birth, but cut them off after 4 weeks, because I started feeling sick) and got diagnosed with hyperthyroidism… Will the overdose effects go down and turn back to hypothyroidism or should I start taking medication for hyperthiroidism? My new dr agreed on repeating the analysis (4 wees after I stopped taking levothyroxine), which still showed high levels of thyroid hormones, and now I am expected to start medication. But what happens if the overdose effects dissapear and I go back to having a low-active thyroid WHILE taking the new medication?
Also, I had been breastfeeding my baby for 6 weeks, I interrupted for 3 weeks (by pumping,not ablactation). I still have milk and would like to continue breastfeeding, but hyperthyriodism medication sold in my country is contraindicated while breastfeeding. I know am aware of the danger of feeding my baby on milk overloaded with hormones, but at the same time it would be a shame to stop breastfeeding and use hyperthyroid medicine for a short period of time only… I don’t know what to expect.

A: When you have iatrogenic hyperthyroidism, the treatment is to stop the treatment, not to take other drugs.

This means that if your doctor made you sick by giving you too much medication, you don’t take other medication to counteract that. You just reduce the original medication to appropriate levels.

You will feel better within a week of reducing your synthroid to a more appropriate dose, and your hyperthyroidism will resolve.

Q: Ladies with autoimmune diseases, are you afraid of passing on the wrong immunity genes to your baby?
I have celiac disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the latter discovered during pregnancy, and I’m somewhat worried that my baby may inherit either them or just a background for some more autoimmune problems. Would you feel guilty if your child did inherit any ‘bad gene’ from you?

A: Oh yes, terrified! I have 4 autoimmune diseases and have a 7 year old son. Thankfully, I only had one or two when I had him. So far, he’s doing well and only has odd allergies (I believe it’s related).

Hormones affect AI diseases. Pregnancy can actually stop AI symptoms.

Yes, I’d feel guilty, but there’s so much that we don’t know… I wish you luck.

Q: Autoimmune Hypothyroidism?
Just a brief summary of my overall health….when I turned 13 I experienced chronic fatigue (slept all day and couldn’t even get schoolwork done) and depression. In my late teens and early twenties, I always felt an extreme lack of energy and inability to focus on anything + periodic hair loss and premature graying. Not to mention that I have an apparently weak immune system which caused me to get boils on my legs over a period of 6 or 7 months.I am in my late twenties now and have reached a point where I can’t function at work and am now on sick leave. I have just about every single symptom of hypothyroidism -except for brittle nails. I’ve been losing lots of hair over the past 8 months – my eyes are extremely puffy – I’ve gained weight and am unable to lose it or gain muscle mass – despite vigorous exercising. I’m experiencing memory loss and I often find it difficult to speak or focus at all. I am exhausted and unable to get out of bed – I have heart palpitations and panic attacks. I’m constantly dehydrated and urinate quite frequently (every 10 min), but my blood sugar is 6 which is normal, I guess. I had a blood test done – and these are my results: S-Anti-TPO = 132* Free T3 = 4.3 Free T4 = 13.1 S-TSH = 1.2 it also showed that I have a vitamin B12, D, and Iron deficiency. My doctor thinks my problem is stress but she agreed to have me take Thyroxine for a few weeks to see how things go – but I’m not sure what my problem is….is it the vitamin deficiencies, depression/mental illness, or autoimmune thyroiditis? Is it dangerous for me to take this medication? Could this be the start of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism? If the latter, then could taking these pills be dangerous? Can it cause cancer or be detrimental to my health?

A: LDN, a drug approved in the 1980s for treatment of drug and alcohol addiction — is being used successfully at very low dose levels to treat a variety of immune-related illnesses, including autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, and autoimmune thyroid diseases, and new studies are learning more about uses for this medication.

Please consider reading more about Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) here:

http://honestmedicine.typepad.com/ebook-sept%2021-2009–The%20Faces%20of%20Low%20Dose%20Naltrexone.pdf

Q: I’m a doctor & has just finished an important research which effects 10% of females. Addresses to announce it?
Autoimmune thyroiditis effects more than 10% of females and 2% of males. Destruction of thyroid gland by sensitized own-lymphocytes causes permenant hypothyroidism in more than 95% of patients. There’ve been no sps treatment modality to suppress this autoimmune war. 3 years ago, Prof. Gartner from Munih University shoed the efficiecy of selenium on suppression of autoantibody titers. Now we’ve just completed the 4th study on this subject. It’s performed on the largest patient group and it has the longest period of follow up. It’s confirmed to be edited in an important journal in June. We try to announce this important data to all professionals and patients. But nobody could understand the importance of this massage including the health service of yahoo, Lancet etc. This cilent revolution must not be deleted in this waste box of internet. Is there any people who reads these messages really? Yahoo? Are you there?
The manuscript can be found at: http://journals.endocrinology.org/joe/fca/JOE06661.htm

A: Do a press release using a service like PRWeb.com. Examples of what others have done similar to your needs:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/05/prweb390647.htm

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/05/prweb390160.htm

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/05/prweb389091.htm

You should also contact the related patient advocacy organization. Here are some links:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/community.htm

http://thyroid.about.com/library/links/blbipolar.htm

http://www.sclero.org

http://www.thelupuslady.com/

http://www.krispin.com/thyroid.html

http://www.thyroid.org/patients/links.html

http://www.thyroid.ca/Guides/HG00.html

http://www.tsh.org/

You are, I’m sure, familiar with the other extensive research on this topic. See links:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12656658

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_2003_Feb-March/ai_97994351

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1:97994351/Selenium+effective+against+autoimmune+thyroiditis~R~+(Literature+Review+~A~+Comment)~R~(Brief+Article).html?refid=SEO

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/show/NCT00271427;jsessionid=256D529C4CC749B4089887541B29F4B1?order=1

http://iospress.metapress.com/index/1C13R7CD9YMF5VMR.pdf

etc., etc. Try contacting those study authors and see if they can lend support and/or follow-up/collaborate on your study.

Also, try checking Yahoo groups, MSN groups, and similar online discussion groups to bring your info to the patients there. They are the ones you want to reach – they are the ones that matter and will bring it to their doctors.

Good luck in your research.

Q: Question on autoimmune diseases?
Hi all, i was diagnosed with hashimoto’s thyroiditis over a year ago now, and i know that is an autoimmune disease. Is there anyone else here with an autoimmune disease who has developed other autoimmune diseases? i’m really worried that i may develope more autoimmune diseases as i’ve been told that happens to alot of people who suffer from autoimmunity…

A: I understand your concern. I was diagnosed with lupus and then later with RA, so it does happen. But the best advice I can give to you is to really try and take care of yourself. Do what your doctors advise you to do. And don’t let your autoimmune disease define who you are–that’s the most important! A lot of people, when they are first diagnosed fall into the trap of being so involved in learning about their disease and talking about it that it begins to consume their lives. Living with an autoimmune disease is hard because it already controls so much of what you can and can’t do, so don’t let it control who you are. And also, don’t stress too much about what other problems you may develop or about how your disease will progress. Focus on the now and deal with what may be later! Just live your life! Good luck sweetie!

Q: Is this autoimmune hepatitis? scared ?
My husband had elevated AST and ALT levels during his recent blood test. His AST is 218 and ALT of 89.
He was recently diagnosed ( 1 month ago) of Hashimotos thyroiditis. I am concerned as some people say it might be autoimmune hepatitis. All his other liver enzymes values came out normal. He does not have any hepatitis type of symptoms. If anyone has any information about possibilities of autoimmune hepatitis (since he has thyroid problem) please answer my Question.

A: He obviously has some type of problem if his counts are up but its hard to tell if it’s autoimmune hepatitis. The best way to know is have his ANA checked and possibly a liver biopsy. A few other symptoms you can watch out for is jaundice, joint pain, abdominal pain (on the right side), fatigue, nausea, swelling of the liver, and loss of appetite. Those are pretty common if its hepatitis. His counts are high enough that they should be watched but not high enough to stress too much. It’s pretty unlikely that it’s AIH given his gender and age (most common in teenage and young women). Just get him checked out and if you are still really worried, go to a GI specialist. They are pretty good about finding out what’s wrong. Good luck.

Q: All of the following are examples of autoimmune diseases EXCEPT…?
a. multiple sclerosis
b. Graves disease
c. Hashimoto thyroiditis
d. myasthenia gravis
e. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

A: I believe that it is either Graves Disease or Hashimoto Thyroiditis. I am 100% sure that it isn’t Myasthenia Gravis or Multiple Sclerosis since they don’t result from a bacteria/virus.

Q: What exactly do Antimitochondrial Antibodies (M2) do to the body?
I have just been diagnosed with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis by blood tests (positive M2 Antibody) and liver biopsy. I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogrens Syndrome, Raynauds Syndrome and Thyroiditis which apparently all “go along” with this disease. I understand it’s all autoimmune but what I’m trying to understand is what role (if any) the antimitochondrial antibodies play in these diseases. Is my body attacking mitochondria in all my cells (and creating these other diseases) or just the ones in the bile ducts? Thank you for your help.
Thank you for telling my what Antimitochondrial Antibodies are… but I knew that, what I was asking was what effect do they have on the body and could they have been responsible for my other Autoimmune Diseases other than the PBC. Thank you for your help.

A: Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are substances (antibodies) that form against mitochondria, an important part of cells. Mitochondria are the energy source inside all of the body’s cells. Mitochondria help cells work properly.

Q: a special case?
There’s this young man, 25, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 10 days ago, presented with severe ketoacidosis. He was underweight, his BMI was around 16, you could see his bones under his skin. A striking exofthalmia.The ketoacidosis was treated, the first 2 days he couldn’t eat much because of the nausea, after that his appetite came back, his hunger has no limits, he often hides and eats so that nurses don’t see him.
We increased the insulin dose to cover a higher amount of carbs, given the fact he’s malnourished, but we reached almost 3 units/kg body weight and still his glycemias are around 300. Education in his case is hard to do, because of his very low IQ.This boy comes from a very poor family, has a history of child abuse, and a mental retardation. TSH level is very low, we are waiting for the FT4, FT3 results, but he probably has also an autoimmune thyroiditis.

Q: what would you do ?
his body weight increased with 6 kgs, mainly because of rehydration
The doses today were: Apidra 40 UI in the morning, 34 at noon, 40 at dinner
Lantus 44 UI bedtime.
Insulin pump is not an option, he doesn’t even have an id card, not to mention insurance.
I really need good suggestions. ty

A: Even with the low IQ, education is important for everyone who has diabetes. The level of it and approach to it must be different though, Maybe focus on a little a day, and make it more hands on?

Lantus and Apidra are good insulins, and very appropriate in this case. Usually people who take Lantus twice a day instead of once a day have better control, and can often take less insulin overall, since you don’t rely on a pooling effect so much to get the extended action. This also allows you to adjust the dose for his basal needs at that time of day.

Apidra has the benefit of being very fast acting. Rather than set dosing, I prefer to use rapid acting insulins to carb count and adjust for what is being eaten. Apidra can be given after the meal, allowing him to eat until he is full, then get his shot. This might deter the sneaking of food. You can even allow for shots to cover snacks in between meals.

Basic nutrition information I would include might be what foods are carbs, and what are not. You can teach him “free foods” and meats to fill up on as well, to prevent him from filling up on just carbs and needing more and more food.

I’m not sure how low is IQ is, or if he will even be living independently, but other necessary information to include is injection technique and glucose testing. Apidra and Lantus both use the Opticlik pen in the US. It comes in two different colors, so make sure he keeps the color pen consistent with the type of insulin to avoid confusion. Also, a glucose meter that doesn’t require coding, such as the ones made by Bayer and the Compact ones from Accu-chek may be preferable.

If feasible, counseling would be advisable. Being diagnosed with a major chronic illness is hard on anyone, but counseling would be especially advisable with the abuse history.

Another important thing is helping this man see if he qualifies for low income insurance programs.

Finally, obviously the thyroid needs to be treated properly. Education may be easier once the thyroid condition and the diabetes is better controlled.

postpartum thyroiditis

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Read and learn more about postpartum thyroiditis. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: Does anyone know anything about postpartum thyroiditis?
My dr says my thyroid is overactive, possibly from having a baby 8 months ago, does anyone have any similar esperiences with this. I’m also TTC baby no.3 but I read thyroid problems can make you infertile. Any personal accounts and advice would be very valuble. thanks

A: I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid, like you) 3 mths postpartum and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) by 5 mths postpartum. You should really consult with your doctor before ttc #3. From everything I’ve read you should have your overactive thyroid condition under control before you try to conceive for two reasons. First the condition, when uncontrolled during pregnancy, may result in higher incidences of:

Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)
Preterm labor
Low birth-weight babies
Stillbirths
Complications of pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia (a condition associated with hypertension, low blood platelet count, protein in the urine and mental changes) and heart failure.

Second, the treatment for hyperthyroidism can not be administered to pregnant mothers.

You should also note that overactive thyroid brought on by pregnancy will 75% of the time correct itself after a year or so, so you may want to wait and see if it goes away first. There are good articles about this at these wedsite:

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=19366

http://www.thyroid.ca/Articles/EngE11A.html

A: I have not had this but I read about it, did you see the treatment that is suggested on several sites?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-US&cx=disease_for_patients&q=+Postpartum+thyroiditis++treatment

I hope it helps.

Q: Question about postpartum thyroiditis ?
does obgyn’s do blood testing to check your hormone level and thyroids? Where u ever diagnosed with this problem? what were your symptoms.

A: Mine did the testing and monitored if for six months afterward. I had thyroid issues but not this particular one – look here for some good basic info:

http://www.thyroid.org/patients/brochures/Thyroiditis.pdf

Q: Has anyone ever had Postpartum Thyroiditis…..?
I am in the middle of seeing a doctor now, but am going to make an appt. with an Endocrinologist tomorrow. I am just trying to figure out what’s wrong with me!

It started out just tingling in my feet upon getting out of bed in the morning (this was 5 months ago) and over the months, especially the last month or two, it’s gotten progressively worse and now it’s off and on all day in my hands and feet.

I had a full Thyroid Panel done and everything was normal except my Free T4. The normal range is 6-9.6 and mine was .16! I am really freaking out about this =*(…..

I won’t be surprised if I don’t get any answers, as I know this isn’t very common! But thanks to anyone who does answer!
I have a few of those symptoms as well, and I read that about BF’ing too- I also lost my milk supply, no matter WHAT I did (pumping, oatmeal, herbs, you name it)..I think this could be a secondary culprit to that problem along with my previous breast surgery (on one side to remove a cyst)…ugh..I hope I figure this out soon…thanks to everyone!

IF you answer, did you have any of the tingling symptoms???
AWW Thanks Mama Mia!!! =)

A: You mean it has a name?! I have a follow-up after some tests coming up soon. No I don’t have tingling. I have fatigue, rapid heartbeat, some dizziness, can’t lose the rest of the baby weight, I feel hot all the time, I have a jittery feeling in my upper body and if I let my teeth get too close they chatter, I lost my milk supply after about a month (I guess that came first), headaches, I’m constantly thirsty, and nausea (no vomiting) to the point that I don’t want to eat sometimes. I’m glad to know this could actually be something and not all in my head!

Q: Women with/had postpartum depression?
I have postpartum depression and postpartum thyroiditis (an autoimmune thyroid condition that occurs after pregnancy and usually eventually goes away)…so I’m hit from two sides on the low mood part. I’m in treatment for both…but as anyone who has had depression knows it doesn’t get better overnight. My son is almost 4 months old and I feel so awful. I am a stay at home mother – and my husband is so helpful when he’s home – but I’m alone most of the day. I want to be the best I can do my son but I always feel like I’m going to crumble. I just want to go into a room by myself and not deal with anything. How did you make it through the depression?
I should add…I have bipolar and I’ve been through depression many many times…but now with a child I feel so bad feeling bad. I want to be a happy cheery mommy….and while I’m trying to do that I ache so bad inside.
Ditya7 ! – I gave you thumbs up because I’m sorry you have to deal with all of that. And you know what…I have many of life’s issues to deal with as well…my hateful mother-in-law lives next door. BUT I have two medical conditions that cause my mood to be terrible AND then have some bad situations to deal with on top of all of it. Depression is an illness like any other – with an organic origin…you’d never tell a woman to “just not succum to breast cancer”.

A: It’s such a tough place to be in. You’re very fortunate that you have a supportive hubby and you’re seeking help. Even though you’re a stay at home mom, some moms find it very beneficial to find a “mom’s morning out” group or babysitter once a week or so. It’s gives you a little time to relax and mellow out. You could take a nap, get your nails done, do some laundry, watch trash tv, whatever. Or join a group like Gymboree or Kindermusik and meet other moms. The meds will help. Know that you’re not alone.

Q: Does anybody else know ALOT about thyroid troubles?
I have postpartum thyroiditis and it has been awful, first hyper- and now it is becoming hypo-. I work in a hospital and know alot about it but would like to talk to someone who does as well for another opinion.

A: well i’m 23 and i’ve been having thyroid problems since 2007. i had a terrible case of hyperthyroiditis and could have gone into thyroid storm had i not started on beta blockers to slow my heart rate. then i was fine for quite a while and then in spet 2009 i found out i have hypothyroidism and i’ve been taking meds for it since november. the meds have brought my thyroid levels back into the normal ranges but my symptoms are all still here. i also have a thyroid nodule thats about 3mm in size.

Q: I have come to conclusion that I have hypothyroidism but I can’t get a doctor to diagnose me?
I have been struggling with problems since I became pregnant with my daughter.I thought I had postpartum depression so I couldn’t deal with the problems anymore and I went to a doctor I was diagnosed with hypothyroid about a year and a half after my daughter was born . My doctor put me on medication for three months and a year later my tsh levels were normal. They told me that I was suffering from depression and put me on effexor. It has been over 4 years since I got pregnant and I am still suffering with many symptoms. Fatigue, migraines, severe acne, mild memory loss, lack of concentration, gained 15lbs in two months, uncontrollable irritability, depression from dealing with these issues for so long, constant fullness in throat, excessive perspiration, and the list goes on. My tsh levels are 3.29 which has increased since the last testing and my symptoms are getting worse. I need help because I cant even get out of bed in the morning when my daughter tells me she is hungry no matter what time I go to sleep. I have read that there is such thing as postpartum thyroiditis that can lead to hypothyroid and I really believe that this is what happened to me.I decided to go to another doctor and she basically told me I have depression. I am so mad I think I would know if I was just depressed.If I am depressed it is because all these doctors wont listen to me and it is very difficult dealing with these symptoms. My life is going well so I am not just depressed. Any help I would appreciate.

A: then see another Dr…if one doesn’t help you, shop till you find one that does.

Q: Why don’t Dr.s listen to you??
I was diagnosed with postpatum depression 9 months ago when my baby was born, but i believe my hormones are out of whack or I’m having problems with my thyroids, I looked up postpartum thyroiditis and all symptoms from PPT I have. I went to a Dr, and explained what was going on with me, anxiety, palpitations, unexplained wheight loss and weight gain, my eyes are sensitive to sunlight, tightness around my neck, tremors, ringing in my ears, ect. All Dr, said common Postpartum depression, she just gave me antidepressives, anti anxiety pills. the pills are hardly working, what do think what should I do? I know my body, i was thinking of leaving to my country and have my thyroids and hormones checked over there cause Dr, are not realy helping me here.

P.S SORRY SO LONG
My Phsyciatrist recomended me in the first place to see an endocrinologist, but they won’t see me without a Dr.s refferal
NO BLOOD WORK HAVE BEEN MADE.

A: 1st thing they should have done is a blood test for thyroid and hormonal imbalances. From there if it shows no indication of that..THEN they should consider antidepressants. Youre smart to look up your symptoms ..doctors are not gods and its always a good thing to be involved in your health. This is shoddy care youre getting. USA docters are trained solely in western medicine. Western medicine treats symptoms not the underlying causes. Its backwards from everyother culture.. Our docs make money prescribing drug after drugs and using you as a guinnea pig..its hit and miss and pretty irresponsible in ethics

Q: Female Problems..And I need help, please?!?
HISTORY
I’m 18. I have a 10 month old child. I have postpartum thyroiditis, and acid reflux. I take 1 levothyroxine (20mg) a day and 1 omeprazole (20mg) 2 times a day.

PROBLEM
Since the day I found out I was pregnant I’ve had a whiteish discharge. Sometimes it’s thick and mocusy, but sometimes it’s runny. Sometimes it’s just a little at a time, but sometimes it seems like it will never stop. At times, I can wipe and wipe, but it still covers the toilet paper. It burns and itches sometimes. But maybe that’s due to wear a pad everyday for the past 18 months. Here lately, though, it smells horrible- even though I shower regularly. And there’s this white stuff on the outside, around my vagina and stuff. It sorta looks like toilet paper rolled up, but it’s there a lot. I’ve even noticed it at the top, in that little “A” thing. If it pull it back a little it’s there.

I’d like some help… and if I can add anything else, that would help, let me know.. My doctor is a long drive, but I have been putting it off for a while..
Any help will do.. Thanks in advance.
Thanks for all the answers. I’m definitely making me an appointment tomorrow, but I thought it would ease my mind getting a few maybes and could be’s.

A: Discharge is quite normal, especially the way you described the appearance of it. Unfortunately for some, they can come in excess as well. It totally depends on a woman’s vagina. However, you’ve mention it causing irritation and burning. Those are partial signs of an infection. The discharge would also be an abnormal color (brown or something) or smell bad (like you mentioned). Either way, it’s definitely worth getting checked out. I honestly don’t know what you should do aside from seeing a doctor to make sure of what it is – most infections however can be remedied by the use of over the counter medication, depending on what it is. Also, you could use thin pantyliners instead of full pads (if you’re not doing so already).

Q: Should I look into getting my thyroid condition fixed?
I have Hoshimoto’s and postpartum thyroiditis. My thyroid has been overactive for 9 months.

When I went to my endocrinologist about it he said that we would just keep checking the levels every few weeks to see if it has gone down. I haven’t had it checked in while because they won’t do anything about even though it is still high.

I know it is still overactive because I am rapidly losing weight, my hair is falling out in clumps, I am tired yet anxious, and my joints ache (it’s an autoimmune disorder so it is attacking my joints).

My question is, should I push getting the condition treated now, let it run its own course, or get it treated after I am done nursing my baby?

A: I would find a new endocrinologist. Obviously you are uncomfortable and concerned and he isn’t taking you seriously. Second opinions are always useful. The healthier you are, the healthier your baby will be, don’t wait.

hashimotos thyroiditis

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Read and learn more about hashimotos thyroiditis. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

People with other autoimmune disorders are more likely to develop Hashimoto’s disease and vice versa. These disorders include

Hope you got your answer.

Feel free to ask if you have any further querry.

Regards,
Dr. Zeeshan Chattha.

Q: Who has Hashimotos Thyroiditis and/or Polycystic Ovaries?
I found out this week that I have both but I haven’t been to my follow up visit to discuss treatments. What should I expect? Has either of these conditions effected your life alot or are they no big deal with proper treatment. I know what the websites say but I would like to hear from actual people.
And if you could tell me how old you are I would appreciate it. I am 24 so finding out I all of a sudden have 2 conditions that make you feel rotten is not fun, lol.

A: I am 19 and have polycystic ovaries. So far I haven’t had any problems, but I’m trying to have a baby with my husband right now…and we’re not having the greatest of luck, but my doctor said that we might have some problems. Birth control pills are a good thing to invest in to keep symptoms at bay, other than that: watch what you eat and workout, and get regular check ups.

Q: DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE MY SAME HEALTH CONDITIONS? FIBROMYALGIA, LUPAS, HASHIMOTOS THYROIDITIS, AND OSTEOARTHRIT?
i have and suffering from the following health conditions: fibromyalgia, lupas, hashimotos thyroiditis hypothyroidism, osteoarthitis,

A: I’m not sure if you are saying you have symptoms of these things or you actually have ALL these diagnosis. If you have one or more of these illnesses, then I am with you! I have a couple of these diagnosed illnesses. They all (as well as a few others such as MS & RA) have such similar symptoms that they’re often misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed. If you feel you have any of these things you need to seek medical attention. Don’t give up on getting a real diagnosis, don’t let doctors or anyone tell you that you are a hypochondriac or that you’re not really sick, some times it takes YEARS & YEARS to get a decent enough medical professional to help you. YOU know you’re sick, & that is the most important thing. If you have a diagnoses already, then seek support, if you can’t get support or help from your friends & family, try a local or on-line support group. There are PLENTY of really good ones here right on Yahoo Groups.

Take care & don’t give up, there is help out there, you just have to do a lot of research & put forth a lot of effort in finding it!

Q: Soy – Good or Bad? I heard soy is bad for people with Hashimotos Thyroiditis. I’ve also heard that’s a myth.
Are there any doctors, patients or nutritionists who would like to weigh in on this? Does the soy interfere with the absorbption of thyroid medicine (in this case, Armour Dessicated Thyroid)?

What if you waited a few hours after taking your thyroid medicine to eat the soy? Would that make a difference? Or is soy just plain out bad for anyone with a thyroid condition, no matter when you eat it in conjunction with taking your meds?

What if the person suffered premature ovarian failure due to the Hashimotos and had early menopause in her mid-30s?

Soy is supposed to be good for menopausal symptoms, but was just wondering if this was in conflict with the thyroid condition that caused the early menopause in the first place.

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies with any info about this.

A: Soy is one of the many foods that is labeled a goitrogen. From what I read it does not seem to effect everyone. I think if your iodine intake is borderline it may effect you.

http://www.ithyroid.com/goitrogens.htm
Goitrogens work by interfering with the thyroidal uptake of iodine.

I can not tell you if it would be good or bad for you. I can suggest you let your doctor know, so they can take blood tests and see if it does effect your thyroid. I think I read do not take soy within 3 hours of taking your thyroid medication.

Q: Hashimotos Thyroiditis + associated treatment?
Looking for feedback re hashimotos and associated treatment, thyroxine replacement, and it’s non effectiveness, am experiencing aching legs, burning feet and visual deterioration. Any one else ???

A: It is both an autoimmune and endocrine disorder. Which specialty doctor do you see? If you are still having symptoms it would indicate your medication isn’t strong enough to alleviate symptoms. Talk to your specialist about the things you are experiencing. It may be just a simple thing of dosage adjustment.

Q: anyone else have hashimotos thyroiditis?
I have hypothyroidism and recently was diagnosed with Hashi’s, which is actually a relief because now I know what’s causing all my crazy symptoms. I am confused however, it sounds from what I’ve been reading online and a book that I bought that Hashi’s doesnt really go away but is controlled with the levothyroxine and acts up once in a while. It sounds like eventually my thyroid will just not function anymore or I will get a goiter and have to have it removed. I asked my doctor about this and he didn’t really give me aclear answer. he made it sound like this is just a one time thing (need to find a new doc). Anyone have more info? Also, I’ve been feeling a kind of hot/cold feeling in my throat, around the thyroid area, for the past couple days, like I swallowed some ben-gay (didn’t). Anyone else experience this? Thanks!

A: Ask you doctor for a referral to an endocrinologist. Endocrinologists can tell you all about the thyroid and its various problems, and can get you on the right medication. Physicians in general/family practice are not all that skilled in this area.

Q: hashimotos thyroiditis… does anyone have it?
i just found out that i might have hashimotos and i am having a difficult time loosing weight. i really dont want to be the weight i am when i turn 25, which is in june, and no they haven’t found the correct amount to keep me on yet(the levothyroxin).

i walk on the tread mill, i have a work out video (turbo jam) and i have dance dance revolution for the xbox360 and i am not having any results and i know that i might not have any until they get the right medicine for me, and my family doctor also told me that it could be something on the thyroid. and yes i am watching what i eat.

thanks for any advice or help in advanced!!
hashimotos was named after the doctor who found it, so that is why it sounds japanese.

A: Hi, I have Hashimoto’s….I was diagnosed when i was 18. The disease did not affect my weight, but i felt weak and drowsy all the time. If you have gained weight only recently and your parents aren’t overweight, your weight will bounce back to normal once you start your medication, which is lifelong.

I don’t think any of your exercise is going to help as the body metabolism is too low due to the thyroxin deficit.

Q: could my hashimotos thyroiditis be causing chemical pregnancy syndrome?
hashimotos is a autoimmune disease i read, antibodies are attacking and killing off my thyroid, i take thyroid meds, but i was thinking if the antibodies attack the thyroid, couldn’t the disorder also attack pregnancies? i have had 2 confirmed chemical pregnancies, i just luckily caught them with ept pregnancy tests and hcg blood tests, i think i have had others too that weren’t caught, also i was just reading that taking 200 mcg of selenium will back off the antibodies that are attacking my thyroid and is also used on thyroid patients with recurrant miscarriage, why didn’t my doctor mention any of this?

A: I think what it could be caused from is just your thyroid not functioning right….there is a huge relation to thyroid issues with infertility and yet doctors don’t seem to tell us this. You might want to consider reading the book “fertility, cycles and nutrition” by merilyn shannon. Also consider taking iodine supplements for your thyroid function….when the thyroid isn’t working properly it also messes with your fertility…they are very much so connected!….reserach it on google…best wishes!

Q: Could my hashimotos thyroiditis be causing chemical pregnancy syndrome?
hashimotos is a autoimmune disease i read, antibodies are attacking and killing off my thyroid, i take thyroid meds, but i was thinking if the antibodies attack the thyroid, couldn’t the disorder also attack pregnancies? i have had 2 confirmed chemical pregnancies, i just luckily caught them with ept pregnancy tests and hcg blood tests, i think i have had others too that weren’t caught, also i was just reading that taking 200 mcg of selenium will back off the antibodies that are attacking my thyroid and is also used on thyroid patients with recurrant miscarriage, why didn’t my doctor mention any of this?

A: yes becaeful with it store in a cool dry place

Q: hashimotos disease? thyroiditis?
about 2 months ago, I started getting this on and off “lump” feeling in my throat. now, it is somewhat visible. I am always tired, always lethargic, depressed and my knees… my knees HURT so bad, I could cry. my knees have felt arthritic for about a year and a half now. I’m 23 and female. I am getting a blood test tomorrow, and a throat ultrasound today, because I SUGGESTED it to my doctor. He just contributed it to anxiety problems. But it lasts for hours on end, at night it is worse. i feel like I am suffocating. Ive gained a bit of weight, but I contributed that to my mother passing away. I am in so much pain, and so scared to go to sleep (when I finally can) that I will wake up choking. the lump feeling is right where my throat meets my chest, under the adams apple area. I also think my doctor is denying me pain medication because I look like a punk kid, (I am married with a daughter) and I dont do drugs. is that wrong for him to deny me pain medication for my knees? I can barely sit or stand to long. sorry so long.. any input would be much appreciated.

A: Treatment is to start thyroid hormone replacement. This prevents or corrects the hypothyroidism and it also generally keeps the gland from getting larger.

In most cases the thyroid gland will decrease in size once thyroid hormone replacement is started.

Thyroid antibodies are present in 95% of patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and serve as a useful “marker” in identifying the disease without thyroid biopsy or surgery.

Thyroid antibodies may remain for years after the disease has been adequately treated and the patient is on thyroid hormone replacement.

http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyroiditis.html

Q: does any body know if “Hashimotos Thyroiditism” causes infertility?
I am taking levothyroxine recently but as soon as i started it i got pregnant but ended up a miscarriage. I have been TTC salmost for 3 years and nothing is wrong with me, so i am guessing it is maybe the hashimotos thyroiditis causing this difficult.

A: I have low thyroid too, I’m not sure if it’s Hashimotos or not but I have tested high for antithyroid antibodies so I think probably it is Hashimotos..

I’ve been asking this question like crazy on all the boards I frequent.. the answer is yes it can affect fertility but yes you can still get pregnant..

my cycles were 41-45 days long with a tsh of 5.45… my synthroid was upped now my cycles are 28 days long, thats a start!!

Next week i go to see a reproductive endocrinologist to see about getting my antibodies down and what I can do to get pregnant..

we’re in the same boat fighting the same battle but I’ve done way too much research and I know we can still get pregnant and carry to term. just might take a little more work then some other ladies…

when you do get pregnant keep an eye on your tsh, if it gets over 2 you could miscarry.. i wish somebody would have told me that last year, i might have a baby right now if I would have known..

good luck and God Bless you!

I hope you get help and begin to feel better. Good luck.

Q: Hahimotos Thyroiditis?
I just got diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis. I am a 19 year old female, 5′6 and 120 pounds. I havent started taking meds for it yet though. I hear that people with this disorder tend to have trouble losing weight and actually gain weight with this condition. My problem is just the opposite. I am actually LOSING weight. Since last year I have lost a total of 17 pounds, I used to be about 137-138 last year around this time. I am a competitive runner and have always been since I was younger, which may account for some of the weight loss but i highly doubt its the reason for a weight loss of 17-18 pounds. I have lost about 10 pounds since the end of last summer. Dont get me wrong, I’m not complaining but I was wondering if this has happened to anyone else. I dont think its normal to lose weight with this condition.
It is definatly Hashimotos, the doctors took tests that confirmed it.

A: Hi Amber. I just went to a Endocrinologist yesterday for the same thing. Last summer my weight was 105 lbs., i now weigh 90lbs. I’m 5′8, and i now look extremely unhealthy. They think i have Thyroiditis also, and are running tests to see if that’s what it is. They have thought i was Hypothyroid for the last 6 months, but i refuse to believe that because i have rapidly lost 15lbs. for no reason. Most people gain a lot of weight being Hypo, they don’t lose it. I’m very confused ( i think the doctors are also ). I’ve been to 5 different ones already, and still don’t know for sure what i have. Thyroiditis has been mentioned by 3 of the doctors i have seen already, but they say my thyroid is not enlarged, so i don’t get it. Just wanted to let you know that i’m going through the same thing ( except i am complaining about the weight loss, i’m way too thin now ). Best of luck to you

Q: Does having an auto-immune disorder make your immune system weak?
I have an auto-immune disorder and Everytime I come in contact with the smallest germ or there’s an illness going around I ALWAYS catch it. Could these be related?

I have Hashimotos Thyroiditis by the way.

A: We are all different, but having a couple of auto immune diseases my self, I have always been the opposite. The only times I became ill was when I took multi-vitamins. I worked with children in schools for years and seldom missed work. My understanding is that my immune system is in over-drive, destroying healthy cells along with the bad. Each auto immune disease is a bit different from the other, but I have been staying up to date on the antibodies that are attacking me. this site may help you to further understand autoimmunity.
Best wishes
( I have Antiphospholipid syndrome, antismooth muscle antibodies and psoriasis. Probable Lupus as well).

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/autoimmunediseases.html

thyroiditis treatment

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Read and learn more about thyroiditis treatment. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: Is there any treatment for thyroiditis?
I have been having a month and a half battle with problems…but today the doctor finally thinks they have found the problem…at first the doctor though I was having anxiety…but I went to another doctor that sent me for blood work and a EKG…the results came back and I had an abnormally slow heart rate (that freaked me out because those results came in before the blood work)…but that was explained because the blood work came back as hypothyroid….so I went for another test and they came back normal! The one doctor thought it was just sub-clinical hypothyroid…but I went to another doctor that is betting its viral thyroiditis and its causing the levels to fluctuate. So my question is…when this final blood test comes back and it shoes I have thyroiditis is there any treatment? Or what is to be done?

A: Hey Ryan

Here is method below to check yourself for Hypo, also some ideas to heal the issue (if you have it).

Cause: Hypothyroidism can be caused by food allergies, excess stress, environmental toxins, insufficient exercise, B vitamin deficiencies, lack of iron, lack of digestive enzymes, liver disease, hormone imbalances, and/or parasites. All of these factors need to be screened for and addressed before lasting relief can be achieved.

Sulfa drugs, lithium, synthetic estrogen, and antihistamines can exacerbate hypothyroidism symptoms. In addition, if you are on thyroid medication, increase calcium supplementation to reduce the risk of bone loss.

——————————…

Natural Cures

Broda Barnes Home Thyroid Test: The following simple test was developed by Broda Barnes, one of the first physicians to recognize the widespread incidence of hypothyroidism. Place a thermometer by the side of your bed before you go to sleep. In the morning before getting out of bed, lie still and place the thermometer under your armpit for 15 minutes, then check your temperature. A temperature below 97.5° F may indicate a problem with the thyroid gland. Take the temperature in this manner for three days, except for the first few days of the menstrual cycle and the middle day of the cycle, and calculate the average temperature. If it is consistently low, it is an indicator that your have hypothyroidism. The lower your body temperature is, the greater your degree of hypothyroidism.

Diet: Eat an organic, whole foods diet, emphasizing foods that are naturally high in iodine such as fish, kelp, vegetables, and root vegetables (such as potatoes). Also, increase your daily consumption of foods rich in vitamin B complex, such as whole grains and raw nuts and seeds, and foods rich in vitamin A, such as dark green and yellow vegetables. But avoid foods that slow down production of thyroid hormone, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens, broccoli, turnips, kale, spinach, peaches, and pears.

Herbs: Mild cases of hypothyroidism can be helped by herbal bitters such as gentian or mugwort, while constipation due to low thyroid function can be improved by yellowdock, butternut, or cascara sagrada. St. John`s wort can also be helpful.

Homeopathy: Calc carb. in a dose of 1M once a day is very useful for treating hypothyroidism and improving overall thyroid function.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment.
*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy treatment. Remedies for Treating Chlorinated Bath Water offers clear instructions and recommendations.

Lifestyle: Regular aerobic exercise can play an important role in helping to regulate thyroid hormone production.

Nutritional Supplementation: Organic thyroid glandular extracts can help restore normal thyroid function, but should only be used under the supervision of your physician. Other useful nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin B complex, essential fatty acids, iodine, kelp, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

Best of health to you.

Personally, I believe you need to find the “root cause” and make your body healthy. The thyroiditis was a “result” not “the” problem.

good luck to you

A: there are alternative ways for treatment of such diseases and many people have been succesfully cured using this alone.

A: Read this article it may help you. It depends on your levels as to whether it needs treatment or not.

http://www.useless-knowledge.com/1234/may/article378.html

Q: The best treatment for hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
I’ve hashimoto’s thyroiditis. I’d been taking L-thyroxine for 4 years, but 6 months ago my endocrinologist put me on Euthyrox (the same dosage), suggesting it as a better alternative. My thyroid hormone levles are still normal, but my main problem is excessive hunger and so the weight gain, whilst on this medicine…
If I had to choose between L-thyroxin (Berlin-chemie), L-thyrox (Hexal) and Euthyrox (Merck), which would be the best for the treatment of hashimoto’s thyroiditis (these are the only, available in my area)?
Is it possible to treat hashimoto’s thyroiditis by homeopathy?

A: Basically all brands of synthetic T4 hormone replacement are the same.. They all contain synthetic T4 hormone. The difference lays in the fillers used to tabletize the synthetic hormone.

Some folks are more sensitive to some fillers than others. Some folks have no change in how their bodies are able to process different brands.

The key to PROPER thyroid hormone replacement is to provide the proper level of replacement. You determine that by symptom observation and lab results, the labs being the testing of thyroid hormone levels and not just TSH, which is a pituitary hormone.

It might not be a bad idea to check what your labs have been showing. If ONLY TSH is being tested, you need to have your thyroid hormone levels tested too.

With Hashi’s the best way to treat is to supress TSH levels to reduce activity of surviving thyroid tissue, that will help to reduce the Hashi’s antibodies.

You do that by providing enough replacement hormone to meet the body’s needs.

Free T4 will check the level of the Free T4 hormone available in your blood stream. That level, for most folks on hormone replacement, needs to be about mid range.

Free T3 is the active thyroid hormone, that level, for most folks on replacement to feel well, needs to be at the top end of it’s range.

If those numbers are lower than that, and you are having symptoms, the dosage needs to be adjusted.

You also have to take into consideration your body’s ability to convert hormone. The storage hormone, T4, is converted by the body to the active hormone T3, if your body is having difficulties converting you need to deal with that.. it could mean adding synthetic T3, adjusting your lifestyle, or opting to change to a natural thyroid hormone replacement.

The first step will be to see if the correct labs are being run, if they are being properly interpreted, and adjusting your dose, hormone source, or support to provide what your body needs to be healthy.

It’s possible that your body does just fine with synthetic and the issues involve the brand change, which will require a dosage adjustment to accommodate the change in absorption due to the change of brand and the resulting change in fillers.

A: Hello, I’m a doctor. Use alprazolam. I think that you want to get more info about it. Please go to —-> http://treatment-table.notlong.com/?q=alprazolam&qid=20090611205630AAAqb2j

Q: what are natural treatments for thyroiditis?

A: That has nothing to do with it…

Q: Naproxen Sodium for Thyroiditis?
My doctor has prescribed me 500mg of Naproxen Sodium for two months for Thyroiditis. It seems excess to me and possibly dangerous. He wanted to put me on steroids but I can’t for medical reasons.
The thing is I don’t exactly trust my doctor, but there’s no one else I can see. Does 500mg of Naproxen Sodium twice a day for two months sound like an okay treatment?

A: Yes. Thyroiditis would be inflammation of the thyroid. Naproxen Sodium is an anti-inflammatory. The OTC dose is 220 mg. I take 3 of those a day. My boss used to take 6 a day til he got knee replacement. 500 mg twice a day is okay. Listen to your doctor.

Q: Recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. I was tested because I was suffering from extreme anxiety and some depression and they though it may have been caused by a thyroid disorder and this was when they found some unsual level ranges ( I am sorry i am not very familiar with all of the terminology). When the anitobody test came back it was positive for the Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. So…. they are waiting to put me on treatment for the Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis since right now I am getting treatment for my anxiety (medication and counseling) since the thyroid medicines can cause anxiety.

I guess me question is what are the side effect of the disease treatment – Synthyroid. Will i loose/gain weight… loose my hair. How common are any of the side effects. Thanks for any info and help anyone can give me. Thanks.

A: You will experience, diuresis, loss of weight and puffiness, increased sense of well-being and your T3 and T4 serum levels will begin to normalize. Your T3 and T4 being out of whack is what is causing you to have this disease. There is a chance however that you can have some hairloss. Good luck with everything and take good care of yourself!

A: I have not had this but I read about it, did you see the treatment that is suggested on several sites?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-US&cx=disease_for_patients&q=+Postpartum+thyroiditis++treatment

I hope it helps.

Q: Fibromyalgia sufferers. How do you think it started for you?
I’m trying to tie the onset to how I think it all started. I know it was a virus that somehow affected my thyroid. I developed severe thyroiditis but since doctors didn’t recognize the symptoms I got no treatment. Now I have fibromyalgia. I’ve read that it can start with a trauma of some kind and the nerves just get crossed wired to the brain. What’s your experience?

A: It does seem to be triggered by a severe physical or emtoional trauma.

My symptoms staretd when I was 5 after I fell about 4 feet and landed on myback causing my lungs to collapse-

i had had a head injury a couple months early that caused me to lose sight in 1 eye.

i noticed a worsenign of symptoms with aomesignificnat injuries/illness afterwards..

after I had mono-the exhaustion never went away

it somehow messes up teh neuro system and teh way blood is profused and teh brainprocesses neurotransitters

it is not
autoimmune
a livee problem
thick body fluids
body acid
nutrional
psychological

all these things can cause simialr symptoms, but not real fms

A: Do a press release using a service like PRWeb.com. Examples of what others have done similar to your needs:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/05/prweb390647.htm

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/05/prweb390160.htm

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/05/prweb389091.htm

You should also contact the related patient advocacy organization. Here are some links:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/community.htm

http://thyroid.about.com/library/links/blbipolar.htm

http://www.sclero.org

http://www.thelupuslady.com/

http://www.krispin.com/thyroid.html

http://www.thyroid.org/patients/links.html

http://www.thyroid.ca/Guides/HG00.html

http://www.tsh.org/

You are, I’m sure, familiar with the other extensive research on this topic. See links:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12656658

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_2003_Feb-March/ai_97994351

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1:97994351/Selenium+effective+against+autoimmune+thyroiditis~R~+(Literature+Review+~A~+Comment)~R~(Brief+Article).html?refid=SEO

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/show/NCT00271427;jsessionid=256D529C4CC749B4089887541B29F4B1?order=1

http://iospress.metapress.com/index/1C13R7CD9YMF5VMR.pdf

etc., etc. Try contacting those study authors and see if they can lend support and/or follow-up/collaborate on your study.

Good luck in your research.

chronic thyroiditis

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Read and learn more about chronic thyroiditis. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: Need writer/publisher for my story: how to overcome illness: Sjogren’s Disease, Chronic Fatigue, Obesity, etc.
I have learned how to combat illness that apparently was stressed-induced due to divorce, death in family, loss of job, etc. and the outcome was physicially and emotionally debilitating. The results were Pneunomia, gall bladder disease, Sjogren’s Disease, Hoshimotos Thyroiditis leading to Hypothyroidism, Chronic Fatigue, weight gain to 250 lbs, etc. I need someone who can obtained the relative facts and write the story of how I overcame these illnesses (now weight 135 and productive) in order to help others who may be dealing with devastation in their lives or dealing with similar illnesses. Many thanks to alternative medicine!!

A: I have Cronic Fatigue Syndrom, Fibromyalgia, Orthostatic Hypertention, Depression and I saw a Dr. Peter Rowe at John Hopkins and was cured within 2 1/2 months, with 3 medications.

Q: can steroids be given in early pregnancy?
my wife is pregnant abt 6 wks,she is suffering frorm chronic thyroiditis ,having thyroglobulin antibody positive,doctors want to give steroids ,is it safe to give dexamethasone in early pregnancy

A: i wouldnt for the sake of your unborn childs health xx

Q: Kelp and toxins, hair loss?
Hello,

I have been reading that iodine is a key nutrient that has been shown to be helpful with thyroid problems and regulating metabolism, and a lack of iodine can contribute to weightgain, low energy, etc. Most of these articles list kelp as an excellent source of iodine, however, when I have taken it before, I had problems with hairloss and some other minor symptoms. I have done a little research and found that some kelp, depending on how it is processed, contains highly toxic contaminants like arsenic (!!). The article about this is as follows:

Thrombocytopenia Causes:
Toxic Chemicals:
Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, arsenic, and benzene, can slow the production of platelets

It is noted that kelp can concentrate heavy metals, and that some kelp preparations contain substantial levels of arsenic. It has been noted that urinary arsenic excretion in patients with peripheral neuropathy, who have been taking kelp tablets, has increased, and seaweed ingestion has been linked with chronic thyroiditis. Arsenic intoxication can cause bone marrow depression and megaloblastic changes. Physicians need to be aware of the potential dangers of contaminants in some kelp preparations.[Severe Dyserythropoiesis and Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia Associated With Ingestion of Kelp Supplements, Pye, Kathryn G., et al, The Lancet, June 20, 1992;339:1540]

My question is, has anyone else experienced these sorts of symptoms with kelp ingestion? And also, are other seaweeds, such as Nori and Wakame, also potentially harmful? What are some other sources of iodine (other than iodonized salt, as I prefer to use seasalt)?

A: I’ve never heard of symptoms like that unless it was due to Iodine toxicity (too much Iodine), which can do all sorts of damage.
Technically, any sort of seaweed could be harmful and/or contaminated, but it would only be low quality companies that would have contaminated products. If you’re concerned about contamination, just make sure the company has a good rating with either the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) or USP (U.S. Pharmacopoeia), as those are the main quality assurance organizations (USP is for the U.S., GMP is for the U.S. and worldwide).

Honestly, most Americans actually get several times the RDA of Iodine because the typical American diet has so many processed foods, which typically have Iodized Salt in them. If you eat even a few processed foods every day (pre-packaged foods, chips, cookies, crackers, and most other snack foods), you probably get more than enough Iodine. Good luck!

Q: Chronic Hives?
Since May of last year, I have been breaking out in hives. Not normal hives, but hives double or triple the normal size, and they go everywhere on my body. And just recently,( 10 days ago) they just stopped. I have had to take 15 mgs of Zyrtec everyday to keep them from coming. The doctors have no ideas what is going on. Also, i have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Can anyone explain what is going on????

A: My daughter had these and we finally realized she had developed an allergy to nuts – and she would even break out when she ate something like chocolate that had been in a factory where they had nuts. Try to write down what you eat each day and narrow it down to see if it’s a food allergy.

Q: should i see a doctor?
i have hashimoto’s thyroid disease (chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis). for a year i have had a pea size lump on the right side of my neck, and about three months ago i got one under each ear a little bigger then a grape. my neck is sore and my actual thyroid hurts.

A: Yes! DOn’t ask us we are not Doctors! SO even if we thing we know we might not so get your butt out that door and go get looked at!

Q: Help with a book-how I overcame illness?
I learned how to effectively overcome and eliminate Sjogren’s Disease (doctor said no cure!), Chronic Fatigue, Obesity and deal wiBack/neck Disc Disease/Degenerative, Rheumatism/Arthritis… some illness may have been stressed-induced due to divorce, death in immediate family, loss of job, (all at the same time)-the outcome was physicially/emotionally debilitating. The results were (over a 3-yr time frame) Pneunomia, gall bladder disease (had operation), Sjogren’s Disease, Hoshimotos Thyroiditis leading to Hypothyroidism, Chronic Fatigue, weight gain to 250 lbs, etc. I need suggestions on writing the story of how I overcame these illnesses (now weight 135, healthy/productive) in order to help others who may be dealing w/ similar illnesses. I couldn’t walk up or down stairs (had to sit & go one step at a time..w/a baby on my lap; difficulty dressing, etc. Now I work out in gym 5 days a week!!

Seek suggestions on how to let others know.

A: Wow! Congratulations on your recovery!!! If I were you, I’d write an “article” first and submit it to several health magazines, who might sponsor your book. I’d also submit the same information to Discover Health Channel – they may want to do a show about your amazing recovery. God bless!!!

Q: elevated levels of IgA (613) but don’t have celiac disease. what’s wrong with me?
i have idiopathic gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying with no known cause or trigger) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune thyroid condition). my gliadin and tTg antibodies were not present and my duodenal biopsy showed norma villi functioning, so i have a conclusive “no” for celiac’s disease…. but why is my IgA so high? ref range is 81-463 and mine is 613. this is my biopsy report from april. what does this indicate?

A. Duodenum, biopsy:
Duodenal mucosa with vascular congestion, focal minimal chronic inflammation
and preserved villous architecture.

B. Stomach, antrum, biopsy:
Gastric antral and fundic mucosa with mild chronic inflammation, vascular
congestion and mild reactive fibromuscular and foveolar hyperplasia, suggestive
of mild reactive gastropathy. No H Pylori organisms are seen with routine stain.

C. G.E. Juction, biopsy:
Gastric cardiac and fundic mucosa with edema and vascular congestion.
No intestinal metaplasia seen.
No squamous mucosa present.
yes, i have seen an endocrinologist. i know quite a bit about my gastroparesis and hashimoto’s already. my question was more directed at my elevated IgA levels and whether the results of my biopsy could help determine why my IgA is so high.

A: Are you seeing an endocrinologist? here is what I found on the net..

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/search?term=thyroiditis&submit=Search (clinical trials…one with selenium..one with hep c relationship to hashimoto’s, one with postpartum link)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashimoto’s_thyroiditis (wikipedia)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000371.htm (medline plus)
http://autoimmune.pathology.jhmi.edu/diseases.cfm?systemID=3&DiseaseID=22 (John Hopkins…hashimoto’s thyroiditis is linked to sjorgren’s syndrome)
http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdbdetail_abstract.html?disname=Hypothyroidism (NORD..hypothyroidism…scroll down for related organizations)
http://www.hormone.org/public/thyroid/hypothyroidism.cfm (the hormone foundation)
http://www.thyroid-info.com/hashimotos-encephalopathy.htm (Hashimoto’s encephalopathy…rare)
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/yersinia.htm (hashimoto’s and food borne infection,Yersinia enterocolitica infection, via contaminated meats — especially raw or undercooked products — poultry, unpasteurized milk and dairy products, seafood — and particularly oysters — from sewage-contaminated waters and produce fertilized with raw manure. Foods can also be contaminated by food handlers who have not effectively washed their hands before handling food or utensils used to prepare food. Improper storage can also contribute to contamination.>> stool test that can detect yersinia enterocolitica )
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/cohen.htm (hashimoto’s and anergic depression)
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/hypothyroidism/a/hashivshypo.htm (hashimoto’s vs hypothyroidism..what is the difference… In the study of 21 patients with euthyroid Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (normal range TSH, but elevated antibodies), half of the patients were treated with levothyroxine for a year, the other half were not treated. After 1 year of therapy with levothyroxine, the antibody levels and lymphocytes (evidence of inflammation) decreased significantly only in the group receiving the medication. Among the untreated group, the antibody levels rose or remained the same.
The researchers concluded that preventative treatment of normal TSH range patients with Hashimoto’s disease reduced the various markers of autoimmune thyroiditis, and speculated that that such treatment might even be able to stop the progression of Hashimoto’s disease, or perhaps even prevent development of the hypothyroidism. )
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/hypothyroidism/a/hashivshypo_2.htm (page 2…selenium might help…and calcium with magnesium supplements for nighttime problems)
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/hashimotos/a/encephalopathy.htm (hashimoto’s encephalopathy)
http://thyroid.about.com/od/hypothyroidismhashimotos/a/preventative.htm (treating antibodies when TSH is normal)
http://thyroid.about.com/blcohen.htm (treating anergic depression)

3 books on disease symptoms and treatments

you could also get these books on ebay or amazon or a half price book store. (last two are very similar)..
1.Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine
2.Handbook of Diseases (Lippencott)
3.Professional Guide to Diseases (Springhouse)

Q: obese and anorexic can’t get the medical world to take me seriously?
I started starving myself 21yrs ago after the birth of my first child, diagnosed with hash’s thyroiditis ended up with out a thyroid. I’m currently 100lbs overweight despite severe anorexia,chronic edema (lipedema) I’m told to starve myself more, exercise more until I get results. I keep a food journal which they say I lie on ..what would I gain from lying ..NOTHING.. I have 4 beautiful kids to live for I want to be healthy not dead. I do not purge I abuse laxatives,colon cleansers, prescription strength diuretics and plain don’t eat. I used to be very athletic,muscular and happy had a career now I look in the mirror and see this fat,ugly person who tries desperately to be thin. I had been going to a nutritionist but I couldn’t come to grips with what he wanted me to eat because i knew if I would eat I would swell/gain wt. my weight can change within 5-15lbs on any given day. I can wake up heavier than when I went to bed. my body temp stays right at 95.3-96.2 any suggestions ?? thank you!

A: stop eating completely. your body will eat the fat before you starve. FYI you could just get lypo.

Please consider reading more about Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) here:

http://honestmedicine.typepad.com/ebook-sept%2021-2009–The%20Faces%20of%20Low%20Dose%20Naltrexone.pdf

Q: Fatigue… Help me figure it out?
I have fought chronic fatigue for years… maybe 10. I am now 29. My first diagnosis in regards to me seeking answers was Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis… I was treated for about a year but according to my lab results since my thyroid is always “normal” so no treatment for about 9 years. Then I went back because I was having fatigue again and they said same thing thyroid is fine but I have B12 deficiency and I get monthly injections… sometimes not always as often as I should. I am still having issues so I went back a few months ago. Issues this time included fatigue, vertigo, and metalic taste in my mouth. I was tested and told that a mono test came back positive but I was never told that I HAVE mono or treated with anything other than vitamins.

I just went back to the Dr. today for migraines and sinus pressure thought it was a sinus infection but it isn’t… my ears hurt, I am exhausted, migraines and eye pressure are my current sympotms. They did a lot of blood work and said they were going to do a viral titer in regards to the pos mono test, look at my thyroid again and send me for another thyroid ultrasound. What could be the cause of all these issues… I just can’t seem to et any relief from the fatigue and it’s starting to drain on my emotional state too.

A: When you have failed to see results from the treatments you have been getting, there comes a point when one should critically analyze the doctor’s approach.

CFS is a complex problem that conventional medicine was very slow to recognize: for a long time, many doctors claimed it was all in the patient’s head. While CFS is gaining recognition, doctors are still not very good at treating it. CFS is a highly individual disorder that arises from a variety of causes (nutritional, hormonal, infectious, etc. )- the “one size fits all” treatments that conventional doctors offer are unlikely to attack the causes of the problem.

There are MDs who combine aspects of conventional and alternative medicine to produce more effective results for CFS patients.

The leading CFS doctor is Jacob Teitelbaum, who, in the book “From Fatigued to Fantastic” details his own battle with CFS and provides treatment suggestions for patients and doctors. His book and website endfatigue.com constitute some of the best resources out there.

Dr. Ronald Hoffman is another outstanding doctor who provides relevant information and suggestions.

It is possible to improve your condition with the right guidance: it’s time to go beyond slavish obedience to conventional medicine and explore other alternatives.

Good luck on your journey to recovery.

Q: What Do You Know about Vaccines?
Did you know that most veterinarians will over vaccinate your dog? (1)

93% of Veterinarians will Recommend the following schedule for vaccinating your dogs.
6 wks – DHLPPC Lyme B
8wks – DHLPPC Lyme B
12 wks – DHLPPC Lyme B
16 wks – DHLPPC Lyme B R
1yr – DHLPPC Lyme B R
2yr – DHLPPC Lyme B R
And Every year after that till death – DHLPPC Lyme B R

American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Medical Association Council On Biologic & Therapeutic Agents, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine will Recommend the following schedule for vaccinating your dogs.
6 wks – DHPP
8wks – DHPP
12 wks – DHPP
16 wks – DHPP R
1yr – DHPP R
4yr – DHPP R
7 yr – DHPP R
10 yr – DHPP R
Every three years till death – DHPP R

***
D= Distemper
H = Hepatitis (CAV2)
L = Leptospirosis ( 4 serovars)
P = Parainfluenza
P = Parvo virus
C= Corona virus
B = Bordetella
R = Rabies

Did you know that when tested, the duration of immunity for Rabies vaccine, Canine distemper vaccine, and Canine Parvovirus vaccine, have all been demonstrated to be a minimum of 7 years by serology for rabies and challenge studies for all others? (2)

Did you know that yearly vaccines for dogs have negative affects on the immune system? (3)
Dr. Michael W. Fox DVM – “Adverse vaccination reactions resulting in disease (so called vaccinosis) include injection-site fibro- sarcomas in cats, and various immune-system dysfunction diseases, possibly hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, various chronic skin conditions and kidney disease. More research has been done in dogs, where certain breeds and lines are particularly prone to develop vaccinosis. Conditions associated with same include encephalitis, seizures, polyneuropathy ( weakness, incoordination and muscle atrophy), hypertrophic osteodystrophy (shifting lameness and painful joints), autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism, liver, kidney and bone marrow failure variously associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune mediated thrombocytopenia.”

(1) http://www.critteradvocacy.org/Are%20We%20Over%20Vaccinating%20Our%20Pets.htm
(2) Schultz, Ronald D, Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and What We Don’t Know, Proceedings – Canine Infectious Diseases: From Clinics to Molecular Pathogenesis, Ithaca, NY, 1999, 22. “http://www.critteradvocacy.org/The%20Science%20Has%20Been%20Done.htm”
(3) http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petvacc2.htm#1

Other resources for this information come from:
www.IVIS.org
www.vetmed.wsu.edu
www.vmth.ucdavis.edu
www.vet.cornell.edu
www.avma.org/policies/vaccinations/htm
www.healthypet.com
www.Vin.com

Please inform yourselves! Question your veterinarian!
I am spamming because there are a lot of uneducated people on Y!A and I am trying to expose them to information!

A: I have always questioned the use of vaccinations. I have had sixteen dogs who were vaccinated by the breeder before they came to me. However I have always been concerned about the dreadful chemicals that are said to prevent parvo etc. My dogs have never had annual vaccinations I use homoeopathic nosodes instead.

I don’t use conventional treatments to prevent fleas, I make my own with essential oils and none of my dogs have ever had fleas All of my dogs have gone to training classes and have always mixed freely with other dogs.

In the past I have used worming tablets because of the dreadful things that I read about worms. Then I asked a very knowledgeable dog owner how often that I should do this. His reply was “why are you giving your dog worming tablets if she hasn’t got worms”. In view of this and the fact that my latest dog reacted badly to worming tablets I no longer give her worming tablets.
Worms have always concerned me, earlier this week I took my ten year old GSD for a check up and I took a faeces sample for analysis. In spite of the fact that she has not had worming tablets for two years there was no evidence of worms.

I have come to the conclusion that vets and drug companies are shouting and advertising their products to increase their incomes at the expense of our dog’s health.
I have never needed to economise on my dogs, however in this economic climate there are people who need to do this. If anyone needs to know about the homeopathic and VERY CHEAP nosodes to prevent parvo etc.email me. I can also provide a kind and simple recipe to prevent fleas.
As an addendom to this, some vets ask before they treat a dog if it is insured.BEWARE At present I have an honest vet, unfortunately some vets suggest unnecessary treatment to add to their profits. If for any reason I need to consult a specialist who I don’t know, I lie and tell them that my dog is NOT insured.

Hopefully the people who read this will not simply stop giving their dogs annual vaccinations. They need to use an alternative, the alternatives are CHEAP and safe

acute thyroiditis

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Read and learn more about acute thyroiditis. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: Does thyroid mis-function cause nail discoloration?
I have noticed discoloration of my nails on my fingers (almost all of them) have some sort of streaks and some form of semi dark lines. It seems to have started after Sub Acute Thyroiditis 2 years ago. Even though my thyroid fuction seems to have retruned to normal but these discolorations on my nails remain. Can you comment on this issue please. My dermotologist says that it is conclusive that it is related to my thyroid misfunction and unfortunately there is nothing he can do or subscribe to make it better.

A: Yes-I suffer from nail discoloration due to hypo-thyroidism myself and I found that zinc and calcium supplements have almost made them disappear : )

Q: My hair is falling out like crazy and i don’t know what to do about it!!!!?
For the past 6 years i have had this recurring problem. I had a blood test done when my hair first started to fall out. I found out that i had severe acute thyroiditis and this is one of the symptoms, since then i have been taking pills to balance my thyroid. Nonetheless my hair continues to fall out. My question then is why is this happening ?
Another problem : I have had 3 miscarriages… and yes i have done tests on that and it turned out normal…
If any one has any questions let me know and i will post it…. please if you can give me any answers to this problem i would be most greatful!
/ medical info…

A: I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and I did have some hair loss before I was balanced chemically on the medication. I found it helpful and productive to work with a nutritionist to make sure I was getting all the other nutrients and vitamins I needed for healthy hair, nails and skin. You can also log your food on fitday.com and run the nutrition report to see if that shows any glaring nutrient deficits.

Good luck.

silent thyroiditis

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Read and learn more about silent thyroiditis. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: Are a positive ANA test, miscarriage, and silent thyroiditis linked?
I am a 24 F. I tested positive for ANA in January at a titre of 1:60. In April my period didn’t come, and I had all the classic pregnancy symptoms. I was tested for pregnancy at what would have been 6 weeks and HCG came back a 6. Two days later my period started. I had SEVERE cramps (I couldn’t stand up straight) and very heavy bleeding. My cycle was late again the next 2 months in a row, and I was diagnosed with silent thyroiditis in June. My main concern is that because I’m ANA positive, if I was pregnant, did that cause a miscarriage which in turn caused my thyroiditis. I’m trying to figure this out now so that I can try to prevent future miscarriages, and my endocrinologist is not being very helpful. My husband and I want kids really bad!
The ANA test was originally ordered because I have a variety of chronic complaints: headaches, nausea, heartburn, insomnia, fatigue, achy muscles, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Holter monitor shows no problems with my heart. Sleep study shows no apnea. Anit-DNA test was ordered as a follow up to ANA to check for Lupus and came back negative.

A: Very good questions, and although I won’t be able to specifically give you a straight answer, hopefully I can help ease your mind a little.

Your ANA, while positive, really isn’t that high, and in the absence of identifying a specific antibody pattern, it doesn’t mean much. In fact it is one of those tests that often gets ordered for no good reason and come back positive for no good reasons, then we scratch are heads, send patients to rhematologists…only to have them say “don’t worry about it.” BUT in light of the other recent unfortunate instances in your life it is reasonable to wonder.

Thyroiditis is usually (or at least usually thought to be) some sort of auto-immune process- for which your ANA certainly could be related, as a non-specific marker…I think in something like 30% of people (women more common).

Your sub-clinical thyroid problem may have had an independent impact on your pregnancy, and there is some evidence that women with +ANA miscarry more frequently, but remember, -ANA women miscarry also, and if this was your first pregnancy, I would be cautious about rushing to connect the dots. Some OB/GYNS or rheumatologists might suggest a daily aspirin to help prevent microscopic clots (or immune complexes) from clogging-up the implantation site in the uterus, but this is a discussion you must have with your doc before conceiving.

If you have done some research about positive ANAs you will most certainly come across a myriad of autoimmune disorders that they are associated with (lupus, scleroderma, CREST etc.) and if you have any additional symptoms of these I would encourage you to visit a rheumatologist to determine the best course of action. With the endocrinologist involved, there is no doubt that you are getting appropriate thyroid treatment, which may be all you need, but GYN & possibly rheum should/could ponder you as well.

Remember, the fact that you got pregnant (despite the miscarriage) is an encouraging sign by itself and you likely have a lot of healthy eggs left to keep trying.

Good luck !

Q: can hypothyroidism cause you have a red/warm face and ears?
it happens especially at night. usually just for a little while before i go to bed.

i have not been diagnosed by my endocrinologist yet (i’m going at 12pm today) but my blood work has shown a high TSH level that suggests hypothyroidism and i have had silent thyroiditis (extreme hyperthyroidism that comes out of no where) so i believe that i probably do have hypothyroidism now.

so from your experience can hypothyroidism cause red and warm face and ears?

A: Hi. I have hypothyroidism, and i experience what i call “warm flushes” on my face, neck, and upper back. Not really sure why i get them, but i do. I can feel really warm one minute, and be freezing cold the next.

Q: Can hypothyroidism cause excessive hunger or even just hunger pains but then you get full very quickly?
in 2007 i got silent thyroiditis which is when you fluxuate between hyper and hypo over the couse of a couple months. you don’t actually have to treat the disease just treat the symptoms by taking a beta blocker until the thyroiditis goes away by itself.
i have been perfectly fine since.
last week i went for my yearly physical and routine blood work. my dr called me the next day saying my TSH was up (indicating hypothyroidism) so i had to go for more blood work (which i did on thursday) and a thryoid ultra sound (haven’t been able to make an appointment and i’m not sure if i’ll be able to make one until after this next week coming up due to transportation issues).

at first i didn’t think i was even really having any of the symptoms of hypothyroidism cuz the symptoms i did have were just normal things i’ve dealt with my whole life like being tired and cold. everything else has been fine.
but then i suddenly started feeling much more tired. (friday i watched my 17 month old niece all day and she took a nap from 10am-12pm and so did i. i then got lunch for both of us and after that she likes to watch yo gabba gabba and dances to the songs. i sat on the couch and she sat in the chair/stood up and danced. i actually fell asleep while she was watching it i was soooo tired still. that freaked me out cuz i realize she could have gotten into trouble and i was sleeping.

FINALLY GETTING TO THE POINT:
in the last couple days i’ve also noticed that i am very hungry. i’ll feel hungry for a few minutes and then all the sudden i’ll get really bad hunger pains like when you don’t eat for a really long time and you actually start feeling sick to your stomach like maybe you shouldn’t eat anything.
then when i do eat i feel full really fast and can’t finish my food but then a little while later it starts all over again.
i’ve been trying really hard not to eat more than usual through out the day and i just have something like a glass of apple cyder instead of something like chips or what not.
so to the question. can hypothyroidism make you very hungry?
thanks for your thoughts but i already know my thyroid is out of whack cuz the tests showed it. plus the fact that i’ve had thyroid problems in the past.
and i haven’t always been super hungry its just been for a few days now which makes me think the hypothyroid thing is catching up to me. (if hunger is a symptom that is).
i have tried the low carb thing before and my body can’t handle it. after a week of little to no carbs i got physically sick and exhausted. i started crying all the time and was very depressed. as soon as i started having a normal amount of carbs i felt fine again.

A: I had basically the same symptons and the doctors told me my thyroid was normal. I think it was a little high or low or whatever. I went on a low carb diet cut out all the yeast, flour, and sugar in my diet ate eggs, green veggies and meat or fish. I did that for about a month then I added yellow veggies after about a week I added melons, I slowly started added different foods into my diet that had more carbs but I still watch how much I eat especially bread. If I have bread I don’t eat potatoes. And I don’t eat high carbs every day once or twice a week like bread one day and potatoes a couple days later. And stay away from any kind of water that isn’t spring water. Chlorine will play havik on your thyroid and make you even worse. There is a disease that causes basically the same symptons I think it’s called Candidia you can look it up on the internet under Yeast Connection this will also help with Hypo thyroidism.

Q: Why are my FSH, LH and TSH test results changing substantially in only 3 weeks?
Sex: M
Age: 41

I’ve been on Synthroid (150 MGC/day) for the past few years because of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. A few weeks ago I went to a new endocrinologist for a checkup (it had been a while). My bloodtests showed
-low FSH (1.4) and LH (0.7)
-Thryoid Peroxidase antibodies (528)
-thyroglobulin antibodies (63)
-normal T3/T4
-normal TSH (0.68)

Three weeks later he ran more blood tests which show:
FSH (1.5)
LH (1.6)
Prolactin (4.4)
TSH (0.16)
Growth Hormone, IGF, Testosterone (all are still pending)

My TSH went from normal (.68) to low (.16) with no change in medication. Also, my LH went from low to normal.

He sent me for a thyroid ultrasound which showed “heterogeneous hypervascularity” but no nodules.

Does anyone know if this might be caused by pituitary problems? My vision has degraded recently (have an apointment with the eye doctor for July 6).

Is there anything else this could be? Silent thyroiditis? Should I get an MRI? Is it normal to have big swings in these hormones without changing medications?

A: My bet is he will order MRIs of your brain; one with contrast, and one without.
I suspect he’s considering a pituitary tumor as part of the differential diagnosis. If one exists, it’s treatable with surgery.
Don’t panic.
Keep in mind that this is not the only possibility.