My Wife Has Been Tested And Shown To Have Hypothyroidism

Posted on Thu, 6 Jun 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 5 Jun 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : My wife has been tested and shown to have hypothyroidism, but not Hashimoto's, which runs in her family genetics. She was wondering what else could be causing her to have hypothyroidism, because online resources reveal that it could be a pretty serious illness causing it. She hasn't been pregnant in over 3 years. She's had symptoms for nearly a year, but they've gotten worse in the past few months which is why she got tested for hypothyroid, in conjunction with her father being diagnosed with Hashimoto's.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
About thyroid hormone syntesis pathologies;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I have gone carefully through your concern.
When Hashimoto thyroiditis is ruled out as a cause of hypothyroidism, the second most common is iodine deficiency, than defects in the synthesis of thyroid hormones may be present.
Regarding to the third one there are some specific examinations , except of thyroid hormones ( thyroid scintiscan, thyroglobulin level, iodothyrosine in urine) that can give information in which step of hormone synthesis the defect may be.
Than genetic tests are performed.
Anyway, the treatment will consist in iodine supplements or levothyroxine.
So, there is no need to get worried as the thyroid pathologies can be treated without side effects.
Hope the information will help.
Best wishes,
Dr.mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana