hashimoto's thyroiditis- how to get diagnosed

[Lisa27b]

Hi does anyone in here have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and how long did it take to be diagnosed? Also what was your symptoms. Thanks

[shaws Administrator]

I am hypothyroid but to confirm Hashimoto's you have to have thyroid antibodies in your blood which can be done with a blood test.

Many doctors refuse to prescribe for antibodies if TSH is 'anywhere in range' but it is advised by Dr Toft, who was President of tje BTA, that if antibodies are present to start on a 100mcg of levo to 'nip things in the bud'.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Most who are hypo in UK its due to autoimmune thyroid disease also known as Hashimoto's

But very often medics don't run the antibodies test ....in part because they don't understand the implications.

If we have Hashimoto's it's more likely that vitamin levels will be poor and food intolerances

Just taking Levo is unlikely to be enough. Changing diet (usually gluten free) and improving vitamins is often essential too

[lizlee]

Yes I have Hashimoto's it took me a few years before I was treated I first noticed feeling tired all the time, aches and pains and mood swings also I gained over 2 stone in weight , I was told i was obese and to restrict my intake of food, then I was lucky and a Doctor finally listened to me . I had all the tests done and after 3 years I was finally diagnosed, sadly the Doctor left the practice and since then I have struggled to get much help, I found this website to be more helpful .

[Lisa27b]

Thanks for all your comments there all helpful. I've had a few blood tests and every time it's came back normal or in range. But when I looked at them altogether they are all over the place. Have a any of you's had cysts or nodules? I'm to very tired I'm in pain with my neck my hips ache I'm moody but no one seems to be helping! I believe I have Hashimoto's I have all the symptoms

[Treepie in reply to Lisa27b]

If the two antibody tests came back "normal" i.e. below the line then you do not have Hashimotos.