Thyroid size, leveling out on Synthroid, and more questions

[Tutta]

What is a normal size for a thyroid?  I think mine is shrinking.  Can this be?  It is 3.5 x .9 x 1.1 (right) and 4.1 x 1.3 x 1.1 (left).  If it does shrink, when does it stop shrinking?

My Endo says my thyroid is sputtering, and although treated on Synthroid, some of my symptoms come and go and some remain.  She says when it stops sputtering my symptoms will abate.  I can't find any research on this.  Is this true?  How long is the sputtering phase of Hashimoto's?  Will the symptoms truly go away?

I understand that some woman can get pregnant with Hashimoto's if they are treated.  Is this always the case?  If I am unable to attain a pregnancy and I am treated, does that mean for certain that something else is wrong or can the Hashimoto's still get credit for the infertility?  (It has been over 12 years of trying, 4 of which I have been taking Synthroid.  Nothing else can be found wrong with me.  I still ovulate!)

I have heard rumors that I have not been able to substantiate that Hashimoto's can be reversed through special diets.  (Avoid wheat, corn, soy, etc.)  Has anyone found any research that supports or debunks this rumor?  Can anti-thyroid antibody production be reduced in any way?  

What exactly causes the sputtering and can that be moderated in any way?

What level of Synthroid is the typical "full replacement" for a thyroid?  Is there a typical level or does it depend on a person's sex and size?

Are there certain phases in the progression of this disease?  

I would appreciate any answers, personal experiences, research and professional opinions you all have.  Thanks!



  

[Tutta]

Thank you for your quick response.  You have answered some of my questions.  Yes, it does attack the thyroid.  I know that is why my thyroid is shrinking.  It has been under attack for years now.

I was diagnosed and treated in 2004 for Hashimoto's and was symptom free until summer of 2007.  Symtpoms became rough, but TSH was still in acceptable ranges.  In 2008 I saw a new doctor (I moved), who retested myThyroid Pero Ab (>1000) which was a huge increase from my 2004 count.  My endo decided to monitor my TSH more frequently and we found the TSH elevated and I was increased to 75mcg.  She could not tell me how long the sputtering would take (and how long my symptoms would last).  

I would love to hear from other Hashimoto sufferers what phases they have noticed in their disease, how long the phases lasted, and their synthroid dosage, thyroid size and symptoms at each of the phases.  

I would especially appreciate hearing from others who have been told their thyroid is sputtering and what they have experienced and learned.

Thanks!

T

[Smilerdeb]

I am nearly 49 , 5ft 1 in and am on thyroxin but did go hyper going on the 75mcg dose daily so there is no way , anyone can answer the question about what dose Synthroid someone should be on.
Everyone is different.
Have you had your labs done? FT3, FT4 & TSH and also your antibodies tests?
Get these done as they are the 'marker' for dosage of Synthroid and also gives you an idea of what is going on to be able to try and get your levels stable.

Starting dose is usually 50mcg daily and then it is taken from there with regular blood tests and monitoring.
It sounds like your thyroid is dying off which cannot be avoided and there is no quick fix for it and cannot be reversed.
You will be on a T4 med to supplement what the thyroid needs.
Until your thyroid  levels are stable, you will experience symptoms.
In regards to pregnancy, yes it possible but that too needs your thyroid levels stable and normal as it can result in a miscarraige should they not be stable.
While pregnant, most are kept on a higher dose of meds and you are monitored all the way through the pregnancy.
To my knowledge , Hashis cannot be reversed through diet.
Hashimotos is an autoimmune disease and is with you for life , just as Graves Disease is.
Both diseases produce antibodies.

You can go into remission with Hashis but it is still there no matter what you do.
I have Graves Disease and had RAI and TT and before RAI, the antibodies were 420%. 3 months Post RAI, they were under <60 (being normal).
BUT the antibodies are still there.
The antibodies attack the thyroid.
With no thyroid, they cannot attack it in my case.
Hope that answers your question.