Trying for remission - what to expect? - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

140,281 members164,998 posts

Trying for remission - what to expect?

Chloececilia profile image
5 Replies

Hi everyone,

This month is my 18th month of treatment for an overactive thyroid with Hashi's antibodies and no Graves antibodies. I have been on block and replace for the majority of treatment which, as I have gathered, is a little unusual for Hashi's patients although finally my levels are normal on 2 x 20mg Carb and 75mcg thyroxine.

My endo has advised to come off all medications this month to see if I remit. I am not at all sure what to expect. I don't even actually know if my thyroid is truly overactive or underactive now. This was all triggered after giving birth in May 2014. Symptoms starting around the August/September.

How long do your levels have to be euthyroid to be classed as being in remission?

If I wasn't to remit, is there a certain amount of time it would take for me to feel symptoms again?

Should I ask to have autoantibodies retested before coming off of medication?

When should I book a blood test after coming off?

Many thanks!

Written by
Chloececilia profile image
Chloececilia
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
Clutter profile image
Clutter

Chloececilia,

There's no set time in which symptoms will return if remission fails. Graves and hyperthyroid patients are considered to be in remission if they remain euthyroid for 12 months. It will take around 8 weeks to clear Levothyroxine from your system, less for Carbimazole, so I imagine a blood test around 8-12 would be desirable.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

Chloececilia profile image
Chloececilia in reply to Clutter

Thank you for your insight, Clutter!

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

As you became hyperthyroid after your baby, I shall give you a link which might help to explain what happens. I am hypothyroid and don't have experience of hyper. Some women for the first time after having a baby can experience hypo/hyper activity. Read from the date September 11, 2004

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

Chloececilia profile image
Chloececilia in reply to shaws

That's a great link, shaws. Thank you.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to Chloececilia

At least it explains much better what can happen after delivery, particularly to new Mothers or others who haven't experienced a flare-up.

I hope you get better soon.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Carbimazole didn't work!

Hi, I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease in August 2017 and was put on carbimazole to treat this,...

What tests?

Hi could anyone give me advice please. I was treated for an overactive thyroid with radiotherapy...

What to expect?

So after my recent blood tests done on medichecks I visited my doctor. He decided to run some more...

....and the award for the most Graves thyroid go to.....

I sent off for a blue horizon advanced thyroid profile and these are the results. Bit baffled as I...

What to do now? unexpected TSH results

Suprising test results................. yet I still feel awful My Medichecks results arrived this...