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Is Treating Hypothyroidism Advisable When Graves' Disease Is Asymptomatic?
Question: I was diagnosed 2 years ago with graves disease and hypothyroidism. I had radiation iodine to take care of the goider. I am now hypothyroidism and Graves disease. Why is my Dr only treating me for the hypo and not the immune disorder?
Brief Answer:
About Graves' disease;
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I have gone carefully through your concern.
The radioactive iodine treatment consists in treating the autoimmune process and the fact that you are with hypothyroidism now, means that it has been affective.
So from hyperthyroidism ( caused by Graves' disease) now you have hypothyroidism and the therapy is considered efficient.
How do you know that you still have Graves' disease?
If you have orbitopathy ( eye poblems) caused from Graves' disease, it usually improves after radioactive iodine.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
About Graves' disease;
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I have gone carefully through your concern.
The radioactive iodine treatment consists in treating the autoimmune process and the fact that you are with hypothyroidism now, means that it has been affective.
So from hyperthyroidism ( caused by Graves' disease) now you have hypothyroidism and the therapy is considered efficient.
How do you know that you still have Graves' disease?
If you have orbitopathy ( eye poblems) caused from Graves' disease, it usually improves after radioactive iodine.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
on my follow up appointments he still states I have graves disease and hypothyroidism secondary. I also had to have macula repair because the radiation messed up my right eye.
Brief Answer:
About Graves disease treatment:
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,
As long as the thyroid function is not suggestive for hyperthyroidism, but is still hypothyroidism, Graves' disease is not active and does not need to be treated.
So all you can do is to continue with levothyroxine and check TSH every 6 months.
If there is a tendency for hyperthyroidism again, your physician may suggest a second dose of radioactive iodine.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
About Graves disease treatment:
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,
As long as the thyroid function is not suggestive for hyperthyroidism, but is still hypothyroidism, Graves' disease is not active and does not need to be treated.
So all you can do is to continue with levothyroxine and check TSH every 6 months.
If there is a tendency for hyperthyroidism again, your physician may suggest a second dose of radioactive iodine.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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