Hashimoto?

[free3667]

What lab values do you need to see that would confirm Hashimoto's hypothyroidism? and outside of thyroid replacement therapy like Synthroid, is there any value in knowing this? My doc is reluctant to test because the outcome he says is the same as regular hypothyroidism.

[free3667]

I know research has been going on through the vitiligo foundation that they are closer to finding the connection between thyroid problems and vitiligo.  They are leaning towards the thyroid causing the vitiligo.  Wouldn't it be great they can fix that too? I hate Vitiligo, luckily I am a caucasian but its still a cosmetic embarrassment

[LazyMoose]

Your TSH is jumping around an abnormal amount, Hashimoto or not. You really need to look at the free T3 and free T4.

In the early stages you can swing hyper to hypo but with that amount of synthroid your on, I would guess you've been on med for more that a few years?

Vitaligo - I have that too.

Heart palps are from both hyper and hypo.

[free3667]

I do have hypothyroidism and recent labs had my TSH at 20. I was in the ER because of heart palpitations but luckily cardiac and electrolyte imbalances were ruled out. So back to the doc I went. He increase my meds. I take 150mcg synthroid 7 days a week. In the past summer I had a TSH of 19 and I was on 125mcg. Then after 6 weeks I went to .08, so he had me skip one day a week. Well here we go again. My mom had Hashimoto and my sister has Graves disease. I also have other autoimmune disorders like Vitiligo and I will be tested shortly for Sjorgen's.  I also have Seborreic Dermatitis on my face.  I hate autoimmune diseases. Everytime I go to the doc he jokes and says "Can't you give me something I can fix?". I do laugh, at  this point I have to.  Heck my body is killing me.  But I will press to confirm Hashimoto just for my own peace of mind.

[Barb135]

Hashimoto's often makes hypothyroidism harder to treat, due to the "roller coaster" that LazyMoose referred to.  It does cause swelling and inflammation, that many of us get; it helps to know what's causing these symptoms, and we can sometimes counteract them with vitamins/minerals or other means.

I also agree with LM that if you have one autoimmune disease, the chances are great that you will develop another.  I, personally, currently have pernicious anemia and Hashimoto's; will be tested in Feb for RA, but don't think I have that as my symptoms don't match.

Yes, you are the customer and should get what you ask for; since knowing whether or not you have Hashi's could make it easier to control symptoms and if your doctor refuses to test for it, he could keep you sick far longer than you otherwise would be.  My former pcp did that to me...... Thyroid disease is such a horrible thing to have, we need all the information we can get, including the proper tests (blood work and ultra sound); if your doctor isn't willing to do that for you, you may need to find one who will.

Have you been diagnosed with hypothyroidism?  Do you currently take thyroid med?  If so, which one, at what dosage?  What are your latest thyroid lab results, with reference ranges?  TSH, Free T3 and Free T4.......  Do you currently have symptoms of hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's?  

[LazyMoose]

Hashimoto is dignosed by testing positive by one of two antibody tests, both tests should be taken :

TPO and TgAb

There was a post on conformation of Hashimoto a few months back. The main difference is your thyroid is physically being attacked from antibodies and will disform, possibly swell at times. Thyroid ultra sound scans are recommend every 18 months to track nodule growth if you get them, most Hashi people develop nodules.

There are other differences. With Hashi, many need to avoid iodine and possibly soy - inflammation and a hormone 'rollercoaster' may follow. Being an autoimmune disease. others may be down the road. Autoimmune diseases often surface in threes. RA, Celiac, diabetes,  skin disorders,ect, need to be watched for.

You are the customer. You should get what you ask for.