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Suggest Treatment For Hashimoto's Disease With Elevated Thyroid Antibodies
Question: Hi, my hashimoto antibodies are very high and I have other symptoms - painful joints, swelling, wt gain. I had a goiter removed 7 years ago along with half of thyroid. My primary care physician declines to treat because the thyroid is too complicated.The earliest appt I can get with endocrinologist is October. I am reading that treatment to reduce antibiodies and support thyroid function is t 3 and t4. What is recommended start dosing? antithryoglobulin antibody 2.4 iu/ml
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
I follow what you are saying here.
I would like to know your most recent TSH blood test result. If possible I would also like to know the result of your Free T4 blood test, if you h ave had one done.
TSH and free T4 are important blood tests to know the the function of the thyroid. They can be done at any time of the day and do not require fasting.
Positive hashimoto type antibodies such as anti thyroglobulin are helpful but treatment is not required until the TSH is abnormally high, especially along with an abnormally low Free T4 level.
Once these test results are available and ready, you should consult an endocrinologist in person who will examine you in thorough detail. And a final plan will be made as to whether or not you should be treated with levo-thyroxine for Hashimoto's thyroiditis ( provided it has caused hypothyroidism ie an under active thyroid)
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
I follow what you are saying here.
I would like to know your most recent TSH blood test result. If possible I would also like to know the result of your Free T4 blood test, if you h ave had one done.
TSH and free T4 are important blood tests to know the the function of the thyroid. They can be done at any time of the day and do not require fasting.
Positive hashimoto type antibodies such as anti thyroglobulin are helpful but treatment is not required until the TSH is abnormally high, especially along with an abnormally low Free T4 level.
Once these test results are available and ready, you should consult an endocrinologist in person who will examine you in thorough detail. And a final plan will be made as to whether or not you should be treated with levo-thyroxine for Hashimoto's thyroiditis ( provided it has caused hypothyroidism ie an under active thyroid)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
CRP 5.9 mg/l
thyroid peroxidase TPO ab 401 IU.ml (nl 0 -34)
the above tests were done by arthritis md to try and identify type of arthritis. She did not to other thyroid studies. most recent t4 etc march 2014.
As per arthritis md. I do not have either rheumatoid or any autoimmune form of arthritis despite having swollen and increasingly misshapen fingers, BPNV(vertigo), fatigue, temp intolerance, weight gain.
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I see.
Well you definitely need to get a fresh TSH and free T4 done now, because both your thyroid auto-antibodies are positive. Whether these have caused your thyroid to become permanently under-active can be known only by checking blood TSH (and Free T4) levels.
If this is the case then lifelong treatment with levo-thyroxine will be necessary
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I see.
Well you definitely need to get a fresh TSH and free T4 done now, because both your thyroid auto-antibodies are positive. Whether these have caused your thyroid to become permanently under-active can be known only by checking blood TSH (and Free T4) levels.
If this is the case then lifelong treatment with levo-thyroxine will be necessary
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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