Polyneuropathy and Low Thyroid

[JR1952]

Could long term untreated Hypothyroidism cause my  Polyneuropathy?  At 25 YO I was told that my heart rate at 40 BPM was normal.
At 53 I was told I had an enlarged heart and at 56 YO I was then told I was Hypothyroid.

Since then I have developed Polyneuropathy.
Is this Polyneuropathy like the rest connected to the thyroid?  

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Well, the diagnosis or severity of polyneuropathy is assessed with nerve conduction studies. You can follow up to see how you're progressing. Hopefully your symptoms are improving. Controlling the risk factors like hypothyroidism, taking vitamin supplement if needed and nerve medications like Lyrica may help to improve neuropathy. Also, continue with physical therapy or exercise, it helps improve the circulation and paresthesia.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[JR1952]

Thanks for your answer, right now my thyroid check is only once a year, that si all I guess they want to do, I have even switch Doctors about 2-years ago.

The new Doctor has sent me to the  Rheumatology (After a positive ANA test) and he to a  Neurologist about the cramping and parthesia in hands and feet.
My fatigue and soreness goes back along time before the thyroid at age of 28 not getting the fibromyalgia last December, and the parathesia went from being caused from spinal stenosis to idiopathic polyneuropathy last March.

I also though I had issue when I was 57 I had my appedix removed and also my left hip replaced and after both of the operations not needing any pain.
medications.

Just for your information when you look at me I believe I look OK, 6'-3" and 210 pounds, just way to many other issues, wish I felt better.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Hypothyroidism is the state of an underactive thyroid gland, which synthesizes the hormone thyroxine. The best way to control hypothyroidism is by replacement of the hormone thyroxine. Peripheral neuropathy may be caused by chronic untreated hypothyroidism. Although the association between hypothyroidism and peripheral neuropathy isn't fully understood, it's known that hypothyroidism can cause fluid retention resulting in swollen tissues that exert pressure on peripheral nerves. You have to ensure to take your medications regularly and you have to monitor the levels of your thyroid status at least once in three months.

Also, check to rule out diabetes, its the commonest cause for neuropathy.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.