Should I see an endocrinologist or rheumatologist for Hashimoto's?

Endocrinologists are doctors who have special training in diagnosing and treating endocrine system disorders, including Hashimoto's disease.


What will an endocrinologist do for Hashimoto's?

Your endocrinologist or thyroidologist may work with your primary care doctor to manage your condition. For example, if your primary care doctor refers you to an endocrinologist for a diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease, the endocrinologist may find the right dosage of thyroid hormone replacement for you.

When should I see an endocrinologist for Hashimoto's disease?

It may also be prudent to see an endocrinologist when your symptoms do not resolve despite treatment. If you've been taking medication to replace your thyroid hormone for over a year, but your symptoms continue unabated, it is time to make an appointment with an endocrinologist.


Who manages Hashimoto's?

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid tissue, trying to destroy it. Hashimoto's is a common illness that endocrinologists encounter and treat in their practices. Many people think treatment is as simple as giving the right thyroid hormone replacement.

Does a rheumatologist deal with thyroid issues?

Hyperthyroidism is a bit more challenging, but treatments are available for this condition as well. Often a rheumatologist will prescribe the thyroid medicine, or they may refer the person to an endocrinologist, Wang says.


Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Visual Explanation for Students



Is Hashimoto's a rheumatic disease?

Abstract. Purpose: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is often associated with rheumatic disorders (arthritis, etc.), but many HT patients report non-specific rheumatic signs and symptoms in the absence of clinically evident rheumatic diseases.

Can Hashimoto's turn into rheumatoid arthritis?

Likewise, Hashimoto's increases your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The leading theory as to why these two diseases occur in the same person comes down to genetics. Researchers suspect that there is a genetic predisposition for the two diseases on the HLA genetic sequence.

Who is the best doctor for Hashimoto's?

Endocrinologists are doctors who have special training in diagnosing and treating endocrine system disorders, including Hashimoto's disease.


What is the most common treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

T-4 hormone replacement therapy

Hypothyroidism associated with Hashimoto's disease is treated with a synthetic hormone called levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, others). The synthetic hormone works like the T-4 hormone naturally produced by the thyroid.

What should you not do with Hashimoto's?

Worst Foods for Hashimoto's
  • Added sugars and sweets. Soda, energy drinks, cakes, cookies, ice cream, candy, sugary cereals, table sugar, etc.
  • Fast food and fried foods. ...
  • Refined grains. ...
  • Highly processed foods and meats. ...
  • Gluten-containing grains and foods. ...
  • High-glycemic fruits. ...
  • Nightshades. ...
  • Dairy & eggs.


What is end stage Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Overt hypothyroidism or full-blown disease

The end-stage of Hashimoto's is when your thyroid has become so damaged that you no longer have enough thyroid hormones and have to go on medication.


What is a good TSH level for Hashimoto's?

The authors did find that a TSH value of 4.2 to the be the upper limit of normal in their analysis. However, the authors used a “prevalence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis” factor to determine the upper limit of TSH and found a range of 2.6-2.9 to be more appropriate.

What should I ask my endocrinologist for Hashimoto's?

12 Questions You Should Ask Your Endocrinologist
  • What caused or is causing my thyroid issue? ...
  • What are my next steps and treatment options? ...
  • How often and for how long do I need to take this medication for? ...
  • What kinds of food or other medication will affect my thyroid medication?


Why is Hashimoto's getting worse?

Several different things can interfere with your thyroid function or levothyroxine treatment and trigger a flare-up of Hashimoto's disease, including: Some medications or supplements. Certain dietary nutrients. High stress levels.


What makes Hashimoto's disease worse?

However, if you have Hashimoto's disease or other types of autoimmune thyroid disorders, you may be sensitive to harmful side effects from iodine. Eating foods that have large amounts of iodine—such as kelp, dulse, or other kinds of seaweed, and certain iodine-rich medicines—may cause hypothyroidism or make it worse.

What organs does Hashimoto's affect?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis can cause your thyroid to not make enough thyroid hormone. It is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when your body makes antibodies that attack the cells in your thyroid. Symptoms may include an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), tiredness, weight gain, and muscle weakness.

How do you get rid of Hashimoto's inflammation?

Going gluten-free, avoiding dairy, and following a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet are just a few tips that may improve Hashimoto's thyroiditis symptoms.


Are there any new treatments for Hashimoto's disease?

DTE or LT4/T3 combination therapy

According to a 2021 randomized clinical study⁴ with 75 patients, treating hypothyroidism with animal-derived desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), or levothyroxine/liothyronine (LT4/T3 combination therapy) can provide similar effectiveness as levothyroxine.

How do you calm a Hashimoto's flare up?

Other patients will need to complete more steps.
  1. Get Your Thyroid Hormone Levels in Range. An important first step is to resolve true hypothyroid symptoms with medication. ...
  2. Make Lifestyle Improvements. ...
  3. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet. ...
  4. Take Probiotics. ...
  5. Take Supplements. ...
  6. Treat Gut Infections. ...
  7. Adjust Thyroid Medications.


Is having Hashimoto's considered a disability?

Hashimoto's Disease is not included in the SSA's listing of conditions that qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Even though it is not considered a disability by the SSA, if you have Hashimoto's Disease and it affects your ability to work full time, you could qualify for Social Security disability benefits.


Is Hashimoto's considered a disability?

Hashimoto's disease is not listed specifically as a disability. However, thyroid gland disorders are listed under section 9.00 Endocrine Disorders — Adult of the Social Security Act. Unfortunately, it does not give any specific criteria but refers to other impairments to determine whether a person is disabled.

Does Hashimoto's get worse over time?

Hashimoto's disease tends to worsen with age because it is progressive. The disease generally progresses slowly over many years and can cause progressive damage to the thyroid glands. Additionally, it is expected that those with Hashimoto's disease will eventually get hypothyroidism, though this is not always the case.

What are the symptoms of a Hashimoto's flare up?

Symptoms of a Hashimoto's thyroiditis flare-up
  • Goiter. A noticeably enlarged thyroid called a goiter is one of the most common symptoms of Hashimoto's disease. ...
  • Unexplained weight gain. ...
  • Fatigue. ...
  • Skin changes. ...
  • Muscle aches and joint pain. ...
  • Constipation. ...
  • Cold intolerance. ...
  • Fertility problems.


Can Hashimoto's turn into lupus?

For example, women with Graves disease or Hashimoto thyroiditis are at greater than 10‐fold risk of developing lupus (risk ratio [RR] 11.69 [95% CI 6.23‐20.0; P < 0.001] and RR 14.64 [95% CI 3.02‐47.5; P < 0.001], respectively).

Does stress flare up Hashimoto's?

Thyroid conditions such as Grave's disease (hyperthyroid) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroid) are worsened by chronic stress so learning ways to lessen stress is your key to better health.
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