Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Subject: Re: Is it possible that hypothyroidism and Fibromyalgia are connected?
Forum: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum
Topic Area: Fibromyalgia
Posted by CCF Neuro MD msf on December 03, 1998 at 12:33:33:
In Reply to: Is it possible that hypothyroidism and Fibromyalgia are connected? posted by Julie on November 30, 1998 at 11:49:43:



Hello.
A little background info for you. I've been sick for over a year. In
March I was diagnosed w/hyperthyroidism. In July I was diagnosed w/Graves
Disease. In August I had radioactive iodine treatment to help w/that. At
the end of September I started taking synthroid so I wouldn't go totally
hypothyroid. I went back for my 3rd 6 week check up and instead of getting
better I've gotten worse. My TSH levels have skyrocketed and now I'm
severely hypothyroid. My dosage has been doubled.

Now for my question. For the last week I have had horrible muscle weakness &
pain. I feel as if I have lifted weights or worked out w/every muscle group
in my body. It hurts to lift a paper. It hurts to sit, to walk, to sleep.
It hurts to lay still or move. Sometimes I have tingling too, but most of the time
I just have pain. If I push myself I can get things done, but I end up w/
severe abdominal and back pain.

I'm seeing an endocrinologist for the thyroid problems. Can he also deal w/
the muscle problems? Do you think it's possible they are related? What's
the next step, wait it out or seek help? I've had muscle pain for the last
month, but only in the last week has it become so severe. I also have swelling
in my hands.

Thanks for any advice you may have.

sincerely,
Julie

Dear Julie,

Thank you for your question. Muscle pain is a symptom which can be related to your thyroid problem, especially if your TSH level has been fluctuating a lot recently. A generalized weakness with fatigue can also be observed with hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones are controlling your global metabolism, so hypothyroidism can affect the function of many organs. As your TSH level returns to normal, your symptoms should improve gradually. If they don't, or if you have new symptoms developing, I would encourage you to seek medical attention. Your endocrinologist can tell you if all your symptoms can be explained by your thyroid dysfunction. But of course if any neurological deficit is observed (e.g. loss of sensation or paralysis in a limb), it would be preferable to be referred to a neurologist.

I hope my answer helps. Remember that this information is disclosed only for the purpose of general medical education.


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