I need help for a friend......because she doesn't speak english well enough. She has been diagnosed celiac plus hashimoto's just recently.

[Mikiviki]

Not yet on thyroxine someone advised her to take kelp or similar. The GP here who is incidentally also my GP dismissed her saying 'it's easy to get better with hashimoto's , just take levothyroxine and you'll be fine!' Now we know it isn't that easy. But I don't know what to suggest about kelp for hashimoto's . Any suggestions?

[Hennerton]

I think your friend should start Levo if it has been prescribed, unless she is feeling well, without any symptoms. I know nothing about kelp but if her thyroid level is low, it is likely to affect all parts of her body. Many people come here because they cannot get their GP to prescribe, so your friend should be glad she does not have that problem to deal with. I hope someone will come along to help on the Hashis issue. I had Graves, so different problem but same result!

[Mikiviki in reply to Hennerton]

She has antibodies and thyroid levels still "within range" although she has lowered body temperature and feels 'flu like " symptoms. The GP doesn't want to start medication yet. (Probably wants her to stagger in before giving help)

[Mikiviki in reply to Mikiviki]

Sorry not very comprehensible . We know she has hashimoto's because she has the antibodies. She is still within acceptable TSH T3 and T4 range

[shaws Administrator in reply to Mikiviki]

It's probably because the BTA's guidelines say to wait till the TSH reaches 10 before treatment despite the USA having 3. They should take clinical symptoms into consideration.

[Mikiviki in reply to shaws]

Thanks. We are in Italy. I am not sure here what the limit is. She Also has osteoporosis brought on by the celiac disease. Levothyroxine and osteoporosis don't work well together although she is being treated with vit.D Thanks

[Hennerton]

Do you have the results with reference ranges? Your friend will become more and more ill without help. It makes me so angry. You have probably read similar posts here, so do go with her to the doc and try to get Levo. Low temp and flu like symptoms are signs of hypo. Why wait to feel worse? Good luck x

[Mikiviki in reply to Hennerton]

Yes, not to worry, I've been through it all myself. I wasn't diagnosed until I'd been really ill for 2 years. So i had 2 unecessary years of sickness. I will pass on the advice. Thanks

[Hidden]

Hashi's is an autoimmune disease and if left untreated can plunge the patient into other autoimmune diseases.

There is quite a lot of divided opinion about taking iodine with hashi's, some say it is like putting petrol on a fire because it can increase the antibody flare up which is attacking the thyroid, and although we know iodine is essential I would not risk it without at least testing for deficiency.

The gut is the place I would start with and try to address any issues there. 80% of all our nutrients, vits and minerals are absorbed there so its important that it is in good health.