hypothyroid and Hashimotos Thyroiditis?

HISIRISHGEM · 10-14-2007, 08:37 PM

Are these the same?

Someone who said they had hypothyroid, said they now have Hashimotos Disease.

I've heard people say alot that they have Hashimotos and thought there was a difference until I did a google search and saw that most of the symptoms are EXACTLY what the symptoms are for hypothyroid and the same treatment is thyroid meds.

SO, whats the difference?

Thanks for your help.

Rebekah

REW · 10-15-2007, 10:36 AM

It is a form of hypothyroidisim where your body attacks your thyroid, not just a normal low functioning thyroid. HTH

shenacat · 10-15-2007, 01:21 PM

Hashimoto's is autoimmune. An autoimmune disorder is where your body is creating antibodies to fight a part of itself. The danger is not only that you'll suffer the loss of whatever your body is killing, but that your immune system will create antibodies for other parts of your body, as well. Autoimmune diseases can spread into different parts of the body.

HISIRISHGEM · 10-15-2007, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shenacat

Hashimoto's is autoimmune. An autoimmune disorder is where your body is creating antibodies to fight a part of itself. The danger is not only that you'll suffer the loss of whatever your body is killing, but that your immune system will create antibodies for other parts of your body, as well. Autoimmune diseases can spread into different parts of the body.

So then this can cause more issues within the body...what I think I'm hearing you say is that once it attacks the thyroid, it could potentially attack other organs as well?

Can you tell me what tests they take to find out wheather Hashimotos is in fact the diagnosis? I was diagnosed in 2000, however, I'm not sure if the dr. ever tested for both or not? Just wondering how you know you would have it. What other symptoms besides that of what hypothyroids suffer?

Thanks so much!!

lovemychris · 10-15-2007, 11:36 PM

The Hashimoto's is what causes the hypothyroidism. A dx for Hashimoto's requires a positive thyroid antibody test. Some people can test positive, yet not be affected by it if the antibodies haven't yet attacked the thyroid gland enough to keep it from functioning normally. A positive test means it's just a matter of time before hypo sets in if it hasn't already. Taking 200 mcg of Selenium will help reduce the antibodies (sometimes completely).

lovemychris · 10-15-2007, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HISIRISHGEM

So then this can cause more issues within the body...what I think I'm hearing you say is that once it attacks the thyroid, it could potentially attack other organs as well?

Can you tell me what tests they take to find out wheather Hashimotos is in fact the diagnosis? I was diagnosed in 2000, however, I'm not sure if the dr. ever tested for both or not? Just wondering how you know you would have it. What other symptoms besides that of what hypothyroids suffer?

Thanks so much!!

Hi Rebekah,

It's my understanding that the antibodies present for Hashimoto's will only attack the thyroid gland and not other organs. For each auto-immune disorder, there are different antibodies. These same antibodies can prevent you from carrying a baby, too.

In my opinion, when someone's TSH is off, the most important test to run is to check for thyroid antibodies...this lets the doctor know what is causing the thyroid malfunction (i.e., possibly ruling out cancer and pituitary problems). Hashimoto's is the most common cause of hypo (and if you have to be hypo, is the safest/most easily treatable).

An ultrasound of the thyroid gland is also pretty common to check for hot/cold spots, nodules, and to check the size. I had an u/s when I was dx'ed and then a follow-up one 6 months later to see if my thyroid had reduced in size (it was swollen). I think it's important to at least have one.

HISIRISHGEM · 10-16-2007, 02:26 AM

Ok, so I've already been dx'd with hypothyroid. So does this mean at one point I may have had hashimotos before-hand? I'm assuming that if I'm hypothyroid already I am NOT dealing with Hashimotos? Is that correct to assume?

By safer and most treatable are you meaning with the synthroid? I don't suppose if losing much weight, hypothyroidism could be cured right? Since I've heard that meds will have to be taken throughout my lifetime now.

Another question. I'm told that once you've been dx'd with hypothyroid that there is one of the tets....is it the TSH? That will be inacurrate because I'm already taking synthroid? Also, the T3 and T4 being tested, in April my PCP tested my thyroid with something that was an older test combining T3 and T4 that didn't look to me as if it was as accurate. Can anyone tell me what thyroid testing I should have while I'm on Synthroid to make sure we're managing my levels correctly and what the levels should be between?

I know I should know this, but It's been awhile since my last Endochrinologist worked with me. He ended up moving to another city and I was left with an endo that was AWFUL, hence the reason my PCP was treating me for a year until we finally moved here to Central NY.

As for the 200mcg's of Selenium. Is this something I should be taking? I'm taking magnesium and Chromium for the diabetes, also a high potency B complex and a Vitamin D. I'll be adding a COQ10, Omega 3, Cinnamon and Red Yeast Rice to that soon for cholesterol. Just wondering if Selenium might be something I need as hypothyroid.

I'm all confused about this. So I'm assuming I'm just hypothyroid, I may or may not have had the antibodies from Hashimotos before I was dx'd with hypothyroid. Is that what it is in a nutshell?

Basically I was mis-dx'd early on and put on bcp's from 16 when I had absent AF's. I was told I had cancer, then a brain tumor which later I found it was a high prolactin level that needed meds. When I got off bcp's I had full blown hypothyroid and type II diabetes. They covered my causes and took care of the symptoms and made things worse in the end. I basically dx'd myself after finding out on the Today show another woman with PCOS in 2000. I waltzed into an endo's office and demanded the testing. Lo and behold, I was right. And here I am.

shenacat · 10-16-2007, 03:30 AM

Okay, let me attempt to answer some of these questions.

There are tests to test for thyroid-specific antibodies. The thing with antibody counts is that they rise and fall. So sometimes, you can be tested during a healthy period where your antibody count is low, and some doctors choose to see this as a negative test, meaning they will consider you not to have hashimoto's. Yet, the presence of antibodies at all is of some concern to other doctors.

Thyroid-specific antibodies do not themselves attack other bodily organs. Studies have shown however that the presence of one autoimmune disorder can herald the development of others, meaning that once your immune system decides to start attacking the body, it can spread. It is not uncommon for people to have hashimoto's and lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Also, Selenium does not work for all people. Like most vitamins and minerals, YMMV. It has been touted as a supplement to assist in T4->T3 conversion, and some people have noticed their antibody count decreasing while using it, but it is not by any means reliable.

HISIRISHGEM · 10-16-2007, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shenacat

Okay, let me attempt to answer some of these questions.

There are tests to test for thyroid-specific antibodies. The thing with antibody counts is that they rise and fall. So sometimes, you can be tested during a healthy period where your antibody count is low, and some doctors choose to see this as a negative test, meaning they will consider you not to have hashimoto's. Yet, the presence of antibodies at all is of some concern to other doctors.

Thyroid-specific antibodies do not themselves attack other bodily organs. Studies have shown however that the presence of one autoimmune disorder can herald the development of others, meaning that once your immune system decides to start attacking the body, it can spread. It is not uncommon for people to have hashimoto's and lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Also, Selenium does not work for all people. Like most vitamins and minerals, YMMV. It has been touted as a supplement to assist in T4->T3 conversion, and some people have noticed their antibody count decreasing while using it, but it is not by any means reliable.

So what exactly does this mean? Does the fact that I'm hypothyroid mean that I could actually have hashimotos? And if so, what tests aside from the thyroid hormones do I have to test for those antibodies to find out if my body is attacking itself?

shenacat · 10-16-2007, 12:43 PM

Rebekah, there are specific ANTIBODY tests. They can actually isolate and verify the existence of the antibodies themselves. You can ask your doctor to test directly for the antibodies.

HISIRISHGEM · 10-16-2007, 02:03 PM

Should I test for it? If I have hypothyroid and hashimotos could have caused it, is there a need to check for the antibodies to make sure they are in check? What happens if they find them? I'm already on levoxyl.

Thanks ladies for answering all my questions. I wanted to find out for sure the difference, THEN I got a bit confused.

CelticSpirit · 10-16-2007, 02:10 PM

Your doc should order a FULL thyroid panel which will test for antibodies, TSH, Free T4 and Free T3.

Some people are hypothyroid without hashis. Some of us have hashi's (and become hypo).

The day you go for your testing...don't take your meds. THAT DAY ONLY. When you're done with your bloodwork take your meds.

Don't take your meds with milk, anything with calcium or iron.

I hope that helps.

HISIRISHGEM · 10-17-2007, 12:17 AM

Ok, that helps. Thanks Stacie!

Rebekah

mommavia · 10-25-2007, 03:58 AM

Just because you are hypo does not mean that you have Hashi's. Testing for thyroid antibodies should be part of the full thyroid panel that your endocrinologist runs. If you are not seeing an endo, I suggest that you find one that specialized in thyroid disorders. They tend to be more knowledgable about the latest studies and research on thyroid issues.

Quote:

I'm told that once you've been dx'd with hypothyroid that there is one of the tets....is it the TSH? That will be inacurrate because I'm already taking synthroid? Also, the T3 and T4 being tested, in April my PCP tested my thyroid with something that was an older test combining T3 and T4 that didn't look to me as if it was as accurate. Can anyone tell me what thyroid testing I should have while I'm on Synthroid to make sure we're managing my levels correctly and what the levels should be between?

After starting Synthroid, you will still need to have your TSH, T3, and T4 checked. This is how the endo will know if you are on the correct dose or not. If you TSH is in the normal range, then the dose of Synthroid is good. Sometimes it takes several months to get the right dose, but once you are there it should be smooth sailing. After being on it for a while, you will probably be able to tell when your dose might be off (significant weight gain/loss, pregnancy can cause your body to need more or less thyroid hormone).

Check out www.endocrineweb.com. It explains hypothyroidism and Hashi's VERY well.

Cynthia

HISIRISHGEM · 10-27-2007, 07:42 PM

Thanks so much for the site, I'll check it out now.