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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


Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Symptoms At Onset Of Disease

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The symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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