Lack of understanding

Could anyone tell me if you have an Underactive Thyroid. 1- is that called Hypothyroidism and 2- does it also mean you have Hashimotos. Sorry to sound so stupid but I find it all difficult to understand.

[Hidden]

Hi

Not a stupid question. Hypothyroidism is the condition caused by Hashimoto's - an autoimmune disease. However there are other causes of hypothyroidism.

So it does not necessarily follow that if you are hypo, you have Hashimoto's.

A test for Hashi's antibodies will show if you have it - only the nhs will refuse to test for antibodies, so you will need to do it privately.

Hope that helps

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I think I've got the idea. I've got an appointment with my GP tomorrow and I've got that many questions,but that's one less. So I won't go over my 10mins. Thanks

[Clutter in reply to Hidden]

Gemini, ask your GP whether Thyroid Peroxidase or Thyroiglobulin antibodies were tested. Positive means you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. NHS treatment is the same for both, Levothyroxine but dietary changes, particularly gluten-free, can be helpful if you have Hashimoto's. G-F doesn't help everyone but may be worth a trial to see whether it benefits you. If it doesn't, you can always reintroduce it.

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter, I'll write that down and see what he says. It's all so confusing to me. He's going to wish he had a day off tomorrow.

[Clutter in reply to Hidden]

Lol, Gemini. Let us know what he says.

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

He'll probley throw me out,and I'll be looking for a new GP. Are you up for the job.lol

[Clutter in reply to Hidden]

Gemini, you'd end up like a pincushion from frequent blood tests and I'd stuff you so full of vitamins you'd rattle and wouldn't have room for a decent meal.

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

If it made me feel better than I do at the moment I'd let you do what you like.lol. Thanks for just being there.x

[marsaday]

When we get tested for these antibodies there is a reference range with them. So if you are under the minimum requirement for hashis does that mean you do NOT have hashis ? I have heard it said that even if you have a little antibody reaction in the body you will have hashis (even if below this reference range).

Anyone know for certain on this one ?

[helvella Administrator in reply to marsaday]

A combination of imperfect tests and the fact that many of us will at least sometimes have a few antibodies means that nothing can be made of very low levels. For example, physical damage to the thyroid can cause transiently raised antibodies. Sometimes test ranges are divided in three with an "uncertain" area between negative and positive.

Rod

[Hidden]

Nhs will generally refuse to test antibodies.

[eeng in reply to Hidden]

My doctor has done it but only the once. It seems that once the autoimmune nature of the hypothyroidism has been established there's nothing they can do about the antibodies, the treatment level is TSH based, not antibody level based, so it's a waste of time them doing it again.

[Hidden]

Thank you all for your replys, but Cutter you wanted to know what my GP said, well I wrote down what you said and he said there's no need,and actually he was going to reduce my thyroxine but I told him I was having another blood test in a months time, so he said to leave it till then and take it from there. Sorry I made him laugh so you haven't got his job.lol