Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (cont.)
What is the treatment of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
There is no cure for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. There is no way to know how
long the autoimmune process and inflammation will continue. In the vast majority
of patients, hypothyroidism results from the inflammatory process.
Thyroid hormone medication can replace the hormones the thyroid made before
the inflammation started. There are two major thyroid hormones made by a healthy
gland (T3 and T4). Replacing one
or both of these hormones can alleviate the symptoms caused by the absolute or
relative lack of hormones as a consequence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Without medication,
there is very little chance the thyroid would be able to maintain hormone levels
within the normal range, and symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism would occur or
worsen.
Should I be concerned if I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and want to become
pregnant?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is not a reason to avoid
pregnancy. However, some women with Hashimoto's
thyroiditis
do have trouble conceiving. In some patients, supplementation with
selenium is
used to try and decrease antibody levels. (The theory is that lower antibody
levels may lead to better success in conception.) Both before and during
pregnancy, the levels of thyroid hormones need to be checked to make certain
they are in the optimal range for pregnancy. This is usually within the range
for nonpregnant women but at the higher end of the range.
Conclusions
If you think you may have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, ask your doctor to check your thyroid
and order blood tests to help make a diagnosis. If you know you have
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, stay on your medication as directed by your physician and follow-up with
him or her for regular thyroid blood tests,
which will help you to optimize your
treatment.
Last Editorial Review: 8/9/2007
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