Suggest Treatment For Hypothyroidism

Posted on Fri, 30 Oct 2015

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

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 Answered on

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been treated for about fifteen years for hypothyroidism and had symptoms for several years before that. I have a family history of thyroid issues. I am in range for my TSH and have been for some time. I have a cyst on my thyroid that is probably benign but that they are just watching, and I have been told by a doctor that my thyroid feels hard. I just had my thyroid antibodies tested for the first time, and they are low. My TPO is 1 IU. My doctor said that my antibodies were probably high at one time and that I do have Hashimoto's. But, wouldn't such a low TPO indicate that my thyroid issues are coming from somewhere else?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid

Detailed Answer:
I follow what you are saying here.

Both your thyroid auto antibodies are negative. Usually at least one of them is positive in most individuals with hypothyroidism.
So there are a small minority of people with hypothyroidism who have permanently under active thyroid glands but test negative for thyroid antibodies.
You may be among them.

When I see someone like you, I generally offer them to wean off thyroid medication gradually and monitor the TSH. If it rises during this trial of withdrawing the medication then there is a good chance that your thyroid is working fine. In this case, no thyroid medication would be required.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)

That would be wonderful if it could resolve and work in n its own.. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (32 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Check with your endocrinologist if it would be worthwhile attempting this 'wean'.
But before that obviously, the doctor will need some other information that can be obtained on physical examination to see if this would be a fair next step.

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar