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Thyroid (Expert Forum)
Family History of Thyroid Problems
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Dr. Mark Lupo. Topics covered include goiter, graves disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, thyroid cancers, thyroiditis, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
Family History of Thyroid Problems
by xenakis, Aug 06, 2006 12:00AM
For about 6 or 7 years, I've had symptoms that look like hyperthyroidism that have gradually been getting worse: really bad heat intolerance and excessive sweating, fast heart rate (before I went on atenolol), tremors, increased bowel movements, etc. I had two separate blood tests almost a year ago, with slightly high T3 on one of them, but everything else normal, and with normal T3 on the second one as well. The endocrinologist was confident there were no thyroid problems.
I just recently found out about a family history of thyroid issues. Paternal grandmother and her siblings had Grave's Disease, and my uncle on the same side has Hashimoto's. The endocrinologist didn't know this when we did the tests. Is there any reason to go and get another examination in light of this new information?
I have neurological issues that also could explain these symptoms (tranverse myelitis many years ago and close relative with a demyelinating disease), but a full set of MRIs and many other neurological tests have not yielded an explanation either so far (i.e. no diagnosis of multiple sclerosis yet).
I just recently found out about a family history of thyroid issues. Paternal grandmother and her siblings had Grave's Disease, and my uncle on the same side has Hashimoto's. The endocrinologist didn't know this when we did the tests. Is there any reason to go and get another examination in light of this new information?
I have neurological issues that also could explain these symptoms (tranverse myelitis many years ago and close relative with a demyelinating disease), but a full set of MRIs and many other neurological tests have not yielded an explanation either so far (i.e. no diagnosis of multiple sclerosis yet).
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Aug 06, 2006 12:00AM
, Aug 06, 2006 12:00AM
Retesting, including antibodies is reasonable -- make sure that free t4/t3 are measured to minimize abnormalities due to other conditions/medications.
