Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Also known as: Chronic thyroiditis; Autoimmune thyroiditis
Treatment
This disorder is often mild. In many cases, no treatment is required when thyroid hormone concentrations (T4 and T3) are normal and the patient is not experiencing significant symptoms. However, thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be necessary when thyroid hormone production is decreased. Those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and an elevated TSH can develop decreased hormone levels within a short period, so some doctors will begin treatment with hormone replacement therapy as soon as TSH levels increase.
This disorder is often mild. In many cases, no treatment is required when thyroid hormone concentrations (T4 and T3) are normal and the patient is not experiencing significant symptoms. However, thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be necessary when thyroid hormone production is decreased. Those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and an elevated TSH can develop decreased hormone levels within a short period, so some doctors will begin treatment with hormone replacement therapy as soon as TSH levels increase.
