Hypothyroidism 101: Do You Have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis  CHT as the Cause?

Dr.Guttler’s comments:

1. 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.
2. If you have a family history of autoimmune disease either CHT or Graves’ disease your SCH may be due to CHT.
3. CHT is a slowly moving disease with the onset of symptomatic hypothyroidism years in the future.
4. Meanwhile the slow rising TSH will stimulate the thyroid gland to grow bigger to make up for falling T4 production.
5. TSH 5-10 with normal Free T4 is a a growth factor for thyroid nodules and cancer to grown.
6. Children with CHT left untreated have grown goiters nodules and cancer by 7-8 years old.
7. If you are SCH and a family history of hypothyroidism you need treatment if you have positive antibodies, a palpable goiter or nodules.
8. Also,treat TSH between 5-10 mlU/L, in planning a pregnancy or are pregnant and have confirmed subclinical hypothyroidism.
9. Symptoms of fatigue and coldness and weight gain are not a reason to treat you for hypothyroidism if the TSH is normal.
10. Family history of autoimmune thyroid disease thyroid antibodies TSH 5-10 and a goiter are reasons to treat your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.