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Thyroid  (Expert Forum)
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Dry skin/lack of perspiration
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).
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MedHelp Member's Question

Dry skin/lack of perspiration

by 1Bullseye, Sep 27, 2005 12:00AM
I am a seemingly healthy 50 year old male with little previous health history other than hay fever like allergies. I have been to 8 different Doctors in the last 16 months. No one is able to figure me out. I have been plagued by dry skin my entire life. It started to get worse two years ago. I also noticed at that time my face has gotten redder, especially when I get in a warm environment. Also, I have trouble perspiring. In the winter I run on my tread mill for a half hour and just get a red face and hot feeling. In summer I perspire very little. My heart just races and my face gets redder and I get a head ache.  My skin is real dry all year round, worse in winter. I have feel more fatigued. My libido is low. My sleep is interupted frequently. I have cronic neck pain and sore hip joints. Thryoid tests show low normal, cortisol test shows low normal @ 8am. There is a history of thyroid problems on my Dad's side of the family. I did have one radiation treatment for an enlarged thyroid as an infant. Am I hypothyroid? One Doctor mentioned adrenal gland issues. I just want to get rid of this dry skin, red face, sore neck, sore hips, fatique, low libido, and start to sweat. HELP!
Doctor's Answer

by Mark Lupo, M.D., Sep 27, 2005 12:00AM
Not an easy question - regarding the thyroid and exposure to radiation as an infant - an ultrasound should be done to exclude a suspicious nodule as rad exposure as a child increases risk of thyroid cancer.  The thyroid blood tests "normal" to me means TSH 0.4-2.0, normal T4/T3 and negative thyroid antibodies - if this is the case - it's not likely the thyroid as source of symptoms.



I would consider an ACTH stimulation test for adrenal given the low/normal 8am level (if by that you mean <11).  Must check testosterone as well as IGF-1 (growth hormone test).  



The sore joints and fatigue could be a rheumatologic problem - check ANA (lupus screen), rheumatoid arthritis, markers of inflammation, etc.;...



The lack of sweating/dry skin may not have an easily treatable cause.....



Those are the endocrine suggestions -- good luck....
Member Comments (8)

by tnt406, Sep 27, 2005 12:00AM
To: Dr.Mark
Hi no I am not on blood thinners.Because of the blood clot.I guess you could say I am a hard one to treat.Not much fun huh?I all so wanted to let you know some of the other things that have been going on with me.My hair is falling out more you can see my scalp in some areas.Thats another thing that tipped my neurologist off.I all so had gained 5 pounds.I use to weigh 155 I now weigh 160.My voice is more hoarse,and my throat is more sore.I don't eat that much because I don't feel real hungry.My husband is all ways trying to get me to eat.But I just don't have an appetite.I am all so having problems with my bowels.I am constipated more than usuall now.Some times I don't have a bowel movement for a week or two.My skin is more dry and flaky all so.I went back to the hospital this morning and had my blood redrawn.Hopefully they will get it right this time.They deleted my other blood tests in there computer.They said that they where sorry,the one that deleted them put in some thing else.I guess it worked out for the best though.Do you think these symptoms are coming from my thyroid?Thank you TNT406.

by Mark Lupo, M.D., Sep 28, 2005 12:00AM
To: tnt406
Regarding blood thinners -- people who have had a clot take blood thinners to prevent a future clot....of course this depends on your situation.



Your symptoms are a little more severe than the thyroid panel from last week -- suggesting it may be more than thyroid.  You have had an ANA test right?  Also, a gastro-enterology evaluation may be helpful given your stomach, etc symptoms.



Tough case - sorry you are going through so much.  Is there a university center in your area for a more thorough evaluation?

by tnt406, Sep 28, 2005 12:00AM
To: Dr.Mark
Hi There is one around,it is about 150 miles from where I lieve at.I really don't want to travel that far.I don't know what an ANA test is.What is it?I just want to start feeling better again.I miss playing with my children.Yesterday evening I had severe leg aches,I couldn't walk because of the pain.My legs are all ways going out on me.I all so have trouble remembering what day it is.I for get how to use my fingers and hands.Some times when I am walking,I will start going backwards and don't why.I for get how to do little things,tieing my shoes,buttoning my shirt,or how to sit down in a var.I know all of these things sound weird.It's weirder for me,because I use to not be this way.I use to be a teacher,pre-school.I had to give it up due to doctors orders.Because I was having a hard time then.It has progressed over the months.I look in the mirror but I don't see me know more.I see a shell of my self.All hope gone of ever finding out whats wrong.TNT406

by Mark Lupo, M.D., Sep 28, 2005 12:00AM
ANA is a blood test which screens for problems such as Lupus.



I understand your reluctance to travel 150 miles, but you are young to have all these problems and I do not think that thyroid problems as the only cause.

by ShannieK, Sep 28, 2005 12:00AM
To: TNT
Hi there, I agree with Dr Mark, you have been having so many problems, and I would love to see you get some answers, you are young, and have so much of your life yet to live, My hope is you get the answers that you are searching for.  It's a long drive, but just imagine, being able to find out what's going on, I wish you luck TNT, I hope the neurologist you are seeing, might be shedding some light on what is going on, I'm with Dr Mark though, I just can't see thyroid being the whole problem, it sounds more serious than that, there missing something somewhere, and I pray that they find it, Keep me posted.  Shannon

by ShannieK, Sep 28, 2005 12:00AM
To: TNT
Hi there, I just wanted to add after looking at your last posts, I am very surprised that you have not had an ANA done, that is great advice, with all of your joint pain and such, and so many of the symptoms of those connective tissue diseases resemble thyroid disorders.  In fact, I was first diagnosed with Lupus, because of all the similiarities between the two, however I did not have a rash