Untreated Hashimoto's disease, had developed elevated liver enzymes while on medicine. Could Hashimoto's be causing this?
Patient: I have untreated Hashimotos disease. Have been on medication on and off. While off the medication, I developed elevated liver enzymes . I have had a liver biopsy and do not have liver disease yet my liver enzymes are still higher than normal. The liver specialist thinks it is from supplements or prescription medication. I know that is possible and he said I would have to be off the offender for several months to determine what is the cause. He does not want me to take any new medications or supplements. I am wondering if it could be the untreated Hashimotos that is causing the problem. My liver enzymes have been elevated from Sept 2009. Doctor: Hi there,Thanks for your query.Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease, whereby which the immune system recognizes thyroid tissue as foreign and destroys it gradually.Hashimoto's is commonly associated with other autoimmune disorders, such as, diabetes and celiac disease (allergy to wheat, rye, barley and their products). It is therefore possible that you may autoimmune hepatitis. This may account for persistently raised liver enzymes.Thyroid hormone replacement therapy for hashimoto's does not ordinarily raise liver enzymes. You should therefore continue to take Thyroid hormone replacement therapy.Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me, order required tests, and- based on the reports-  will prescribe suitable/modified treatment as advised.In case of any further queries, revert back to me THROUGH DIRECT PREMIUM QUERY (Paid), addressed to me personally. You will receive- almost immediately- my response in great details.If you find my response helpful and informative, do not forget an “excellent” (5-star rating)  to my answer, to ENCOURAGE ALL doctors- engaged in social service- to render sound advice to the FREE queries. Fond regards and have a nice dayDr. Rakesh Karanwal