Chronic Hives

I break out in hives everyday and have been since Oct 2008.  I have seen gp, endo and allergist.  Allergist says my thyroid antibodies were very high. He referred me back to my endo who changed my meds from levoxyl to armour  thryoid on my suggestion. I also take allergra which helps some, I am so tired of this, they sometimes go away then others i struggle all day with it. I refuse to take the cortizone by mouth, but occaisionally take the injections. I am very active I exercise 3 times a week at Curves try to eat properly, but it drives me crazy to not understand what else is going on and if it is the antibodies what else will they do to me.  Can anyone suggest something else????  It is wierd to that I can also break out if say my belt buckle is too tight on my skin, sometimes I even have to pull off my socks it feels like an ace bandage.  Any help I would certainly appreciate. thks Grandee 276

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
      Thanks for writing in. Hives are common with autoimmune diseases, especially with thyroid diseases. As, in your case it is progressing to hypothyroidism, I would suggest that you get an estimate of TSH, if it is normal you can try steroids for controlling the damage to thyroid there by preventing hives also.
Steroids are used to suppress immune reaction. Immune reaction to body’s own antigen’s is the mechanism of development of autoimmune diseases.
Consult a endocrinologist for further advise on this.
Best.