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Maybe Hashimoto's and other endocrine problems???
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.

Maybe Hashimoto's and other endocrine problems???

by Jenipeni, Feb 01, 2007 12:00AM
Dear Dr Lupo
Firstly Thank-you so much for providing this service!

Part 1
I hope you can help work out if I had Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
My GP says I definately had autoimmune thyroiditis but isn't sure it was Hashimoto's.
I had a Total Thyroidectomy 30th Nov '06 for multinodular colloid goitre- but really want to find out because it has recently come to light that there is a history of Graves disease on my husbands side.  We plan to have kids in a few years, none as of yet.

Anti-Thyroglobulin: 50 kIU/L (<35)
Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase: <10 kIU/L (<35)

*The blood draw for Antibodies was done 7 weeks post TT - correct me if I am wrong but although antibodies will never go away totally -isn't it possible their levels have dropped considerably since the TT since they no longer have a thyroid gland to attack?

The pathology report says;
Areas of haemorrhage, fibrosis, cyctic change and calcification.  There are multiple nodules in the L & R lobe of the thyroid together with the isthmus.  These vary in size and comprise mostly large colloid filled follicles.  In many lobes there is cystic degeneration and on the L side there is focal formation of pseudopapillae.  Follicular epithelium varies from cubiodal to columnar and nuclei are regular.  In areas there is stromal fibrosis.  Intervening thyroid parenchyma on occasions contains aggregates of lymphocytes and on occasions small lymphoid follicles.  

by Mark Lupo, M.D., Feb 03, 2007 12:00AM
The TPO antibody being negative suggests against Hashimotos, but this may clear faster after TT than the anti-TG antibody (which can be inc'd in nodular thryoid disease).  The occ lymphocytes on surgical path report is suggestive of thyroiditis - did you have TPO ab test before surgery?  

Tough to be certain, but there is a good chance you have/had hashimotos but without a thyroid, the immune system attack should decrease and the fertility should not be effected provided you have consistent thyroid hormone replacement.

Your children may be at inc'd risk for auto-immune thyroid disease, but this is certainly not a reason to not have children of your own!
Member Comments (2)

by Jenipeni, Feb 01, 2007 12:00AM
To: Dr Lupo - Part 2
Part 2
Because I have not recovered stamina since surgery I had other tests run.  I have high testosterone
4.0 (0.5 - 2.6)
and also elevated cortisol (24hr UFC)
182 (<160)
I have just had a abdo/pelvis CT to check for any abnormalities of ovaries or adrenals.  Waiting on results.  Also I have most of the symptoms for Cushing's.

What do you think?
I sincerely appreciate your time and opinion.
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