Ord' or Hashimoto's, that is the question

[buddy99]

Apparently, those who use the term Hashimoto's very broadly, however incorrectly in the strictest sense, as is the case with many terms used in common language (and also by physicians), might possibly be excused. This medical publication definitely seems not to be very strict about it. I'm somewhat relieved that I do not have to use the term "Ord's'" with physicians and being looked at like I just sprouted horns (when I'm "only" seeking help with getting my thyroid hormones in order, which I find enough of a task [or was it tusk? ] ) in itself)

link.springer.com/article/1...

I also found the publication quite interesting otherwise and will add it to my "Thyroid" file. I hope others will also find it interesting. It has a ton of information and should be a must-read for every doctor who believes that with one pill all autoimmune thyroiditis problems are solved.

[Danielj1]

Hi

Thanks for sending the link. Why does it say that the hashimoto results in a smaller thyroid gland over time - is this always the case.

I am not sure mine has got any smaller over the years - I did have a scan not that long ago

Interested to know your views

[buddy99 in reply to Danielj1]

This is a tricky one for me. I cannot really answer as to why anything in this publication is mentioned. I can only assume, which I prefer not to.

MY thyroid has atrophied significantly, I was told after each ultrasound I had. Maybe someone else here, who has/had the goitrous form has looked into the progression/regression of thyroid size more and can elaborate on the subject. Over the years I have come to the conclusion that nothing autoimmune is ever simple and clear cut, and everything is complex and can be highly individual. I seem to recall reading somewhere that the size of the thyroid does not necessarily give any indication of how well the thyroid is functioning. But I could be wrong. These are the only views I can offer you. I am looking forward to hear from others and thus possibly gain more insight into the matter myself. Thank you, Danielj1, for giving us food for thought.

[tattybogle]

a really useful paper to show the GP when requesting tests for :

B12

Vit D

Iron

Pernicious anaemia

Ultrsound scan.

I agree buddy99 . it should be put under the noses of all GP's.

Danielj1 they don't give a reference paper to support that sentence about smaller size. Personally I would take that part with a pinch of salt as i suspect it may be just a generalisation rather than an actual fact . (even though the rest of this paper seems very good. they weren't really interested in looking into thyroid size here)

Not many patients with uncomplicated hypothyroidism ever have altrsounds, so i suspect the real life data on this is a bit sparse . I have definitely read a small paper a few yrs ago that looked carefully at subjects over a long timescale and took measurements and found no shrinkage in true hashimoto's as opposed to atrophic . Sadly cant remember where it was done now as can't find it in my disorganised 'library'... i do remember it wasn't British or American research , might have been japanese ....or ugandan ....or somewhere more obscure.

[buddy99 in reply to tattybogle]

What I liked about the paper is that it does strongly suggest that the current approach to autoimmune thyroiditis is insufficient and that much more needs to be done for patients (Do I ever agree with that!!!!). The part about shrinkage sounded a bit not well thought through to me and I would agree with you that it is a generalization, which, in my opinion, is not that useful in general but specifically not with autoimmune issues.

[Brightness14]

Whether to suffer the slings and arrows of outragous fortune. I felt well aged fifteen learning Hamlet, not now all down to thyroid issues. Sorry I can't help you.