Hypothyroidism

[Squarewheel]

Hi

Has anyone any experiences of hypothyroidism, especially cause by the auto immune condition hashimotos? I've been started on thyroxin. Was sub clinical with a few symptoms caused by hashimotos. No idea how long it'll take to get flying again. Did you guys find the tablets work ok?

Cheers

[Ulster]

At first sight hypothyroidism is a fairly straightforward problem from the aeromedical point of view. It's caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone (aka THYROXINE) which can be easily replaced in convenient tablet form. It's unlike type 1 diabetes which is also caused by a hormone deficiency (insulin) but whose treatment needs to be given by injections, and which, if not treated almost perfectly, can cause severe effects in several different body organs.

This is the CAA's information sheet on thyroid disorders ( both hypo- and hyper- )
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/2499/GM%20on%20Thyroid%20Dysfunction.pdf

It's interesting that Hashimoto's is not specifically mentioned in that fact sheet. I suspect that the CAA folk might be just a little bit more cautious about the eponymous condition, if only because it's auto-immune, and probably includes an inflammatory component. However, with sufficient specialist reports, and once the condition is deemed stabilised, a flying medical certificate should be possible ( probably even a class 1, though that might have an OML on it for a while).

Good luck ! :ok:

[gingernut]

Hi Squarewheel, the diagnosis of Hashimoto's is, in itself, unhelpful.

Treating the hypothyroidism successfully is key here.

The bad news- you'll have to have a few blood tests frequently at first, and you'll have to take levothyroxine for the rest of your life. When you're thyroid levels are stable, you will only have to have blood tests every 6-12 months (opinions vary.)

The good news ?-Your condition shouldn't make you live any less, or better, than people without Hashimotos. I'm not an AME but I think you'll find that there are many pilots in a similar position, flying unrestricted.

Oh, the other good news-you get free prescriptions for life. (In the UK).

[Squarewheel]

Thank you for you responses. It's good to hear.

I fly professionally so naturally seeking to regain the class 1 as soon as soon as possible. Of course more importantly being symptom free.

Thanks.