5 Signs of End Stage Hashimoto's

These are the 5 signs of end stage Hashimoto's. End stage Hashimoto's means that your thyroid is atrophied and no longer working and is the final step of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

End stage Hashimoto's is defined as complete thyroid gland destruction. This state is IRREVERSIBLE which is why it is such a big deal!

But how do you know if you are in this stage of your disease? And what does it mean for you if you are?

Once you reach end stage Hashimoto's your thyroid is non functional and it also means that you are 100% reliant upon thyroid medication.

This changes how you look at treatment because you don't really need to focus on the immune aspect of Hashimoto's any longer.

Here are 5 signs that indicate you are in this position:

#1. Thyroid gland atrophy.

Once you enter end stage hashimoto's your thyroid gland will atrophy or shrink.

#2. Lower levels of thyroid antibodies.

When your thyroid gland is completely destroyed you will find that your thyroid antibodies such as TPO antibody and thyroglobulin antibody fall.

#3. Extreme difficulty with weight loss or unexpected weight gain.

When your thyroid gland is no longer working it's as if you don't have one and weight loss becomes much more difficult.

#4. Stable thyroid lab tests.

End stage Hashimoto's is associated with stability in your thyroid lab tests and this isn't necessarily a good thing.

#5. 100% reliance upon thyroid medication for symptom control.

If your thyroid cannot produce thyroid hormone anymore then you are reliant upon thyroid medication for all of your thyroid hormone.

Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:

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Disclaimer:

This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's

[drwestinchilds]

Do you have any of the signs of end stage Hashimoto's? If so, leave your comment below!

[sharonwright]

Have gained an enormous amount of weight in this past eight months….no energy to even exercise and a ridiculous appetite! Sound familiar anyone?

[AvenueBCD]

If you have thyroid atrophy, and this means that the thyroid is no longer under attack by antibodies, and you no longer show thyroid antibodies, it doesn't mean you're necessarily out of hot water. Your body can start directing antibodies at other tissues in the body. Some Hashimoto's patients develop lupus and/or other autoimmune disorders when the thyroid is removed or atrophies.

[tammymcdonough]

I was diagnosed at age 25 with hypothyroidism after giving birth to my daughter. For years, I have suffered with symptoms despite being on medication.. I recently had an ultrasound on my thyroid gland by a specialist that I requested. He said my thyroid gland has shriveled up and used the word atrophy. I have never been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I will take this information to my general doctor. I am 52 years old and I am still not feeling well. Thank you for this video!

[kimbidell]

I was diagnosed by my family physician 9 yrs ago, 38 yrs old, as stage 7. My antibodies were 1000+. No family history. It took a yr to find my new functioning normal. 2 yrs ago my antibodies were tested again and they were around 400. I changed my diet over this time but I'm still symptomatic. Stress affects me terrible!! I have asked about increasing my dosage amt but my internist doesn't think it's necessary...so I try and carry on the best I can. Thank you for all you do to bring attention to this disease!

[mycupoftea]

Thank you so much for this explanation. Why is it none of my doctors, PCP nor Endocrinologists explained anything about my Hashimoto's Disease? My PCP put me on thyroid meds about 25 years ago just stating you need this medicine because your labs indicate thryroid problems. Then the endocrinologists just took tests but never offered any advice - ever - even when I asked about how could I lose weight. She only offered the food program she sells. I stopped going to her and now just have my PCP provide the medicine.
I do not even recognize who I am anymore. I'm now 68 with end stage Hashimoto's disease and weigh 220 pounds. I now have HBP, am obese, have AFIB and really disgusted. I want to lose weight. I bought a book about Hashimoto's and the endo dr. said pay no attention - book authors are just trying to make money, but there she was offering me a buy-in to her food program.

[CatGirl]

My sister has Hashi’s, while my mother & I have regular hypothyroidism. This was informative and I will pass it on to my sister. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us Dr. Childs, much appreciated!

[barbiekat]

Since starting LDN (low dose Naltrexone) 10 years ago, my antibodies have been controlled. They will fluctuate sometimes with impact of lifestyle changes - diet, stress, illness...Dr. Childs mentions LDN in this blogs as do many experts in functional medicine!

[WomanAnswer]

I would say I am in the late stages, I was diagnosed 40 years ago. The doctor cut my medicine in half, I will get the antibodies checked next visit this spring.

[bferrell]

Dr. Childs, once at end stage, is it necessary to take both t4 and t3 or would it be best to only take t3? If the thyroid is no longer functional, how can t4 be processed?

[anajiminez]

Thank you Dr child's I have thyroid problems your videos are very informative

[museitup]

Great video! I noticed my antibodies normalized but then went back up when I cheated on my diet, so there's hope that my gland isn't dead yet. One thing you didn't mention that I'm curious about is goiters and how they're different from atrophied glands

[PennyConlan]

My thyroid gland has disappeared and my Endocrinologist tells me she's never seen one that far gone. All that remains is a benign nodule above where the left side used to be. I lost 29 pounds 2 years ago on Whole30 and have regained about 7 pounds. My weight loss threw me into hyperthyroid and a pcp put me on a much lower dose of levothyroxine, by the time I got to a different doctor, my thyroid numbers were way off and it has taken some time to get them back in normal range (but just barely). I go back in May but meanwhile, I am having trouble with dieting and losing weight. It was so easy before but now I'm struggling.

[sherylcudd]

Everything you said fits like a glove for. I feel like death walking. My doctor is a sweetheart but I feel like my energy just took a walk and left me behind. My thyroid she said looks like it is shrinking and there is only one third of it left. Where do I go to from here. My number shows just a little bit above #1 but yet my energy just isn't there. Gaining weight also.

[NadiaZoe]

Wow! Listening to this I am no close to an end stage. I had no idea there was even an end stage. I thought if you had it, it's for lifetime. If I miss 2days of taking my synthroid I start getting prickly feeling on the sole of my feet

[tammychristian]

My daughter was diagnosed with Hasimotos since she was about 10 years old, she is thirty five. We have done everything we could afford and she still is, from whole food allergy free nutrition, local in our State functional medication, regenerative medication and so much more that she can share better than I because she is an adult. But so far, I think everything I have seen on your you tubes. Just recently she got a ultra sound back and now has three nodules instead of two and the doctor said it looks like there is atrophy, and we are beyond concerned. Please tell us there is some way we can reverse and bring back or halt whatever atrophy has occurred. I just sent her Dr. Guptas consultation website and hoping to God there is a way to stop this, she does not want to lose her thyroid or live dependant on the medication and where she can not reverse the symptoms. Please assist if possible, or tell me where I should go to help her.

[Millixxxxxx]

Would somebody who has end stage Hashimoto's die without thyroid medication?
I suppose they'd have to, right? How long could they approximately live if they ever ran out of medication?

[Morraine]

What about people who have insufficient thyroid levels under NDT but can't up the dose because of hyperactive thyroid symptoms? That's a real bummer. Though maybe it's a process and the body simply can't adapt super quickly in some cases.

[theroyalgiantgamer]

Another awesome video thank you so much Dr childs I would not know any of this without you. I definitely fit all of these but trying to get the Dr to listen to me is another story. Thanx again paula England

[vallang]

Thank you for the info. Good to know. I will ask my doctor today when I see him.