Hashimoto's – Do I need an Endocrinologist or an Immunologist????

[Halinka]

If I have Thyroiditis, which I understand to be an auto immune disorder, do I need an endocrinologist or immunologist or is this the same person?

[Clutter]

Halinka, most hypothyroidism, including autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's), is managed in primary care by your GP. If you do need referral to a specialist it will be to an endocrinologist as the thyroid is part of the endocrine system. Immunology is a seperate speciality.

[Halinka in reply to Clutter]

As an auto immune problem id have thought both would be needed. Thanks

[Clutter in reply to Halinka]

Halinka, 90% of hypothyroidism is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis. Unfortunately, doctors treat the resulting hypothyroidism not the autoimmune cause.

Some Hashi patients find a gluten-free diet helpful in managing Hashi's and reducing antibodies.

[cmcnabb7 in reply to Clutter]

They should be treating the cause and not the symptoms. After all why patch up a sinking ship?? Its so frustrating 😡

[Cooper27 in reply to Halinka]

Not necessarily - not all auto-immune conditions are referred to immunologists - coeliac disease or diabetes are dealt with by others.

[cmcnabb7 in reply to Clutter]

But the cause of Hashimoto''s disease which causes hypothyroidism starts with the immune system. There is something wrong with your immune system and that needs to be treated first. So surely the logical thing would be to send patients to see an immunologis first, before anything else?

[Clutter in reply to cmcnabb7]

Cmcnabb7,

Having Hashimoto's doesn't mean you have systemic immune problems. There's nothing an immunologist can do about Hashimoto's. There's no cure for Hashimoto's, treatment is for the low thyroid levels it causes.

[Killnana in reply to Clutter]

You are WRONG!!!

[Clutter in reply to Killnana]

Killnana,

No need to be rude! If you disagree with me feel free to explain to Cmcnabb7 why I'm wrong.

[vivbr]

So how do we treat the autoimmune problem with natural ingredients? Can diet and supplements do the job?

[crimple]

Halinka, Unless you are very lucky it is unlikely you will be referred to any type of consultant. Even if you were the chances of getting treatment for Hashi's are usually pretty remote on NHS. In fact they don't have a treatment! I can tell you that from personal experience going gluten free did help improve my symptoms and reduce my TPO antibodies. Don't expect the docs to suggest you go gluten free.

[cmcnabb7 in reply to crimple]

They don't treat Hashimoto''s disease because the simple truth is that they don't know how. I went to my GP this morning and said that I wanted to be referred to an endocrinologiat or immunologist, and he looked at me like I had just changed into an alien in front of him and was no longer of this world. He sat there giving me a blank stare as if he hasn't a clue what I was even talking about. That's not good enough in my opinion.

For me having Hashimoto''s disease has been such a life changing thing. It's like a slow death is all I can say 😔

[silverfox7]

In scientific/medical circles endocrinology and immunology are very different. What you have is an autoimmune problem of the Endocrine system but as many will say there is not much help around. Do not despair though as there are many on here who have this problem and will advise. I'm not one of them but I do now how positive and helpful this site is so listen to the advice given. Ok not cures but how to manage what you have to make you feel better. Diet makes such a difference and also vitamins and minerals are often depleted as well. Think of yourself as a car, we can't try to turn you into the latest model but hopefully get your engine tuned up and running better. the 'mechanics' in this group will help you so keep posting how you feel. Happy motoring!

[teenarocks]

Halinka, yes, natural treatment of the immune system is possible. The goal is to reduce the inflammation in your gut. I eliminated gluten, soy, dairy, caffeine, sugar and alcohol. There are also supplements you can take to help restore your gut--notably NAC and if you research nutrition sites you will find more information on this. It takes time, unfortunately, but you can and will feel better. You are not alone. We're all in the same boat. Best wishes to you.

[Halinka]

Thanks for all the supportive posts. I feel a bit torn between going au natural and exploring diet as a route to lowered antibodies or thyroxine. My symptoms are: anxiety, depression and an inability to lose weight. I only took the thyroid tests cos my herbalist couldn't believe I hadn't lost a pound in weight after three months of a complete sugar free diet. I imagine some of you do one or the other and some do both.

[teenarocks in reply to Halinka]

Halinka, you need to do both.

[HASHISmom34 in reply to Halinka]

hello. I feel better with supplements, no caffeine, no sugar or processed foods, try mostly whole foods. Soy and alcohol are no-no's too. I have yet to try the gluten and dairy free deal to reduce my growing antibodies. You need to have labs done to check to make sure all nutrition is optimal to absorb everything properly. Thyroid meds do not work as well if you have those issues. Drink kefir, kombucha etc which are fermented things that are good for good bacteria. probiotics are very important with gut health and turmeric is very important for the inflammation. auto immune is stemming from inflammation. good luck, message me with any questions

[Cooper27 in reply to Halinka]

If you can afford it, you might benefit from seeing a nutritionist who has experience with Hashimotos. They can help guide you.

[Halinka]

Yes I thought about that. Immunology first. Then Endocinology. I have a feeling though that immunology doesn't have many answers when it comes to Hashmito's. Might send a separate post about that.