Lyme and Thyroid?

[wonko]

I was wondering if lots of people with Lyme go on to develop thyroid problems, and if so, can treating the Lyme improve the thryoid condition?

I've developed several symptoms of hypothyroid around the same time I developed arthritis this Fall.  The symptoms I'm designating as hypothyroid-like include fatigue (like, wake up in the morning feeling tired and pinned down), heavy legs (like they are dipped in cemet), getting light-headed or "head rushes" when I stand up, difficulty losing (or even not gaining!) weight despite overall healthful, calorie conscience diet with exercise.  

I've had blood work done several times over the past year.  My TSH went from 2.67 to 3.02 to 3.35 in Jan, Oct, and Nov.  My T3 and T4 values are within range.  In Oct., I had thyroid antibodies in my blood but not in Nov.

I'm not sure it is "worth it" to try and see my PCP or go to an endocrinologist for this, or if I should give my Lyme treatment some time.  

There is a lot of overlap between hypo and Lyme symptoms.  I wonder if my thyroid could be a more treatable subset of my problems, or if it is all just Lyme, or if it's possible to tell!

Any advice or experiences are appreciated.
  

[PlateletGal]

I think there is a connection because CFS & fibro patients (also have pathogen issues)... have thryoid problems. In addition to that, Dr. David Jernigan, author of several books on lyme disease, recommends a natural test on his website to help find out if your thyroid needs support.

Best,

PlateletGal

[wonko]

Thanks for letting me know your situation.

I do think I should at least go back to my physician and ask about it.  If I do have a thyroid problem mixed in with the Lyme, I might get better faster if both are treated.  

I could certainly do without the light headedness and heavy clumsy feelings.

I haven't got back to my regular physician since I saw my LLMD.  So I'm a bit worried about it.   My physician told me over and over that I don't have Lyme.  Perhaps I'll wait until my W. blot results are back, which should be by the end of the month.

I've also been on mino, for about 1.5 weeks.  I've been swinging a lot symptom wise.  I should get a thermometer.  I don't think I've been as cold as you, but perhaps it's something I should be monitoring.

[kitty9309]

I have both.
I do have Hashimoto's hypo (positive antibodies/ultrasound) and a family history.
My TSH is now about perfect, but my free t3 and t3 are almost too low, at the very botton end of the range.
The doctor treating me for Lyme said that my deep tendon reflexes are slow and I have mild pre-tibial edema- all signs of hypo.
He is sending my endo (actually friends) a letter explaining how these chronic infections can affect the HPA axis and make the thyroid condition worse. it appears I am not getting the t3 into my cells. (something I never really believed could happen, except in rare cases- I have changed my mind)
My endo is willing to prescribe t3 and my Lyme doctor is very happy about that.
I think it can improve once the Lyme is treated. Only time will tell.
Since beginning a starter dose of minocycline 2 weeks ago, I have seen my body temp as low as 95.2. I checked it a few times b/c I thought for sure the thermometer was faulty!