Hypothyroidism

There is a lot of us yeah. So basically your body starts to attack your thyroid by making TPO and sometimes Tg antibodies. This is Hashimoto's. The presence of antibodies and active attack of your thyroid. Eventually it will start to become damaged enough that your TSH will be high on lab tests. TSH is a hormone that the pituitary gland makes and send to your thyroid to tell it to make T3 and T4 hormones. When your TSH is high on a lab that means that your body does not have enough TSH, so it is low. Confusing, right? This is subclinical hypothyroidism. Once your T4 is low your are considered to have full blown hypothyroidism. That means your body is not making enough to meet the demands of your body that is when you are supposedly supposed to feel symptoms. Can you go your whole life without having hypothyroidism? I guess in theory. I have no idea how long people go on average before their thyroid starts to die. Can they go for decades? Does it depend on what it started? I am not sure. Personally, I was diagnosed in June, but the year before had subclinical hypothyroidism. Mine went back to normal when I cut out gluten. Does that work for everyone? no. More on reddit.com

You are in the same boat as my kid. Autoantibodies, but thyroid still functioning. If you are lucky, you can go for years before needing thyroid hormone replacement.

I have had Hashimoto’s for over 25 years and have never seen an endocrinologist. Treatment for Hashimoto’s is not rocket science. Medication is based on thyroid panel results and with patient input. I do see a gastroenterologist because I have celiac disease and autoimmune gastritis. He/she has the equipment to look into my gut. Since you have GI problems, please rule out celiac disease before altering your diet or risk being stuck in diagnostic limboland.

Lifestyle changes do help manage symptoms. Work on things like good sleep to help with fatigue which is common with ANY autoimmune disease. Get some sun. I never need vitamin D supplements. I am sitting outside now soaking up a cool winter day. I walk my dog daily and cycle. The sun and nature is good for the body and the mind. Reducing stress is important. I learned that you cannot be good at everything. Pick and choose what makes you happy. Check your other hormones. Your thyroid is just one of many. Insulin is a hormone that can contribute to weight gain. Reducing carb intake can make a huge difference if insulin resistant. 70% of the U.S. population is overweight or obese and not all of them have a thyroid problem. Weight loss is so complicated. Start by eliminating as much ultra processed foods. Hard to overdose on fresh veg and fruit compared to a bag of chips.

Research is your best defense. You can life a long and healthy life, but there is no magic cure. Just hard work. I wish you well.

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Basically, Hashimoto’s is the disease that caused your hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack your thyroid and destroy the thyroid tissue. Once the thyroid is damaged, it can no longer make enough thyroid hormone, leading to hypothyroidism. Your thyroid hormone replacement medication (levothyroxine) addresses the hypothyroidism, but not the disease that causes it (Hashimoto’s). More on reddit.com

I mean… it sounds like you need treatment. 50 pounds in a year is insane, and can cause so many health problems down river (which I’m sure you know). When you get your thyroid labs done, be sure to get them done first thing in the morning before eating. This is when your TSH will be the highest, and you need to treat to that number. Also be sure you aren’t taking biotin. 4.7 is still too high.

Maybe ask for an endo referral? If you’re a woman of child bearing age and it’s easier to see a gyn than an endo, they may be more prone to treat you compared to your pcp.

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