What is the difference between Hypothyroidism a... - Thyroid UK

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What is the difference between Hypothyroidism and Hashimotos please.

Mannequin18 profile image
17 Replies

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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17 Replies

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks and damages the thyroid, resulting in hypothyroidism.

When you mentioned the antibodies in pregnancies, was that a rh factor issue?

Mannequin18 profile image
Mannequin18 in reply to

Hi yes it was , I built up Rhesus Negative antibodies. I have RN. AB. Blood type.

Cooper27 profile image
Cooper27

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.

Mannequin18 profile image
Mannequin18 in reply to Cooper27

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.

Cooper27 profile image
Cooper27 in reply to Mannequin18

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.

Mannequin18 profile image
Mannequin18 in reply to Cooper27

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.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to Mannequin18

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:

scdlifestyle.com/2017/04/gu...

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to Mannequin18

This link may also be informative:-

scdlifestyle.com/2017/04/gu...

Cooper27 profile image
Cooper27 in reply to Mannequin18

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!)

MaisieGray profile image
MaisieGray

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.

Mannequin18 profile image
Mannequin18 in reply to MaisieGray

Thank you for your reply. I thought they might be related as my body attacks itself.

I was one of the first to donate my blood with Rhesus Negative antibodies in to so that other women would not suffer the same fate. Thank you again.

in reply to MaisieGray

That’s my understanding, too. I had those shots with several pregnancies to prevent the issue for my babies.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Essential to test vitamin D, folate and ferritin

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

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

Low stomach acid can often be an issue. Frequently GP's think it's high acid, same symptoms, very different treatment

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/hypochl...

scdlifestyle.com/2012/03/3-...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

pulsetoday.co.uk/clinical/m...

gov.uk/drug-safety-update/p...

Improving gut, vitamins and addressing hidden food intolerances is key to making progress

Probiotics, bone broth, fermented foods like kefir or sauerkraut can all help too

Don't expect GP to be aware of gut connections to Thyroid

Post from this morning you might find helpful

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Mannequin18 profile image
Mannequin18 in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you very much, that's really helpful.I might buy a test, I don't think my GP would relate vitamin deficiency and thyroid imbalance. Thank you.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Mannequin18

But they should

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

Also to test vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin

sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploa...

Low iron/ferritin and low vitamin D and low folate are all extremely common when hypothyroid, especially if it's autoimmune thyroid disease

You already have low B12 so it's clear gut is affected

Mannequin18 profile image
Mannequin18 in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you for such good information.

Mannequin18 profile image
Mannequin18 in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you for the link, I have just read it. Very good information. Thanks again.

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