Suggest Treatment For Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Posted on Tue, 15 Nov 2016

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

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 Answered on

Tue, 6 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : This is in regard to my mother-in-law's 24/7 caretaker. She is from Soviet XXXXXXX and relies on myself and my wife to explain the modes and customs of living in the U.S.A. The caretaker was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease by an MD, and her symptoms much improved from taking a prescription of synthroid. The caretaker said that the Synthroid just improves the symptoms but not the cause. I told her that since there is no cure for the underlying causal factor, Hashimoto's disease, she should be happy that the symptoms have gone away and not worry about the underlying cause. Was I basically correct. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you are right.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I appreciate your concern regarding to your mother's in law caretaker.
Yes, you are correct!
Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that means that our body produces antibodies that attack and destroy the thyroid gland. As a result hypothyroidism occurs.
It is very easy to substitute the thyroid hormone that is why she shouldn' t get worried about the cause.
Until now there is no treatment to lower the antibodies.
Hope i have helped to reinforce your knowledge.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T