While we wait for information from the thyroid expert, let's see what we can find for you with resources on the web. You certainly know some of this already, but it may help to be able to read it here.
Hashimoto's Disease is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system is attacking your thyroid gland. It's also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. Hypothyroidism is where your thyroid gland is underactive.
You were probably feeling very fatigued before your diagnosis, and were diagnosed with a blood test? Can you give us more detail on the medicines you have tried and the doctors' thoughts about why they haven't worked?
Some of the side effects of untreated Hashimoto's are goiter (where your thyroid gland becomes enlarged), an increased risk of heart disease, depression and decreasing libido.
Here's what the Mayo Clinic page says about treating Hashimoto's with thyroid hormone replacement:
"If Hashimoto's disease causes thyroid hormone deficiency, you may need replacement therapy with thyroid hormone. This usually involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid). Synthetic levothyroxine is identical to thyroxine, the natural version of this hormone made by your thyroid gland. The oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, returning your body to its normal functioning.
"Soon after starting treatment, you'll notice that you're feeling less fatigued. The medication also gradually lowers cholesterol levels elevated by the disease and may reverse any weight gain. Treatment with levothyroxine is usually lifelong, but because the dosage you need may change, your doctor is likely to check your TSH level every six to 12 months."
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00567.html
Clearly, this has not been your experience; did the medicines have any effect for you at all? Did your doctor work long enough with you on adjusting dosages, do you think?
You might be interested in contacting Richard and Karilee Shames. He is a doctor who has been in practice for nearly 25 years; she is a nurse and is herself hypothyroid. They practice holistic medicine with a focus on thyroid and autoimmune conditions, and talk here about the thyroid/menopause connection (there's a phone number at the end of the article, and Dr. Shames does phone consultations; he might be aware of specialists in your area):
That forum is part of www.thyroid-info.com, which is daily updated with the latest in thyroid news, books and FAQ's. There is also a list of doctors on the site that have been recommended by patients in the different states:
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/index.htm
There are two in Arizona listed here, with comments from their patients. Neither is in Tucson, but the trip to Apache Junction or Anthem might be worthwhile for you:
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/arizona.htm
I will continue to look for good information for you that focuses on thyroid, menopause and depression. Please send any other details you think are pertinent to your story. Take care in the meantime, and hang in there.
Comment Reply
Hey there,
Isn't it amazing to know you're not alone?
While we wait for information from the thyroid expert, let's see what we can find for you with resources on the web. You certainly know some of this already, but it may help to be able to read it here.
Hashimoto's Disease is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system is attacking your thyroid gland. It's also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. Hypothyroidism is where your thyroid gland is underactive.
You were probably feeling very fatigued before your diagnosis, and were diagnosed with a blood test? Can you give us more detail on the medicines you have tried and the doctors' thoughts about why they haven't worked?
Some of the side effects of untreated Hashimoto's are goiter (where your thyroid gland becomes enlarged), an increased risk of heart disease, depression and decreasing libido.
Here's what the Mayo Clinic page says about treating Hashimoto's with thyroid hormone replacement:
"If Hashimoto's disease causes thyroid hormone deficiency, you may need replacement therapy with thyroid hormone. This usually involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid). Synthetic levothyroxine is identical to thyroxine, the natural version of this hormone made by your thyroid gland. The oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, returning your body to its normal functioning.
"Soon after starting treatment, you'll notice that you're feeling less fatigued. The medication also gradually lowers cholesterol levels elevated by the disease and may reverse any weight gain. Treatment with levothyroxine is usually lifelong, but because the dosage you need may change, your doctor is likely to check your TSH level every six to 12 months."
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00567.html
Clearly, this has not been your experience; did the medicines have any effect for you at all? Did your doctor work long enough with you on adjusting dosages, do you think?
You might be interested in contacting Richard and Karilee Shames. He is a doctor who has been in practice for nearly 25 years; she is a nurse and is herself hypothyroid. They practice holistic medicine with a focus on thyroid and autoimmune conditions, and talk here about the thyroid/menopause connection (there's a phone number at the end of the article, and Dr. Shames does phone consultations; he might be aware of specialists in your area):
http://thyroid.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=thyroid&cdn=health&tm=20&gps=372_426_1020_611&f=10&su=p284.9.336.ip_p726.4.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.thyroid-info.com/articles/shamesmenopause.htm
Here's a forum on menopause and the thyroid. You can read anyone's post without registering by just clicking on it:
http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?folderId=7&listMode=13&nav=messages&webtag=ab-thyroid3
That forum is part of www.thyroid-info.com, which is daily updated with the latest in thyroid news, books and FAQ's. There is also a list of doctors on the site that have been recommended by patients in the different states:
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/index.htm
There are two in Arizona listed here, with comments from their patients. Neither is in Tucson, but the trip to Apache Junction or Anthem might be worthwhile for you:
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/arizona.htm
I will continue to look for good information for you that focuses on thyroid, menopause and depression. Please send any other details you think are pertinent to your story. Take care in the meantime, and hang in there.
November 17, 2008 - 10:04amThis Comment
Reply