Does PBC effect thyroid function?

[Sissymcc]

I cannot seem to get mine stable- the labs (TSH, T3, Reverse T3, iodine,etc all over the place

[AyrshireK]

Is your doctor following this up? From a very quick websearch it looks like there is a link between PBC and thyroid issues - both being auto-immune conditions. When you have one auto-immune condition it is quite common to have others.

This excerpt came from a site called emedicinehealth.com

Thyroid Dysfunction

About 20% of individuals with PBC develop an autoimmune reaction against the thyroid gland. This reaction results in an inflammation of the gland, called thyroiditis. When the thyroid gland is first inflamed, only a minority of these individuals experience thyroid tenderness or pain. This pain is usually mild and located over the gland in the front of the lower neck. In fact, most people do not experience symptoms from the thyroiditis until some months or years after the autoimmune reaction began. By then, the slow and gradual decrease in thyroid function resulting from the inflammation can cause an underproduction of thyroid hormone, called hypothyroidism.

It should be noted that the symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism, which include fatigue, weight gain, and elevated cholesterol, develop gradually and can be quite subtle. Further, they can easily be confused with those of PBC itself. Thus, doctors may periodically test thyroid function in all individuals with PBC to detect hypothyroidism and to initiate treatment by replacement of thyroid hormone. Often, however, the thyroiditis occurs and the indications of hypothyroidism are found well before the diagnosis of PBC is made.

You obviously need follow up on this.

Katie