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Suggest Treatment For Hashimotos Disease
Question: Hi
I have been taking Levothyroxin for several years and weight is still an issue. When I started, I learned that I had Hashimotos, but recently quit taking the levothyroxin - I have felt better since I stopped, but I saw Dr. Brownsteind's "Actalin" and started taking that. Then, I heard that if you have Hashimotos, you can not take iodine. Can you help me with what I should do - I imagine you will tell me to get my blood work done again.
Frustrated,
XXXXXXX
I stopped taking levothyroxin for hashimotos - I understand that people with hashimotos should
not take iodine after I started taking Actalin, and felt good, but heard that I should not be taking iodine.
What is your advice?
Respectfully,
XXXXXXX XXX
I have been taking Levothyroxin for several years and weight is still an issue. When I started, I learned that I had Hashimotos, but recently quit taking the levothyroxin - I have felt better since I stopped, but I saw Dr. Brownsteind's "Actalin" and started taking that. Then, I heard that if you have Hashimotos, you can not take iodine. Can you help me with what I should do - I imagine you will tell me to get my blood work done again.
Frustrated,
XXXXXXX
I stopped taking levothyroxin for hashimotos - I understand that people with hashimotos should
not take iodine after I started taking Actalin, and felt good, but heard that I should not be taking iodine.
What is your advice?
Respectfully,
XXXXXXX XXX
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
Firstly we need to be certain that you truly have Hashimoto's or otherwise.
The best test for this is a laboratory blood test called TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) and Thyroglobulin antibodies.If the former are positive, then in that case the latter need not be done.
Secondly if either of these is positive, then it is very likely you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. But this does not immediately necessitate treatment with levothyroxine. There are several factors that go into this decision making process such as :
1 Is your TSH abnormally elevated, especially with low thyroid hormone levels such as Free T4?
2 Do you have thyroid enlargement
3 Do you have compelling symptoms of hypothyroidism
4 Other factors relevant to women in their reproductive age group such as conception and pregnancy related matters
To the best of my knowledge,I am not aware of any published medical literature that advises against iodine in Hashimotos.
Once 'hypothyroidism' due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accurately diagnosed, preferably by an endocrinologist by an in-person assessment, and a decision to start treatment is made, the only medication necessary for this condition is leothyroxine.
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
Firstly we need to be certain that you truly have Hashimoto's or otherwise.
The best test for this is a laboratory blood test called TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) and Thyroglobulin antibodies.If the former are positive, then in that case the latter need not be done.
Secondly if either of these is positive, then it is very likely you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. But this does not immediately necessitate treatment with levothyroxine. There are several factors that go into this decision making process such as :
1 Is your TSH abnormally elevated, especially with low thyroid hormone levels such as Free T4?
2 Do you have thyroid enlargement
3 Do you have compelling symptoms of hypothyroidism
4 Other factors relevant to women in their reproductive age group such as conception and pregnancy related matters
To the best of my knowledge,I am not aware of any published medical literature that advises against iodine in Hashimotos.
Once 'hypothyroidism' due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accurately diagnosed, preferably by an endocrinologist by an in-person assessment, and a decision to start treatment is made, the only medication necessary for this condition is leothyroxine.
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
Answered by
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