Hypothyroidism

[Guest guest]

I just learned that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. I was diagnosed with hypo-t eight years ago and take a daily treatment of Levothroid, which I never felt really helped. If this is an autoimmune disease could this have caused my lung-scarring? If so, I wonder why my doctors haven't done further evaluation of my hypo-t?

Any comments? C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington

[Guest guest]

I'll attempt to clarify a bit. Hypothyroidism is a condition, not a

disease. It's the condition of an underactive thyroid. It may be caused

by many things. One of the most common causes is Hashimoto's disease or

Hashimoto thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease.

Now, I cannot find anywhere that indicates PF is a complication of

Hashimoto's. However, we do know that a disproportionate percentage of

those of us with PF have hypothyroidism. Another example of something

that is common but we have no ability to pin the relationship down. So,

while it's not been attributed as a cause, since we don't know the

causes, who can really say. More likely however is some of the ultimate

causes of PF may be found to be causes of hypothyroidism or well or

these simply may be very common comorbidities.

The puzzle sure is complex and I know I list all the conditions I have

and wonder what is the relationship. The reality is not enough is

probably known yet in science to answer that. Just as there is so little

knowledge of the causes of PF, the same exists with most Autoimmune

diseases.

>

> I just learned that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. I was

diagnosed with hypo-t eight years ago and take a daily treatment of

Levothroid, which I never felt really helped. If this is an autoimmune

disease could this have caused my lung-scarring? If so, I wonder why my

doctors haven't done further evaluation of my hypo-t?

>

> Any comments?

> C_53_Familial IPF_5/09

> Washington

>

[Guest guest]

I have taken medication for Hypothyroidism for about ten years. It made a big change in my daily strenth initally and I would not attempt to stop using it. Burns IPF 10/2008

Subject: Re: HypothyroidismTo: Breathe-Support Date: Saturday, November 28, 2009, 9:59 PM

I'll attempt to clarify a bit. Hypothyroidism is a condition, not adisease. It's the condition of an underactive thyroid. It may be causedby many things. One of the most common causes is Hashimoto's disease orHashimoto thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease.Now, I cannot find anywhere that indicates PF is a complication ofHashimoto's. However, we do know that a disproportionate percentage ofthose of us with PF have hypothyroidism. Another example of somethingthat is common but we have no ability to pin the relationship down. So,while it's not been attributed as a cause, since we don't know thecauses, who can really say. More likely however is some of the ultimatecauses of PF may be found to be causes of hypothyroidism or well orthese simply may be very common comorbidities.The puzzle sure is complex and I know I list all the conditions I haveand wonder what is the

relationship. The reality is not enough isprobably known yet in science to answer that. Just as there is so littleknowledge of the causes of PF, the same exists with most Autoimmunediseases.>> I just learned that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. I wasdiagnosed with hypo-t eight years ago and take a daily treatment ofLevothroid, which I never felt really helped. If this is an autoimmunedisease could this have caused my lung-scarring? If so, I wonder why mydoctors haven't done further evaluation of my hypo-t?>> Any comments?> C_53_Familial IPF_5/09>

Washington>

[Guest guest]

, I have had hypothyroidism for

15 years... I take .150 mcg synthroid daily!

No one ever mentioned to me that it was an auto-immune issue!

Z fibriotic NSIP/05

Z 65, fibriotic NSIP/05/PA

And

“mild” PH/10/07

No,

NSIP was not self-inflicted…I never smoked!

Potter,

reader,carousel lover and MomMom to Darah and Sara

“I’m

gonna be iron like a lion in Zion” Bob Marley

Vinca

Minor-periwinkle is my flower

worth wrote:

I just learned that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease.

I was diagnosed with hypo-t eight years ago and take a daily treatment

of Levothroid, which I never felt really helped. If this is an

autoimmune disease could this have caused my lung-scarring? If so, I

wonder why my doctors haven't done further evaluation of my hypo-t?

Any comments?

C_53_Familial IPF_5/09

Washington

[Guest guest]

Thanks Bruce. I couldn't find any relationship to hypothyroidism and lung scarring either, but thought if I did have the autoimmune disease, its worth treating more aggressively.

How do I find out if my hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto's disease? All I've ever had is the TSH blood test that indicated hypothyroid and then my primary care doc just told me to take the medication. They don't even seem to care if I still have symptoms they just go strictly by the blood test and adjust the medicine accordingly.

I wonder if it would it be worth checking out? If so, would I need a referral to an Endocrinologist? C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 6:59:01 PMSubject: Re: Hypothyroidism

I'll attempt to clarify a bit. Hypothyroidism is a condition, not adisease. It's the condition of an underactive thyroid. It may be causedby many things. One of the most common causes is Hashimoto's disease orHashimoto thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease.Now, I cannot find anywhere that indicates PF is a complication ofHashimoto's. However, we do know that a disproportionate percentage ofthose of us with PF have hypothyroidism. Another example of somethingthat is common but we have no ability to pin the relationship down. So,while it's not been attributed as a cause, since we don't know thecauses, who can really say. More likely however is some of the ultimatecauses of PF may be found to be causes of hypothyroidism or well orthese simply may be very common comorbidities.The puzzle sure is complex and I know I list all the conditions I haveand wonder what is the

relationship. The reality is not enough isprobably known yet in science to answer that. Just as there is so littleknowledge of the causes of PF, the same exists with most Autoimmunediseases.>> I just learned that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. I wasdiagnosed with hypo-t eight years ago and take a daily treatment ofLevothroid, which I never felt really helped. If this is an autoimmunedisease could this have caused my lung-scarring? If so, I wonder why mydoctors haven't done further evaluation of my hypo-t?>> Any comments?> C_53_Familial IPF_5/09> Washington>

[Guest guest]

,

Your own primary care doctor could help track down the cause of your hypothyroidism though you may find an endocrinologist more amenable to doing the detective work. In addition to a careful medical history (Hashimotos patients often have things like celiac disease and type 1 diabetes in addition) you would need to have bloodwork to test for certain antibody levels and possibly an ultrasound of your thyroid. Tremendous inflammation of the thyroid is part and parcel of Hashimotos.

Beth

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sun, November 29, 2009 1:44:49 PMSubject: Re: Re: Hypothyroidism

Thanks Bruce. I couldn't find any relationship to hypothyroidism and lung scarring either, but thought if I did have the autoimmune disease, its worth treating more aggressively.

How do I find out if my hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto's disease? All I've ever had is the TSH blood test that indicated hypothyroid and then my primary care doc just told me to take the medication. They don't even seem to care if I still have symptoms they just go strictly by the blood test and adjust the medicine accordingly.

I wonder if it would it be worth checking out? If so, would I need a referral to an Endocrinologist? C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington

From: Bruce <brucemoreland@ gmail.com>To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. comSent: Sat, November 28, 2009 6:59:01 PMSubject: Re: Hypothyroidism

I'll attempt to clarify a bit. Hypothyroidism is a condition, not adisease. It's the condition of an underactive thyroid. It may be causedby many things. One of the most common causes is Hashimoto's disease orHashimoto thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease.Now, I cannot find anywhere that indicates PF is a complication ofHashimoto's. However, we do know that a disproportionate percentage ofthose of us with PF have hypothyroidism. Another example of somethingthat is common but we have no ability to pin the relationship down. So,while it's not been attributed as a cause, since we don't know thecauses, who can really say. More likely however is some of the ultimatecauses of PF may be found to be causes of hypothyroidism or well orthese simply may be very common comorbidities.The puzzle sure is complex and I know I list all the conditions I haveand wonder what is the

relationship. The reality is not enough isprobably known yet in science to answer that. Just as there is so littleknowledge of the causes of PF, the same exists with most Autoimmunediseases.>> I just learned that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. I wasdiagnosed with hypo-t eight years ago and take a daily treatment ofLevothroid, which I never felt really helped. If this is an autoimmunedisease could this have caused my lung-scarring? If so, I wonder why mydoctors haven't done further evaluation of my hypo-t?>> Any comments?> C_53_Familial IPF_5/09> Washington>

[Guest guest]

Hi MB & , I have or had Graves disease. 95% of my thyroid was removed. a few

years ago my Dr. sent me to have it checked.. Hashimotos. I am on 0.05mg of

synthroid daily.

My endro. Dr said Hypo T is not a problem as long as I take my synthroid daily.

I have blood tests yearly. I have dealt with thyroid disease all my life so it

doesn't worry me ay all.

I have two sisters that have severe Thyroid problems.

Take Care of you.

Love Peggy

> >

> > I just learned that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. I was

> diagnosed with hypo-t eight years ago and take a daily treatment of

> Levothroid, which I never felt really helped. If this is an autoimmune

> disease could this have caused my lung-scarring? If so, I wonder why my

> doctors haven't done further evaluation of my hypo-t?

> >

> > Any comments?

> > C_53_Familial IPF_5/09

> > Washington

> >

>

[Guest guest]

ditto

Pink Joyce R (IPF 3/06) IFA 5/09 Pennsylvania

Donate Life Listed 1/09 Inactive 4/09

www.transplantfund.org---

Subject: Re: HypothyroidismTo: Breathe-Support Date: Sunday, November 29, 2009, 12:21 AM

, I have had hypothyroidism for 15 years... I take .150 mcg synthroid daily!No one ever mentioned to me that it was an auto-immune issue!

Z 65, fibriotic NSIP/05/PA

And “mild†PH/10/07

No, NSIP was not self-inflicted…I never smoked!

Potter, reader,carousel lover and MomMom to Darah and Sara

“I’m gonna be iron like a lion in Zion†Bob Marley

Vinca Minor-periwinkle is my flower

worth wrote:

I just learned that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. I was diagnosed with hypo-t eight years ago and take a daily treatment of Levothroid, which I never felt really helped. If this is an autoimmune disease could this have caused my lung-scarring? If so, I wonder why my doctors haven't done further evaluation of my hypo-t?

Any comments? C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington

[Guest guest]

Just to clarify...hypothyroidism can have different causes, however Hashimotos thyroiditis is the most common cause. It is indeed an auto-immune disease where the body attacks the thyroid gland as if it were foreign tissue.

If you are diagnosed as hypothyroid additional testing would need to be done to determine whether you had Hashimotos. Not all doctors do this since the treatment is the same regardless.

Beth

Moderator

Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sun, November 29, 2009 4:43:11 PMSubject: Re: Hypothyroidism

ditto

Pink Joyce R (IPF 3/06) IFA 5/09 Pennsylvania

Donate Life Listed 1/09 Inactive 4/09

www.transplantfund. org

I just learned that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. I was diagnosed with hypo-t eight years ago and take a daily treatment of Levothroid, which I never felt really helped. If this is an autoimmune disease could this have caused my lung-scarring? If so, I wonder why my doctors haven't done further evaluation of my hypo-t?

Any comments? C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington

[Guest guest]

Beth: Thanks for the information. I am now taking .137MG of Synthroid. Eight years ago I began at .75MG. I have not needed an increase dosage for over three years. Do you see Hypothyroid as a predicter of other problems? Burns (IPF)

I just learned that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. I was diagnosed with hypo-t eight years ago and take a daily treatment of Levothroid, which I never felt really helped. If this is an autoimmune disease could this have caused my lung-scarring? If so, I wonder why my doctors haven't done further evaluation of my hypo-t?

Any comments? C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington

[Guest guest]

Thanks Beth,

I understand now, additional testing would be needed to find out if it is Hashimotos an auto-immune disease. Probably not worth the additional testing if the treatment is the same and it wouldn't change the treatment for IPF either.

C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sun, November 29, 2009 1:57:09 PMSubject: Re: Hypothyroidism

Just to clarify...hypothyro idism can have different causes, however Hashimotos thyroiditis is the most common cause. It is indeed an auto-immune disease where the body attacks the thyroid gland as if it were foreign tissue.

If you are diagnosed as hypothyroid additional testing would need to be done to determine whether you had Hashimotos. Not all doctors do this since the treatment is the same regardless..

Beth

Moderator

Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

From: Joyce T Rosenberg <pinkrockybeach@ yahoo.com>To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. comSent: Sun, November 29, 2009 4:43:11 PMSubject: Re: Hypothyroidism

ditto

Pink Joyce R (IPF 3/06) IFA 5/09 Pennsylvania

Donate Life Listed 1/09 Inactive 4/09

www.transplantfund. org

I just learned that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. I was diagnosed with hypo-t eight years ago and take a daily treatment of Levothroid, which I never felt really helped. If this is an autoimmune disease could this have caused my lung-scarring? If so, I wonder why my doctors haven't done further evaluation of my hypo-t?

Any comments? C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington

[Guest guest]

,

In general, no. Hypothyroidism is not a predictor of anything in particular. Medication can replace the missing hormones and life goes on as normal.

That's not to say there cannot be complications and unusual situations because of course there can be. But for most people with hypothyroidism, it's relatively uncomplicated and easy to treat.

Beth

Moderator

Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sun, November 29, 2009 5:06:07 PMSubject: Re: Hypothyroidism

Beth: Thanks for the information. I am now taking .137MG of Synthroid. Eight years ago I began at .75MG. I have not needed an increase dosage for over three years. Do you see Hypothyroid as a predicter of other problems? Burns (IPF)

I just learned that hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. I was diagnosed with hypo-t eight years ago and take a daily treatment of Levothroid, which I never felt really helped. If this is an autoimmune disease could this have caused my lung-scarring? If so, I wonder why my doctors haven't done further evaluation of my hypo-t?

Any comments? C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington