Hypothyroidism: Slow Onset & Autoimmune?

[MysticalGlitchy]

I was wondering if anyone knew...

Can hypothyroidism have a slow onset? I'm talking years? And is all thyroid problems autoimmune?

Thanks!

 

[beensuggested]

Hey Vanessa! Yes hypothyroidism can be a slow onset. You can have just small changes while still having a relatively normal thyroid profile. There are a number of reasons for thyroid issues, some can be genetic and some can be autoimmune.
Kit

 

[MysticalGlitchy]

One more question if you don't mind??

Can you have symptoms way before it shows in blood work?

 

[beensuggested]

Yes you can which is why very often patients get labs drawn every 3-6 months because they are having symptoms but the labs are showing no change. Remember that labs are a snapshot in a particular moment in time that is why if the symptoms become severe enough we often order labs taken every few hours so we get a much better picture of how the body is functioning or in this case not functioning.
Kit