Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
treat hashis with steroids?
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.
treat hashis with steroids?
by bab1, Nov 28, 2006 12:00AM
I was recently diagnosed with Hashi's. I am a little confused because my doctor wants to initally treat with steroids. I have just finished a dose pack of Prednisone. She explained that because the Free T4 is ok (it's at 1.10)and T4 is ok (at 7.2) and T3 is ok ( at 134) to go this route before we treat with thyroid replacement hormones. My antithyroglobulin Ab are at 189. Why go the steroids route first? I am trying to be patient and take her recommendations, because, finally, she is the first one to run all the tests. Also, can anyone explain the rate that Hashi's develops - and do the labs give any info on this? I'm wondering given that all the other test were in "normal" range should I wait to begin the thyroid replacement hormone? I am also trying to conceive (have been for a about 7 months). My TSH has routinely been elevated (up to 3.5), but most recently at 2.4, I have always been told it is normal, she agrees it is on the high end. It's my understanding as I learn more about this that to conceive TSH should be below 2. Any info is appreciated, I'm new to this and learning as I go along.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Dec 03, 2006 12:00AM
, Dec 03, 2006 12:00AM
Steroids are not used for Hashimotos.
Antibodies are present in up to 10% of women. The rate of developing HYPO in these patients is about 5%/year.
If TTC, would start thyroid treatment as antibody-positive women with normal TSH have more miscarriages and this is decreased with low dose levothyroxine (ie syntroid or levoxyl -- perhaps 50mcg).
Antibodies are present in up to 10% of women. The rate of developing HYPO in these patients is about 5%/year.
If TTC, would start thyroid treatment as antibody-positive women with normal TSH have more miscarriages and this is decreased with low dose levothyroxine (ie syntroid or levoxyl -- perhaps 50mcg).
Your TSH with Hashi's needs to be close to ZERO
Here is a great website
www.stopthethyroidmadness.com
Lots of info and a forum you can read and join if you want to post
However, you still need to be on thyroid medication with Hashi's. It helps reduce the thyroid antibodies, and can get your free T3 and free T4 where they need to be. Your TSH is high, and may get really low on the proper dose of thyroid meds. TSH also can fluctuate frequently with Hashi's, and is not a reliable test. What is your free T3 score? Bet you haven't had it done. And where in the 'normal' range is your free T4? Most people get relief of all symptoms when the frees are in mid to high range of 'normal'.
Go to StoptheThyroidMadness.com, read all you can, including the adrenal gland info.