DR. IZABELLA WENTZ, PHARM D

Thyroid Pharmacist

Is Recovering Thyroid Function Possible

Is It Possible to Recover Thyroid Function in Hashimoto’s?

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP on February 23, 2014

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Are Thyroid Medications Lifelong?

Most physicians and endocrinologists will say that in Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism is irreversible and ends with complete thyroid cell damage, leading to a lifelong requirement of thyroid hormone medications. However, this isn’t true! It has been reported that thyroid function spontaneously returned in 20% of patients with Hashimoto’s.

These individuals will return to normal thyroid function even after thyroid hormone replacement is withdrawn. (1,2)

How?

Studies show that once the autoimmune attack ceases, the damaged thyroid has the ability to regenerate. Thyroid ultrasounds will show normal thyroid tissue that has regenerated, and the person will no longer test positive for TPO Antibodies. (3)

This regeneration may often be missed in adult patients because they are assumed to have hypothyroidism for life and antibodies and ultrasounds are not usually repeated after the initial diagnosis.

Most cases of hypothyroidism in the United States, Europe, and Australia are caused by Hashimoto’s, yet many people do not know that they have it.

In addition to the ultrasound and TPO antibodies, a test can be done by administering TRH (Thyroid Releasing Hormone), which will cause an increase in T3 and T4 if the thyroid has recovered. This test will help determine if the person can be weaned off thyroid medications safely. (2)

While this information is readily available in the scientific literature, most physicians do not attempt to administer TRH in an effort to see if patients could be weaned off of their thyroid medications.Picture

What Else Are They Missing?

When I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in 2009, I was told that there was nothing I could do other than take medications for the rest of my life, in increasing doses, as my thyroid continued to burn itself out…

Conventional medicine has yet to recognize the impact of lifestyle modifications that can slow down, halt or reverse thyroid antibodies. While a lot of this information is available in the scientific literature and some progressive naturopaths, chiro’s, nutritionists and alternative medicine practitioners have begun implementing it with great results, these experts are often unattainable to the average Hashimoto’s patient due to their extremely high costs.

Additionally, skepticism often keeps patients from reaching out to alternative practitioners. I can’t blame them…I too have been taken advantage of, swindled, and promised the world by unethical practitioners who prey on sick people who just want to feel better.

This is why I, as an established clinical pharmacist, decided to take on lifestyle interventions as a personal mission. I wanted to not only get better myself but to also bring this information into the mainstream to help others with Hashimoto’s. I hope that my background and experience will encourage people to take a second look.

People are recovering from Hashimoto’s every day. Some of them are recovering by accident and some on purpose. I have been researching lifestyle interventions for Hashimoto’s for the past several years and hope that this blog, my books (Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause and Hashimoto’s Protocol), and your own research will give you the tools to find and treat the root cause of Hashimoto’s so that you too can get better—on purpose!

Thyroid Medication LifelongPlease subscribe to the blog and like my Facebook page for updates.

I wish you all the best in your healing journey!

PS. You can also download a free Thyroid Diet Guide, 10 Thyroid friendly recipes, and the Nutrient Depletions and Digestion chapter for free by going to www.thyroidpharmacist.com/gift. You will also receive occasional updates about new research, resources, giveaways and helpful information.

References

  1. Nanan R, Wall J. Remission of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in a Twelve-Year-Old Girl with Thyroid Changes Documented by Ultrasonography. Thyroid. 2010;20(10):1187-1190. doi:10.1089/thy.2010.0102.
  2. Davis T. Pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (chronic autoimmune thyroiditis). Uptodatecom. 2017. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pathogenesis-of-hashimotos-thyroiditis-chronic-autoimmune-thyroiditis. Accessed September 7, 2017.
  3. Takasu N, Komiya I, Asawa T, Nagasawa Y, Yamada T. Test for recovery from hypothyroidism during thyroxine therapy in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The Lancet. 1990;336(8723):1084-1086. doi:10.1016/0140-6736(90)92567-2.
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Comments

  1. Thank you for this encouragement! I, too, was diagnosed in 2009 with Hashi’s and am working on recovering.
    Reply

  4. Thank you for your website and blog. Greqt info! I am searching diligently for an M.D. who will treat my Hashimoto’s holistically. Not easy to find.
    I live in Rolling Meadows, a N.W. suburb of Chicago
    Reply

  5. Hi Sharon, Check out Elena Koles, MD, PhD in Northbrook. She is an integrative physician that is very knowledgable. However, please know that the push to get better has to come from you, so be sure to learn as much as you can and be your own health advocate. Be sure to check out my book.
    Reply

  6. Thank you Izabella. I first saw Dr. Koles June, 2012 and at that time went on a GF, DF, CF, SF diet. Lost 12 #’s, and six month later my TPO’s went down 13 pts to 248, next six months 234. Was thinking of removing my two root canal teeth, 18 & 19 (hypothalmus meridian) and after #19 abscessed I had them both removed by Dr. Lina Garcia, TPO’s down to 138. My only symptoms are brain fog and constipation, the later I manage with probiotics and magnesium, July 2014 Blood test shows I am converting T4 to T3 in normal range, but TSH was 6.40. I would like to have an iodine loading test to see if I need iodine but can’t find a DR. who will oversee this. I am taking selenium among other supplements. I have not seen Dr. Koles since 2012 since she talked Synthroid initially. Other than this Hashi I am in excellent health at 72, without any DRUGS.
    Have your book and umteen articles you’ve posted on your website.
    Thank you for all you do for us.
    Reply

  7. Thank you Izabella. I first saw Dr. Koles June, 2012 and at that time went on a GF, DF, CF, SF diet. Lost 12 #’s, and six month later my TPO’s went down 13 pts to 248, next six months 234. Was thinking of removing my two root canal teeth, 18 & 19 (hypothalmus meridian) and after #19 abscessed I had them both removed by Dr. Lina Garcia, TPO’s down to 138. My only symptoms are brain fog and constipation, the later I manage with probiotics and magnesium, July 2014 Blood test shows I am converting T4 to T3 in normal range, but TSH was 6.40. I would like to have an iodine loading test to see if I need iodine but can’t find a DR. who will oversee this. I am taking selenium among other supplements. I have not seen Dr. Koles since 2012 since she talked Synthroid initially. Other than this Hashi I am in excellent health at 72, without any DRUGS.
    Have your book and umteen articles you’ve posted on your website.
    Thank you for all you do for us.
    Reply

  8. Thank you Izabella. I first saw Dr. Koles June, 2012 and at that time went on a GF, DF, CF, SF diet. Lost 12 #’s, and six month later my TPO’s went down 13 pts to 248, next six months 234. Was thinking of removing my two root canal teeth, 18 & 19 (hypothalmus meridian) and after #19 abscessed I had them both removed by Dr. Lina Garcia, TPO’s down to 138. My only symptoms are brain fog and constipation, the later I manage with probiotics and magnesium, July 2014 Blood test shows I am converting T4 to T3 in normal range, but TSH was 6.40. I would like to have an iodine loading test to see if I need iodine but can’t find a DR. who will oversee this. I am taking selenium among other supplements. I have not seen Dr. Koles since 2012 since she talked Synthroid initially. Other than this Hashi I am in excellent health at 72, without any DRUGS.
    Have your book and umteen articles you’ve posted on your website.
    Thank you for all you do for us.
    Reply

    • I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 7 years ago after having a mild heart attack caused by severe tachycardia and an irregular heartbeat and my daughter was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 4 years ago. Both of us were experiencing a lot of stomach issues at the time we were diagnosed as well as a large range of other health issues. Both of us were treated with levothyroxine after being diagnosed. we went in and had our thyroid levels checked recently neither one of us has been taking our thyroid medication for quite some time due to an issue with the insurance company and some financial issues. We both tested at normal levels the only symptoms we have had has been a bit is tiredness and brain. We both have lost over a 100 pounds each since being diagnosed without any change in our diets as well. It seems to me that thyroid problems are caused by an imbalance of some sort Within the microbiome. From what I have read it seems as though the microbiome regulates nearly everything in our bodies. Everything we eat or drink affects our microbiome. If we become low in a vitamine or mineral for a long enough time our microbiome becomes off balance and greatly affects our health. The only thing different my daughter and I did was began taking a whole food multivitamin supplement, probiotics, and liquid ionized plant-based Trace mineral supplement. We began doing so after being seen by a naturopathic doctor and told we were low in several vitamines and iron deficiency anemia. We began taking the supplements approximately 8 months prior to finding out our thyroid levels are normal. It seems as though the only type of doctors that even test for proper vitamin and mineral levels are naturapathic doctors. I believe that is the first thing that should be tested when a person becomes I’ll. It seems as though it is the root cause of nearly all illnesses. This is slightly off subject but Since my husband began taking the three supplements ( he figured he might as well because he saw no harm un doing so ) his arthritis that was beginning to cripple his hands and would wake him from pain in his shoulders and back has not only stopped waking him in pain but has actually reversed some in his hands. I hope this information is helpful to you and others. God bless.

      Reply

      • Eliza – thank you so much for sharing your families journey! What an amazing story! I am so happy to hear you found a practitioner, are all taking charge of your health and feeling so much better. I hope you will keep me posted on your continued progress. <3

        Reply

  11. To combat brain fog take a quality extraction of Greater Celandine herb. I took 5ml three times day for a month. I had no more brain fog within a few days and it never came back.
    Reply

  12. Hi, I. too was diagnosed in 2009. my blood test panel, resolved nuclear antibody, which auto immune disease. in order, took an thyroid ultra sound test. comes out to be Hashimoto thyroid; am in need for holistic M.D.am currently taking, natural iodine. Kelp, Is safe or not? am desperate!.
    Reply

  13. Be careful with kelp and iodone it can increase and even trigger the auto-immune attack on the thyroid. One place to get recommendations for a holistic doctor is at “Hashimoto’s 411” it is a facebook support group and Dr Kharrazian’s website too.
    Reply

  16. Hi, I was diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroidism in June 2006. I have never been told that it is Hashimotos Thyroiditis but my dosage of Thyroxine has never been the same over the course of. Year at best. I peaked at 200 mg 6 months ago but am now on 125mg. I have no idea what is going on but the above was an interesting read. Anything I should be considering on my next visit to the docs for bloods?
    Reply

  17. Hi Mark, that can happen, as the immune system is constantly launching an attack against the thyroid. I encourage you to learn as much as you can about your condition, so that you can be your own health advocate. Be sure to check out my book.
    Reply

  18. I was diagnosed in 2001 with Graves & Hashimotos, and with nodules… my endocrinologist told me that my only option was to proceed with the radioactive iodine treatment, burn out my thyroid, and take synthroid for the rest of my life. Im constantly up & down in my T3 & T4 levels, even when my dosage stays the same for months at a time, and I never have felt like it is working- for over 10 yrs now! So, My question is: If I’ve already done the radioactive iodine treatment, do I have any other options, other than to take meds such as synthroid, levothyroxine, armour etc? Thx!! <3
    Reply

  19. Tiffany, if you have done the RAI, the chances that your thyroid tissue will regenerate are slim. Many people do not absorb their medications correctly due to gut issues, sometimes it’s a lactose issue (found in synthroid). The immune system may still be imbalanced even when the thyroid is surgically removed or radiated, and your aim should be restoring the immune system
    Reply

  20. I am on 50mg Levothyroxine is this still ok to take if I am trying to go off dairy? I think I am lactose intolerant seems that when I have milk I get sick
    Thank yju. Adina
    Reply

  22. If I’m the Pamela, 2007 found out thyroid was Hashimotos, stage 2 breast cancer. Now, COPD, sinuses and Hashimotos have me. I have three specialists and now another specialist(Drs. In that field) 4 th Dr. Looks at autoimmune diseases to make sure WHAT I have. Nodules in lungs, I’m short of breathe, so tired and depressed and just feel my life quality is over. It’s odd how no one even cares about all my issues about Thyroid and it’s many side effects that make me think I’m crazy. I thought I was having side effects from taking Predisone.
    Reply

  23. I have hashimoto’s was taking NDT for 6 months and deicded i wanted to see if i could heal it as a friend of mine healed his with taking 12 tablets of Modifilan seaweed tablets for a few months along with selenium.. i am feeling better but still not sure if i should start taking NDT again.. would love to work with a Holistic Doctor, i live in Santa Monica Caif.. do you have a recomendation for a doctor in this area or Los Angeles? Thank you, can’t wait to read your book.
    Reply

  25. Wow almost cried when I read this! First off.. I’m a huge fan, you’re an inspiration! Love your book and loved you on The Thyroid Summit and Thyroid Sessions. I am desperately trying to see Dr Ali. I knew when I found him that he is what I’ve been praying for, but he isn’t accepting patients with my insurance right now. I was told maybe in November he will. I tried writing him that I would work/volunteer/intern in exchange for wellness and why I feel he is the right dr for me and can help when every other Dr is a dead end. I plan to go in person next week, any suggestions? How do you know of him? Can you help in any way? Much love and admiration.. Thanks for doing what you do!
    Reply

  26. Do you know of any good doctors in San Antonio, TX? My doc just told me the same thing regarding needing higher and higher doses throughout my life and my thyroid eventually dying. I had no antibodies when I was tested 4 years ago. What could be my cause and what should I do to help reverse it?
    Reply

  29. Looking for a good dr. In the Orlando Florida area. Have Nodules. Some getting. Biospies inconclusive. Run since 2010. I need a good dr.
    Reply

  30. My son was diagnosis with Hashimoto’s disease at the age of 5, he is now 19. He has been taking levothyroxine for 14 years. If it is reversible, is it to late, because of so many years???
    Reply

  31. Hi Margie, children and young adults seem to be the most resilient. Implementing lifestyle changes and looking for the root cause will always make the situation better, in some cases in can result in full remission
    Reply

  32. How in the world would I get off of 225 mcg of Synthyroid? I have been hypo since I was 12, I’m 53 now and just diagnosed with Hashis. I think it’s probably been my whole life. I’ve always had the laundry list of of problems. I want to turn this around.
    Reply

  33. HI Dawn- Read Liz’s story on my blog-https://thyroidphramacist.com/1/post/2013/10/lizs-root-cause-a-story-about-remission.html -She was able to reverse her condition and get off 175mcg of Synthroid. Everyone will have a different root cause. I have info on how to figure out yours in my book- http://www.thyroidpharmacist.com/book
    Reply

  34. So in reading the study, I noticed that it said of the 92 patients with Hashimotos, 22 became became euthyroid, while 70% remained in a hyprothyroid state by three months. It also states that those 20% people remained euthyroid 1-8 years, but not forever. In reviewing this, while that is 22 people who had normal thyroid function for a while, the other 70 had no measurable change after three months. That is rather statistically significant.While that gives some glimmer of hope, it is just a glimmer and is not saying at all that these people will no longer have Hashimotos. Isn’t one of the “gifts” Hashi’s brings is that you can fluctuate between a hypo and hyper state? So in turn, wouldn’t this also mean that there is a chance, that even briefly, your thyroid might return to a normal functioning state, only to then have the pendulum swing in one direction or the other? With that knowledge, isn’t is giving people false hope that they will suddenly be “cured”? Managed, that I understand. Cured, not so much. I was born with a bleeding disorder, and while I am experiencing a beautiful remission, I would be foolish to believe that I am cured and disregard the fact that in any moment, I could relapse and have a major bleeding episode. This is no different. This suggests to people that if people eat better and take certain supplements, then they can give up their medication and be “cured”. While we all are desperate to feel better, that desperation can lead to doing desperate things and compromising their health.
    Reply

  35. Kellie- I agree. If you do nothing your chances of “remission, recovery or cure” are pretty slim. I only quoted the study to show that the tissue can regenerate, and function can return. My objective is to identify and outline the situations that will result in remission, such as 1. removing food sensitivities 2) removing gut infections, which have resulted in remission for some 🙂
    Reply

  36. I agree Kellie. This is a statement with no real “light at the end of the tunnel”. My antibodies were 595, and have only once dipped to 483. I asked my doctor about restoring the thyroid to its normal state and he proceeded to tell myself and my husband, “I am sorry, look at the screen”, he showed us what a “normal” healthy thyroid is to look like and he showed us what mine looked like, and it was un recognizable. It was so scared over from years of not knowing about my disease that it basically was non existent. In a weird way, it looked like a bunch of cheese wiz balled up on my esophagus. In this instance, I ask you, would you have me try your remedies, as I have just become pregnant and was told that I will absolutely need Replacement Therapy for the baby to develop properly? Or should I take the chance on your ideas?
    Reply

  37. gosh what an aggressive question….if pregnant then you’ll obviously need to maintain your thyroxin. No-one is telling you to try anything…and your duty now is to your unborn child. if you wanted to experiment post lactation….for me that was 3 years post partum…then you would be able to try taking control of your health at that later date. Good luck and enjoy your pregnancy.
    Reply

  38. I am looking for a MD who will treat Hashimoto’s this way. I live in Winston-salem, NC, and willing to travel. Thank you for the work you have accomplished!
    Reply

  39. Hi Linds,
    Thank you for reaching out to me. I recommend doctors that are trained in functional medicine. They approach the body as a whole, and not just the thyroid hormones. We are currently building a list of doctors, but I don’t have one I can recommend. A good place to start is the Institute of Functional Medicine. Here is a blog post we wrote about the functional medicine approach: https://thyroidphramacist.com/1/post/2013/10/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid.html
    Reply

  40. daughter recently was diagnosed with hashimoto. she is only 14 and I cannot stop cry because I don’t know how to help her and want to expect
    Reply

  41. Irena,
    Welcome, and I’m sorry to hear about your daughter. Hang in there, it can get better, but you will need to take her health into your own hands. It took me three years to figure this stuff out, but I now have my life back and am trying to create awareness as much as possible so others don’t have to suffer as long as I did. I share a ton of information about my story, what’s going on in Hashimoto’s, helpful strategies and ways to overcome the condition on my website and have a patient guide available that can help you help her.
    Reply

  43. Thank you so much for all the information you’re sharing with public. I found your blog very educational but not overwhelming. I have been diagnosed 6 years ago during my first pregnancy with hypotharoid and later with Hashi. Unfortunatelly, my whole life i’ve been a witness what Hashimoto can do and did to my mother health. How misunderstood and misdiagnosed she was and still is. At least now i understand her and suport her, but i really don’t want to live like that so i decided ito start doing something for myself and my health. I started with changing my diet few months ago (gluten free and sugar free -slowly for now as i can easily be overwhelmed). I found that meditation is helping me a lot with brain fog and stress. But i’m still looking for a doctor who can help me in my journey. Please can you recommend someone in or close to NYC. Thanks again!
    Reply

  44. When you say thyroid tissue will regenerate do you mean tissue that has been taken out. I seem to have a full lobe after 90% of that lobe was removed 34 years ago. Can they grow back? I had Graves diagnosed in 1979 but am hypo now. Thanks for any info. My doctor thinks I’m telling a lie even with an ear-to-ear scar.
    Reply

  45. I live in Bucks County PA…..can you recommend a thyroid smart doctor to help me…zip code near me is Doylestown, PA. 18901 or I would be willing to travel to Phila.if necessary. Thank you.
    Reply

  46. Dr. Eugene Shippen who is located in Shillington, P.A. helped me tremendously if you haven’t found one already.
    Reply

  47. Hi Dr Wentz
    I am deeply inspired your story, and thank you so much for sharing your journey. I have Hashimoto’s, and, speaking of ‘root causes’, my recent stool testing came back positive for Streptococcus Salivarius bacterial overgrowth (around 30%). My doctor has suggested this could be the cause of my Hashimoto’s (though I also have the Herpes Virus).
    I would be very appreciative of what you owuld suggest for treatment, and how I can address my gut issue? My docotr has suggested GAPS, but I wonder if there are other options.
    Would be most grateful for any advice you could share.
    Reply

  48. Hi! I wonder if you have some ideas about why my thyroid function seems to be becoming more and more sluggish? For 2 years, I have followed an Auto Immune diet very rigorously (no gluten, grains, eggs, coffee, nuts, nightshades). I take a dessicated thyroid supplement that delivers T3 and T4. In the 2 years, my need for the pills has remained about static. We have recently moved to a much colder climate, and my mood has gone to very dark places. I’ve doubled my supplement levels, and I seem OK again. I do feel disheartened, since I have been so thorough with my diet changes, and I was so optimistic that my thyroid would heal. Increasingly I fear that it won’t. I would love any help!
    Reply

  49. Is it still possible to regenerize the thyroid that has turned into a goiter? I have been told that I do have Hashimoto’s and I am scheduled for surgery on this Friday the 25th!! What do u suggest?
    Reply

  50. Hi Isabella and thank you for all of the info you are passing on! Can you recommend a holistic doctor who works with children, possibl remotely. (Or other resources for children) I am hypothyroid myself and have just received the news that my 4 year old son has an elevated TSH.
    Reply

  51. I have Hashimotos Thyroiditis and have been given nothing. I was told sometimes up and sometimes down so couldn’t. I have gained 100 lbs. Every symptom I clearly have. 2013 my sister 10 years younger had thyroid and all removed for cancer. She earlier was told she had Hashimoto’s, then zero negative. She is now doing good. (Cancer was found when having a routine check doctor saw a small bulge not noticeable to others and did further checking. It never showed on her blood test or anything. What would be best at this point for me? Should I be on some kind of medication? Thank you and your article helps open our minds.
    Reply

  53. Hi Izabelle! Thanks for sharing a wealth of information that is helping so many people!
    If milk seems to cause gastointestinal issues but hard cheeses do not (at least clinically).should dairy be eliminated from a diet that is already gluten and soy free? Also, can nightshade veggies, in your experience, cause gastrointest. issues? Made Ratatoille last night so not sure if veggies or milk to blame, Also, would love a recommendation for a doctor that treats children with Hashimotos.
    Reply

  54. have hash too.was on 250levitroxine for 12 years now on 175. Just lowered 6 months ago. I am always tired. I could sleep all day. Headaches,hands tingle,diabetes type 2. Brain fog,depressed. I go to dr.s you would think I would be better. .help! I need some energy! This is horrible! After 18 years you would think I would be better!
    Reply

  55. Hi Isabella, thank you so much for all the wonderful information you are sharing! Recently an ultrasound showed no thyroid tissue at all and my physician said he has never encountered that before. Can it possibly grow back. 3 docs so far have just shrugged and said they did not know what to do or why this happened. I feel really on my own. I do have a row of calcium deposits where the thyroid should be. I have not found any info online about this.?? do you have any ideas for me. I am currently gluten, dairy, grain, egg free and being treated with nystatin for yeast. Not much improvement. The hardest part is the severe brain fog, anxiety, loss of balance and numb arms and hands. The neuro symptoms are getting scary.
    Thanks for any suggestions!
    Reply

  56. Inactive GP has cost me dearly. My TPO has been consistently over 1000. My T4 = 15, T3 = 3.5 & my TSH around 5. GP put me on 50mcg of synthetic T4 but still did not feel well. Last week I changed GP & started Natural T4T3 plus vit D3, Selenium, Minerals, probiotics & slippery elm with glutamine. I had stopped eating gluten many years ago but just gone 3 days 100% grain free. I feel improvement in 3 days, is that possible to get such fast results from these changes?
    Reply

  57. Hello Isabella, thank you for your wonderful book. I was just recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I was put on 25mcg of synthroid. I haven’t been taking them for a month yet. I really do not like taking this medication. Didn’t want to begin taking them at all. I always feel that there is an underlining cause and getting to the root of it is always the answer. I recently purchased some thytrophin pmg. Can I stop taking the synthroid? Or can I use it in conjunction until I add the supplements and diet changes? I don’t really want to take them at all. Maybe you have some suggestion, or anyone who may know if I can stop taking it and just start the supplements, diet changes and other info you have mentioned. Thank you.
    Reply

  58. Thanks for your insight and research on the root causes of hypothyroidism. Since I was diagnosed in July of 2014 I kept asking the doctors what could have caused this to happen. I was just 39 years old. After reading on your website I made the connection between my gastrointestinal issues and diagnosis of H-pylori in December of 2013. I don’t think I had symptoms of hypothyroidism for about 6 months after I recovered from the intestinal issues. My thyroid just stopped working. I have had a slow recovery from the hypothyroid symptoms over the last six months. I continue to have relapses in the symptoms and wonder about my thyroid function even more now that I have read your information.
    Reply

  59. I need your help!!! My thyroid level has increase from 88mcg to 100mcg. I took the ultrasound of my thyroid gland and t get Doctor diagnosed me of Hashimoto disease. I need a doctor in my area. What doctors your recommend in Ft.lauderdale or Miami.
    Reply

  60. Hi,
    20 years ago I was put on thyroid meds because I was always complaining of being tired, my doctor checked my thyroid levels and they were border line.. he put me on thyroid meds to see if this would help with the fatigue.. however … we were unaware at that time I actually had cervical cancer and that was why I was always tired…I had surgery to remove the cancer and felt better not 100% but better … I am currently on 88mg of synthroid. I am allergic to the generic brands…I have always had a lot of bloating, constipation ad bouts of being tired. I need to loose 10/15 lbs. which has been difficult I will lose a couple of pounds but seem to maintain or gain..Also have no motivation at times (currently on Wellbutrin which helps )..I have some symptoms of hypo some of hyper… I really would love to be off all the meds and feel normal …is it possible to get off the thyroid meds… I was told you can hurt yourself if you just discontinue the meds… and the doctors say you cant get off at all..no hope thru the doctors… what do you think? who could I see … I live in Georgia. is there people who have gotten off all thyroid meds and the thyroid functioning on its own. a cure ?
    Reply

  63. hi Dr Izabella! I’m a hashimoto’s person, I’ve been taking natural thyroid for 7 months now. I’ve done my blood test last saturday and the results were a bit bad for me, it was higher than the previous one. I feel like going back from where I was when I started my treatment. I need to keep my medicine in the fridge, but when I received after 3 days from the posting day, because the pharmacy is not in my city, the container was pretty warm dua a very hot day. Is it possible that this situation had “damage” my medicine? And so it’s not giving me the expected result? I had a very stressful week before my bood test, can it be related to?
    Reply

  64. I had been fighting with my thyroid for 10 yrs and finally had to have it taken out it was size of two fist put together and it hashimoto still trying to get levels under control any advice plz or doc u know of I’m in west fork , Arkansas
    Reply

  65. My 11 yr old daughter was diagnosed recently. While she had antibodies and her TSH was off, her T3/T4 were still ok. Our dr gave us 3 months to go gluten free and see if it corrects itself. I have started her on supplements and removed the gluten. Any other suggestions. She is TOO YOUNG to have this ‘life long issue’. I too have Hashis, but was told there was no hope for recovery. I am on Armore.
    Reply

  67. Hi,
    I am 56 year old female,with a very active life. I am wondering since I recently made lifestyle changes you suggested if I even need meds? After being diagnosed 15 years ago with Hashimoto’s, my thyroid meds as of last few weeks seem to have me in hyper mode.
    I was having hypo symtoms a few months ago and dr increased my synthroid from 50 mcg (been on 50 mcg for all 15 years) to 75 mcg…..in the midst of the increase I was making the lifestyle changes, last week he added T3 ( 25 mcg synthetic) to my T4. For the first 3 days I thought it was a miracle! I felt good, my body seemed relaxed, I slept well…then boom, shot me right into hyper like I was on speed.
    The only thing I took this morning was 1/4 of the T3 and within 20 minutes sent my heart racing. Now I am wondering if maybe I don’t need anything???? What to do, what to do?
    I just had all my lab work done last week but it was done right before I started T3, and of course everything is in ‘normal’ range.
    Dr did call in Armour but I haven’t taken it yet. I know some Hashimoto patients do better on Armour than synthetic T3 and T4. Don’t know what to do…..
    Right this minute I feel better because the only meds I have had today were 1/4 of 25 mcg T3 which doesn’t last that long in your system…..what would you do?
    Reply

  68. @Shirley, your are lucky if you are only on 25mcg. I have been on 25 for 20+ yrs. My doctor recently lowered it to 100. I know of a co worker who is on 225! I hope to one day be off of my meds.
    Reply

  69. @Tara , since this was a few months ago I don’t know if you have gotten a response . But when you taken gluten , soy , sugar and dairy out of your diet it does effect your thyroid. About 2 – 4 weeks after removing these foods out of your diet you need to have your levels checked again to have any medication adjustments made if necessary.
    Reply

  70. Hi!I m suffering with Hashi from 1998 nd took Eutirox for about 8 years and it’s 2 years i switched to Erfa (after jus 1 month my tsh was 0,60 but now it’s 3 again…) I tested Ig allergies (negative) leaky gut (negative) i m going gluten free and dairy free…what else do you suggest?i m suffering of adrenal fatigue but i don’t want to take adrenal cortex ( i prefer ashwaganda) and low in iron and vit b12 (hard to integrate because i m intolerant to the cobalt) Please do you have a functional physician in Italy to recommend?thank you for your great job!I m reading your book and it’s simply great!Anna
    Reply

  71. Very informative article, would love to see a follow-up on this one.

    I just got my lab tests back after going 100% gluten-free, taking Vitamin D, Selen, Zinc, Mg, Carnosine and going on T4+10mcg T3. For the first time TSH in lower third: 1.3 and TPO 8 (previously 60) = Euthyroid!

    My doc told me my gland has little tissue left. I plan to go back in 3 months for ultrasonic testing – should I bring this up and then start considering to lower my dosage if the tissue grows back? There is too little information available out there.

    Reply

    • Oliver- Thank you so much for your support! Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.

      Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂

      REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/

      HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care

      Reply

  72. Dr. Wentz,
    I’m sure thyroid regeneration is definitely possible. For many years I’ve had Hashimotos hypothyroiditis. I was told I would take thyroid meds the remainder of my life. Throughout 2016 I began having reactions to every thyroid medication prescribed. The most severe symptoms were intense heart palpitations, extreme exhaustion, weakness, sadness & dehydration from sweating. Doctors aren’t listening. As an older patient, who listens to my body, I began cutting the dosage a little at a time but the symptoms remained. Eventually I stopped my thyroid med altogether & one by one the symptoms have subsided. I hope I never have to take thyroid med again and for now I’m listening to my body, eating well, exercising, supplements as need, prayer always. Thank you for your article.

    Reply

  73. MY 10 year old daughter was diagnoise with Hashimoto. I myself developed Hashimoto after giving birth to my daughter. I always knew something wasn’t right with my daughter when her body temperature would fluctuate (suddenly she was cold and at night she is always hot). She is always developing skin rashes and a foggy mind. I took her to a children’s Endro center in NJ and the Doctor said she needed no meds at the moment. I left there hopeless and with no answers to help my daughter. Is there any Holistic Doctor in NJ/NY for my child.

    Reply

  74. Hello,
    I am French.
    My 21 year old daughter.
    I myself developed Hashimoto after giving birth to my daughter. My 21 year old daughter.
    Is it possible that dental amalgams to mercury are the cause?
    Is there an article on thyroid and dental fillings?
    Thank you.

    Reply

  75. Hello,
    I read your book last year, thank you for the valuable information. Since then I’ve been gluten free, dairy free, and no sugar of course . And I’ve been eating Paleo for several months, up to the present moment.
    I’ve visited an alternative doctor, and 2 reputable naturopaths, who could help my condition only slightly. They replaced Levothyroxine by other more natural ” medications”/ thyroid supplements, and the results were not successful. To the contrary, my TPO when up, after it had been reduced from a 1000 (when discovered ) to 300. It went up again to > 900. Thyroid is still imbalanced. Now I am back to Levothyroxine, and waiting to see how this is going to help in at least balancing it conventionally.
    So far, I have been feeling miserable and frustrated. The question is what to do next? How can I know what the root cause of my Hashimoto is, when I did all you recommended?
    I would appreciate further recommendations, and thank you in advance!

    Reply

  76. Once you have your thyroid burned out are you condemned to a life of weight gain and an impossibility to lose weight?
    This has ruined my life.

    Reply

    • Helene – thank you for following this page. Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      Hashimoto’s Root Cause
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Hashimoto’s Protocol
      thyroidpharmacist.com/protocol

      IS HASHIMOTO’S A SURGICAL DISEASE
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-hashimotos-a-surgical-disease

      Reply

  77. Hi Im from New Zealand. need help please. I have been on levo 50mg for 5 yrs. All my tsh t3 t4 levels are currently normal.

    Except my thyroid anti-globulin is 332iu/ml. Normal range is less than 116iu/ml I have read.

    I have been very unwell for almost 6 months now and seen countless practitioners who dont have the answers. Ive been experiencing hot flashes, sweat, adrenal type rushes, anxiety, dizziness, feeling imbalanced when standing, fast and slow heart rate and pressure in my sinuses. I dont feel taken seriously and now feeling lost as what to do next.

    I was recently reffered onto an Endo but they wont see me and are only sending a ‘letter of care’ to follow at home in the post instead. I do not feel this to be sufficient. I just feel brushed aside. It has already cost almost a couple grand searching for answers.

    Now im interested in coming off levo potentially and self healing.

    Can you please help me?

    Reply

  78. Ps. I am hypothyroid (underactive) after giving birth 5.5 yrs ago. I am interested in the idea of thyroid correcting itself and retraining it to produce hormone etc.

    Reply

  80. Hi Dr. Wentz,
    My daughter was recently diagnosed with Graves Disease. Two years ago I had her blood tested for lead. It was a level 5. Last October is was 3.8. This past May, it went down to 1.6. My thoughts are that the lead has interfered with her thyroid function. My question is, do you think her thyroid function will return to normal and antibodies will go down once the lead is out of her system?
    Per the suggestion of a functional medicine doctor that I am working with, I have eliminated dairy and gluten from her diet and have introduced more fresh fruits and vegetables along with foods that will naturally eliminate lead from the body.

    Reply

    • M – thank you for following this page. Sounds like you are on the right path! 🙂 Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions. I recommend you refer back to your practitioner, who is familiar with your daughters health history.

      Reply

  82. Dear Mrs Wentz,
    this article gives me hope, thank you. My TPO antibodies are back to normal range while TGB antibodies are still a bit elevated. Is this proof enough that I should do the ultrasound to check my thyroid or should my tsh also becoming lower and lower to demonstrate that my hormone replacement dosis is now too high?

    Reply

  83. my daughter , age 15, was diagnosed with Hashitoxicosis in March 2017. Tsh suppressed, T3 and T4 elevated, Thyroid antibodies high,
    We had been following a whole food diet, eliminating bread and other high carbohydrate food, since about October 2016.
    She had no energy, could not run or climb stairs, could not concentrate. I am a doctor, a GP, and started supplementing with B vitamins, omega 3, Vit C and others , Zinc, iron, Selenium, magnesium.
    Vitamin B helped, but she craved food to the extent that I considered needing a lock for the fridge. She gained weight, but said that she was always hungry, until one day she said that the mussels I had given her had filled her up and satiated her!
    We had excluded a brain tumour with an MRI scan and a visit to the neurologist.
    I realised then that she had Pica, a craving for deficient nutrients. She craved sweet potato and spinach, even told me that the occasional sip of red wine helped for her hunger. In September this year she lost all her body hair( Alopecia Universalis) but started re-growing all her hair about 2 weeks later. Her Ferritin was 69 when I checked 2 weeks ago and her head hair fell out again 2 weeks ago. We are using a green smoothie in the morning and increasing magnesium even more has had an impact on her constipation.I had to remove both her big toenails as they had stopped growing and the remaining hard part was digging into the flesh and causing swelling and pain of the toes and the whole foot. She walked barefoot for 2 weeks while the toes were healing.
    Timeline of her illness was Asthma as a young child(atopic family history, older brother died from Asthma when she was 3) , HPV vaccination, EBV infection shortly after, leaving her sick for 6 months, during this period there was severe stress at school with bullying. Her gut problems started after this , which were investigated under GA( colonoscopy, gastroscopy) and several biopsies which were all normal. the thyroid problem was diagnosed subsequently in April 2017.The ultrasound showed an inflamed thyroid, TSh was less than 0.01., T3 7.75, T4 18.4 in April, Thyroglobulin antibodies18.3, Thyroid peroxidase antibodies 91.5.
    The antibodies have halved since and the T3, T4, TSh are currently normal.
    Your book has been really helpful, but the exact supplements are not available in South Africa.
    My daughter is still not well, but we are persevering.

    Reply

  84. When I was 12 years old I was so weak and sick, I couldn’t get out of bed–they tested me for everything–they thought it was Mono…then the diagnosis came back–Hashimoto’s disease…I got prescribed synthroid and within 2 weeks of taking the pills I was back to my old energetic self…I took the medication every day for 7 years…levels tested every year…seemed normal, the doc said its because I was taking my medication and that obviously I needed it. Then when I was 19 and in my first and second years of University, I stopped getting my prescription filled–I was too busy–working FT as well as kids and classes. After 2 years I was feeling kind of sluggish so went to the doc to telling her I hadn’t taken my pills in 2 years and she freaked out–had me tested and she said my hashimotos was GONE–magically! Its been 11 years now–I am 30 and levels are still fine they say…I didn’t change my diet but I did begin exercise….I also had lyme disease which explains the fatigue… good luck yall…

    Reply

  85. I’ve had Hashimoto’s since 2013 and you’re right my doctors never had any of this information. I cant believe, as you said, that the data is so outdated. Such a helpful post!

    Reply

  86. Hello. Thank you for providing all of this information. Do you know of a specialist near the Omaha, NE region that you would recommend talking with about possible thyroid recovery?

    Reply

  87. I’m tired of just being told about medication! I know about the medications but I’m glad I read your blog for this kind of information. Holistic medicine is the way to go! I wish more people understood that like you do. Thank you, I’m ready to start empowering myself and work to recover some of my own thyroid function

    Reply

  88. I found your post after having an interesting experience. I have always been very bad at consistency in taking my levo. I maybe take it 3/4 of the time. Because of this reason I track it on a daily habit list. I have been feeling amazing for a long while. I would say for about two years (good sleep, got married, good job, low stress) and I recently looked at my list and it had been 5 days since I took my meds. I didn’t have any of the symptoms I remembered from when I was diagnosed 7 years ago with hashimotos. I am going to continue to stop the medication for now. I actually feel that I’m less “wound up” and anxious since I stopped taking it. I’d like to get my TSH, T3/T4, and antibodies checked to see if my thyroid has recovered spontaneously. How long should I wait to get the test to see what my “new baseline” is? Is there anything else you would recommend me testing?

    Reply

    • Maureen – thank you for sharing your journey. I am happy to hear you are feeling well. <3 I recommend you contact your practitioner. It is never advisable to stop taking your medications, or alter your dosages, without the advice of your practitioner. T4 thyroid hormone medications have a half-life of about 1 week. This means that when a person stops taking them, the amount of the hormone activity in their body, from the medication, will decrease by about 1/2 each week. For T3 medications, this half-life is only about 1 day. Generally, within three weeks (or a few days for T3), most of the hormone will be out of the body. This could result in increased symptoms, an increase in the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and extra stress on your body and the thyroid. Thyroid hormones affect every organ, tissue and cell in the body. Appropriate medication management will allow you to recover from the effects of hypothyroidism, giving you the energy, vitality and support to continue working on optimizing your health. Please do not change your medications without speaking to your doctor first.

      WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/

      TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/

      Reply

  89. Hello…I’m on 90mg of Armour. I don’t have hashimoto’s. All the blood tests except iron are with in normal range. I have high blood pressure and take losartan 50mg. Do you still recommend I read your book. I weight 260 and am unable to lose any more weight. I’ve seen several doctors and they all tell me…well your labs are normal it’s just genetics. Feeling frustrated.

    Reply

    • Kelli – thank you for reaching out. <3 I am so sorry you are struggling. I understand how frustrating it an be. Most conventional physicians use the TSH test to determine if one has a thyroid disorder and to dose thyroid medications. However, this test can often times be misleading, as levels of circulating hormones may fluctuate at different times, such as in Hashimoto’s, where the person affected may fluctuate between highs and lows.

      Additionally, when scientists first set the “normal” ranges of TSH for healthy individuals, they inadvertently included elderly patients and others with compromised thyroid function in the calculations, leading to an overly lax reference range. This resulted in people with underactive thyroid hormones being told that their thyroid tests were “normal,” based on this skewed reference range.

      WHAT TO DO IF YOUR TSH IS NORMAL AND YOU ARE ANYTHING BUT
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-to-do-if-your-tsh-is-normal-and-you-are-anything-but/

      Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well.
      TOP 10 THYROID TESTS AND HOW TO INTERPRET THEM
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/

      Reply

  90. I also have had some recovery of thyroid function. My TSH had been increasing over the last 20 years after I was diagnosed with mild hypothyroidism (1998) and I eventually ended up on 200mcg levothyroxine. Two years ago my TSH began to go very low (around 0.001). Oddly, though, my free T3 was still in the normal range and I was told to remain on the same dose. Notably, I was having problems with high heart rate (tyically in the low 90s which I was told was still “normal”). Last year I asked for a recheck and TSH was still very low, and was told to go from 200 to `100mcg by a new doctor. He wouldn’t check free T3 though, and since I didn’t know about thryoid regeneration (family doc didn’t mention it) and assumed suddenly decreasing my dose might be harmful, I refused until I saw an endocrinologist. He said the thyroid in Hashimoto’s can regenerate function even if only 2 percent of the thyroid was left unaffected. He recommended trying 112mcg, and rechecked TSH/T3/T4 six weeks later, which were mid-normal range on the reduced dose. He wants to see me in a year. Heart rate returned to the 70s. However, since my heart rate has been increasing again, I’m wondering if more frequent checking is warranted though and that thyroid function may be continuing to improve.

    Reply

    • Butch – thank you for sharing your journey. I am sorry to hear you have had to go through all of this. Most people feel best with a TSH of around 1 or lower and with a Free T4 and Free T3 in the upper half of the range. It is expected that your TSH will be very suppressed when optimal on NDT medication. How much thyroid replacement therapy is needed is unique and different for each person, so it’s important to work with a functional medicine practitioner or a doctor, who can closely monitor your dosage and your progress. Every six weeks is usually a good schedule for testing your thyroid hormones. Here is a research article which might help further:
      TOP 10 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/

      Reply

  91. Izabella, I live in the Southern New Hampshire area. I am a firm believer in what you are saying. Hashimoto’s diagnosed for years. Never feel right on any replacement meds. Do you know of any support i can find in near me?

    Reply

  92. Hello Dr. Wentz,
    I have a question for you. I am trying to determine what has caused my TPO antibodies to decrease. Does taking levothyroxine bring down the number of antibodies, or does following the AIP protocol and taking supplements bring down the antibody count? I am doing both, so I am trying to determine what is causing this effect. What have you noticed from your experience with Hashimoto’s?

    Reply

    • Claire – thank you so much for reaching out. I am happy to hear you are taking charge of your health! <3 IgG subclass antibodies have a half-life of 21 days and stick around on immune cells for about two to three months. They need constant “reminders” in the form of an antigen so that their production continues. If the antigen is removed, the antibodies will go away as well. The time period required for them to completely forget about the antigen and disappear is nine to twelve months.
      The following things need to be in place for the antibodies to forget about the thyroid:

      1) The thyroid stops expressing TPO.
      2) The thyroid cells are not damaged and able to regenerate.
      3) There are no substances that look like TPO (glandulars, gluten, infections, other triggers).
      4) The immune system is balanced.
      5) The autoimmune cells are confused by a decoy.

      Some of these requirements are quick and easy, and others will take some time ...
      The thyroid will stop expressing TPO for two reasons. One of them is thyroid destruction, which we do not want; the other is thyroid suppression. Thyroid suppression is induced by limiting iodine and taking a thyroid supplement to bring TSH to 1 mIU/L or so. This can take up to three months

      In the case of autoimmune conditions, traditional and alternative medicine practitioners may focus on rebalancing the immune system (i.e. steroids and immune-modulating drugs used in traditional medicine, or else herbs, supplements, or acupuncture used in alternative medicine).

      While this approach may be helpful for taming the immune system in the short term or overcoming autoimmune flares, it is often a temporary solution and the immune system may become imbalanced again once the medications,acupuncture, and herbs and supplements are stopped if the underlying issue that lead to the immune system imbalance is not addressed. Thus we can say that immune modulation treats only the symptoms, and not the root cause.

      As we can’t change genes, our approach to addressing the root cause of Hashimoto’s is threefold:

      1) Reducing triggers
      2) Eliminating intestinal permeability
      3) Providing the body with nutrients to regenerate

      Identifying and eliminating triggers and toxins will likely take a few weeks to a few months. Providing the thyroid with the nutrition needed to help rebuild and detoxify will likely take three to six months.

      Rebalancing the immune system by addressing the root cause of autoimmunity (intestinal permeability, gut dysbiosis, infections) may take one to three years, but in the meantime, we can modulate the immune system and throw our thyroid antibodies a decoy. Hope this helps!

      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-tpo-antibodies/

      Reply

  93. Thank you so much for your prompt and informative response, plus the link to your TPO antibodies article! I was diagnosed with H’s at a subclinical level and currently I’m on a very low dose of synthetic hormone. I plan to stay on the AIP protocol for the rest my life (I enjoy eating this way), so I’m hoping I can get to the point where I no longer need the medicine. (Besides, it’s causing my eyebrows to fall out.) Your blog post gives me a lot of hope. Thanks for writing and sharing!

    Reply

  94. Hi Dr. Wentz, I’ve been seeing an integrative medicine specialist and working on correcting my Hashimoto’s. After several months I was told that my T4 was still low and I needed to see my primary care. The primary care prescribed thyroid medication and I have been taking the lowest dose of levothyroxine for about 6 weeks. I just ordered your 90-day book and after reading this article it mentioned weaning off of thyroid meds. Is it safe since I’ve only taken them for 6 weeks to just stop and try your 90-day approach?

    Reply

    • Tina – thank you so much for sharing your journey with me. <3 I'm so happy to hear you have found a practitioner. It is never advisable to stop taking your medications, or alter your dosages, without the advice of your practitioner. T4 thyroid hormone medications have a half-life of about 1 week. This means that when a person stops taking them, the amount of the hormone activity in their body, from the medication, will decrease by about 1/2 each week. For T3 medications, this half-life is only about 1 day. Generally, within three weeks (or a few days for T3), most of the hormone will be out of the body. This could result in increased symptoms, an increase in the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and extra stress on your body and the thyroid. Thyroid hormones affect every organ, tissue and cell in the body. Appropriate medication management will allow you to recover from the effects of hypothyroidism, giving you the energy, vitality and support to continue working on optimizing your health. Please do not change your medications without speaking to your doctor first.

      Reply

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