Auto immune Hyperthyroiditis

[Observer]

Can being Hyperthyroid be down to an auto immune disease?

[greygoose]

Yes, Grave's is autoimmune. That's true hyperthyroidism.

But, you can also have 'hyper' periods with Hashi's, which is also autoimmune. So, you need to get your antibodies tested:

TRAB or TSI for Grave's.

TPO antibodies and Tg antibodies for Hashi's.

[Observer in reply to greygoose]

I was diagnosed around 20 years ago with hyperthyroidism and pretty sure the endo I was under said it Graves but can really remember. It's just the new GP I seen last week told me that hyperthyroidism was not an autoimmune disease also said a few other things that baffled me.

[greygoose in reply to Observer]

Oh dear. That's terribly ignorant of him. Grave's most certainly is autoimmune.

[Observer in reply to greygoose]

It was a new female GP in the practice, doesn't bode well though.

[greygoose in reply to Observer]

In deed it doesn't. But, I doubt she had much instruction on thyroid in med school, and autoimmunity seems to be getting pushed further and further out of the curriculum. So, maybe find out if you actually do have Grave's, and then take her some literature proving your point. Do you still see the endo?

[Observer in reply to greygoose]

No got discharged from Endo years ago would have to get access to my old medical records.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Observer]

You are legally entitled to printed copies of ALL your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

[greygoose in reply to Observer]

Might be a good idea if you did.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Plus essential to test vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin

Low vitamin levels are extremely common with Hashimoto's or Graves' disease