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Is it important to know why one has hypothyroidism?
Hello, I've recently been dx'd with hypothyroidism, have posted here a couple of times and am learning so much from all of you. My question is this: does it matter if one has hashimoto's or ...what would it be called...hypothyroidism non auto-immune? The reason I ask is because to me it seems important though I don't know why really if treatment is the same. I have first degree relatives who had lupus and also RA so it is obviously in my history. A number of years ago I had some lab work which showed a +ANA. While I also realize that some people have +ANA tests and still don't have AI, I can't help but wonder if I have AI hypothyroidism. I mentioned this to the doctor and she didn't think it made a difference. So, I'm asking if it matters, if so, why does it matter? How is treatment different? What test/s determine if hypothyroidism is AI? Thank you for your help.
I might also add that the doctor with whom I am currently working is a new doctor. My personal doctor relocated several states away as of Jan.1. I'd had routine lab work + allergy testing through blood work mid-December, the results were mailed to me in late December stating I had hypothyroidism. My doctor's office suggested I see another doc in the same building, which I did. I have been once, go back in about four weeks (perhaps sooner as another member suggested). I am not crazy about this new doctor and am currently looking for another, but in the meantime, I have lots of questions.
I might also add that the doctor with whom I am currently working is a new doctor. My personal doctor relocated several states away as of Jan.1. I'd had routine lab work + allergy testing through blood work mid-December, the results were mailed to me in late December stating I had hypothyroidism. My doctor's office suggested I see another doc in the same building, which I did. I have been once, go back in about four weeks (perhaps sooner as another member suggested). I am not crazy about this new doctor and am currently looking for another, but in the meantime, I have lots of questions.
There are a number of clinical trials published in medical journals that shows selenium can lower thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb). Not everyone will see results but i have personally seen results eating brazil nuts (highest natural source of selenium). Studies show selenium may slow down the progression of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
The following info is from a book "The Everything Guide To Thyroid Disease" by Theodore C. Friedman, MD, PhD and Winnie Yu Scherer.
"Although the majority of people with Hashimoto's will not develop any other disorders, it's important to know what some of these autoimmune conditions are in case you do start to experience symptoms. Keep in mind, too, that you may be more likely to develop Hashimoto's if you have one of these other conditions.
Type 1 diabetes
Pernicious Anaemia
Addison's Disease
Vitiligo
Celiac Disease
Alopecia Areta
Systematic Lupus Erthematosus (SLE)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sjogren's Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)"
Autoimmune thyroid disease (either Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis) may show up with a positive or negative ANA titer. One study on Hashimoto's thyroiditis found 47% were ANA positive. Of them, 60% showed a titer of 1:40. I personally have a negative ANA and have autoimmune pernicious anaemia, vitiligo, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
The following info is from a book "The Everything Guide To Thyroid Disease" by Theodore C. Friedman, MD, PhD and Winnie Yu Scherer.
"Although the majority of people with Hashimoto's will not develop any other disorders, it's important to know what some of these autoimmune conditions are in case you do start to experience symptoms. Keep in mind, too, that you may be more likely to develop Hashimoto's if you have one of these other conditions.
Type 1 diabetes
Pernicious Anaemia
Addison's Disease
Vitiligo
Celiac Disease
Alopecia Areta
Systematic Lupus Erthematosus (SLE)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sjogren's Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)"
Autoimmune thyroid disease (either Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis) may show up with a positive or negative ANA titer. One study on Hashimoto's thyroiditis found 47% were ANA positive. Of them, 60% showed a titer of 1:40. I personally have a negative ANA and have autoimmune pernicious anaemia, vitiligo, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Is it important to know? Yes and no!
As you stated, the treatment for Hashi's is the same as the treatment for hypo. So, whether or not you have Hashi's should not delay or change your treatment.
On the other hand, as you also said, AI diseases tend to run in families, and it's not necessarily the same AI. For example, I know a family that has Hashi's, PA, lupus and type I diabetes. So, it's important information to know for family members and your own future health issues. Once we have more than one AI, we are much more likely to develop a second or third than the general population is to have its first.
The markers for Hashi's are TPOab (thyroid peroxidase antibodies) and TGab (thyroglobulin antibodies). Most of us, by far, are TPOab positive, many both, and a few only TGab positive. So, you have to test both to get a true negative, although positive TPOab is considered a sufficient basis for a diagnosis of Hashi's.
Ask away...that's why we're here!
As you stated, the treatment for Hashi's is the same as the treatment for hypo. So, whether or not you have Hashi's should not delay or change your treatment.
On the other hand, as you also said, AI diseases tend to run in families, and it's not necessarily the same AI. For example, I know a family that has Hashi's, PA, lupus and type I diabetes. So, it's important information to know for family members and your own future health issues. Once we have more than one AI, we are much more likely to develop a second or third than the general population is to have its first.
The markers for Hashi's are TPOab (thyroid peroxidase antibodies) and TGab (thyroglobulin antibodies). Most of us, by far, are TPOab positive, many both, and a few only TGab positive. So, you have to test both to get a true negative, although positive TPOab is considered a sufficient basis for a diagnosis of Hashi's.
Ask away...that's why we're here!
My doctor doesn't think it's important at all. In fact, he almost laughed when I brought the subject up. I have a history with 2 other auto-immune related conditions so I assume I have Hashimoto's. To be honest, I don't really need to know, but I certainly need to maintain my levels or a get mental. Good luck!
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