extremely confusing goiter/ultrasound

[Beau55]

I was wondering if anyone could shed any light on this for me or if I will have to live being confused forever…

I have had a diagnosed ‘moderately diffuse goiter’ for the last 7 years (maybe longer looking at old photos). I am negative for all antibodies (tpo, tgab) and have had these tested lots of times throughout the years. My symptoms began around the time my thyroid swelled up. One Endo said that he suspected sero negative hashis due its hard rubbery texture but had a ‘normal’ ultrasound 7 years ago.

After years of struggling with symptoms and being at the bottom of the range FT4/3, I started self medicating a few years ago and got very well. Confusingly my TSH never seemed to rise despite my falling hormone levels. This year I sought out a new Endo off the thyroid uk list and after 8 weeks NDT free for testing, she started me on Armour. Despite my levels dropping again to the bottom of the range after 6 weeks, my TSH only went up to 2.8.

Although this makes no difference to treatment, I ordered another scan to see if I could try and get an understanding if this is in fact hashis. As suspected, my scan came back normal again. My swelling has gone down considerably on the armour but I’m extremly confused. Is the normal size potentially due to it shrinking on hormones?

What would cause a visible goiter with no abnormalities other than a small nodule? Could it simply be from it not producing enough hormone and would this not be visible from a scan? Is all hashis visible on a scan?

I would love it if anyone could shed some light or if they had seen anything like this before. I have been at my whits end trying to figure it out. I know it doesn’t change anything now I’m on armour anyway but would answer a 7 year long mystery.

Thank you in advance!

[greygoose]

Ever had iodine tested?

[Dandelions in reply to greygoose]

Does an iodine deficiency cause swelling of the goitre?

[greygoose in reply to Dandelions]

It can do, yes. A goitre is actually a swollen thyroid, not something extra growing on the thyroid. When people are iodine deficient, the thyroid sometimes swells to expand its surface area in order to absorb more iodine.

This doesn't always happen. And, a goitre is not always a sign of iodine deficiencies. But, it's a possibility, and therefore worth mentioning.

However, it is strongly advised NOT to supplement with iodine unless one has had a non-loading urine test to show iodine deficiency. And, only then should one supplement iodine with the help of an experienced practitioner. Iodine is not something to mess around with or self-treat. It needs careful regulation.

[Dandelions in reply to greygoose]

Yes, thanks for the warning. I am aware you can have too much iodine as well. I didn't know a deficiency could cause a goitre. Guess, I'll be adding that to my list of things to test for.

[greygoose in reply to Dandelions]

You're welcome.