Hypothyroidism 101: Do You Have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis CHT as the Cause?
Dr.Guttler’s comments:
- You may be diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism SCH if you have a thyroid function test indicating normal thyroxine (T4) concentration and mildly elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level.
- If you have a family history of autoimmune disease either CHT or Graves’ disease your SCH may be due to CHT.
- CHT is a slowly moving disease with the onset of symptomatic hypothyroidism years in the future.
- Meanwhile the slow rising TSH will stimulate the thyroid gland to grow bigger to make up for falling T4 production.
- TSH 5-10 with normal Free T4 is a a growth factor for thyroid nodules and cancer to grown.
- Children with CHT left untreated have grown goiters nodules and cancer by 7-8 years old.
- If you are SCH and a family history of hypothyroidism you need treatment if you have positive antibodies, a palpable goiter or nodules.
- Also,treat TSH between 5-10 mlU/L, in planning a pregnancy or are pregnant and have confirmed subclinical hypothyroidism.
- Symptoms of fatigue and coldness and weight gain are not a reason to treat you for hypothyroidism if the TSH is normal.
- Family history of autoimmune thyroid disease thyroid antibodies TSH 5-10 and a goiter are reasons to treat your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
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