Hello Ashl3y87. Most of my family and I have the autoimmune condition of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, (hypothyroidism). We all seem to be doing well on medication, (levothyroxine), but the thyroid hormone level has to be checked routinely, (sometimes more than once a year), and the hormone replacement medication adjusted accordingly.

My hypothyroidism was undiagnosed for several years although I thought it was a possibility, (my mother and all of my siblings have the condition). The TSH test can be misleading and for several years the condition grew progressively worse before it was re-tested and diagnosed. The first year the medication dosage was adjusted 6 times and usually once a year since. My last prescription was for 112 mcg. which is too low and the current adjusted dosage is 137 mcg., which needs to be checked for accuracy.

As long as the thyroid hormone level stays within a normal range, I have little effect from the disease, nor do my family members. When there is an imbalance it affects every aspect of my life. The only person that is having difficulty with hypothyroidism is one of my nieces. She has a 7 year old son and would love to have another child but her doctors cannot get her condition regulated and it affects fertility and the ability to sustain another pregnancy. She is fortunate to have had her first son prior to the onset of the disease process.

Whether or not you opt for surgery depends on your condition and if it is under control. During the time that the thyroid gland is being slowly destroyed, the hormone levels can fluctuate wildly. I wouldn't consider it for myself, because there is no reason to do so. My niece, on the other hand, might want to consider it due to her particular circumstance. I do hope you are feeling well at this time.

Hello again! Thank you very much

And thank you again, Ashl3y87. I do wish you well. I know how severe the symptoms of hypothyroidism can be, particularly when the thyroid hormone levels drop very low. Good luck.