Some people with Hashimoto’s have normal thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH).
The treatment for Hashimoto’s with normal TSH usually does not involve medication.
The standard treatment for Hashimoto’s with abnormal TSH is synthetic levothyroxine.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
There are also lifestyle changes, supplements, and complementary alternative medicine options for Hashimoto’s.
Treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism is complex because TSH level doesn’t always correlate well with symptoms or prognosis.
Hashimoto’s Disease Without Hypothyroidism
Hashimoto’s disease doesn’t always cause hypothyroidism.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
The majority of people with this condition havethyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodiespresent in their blood.
This medication is generally taken once a day, every day.
It replaces thyroid hormones and reduces symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Taking levothyroxine may slow down or halt progression into overt hypothyroidism, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
However, for people under 65 years old, treatment may reduce the risk of heart disease.
For patients who are 65 and older, levothyroxine is usually only prescribed when they also have hypothyroid symptoms.
TSH of 4.5 to 6.9 mIU/L
The upper limit of the normal range of TSH is 4.5 mIU/L.
Treatment usually isn’t necessary for those who are 65 years or older.
And TSH levels tend to increase with age even for people who have normal thyroid function.
However, adding T3 can be helpful for people who still have hypothyroid symptoms while taking T4.
The ratio of T4 to T3 is 4:1.
Desiccated thyroid is an old treatment that was used for decades before levothyroxine became available.
Supplements
Making sure you’re getting adequate nutrient levels can help in managing your hypothyroid symptoms.
If you are taking supplements for you, it can affect your required doses of thyroid hormone replacement.
What is Selenium and How Does It Work?
Selenium supplements may be helpful when your selenium level is low.
An excess could lead to toxicity.
check that you talk to your healthcare provider before you take iodine supplements.
Talk to your healthcare provider about testing your iron level if it hasn’t been checked already.
Studies have also found thatvitamin D supplementsmay significantly reduce TPO antibodies and thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies.
Vitamin B12
There may be a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and autoimmune thyroid disease.
Hypothyroidism slows down the digestive system, which can lead to constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Probiotics may help reduce these symptoms.
Probiotics don’t affect thyroid hormone levels.
Talk to your healthcare provider before you dive in using them to be on the safe side.
However, acupuncture is not associated with restoring thyroid levels to normal when you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Your healthcare provider can help you navigate the waters and answer questions you may have about CAM and supplements.
It can also lower your risk of developingheart disease.
Make time for doing activities that you enjoy.
Ask for help if you need it.
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