Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Medication For Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Question: I have been diagnosed with autoimmune hyperthryroid disease. I could not tolerate carbimozole so am now taking propythiouracil. One GP (family doctor) has told me that my thyroid function should normalise after 6 - 8 weeks on the drug, another told me that the autoimmune thyroid disease will eventually destroy my thyroid and that I will then become hyporthyroid. I then saw a junior hospital doctor who also told me that my thryroid function should normalise after about 6 - 8 weeks but wasn't clear about if I would then be able to stop the medication or will have to keep taking it?
I would greatly appreciate insight into whether I will need to keep taking meds indefinitely or not? And another question please - any opinions about trying eg rituxumab or similar drugs which are reported as having "reset the immune system" in people with autoimmune disease. As I now have 3 autoimmune illnesses I would be very interested in any treatment that has a fair chance of improving my health. Thanks.
I would greatly appreciate insight into whether I will need to keep taking meds indefinitely or not? And another question please - any opinions about trying eg rituxumab or similar drugs which are reported as having "reset the immune system" in people with autoimmune disease. As I now have 3 autoimmune illnesses I would be very interested in any treatment that has a fair chance of improving my health. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome autoimmune thyroid and other conditions.
1 Autoimmune hyperthyroid disease typically refers to Grave's disease. This condition spontaneously improves about 30% of the time, after 1.5 years
In the remainder there is a roughly 10% chance per year of it going away on its own.
In some people this may progress to hypothyroidism.
It is very difficult to predict the outcome in a given individual such as yourself.
You will be best served by seeing an Endocrinologist in-person who will have the opportunity to examine you thoroughly and give better answers.
2 Rituximab has been studied in autoimmune conditions. You will need to visit an academic endocrine center where trials might be underway
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
Free T4 (this too checks your thyroid) TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome autoimmune thyroid and other conditions.
1 Autoimmune hyperthyroid disease typically refers to Grave's disease. This condition spontaneously improves about 30% of the time, after 1.5 years
In the remainder there is a roughly 10% chance per year of it going away on its own.
In some people this may progress to hypothyroidism.
It is very difficult to predict the outcome in a given individual such as yourself.
You will be best served by seeing an Endocrinologist in-person who will have the opportunity to examine you thoroughly and give better answers.
2 Rituximab has been studied in autoimmune conditions. You will need to visit an academic endocrine center where trials might be underway
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
Free T4 (this too checks your thyroid) TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Just to say - that's very helpful, thank you! Glad to know there is a chance of it going away on it's own (I don't know if Graves disease or not as I saw the junior doctor at renowned London hospital 3 weeks ago but they still haven't sent me a letter. I just managed to get hold of my blood test results and saw there was high level of autoantibodies).
Brief Answer:
Best wishes
Detailed Answer:
for good health
Best wishes
Detailed Answer:
for good health
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
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
