Hashimoto

[AJ13]

My daughter is 20 years old and has recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto Thyroiditis.  Her last blood test revealed that her thyroid is done - given up the ghost so to speak.  She has returned to college (3rd yr) having only been on synthroid for approx 6 wks (.25).  She will be carrying a full load academically (21 credits) and has begun training for college soccer.  She is hardest on herself and accepts nothing but 150% of herself in everything she attempts.  She has been experiencing light-headines, lost of focus (splurred vision) and nausea following most of her training sessions (three - 3hrs session a day} She has always been a healthy young lady - never even being on any form of antibotic until having her wisdom teeth removed last year. She is well-fit and conditioned.  She, her coach and her trainer are attempting to research if there is anything she should be adding and/or eliminating from her already pretty balanced diet that might help her energy level and other symptoms connected to her thyroid condition.  Also if anyone has any suggestions to vitamins. minerals, etc. that they have found to be helpful.  Any input would be GREATLY appreciated as my lil' lady has become extremely frustrated.  I believe any shared info would aid her in accepting and adjusting her current condition.  Thank you in advance for your time, energy and input.

[rusalka]

Hi I find a high protein diet works best for me, raspberries, almonds, high vitamin c,multivitamin with all the b's especially b6 and b12. selenium, magnesium before sleeping to relax as your mind tends to race. Q10 when I can't get out of my own way. Exercise is important to keep good circulation. Even a short walk or towel rubbing if walk too difficult. It helps to get you moving. Stay clear of a lot of caffein and sugar. Drink lots of water. Constipation can be a problem so go for a liver cleanse tea. Just a cup a day until thinks move regularly. On the meds eat fibre 4-6 after the tablet to get maximum benefit. Because it is auto immune its good to watch for any other inflammations and see her doctor when she feels ill. Yoga helps to relax and destress focus on the breathing. Your daughter likes to work hard and achieve so she seems to carry a lot of weight on her shoulders.  Anyway all this has helped me and my body lets me know if I get slack on something. Tell her to listen to her body. By the way she may have changes in her monthly cycle or hair loss don't worry too much as it generally grows back in better condtion. Mine did. Good luck and if your daughter has more problems or wants to talk to others tell her to jump online. The doc is great and there are others like her with the same probs. wishes Rusalka

[MS Hashi]

Hi Lauriel,
Good luck with the blood work. Please post the results here on a new thread so that the doc (and others) can comment. Don't be scared of thyroid meds, they could be essential to your well being and there are some very good natural hormones such as Armour thyroid.
Best wishes.

[MS Hashi]

Hi,

Please could you post the blood tests & the ranges so that we can have a look. Sometimes what they say is 'fine' is too low in the range. It is soo unlikely that 25mcg is good enough for her. Having said this, does she take a range of B vitamins (for energy) and has she had her ferritin (storage iron) tested?
Best wishes, from my extremely painful experience believe me the docs don't know everything.

[AJ13]

In response - Yes, her blood test done at the end of the first six weeks (which was last wk) show her levels to be fine - She will have them tested every six weeks at a clinic near her school and medications will be adjusted as needed.  In the meantime - we were hoping for some suggestions she would personally have control over - Thanks

[LAURIEL]

I was just told by doctor I have Hashi I just went through a hyperactive phase T4 14 AND TSH 0.O1 .my doctor thinks Iam on my way to recovery. I dont know why he thinks my body can heal itself. My thyroid uptake was 1% so I dont think RAI would work. I get blood work inthe morning . I think he is giving me false hope.I think Im hypo now. I scared to take some of those thyroid medicines because I cant stand losing so much hair.Lauriel

[MS Hashi]

Hi,
25mcg is likely too small a dose and it is probably time for a raise. Has she had any blood tests done..ie TSH, FT4, FT3. She needs these to see where's she's at. I am sorry for her troubles in one so young, but it all does take time to get balanced on the supplemental hormone. Wish you both well.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The goal is to keep TSH around 1.0 -- may need an increase in the dose (25mcg is a low dose).  She needs a repeat lab now (6 weeks into treatment).  If she eats a normal diet, at that age, a multivitamin may not be needed but is not unreasonale.  Other things to consider, if the TSH has normalized would be to consider adrenal insufficiency (relatively rare).