Hi all. I have Autoimmune Hypothyroidism. Could anyone please tell me the difference between them, as I am confused.
I also have Pernicious anaemia, also autoimmune.
I had trouble with pregnancies too. My body attacked my babies blood, and I built up antibodies against them. I also have a rare blood group. And wondered if they were all linked. I wonder if any studies have been done. Thank you for this wonderful informative forum.
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Mannequin18
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About 80-90% of hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimotos (the autoimmune disease), as Sewinmin says, this is because the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and damages it. The remainder of hypothyroid cases are likely environmental.
Multiple autoimmune diseases suggests you might suffer from leaky gut. Around 75% of those with hashis benefit from following a gluten free diet, and about 40% benefit from being dairy free/soya free. It's worth going for a spell without to see if your symptoms improve.
Thank you. I do have stomach erosion, but low acid. I am looking into gluten free diets after reading and identifying with other posts on here. Thank you again.
Low stomach acid is really common with hashimotos. Do you take anything for the low stomach acid? If not, try a tbsp of apple cider vinegar (find a brand with "the mother"), diluted in about 100ml of water half an hour before a meal.
Thank you, I was given Omeprasole. But I was a bit confused, as that would reduce acid even more. Or maybe I am wrong. I will try the Apple Cider vinegar. Thank you.
Many are prescribed Omeprasole by GPs as they are only going by the symptoms (of which high and low acid are similar) and do not appear to know that those of us who are hypothyroid have low rather than high acid.
I take Betaine/with pepsin tablet along with meals, especially ones that contain meat. This link will be helpful:
Yes, the main issue is that symptoms of low stomach acid are pretty similar to symptoms of high stomach acid, so people are put on medication for high stomach acid, and they don't improve (surprise!)
Autoimmune Thyroiditis or Hashimoto's, is an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid. As a result you generally develop thyroid dysfunction as the thyroid is destroyed, although not everyone does do so. Hypothyroidism is the general state of thyroid dysfunction, resulting in inadequate levels of thyroid hormone available to your body. There are a number of causes - Hashimoto's, surgical removal of the thyroid, ablation, congenital absence or dysfunction, or it may be ideopathic. Once you have one autoimmune condition the odds of developing another are increased. However as I understand it, RH disorder is not an autoimmune condition (I could be wrong) and arises from the incompatibility of your RhesusD negative blood and any foetus' RhesusD positive blood.
Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise
Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels
Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working
Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.
According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps, sometimes significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)
Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies
Ideally ask GP for coeliac blood test first or buy one online for under £20, just to rule it out before you start
On these guidelines...it says it's essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
New NHS England Liothyronine guidelines November 2018 clearly state on pages 8 & 12 that TSH should be between 0.4-1.5 when treated with just Levothyroxine
Note that it says test should be in morning BEFORE taking Levothyroxine
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