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Hashimotos and Breathing Problems?

Hi I have been visiting this site for awhile, but this is the first time I have posted. I haven't seen anything regarding what I am experiencing, but am wondering if it is related to my hashis/hypo condition. I was diagnosed with hashis in September this year. I am still in the med adjustment era, and am currently on Synthroid 100mcg. I have been experiencing for the past 3 days a hunger for air. I CAN'T take a deep enough breath. I feel hungry for air constantly, not just with exertion, but constantly. This is the fourth episode I've had with this over the past year. It has lasted 1-3 weeks each time. The first time I went to walk-in and was told it was just gas (I knew better), the second time I had spirometry performed, as well as a chest CT which both were normal. This was before I was diagnosed hashis although around the same time I noticed my goiter. My family doc told me I was having panic attacks although I didn't feel this was accurate. (He also tested my TSH at this time per my request 4.5 perfectly fine he told me no chance my thyroid was off-I am now in the care of an endocrinologist-after my TSH hit 15.) He(my family doc) prescribed Innopran (a beta blocker)for my breathing problems, which I didn't take because I thought if it was bronchospasm it would worsen my breathing troubles. I had my TSH tested yesterday for my 6 week check after dosage increase, but won't have results till monday. Are breathing problems such as I've described commonly associated with hypo patients???
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Avatar universal
Just read your post of 1-24 about looking for a good doctor in the Milwaukee area and have a suggestion.  Do a search on Mary Shoman's Thyroid Top Doctors Directory and you can look up by your zip code and get the nearest one to you.  There will be a message from one of the patients who have been seen by the doctor.  I did this in the Salt Lake City area and found a very caring doctor.  Not one that tells you to go home and suffer.  Can you imagine what would happen if everyone that has chronic fatigue or fibromalgia got their thyroid under control and never saw thos individual doctors again? Also you can sign up with her weekly news letter and get lots of pertinent info.  She was a thyroid sufferer and has vowed to help the rest of us get decent treatment.  Good luck.
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Avatar universal
My son was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism, originally he complained of panic attacks and also was getting lightheaded,after the blood tests results came in.. his numbers were extremly high and was put on a generic synthroid med. and was told his symptoms were due to the tyroid problem.... good luck to you!
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Avatar universal
Hi lovethehuskers.  I always have my tests done without taking the meds.  Do some research on this.  I think taking them can cause the blood levels to spike.  Good luck at your appointment.

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Avatar universal
Quick question.  I have an appointment tomorrow a.m. with my primary care dr to discuss my TSH levels.  I am assuming he will want to do blood work.  Should I take my Synthroid in the morning before blood work is done?  Or should the tests be run without meds?
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Avatar universal
Thank you to the two of you who replied to my post.  I have decided to go back to my primary care dr. and see if he will let me try Armour.  I'll keep you posted.  It's good to know others have been in this awful "boat" and can relate to how I feel.
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Avatar universal
You could be telling my story! I went hyper, had RAI and gained 50 lb in 3 months! I was on Synthroid for 2-1/2 years and never felt right. Convinced my doctor to try Armour, then found a doctor who knew what he was doing with it. I'm now taking 4 grains of Armour (240 mg), and I have lost 10 lb without even noticing. I feel so much better, can do things again, like cleaning my house. I was never a runner, though, and I still can't run!
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Avatar universal
Your TSH is still at hypo level. The new range as revised by the AACE, is 0.3 to 3.0, so that anthing above that upper end, is still considered hypothyroid. The AACE also recommends a TSH at around 1.0 for patients on thyroid replacement hormone.
So many people are UNDERtreated, due to many Dr.s not knowing enough about treatment guidelines. They will tell a patient a TSH is "perfect", even when it's high-normal.
Also to add even more problem, most labs still use the old TSH range of about 0.5 to 5.0 and are very slow in adjusting to the revised range listed above.
Bottom line; You are undertreated.
If your Dr. is like many, he will never admit this and will likely make you feel ridiculous for suggesting it. This should raise a red flag, to get a NEW DOCTOR.
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Avatar universal
I was diagnosed Hyper in March 05.  I only knew because I have jogged 3-miles a day for 5 years and a year ago was barely able to jog 50 yards without feeling gassed.  Since I am 40 yrs old and would like to have one more child within the next year, I opted for radioactive iodine in August 05.  My thyroid didn't quit working until November when I gained 20 pounds (before Thanksgiving) became unable to move due to joint pain and became a huge puffy blob of a human.  I finally called my Endo who put me on 100 MCGs of Synthroid at the end of November.

I just had my labs done on Jan 12, and my TSH 3rd generation was 3.578 with a ref range of .400 - 5.100.  
I am still unable to run without feeling completely out of breath and like my muscles have no energy.  I am also unable to drop any of the extra weight I gained.  Just curious if others have experienced this and if trying Armour has worked for them.  I (like most others on this site) just want to feel and look normal again.
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Avatar universal
Lindy,

When your TSH is high  your actual thyroid hormones are low...
TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone. When your actual thyroid hormones T-3 & T-4 are low the pituatary sends out the thyroid stimulating hormone to, of course, stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones for your body. which means your medication usually needs to be increased to make up for the low thyroid hormones & high TSH.

When the stimulating hormone (TSH) is too low, the actual thyroid hormones are usually high. Which means your medication needs to be reduced to prevent too much thyroid hormone from being utilized.

The AACE (American Academy of Endrocrinologist) now recommends a TSH level of (.3-3.2) I beleive. If I've quoted it correctly.
Dr. Mark (the endrocrinologist on this forum) usually tells everyone to try & keep their TSH around 1 to feel their best.

You may already know this, but in reading your post, it almost sounds like the Dr. did the opposite with you. Letting you go hypo & actually your last TSH is still alittle high. Does your Dr. check yout free T-3 & free T-4 along with your antibodies too. It may give you more of a whole picture where you stand.

I know you are new to this forum but it's good to post the normal lab values with your lab as most normals generally the differ somewhat from lab to lab.

Dr. Mark should be back on the forum soon. He's been gone for a couple of weeks now & he's really good about answering any questions you have. Just post as new question when they start accepting them again. Or ask more questions here if you need too.

                         Welcome Aboard, Jean
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Avatar universal
Hello to everyone. This is the first time I have posted to this site, but in looking for some answers to my symptoms, I have read posts from so many that have same issues as me. After the birth of my daughter 20 years ago I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease. It took years to get me regulated but finally success with symthroid .2mg. I took this for years but last year during a check-up my doctor said my thyroid levels were a bit high. I had no symptoms at that time but had been dieting and for the first time in my life had been successful. I lost 75lbs. then instead of feeling better I began to feel awful. At one point my TSH level was 12.5, my medication was reduced to .150mg of synthroid, in October 2005 my TSH waas 6.5, then in December my level was 4.5. My doctor says this is normal, but I still experience anxiey, nervousness, some times I can actually sleep 5 hous at night other times I just seem to spend the night resting. My arms go to sleep at night, my weight loss quite, as a mater of fact I have gained back 30 pounds while still being very careful with what I eat. I also have found I have to watch for periods of low blood sugar throughout the day, but in the morning I have days were it is over 6 (after fasting all night). I have also started to experience shorness of breath in the last few days. This morning I went for blood work, so should get results in as few days. This morning out of frustration I didn't talke by synthroid. I'm at a pont where I'm trying to help myself but I don't know if I need more or less medication. Tahnks for listening any suggestions are wwelcome.
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Avatar universal
Buzzman, you are so right about people needing to learn as much as possible.  I am glad you are doing better with the swtich of meds and I hope it continues!
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Avatar universal
Although I do not want others to have the shortness of breath and heart palpitations, it is good to know that they are symptoms of hypothyroidism.

just_breathe I am sorry you are still feeling so bad.  I wonder if you would do better on a T3/T4 medicine like Armour instead of a T4 only like Synthroid?
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Avatar universal
BeachBrat1964 do keep looking for another doctor for you and your daughter.  You deserve to feel better.

It is very frustrating and unfair that people have to fight so hard to get the treatment they need.
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Avatar universal
Everybody is very different. One thing that works for one person may not work for another, and all of us are prime examples of that.

AMEN TO THAT STATEMENT...There's some on this site who insists on just the opposite!!! They fail to see we are all unique individuals & what works for one does not always work for another.

                              Good Luck & God Bless, Jean
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Avatar universal
Well I think it was the cytomel that has been killing me for the past year. Asked my family MD to ditch the T3 and up my levoxyl to .112, and have continued to feel better over the past two weeks. My energy level has improved and the shortness of breath is barely noticeable and continues to lessen. Hope it's not a fluke.
One good thing about family MDs vs. an Endo is that at least my family MD will go along with most anything I suggest that seems reasonable. Some Specialists think they know what's good for you wether it makes you feel good or not.
Everybody is very different. One thing that works for one person may not work for another, and all of us are prime examples of that. Evidently everyone on this site has gone from frustration with their doctors and situation to educating themselves. I think that we can be our own best physicians assistants. I hope this course of treatment continues to work for me, if not I'll keep on "suggesting" treatment options, changing doctors and studying until something does.
I hope and pray that you all can find what works too.
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Avatar universal
Hi -

I've been experiencing the shortness of breath, heart palps, overall air hunger.  I feel miserable day-in and day-out.  I was diagnosed hypo (TSH 36) a little over a year ago and within two months of being on synthroid, had what I can only describe as a panic attack.  

I've had about three more major panic attacks since and have been testing my TSH/T4 every two months or so.  I was on 75mg synthroid for most of the time (original doctor wouldn't increase it even though my TSH was around 4-5).  New doctor increased synthroid to 100mg but it took my levels too low.  I just tested at 0.06 and had a really scary experience two weeks ago.  I was home alone and my air completely cut off (felt like choking) -- my husband rushed home and by that time, I was breathing again but now I am really SCARED.  Some days it's so bad, I just don't want to "speak" -- it takes too much out of me.

I know this isn't psychological - I'm not depressed, just want to feel normal.  The only plus is that I ditched my first doc (who wouldn't listen to my symptoms) and feel more in control of my health.  But I still feel like **** and have no hope of relief.

My endo also tested my insulin, testorone and told me those levels are normal but my LH/FSH levels are off, meaning I have PCOS.  I'm normal weight, no major acne or hair growth on weird parts of body.  Some Minor hair loss on top of head.  I'm not willing to go on the diabetic drug endo said would help PCOS.  Can't imagine adding THOSE side effects to what I have now.  

I can't live like this -- my husband is a saint, taking care of me and the house and luckily I'm not working right now...but I feel hot, palps and lack of air all day long.  It's horrible and I feel exhausted at night, even if I've lazed around all day.

I live in Northern Chicago suburbs, so if anyone has any advice or good docs they can recommend - please pass info along.  I will do my best to offer any support to those who need it.  This has been a difficult year as I felt FINE before starting synthroid and MISERABLE since "treatment".  Seriously, I had NO health problems prior to diagnosis and this so-called treatment, except for minor fatigue and horrible cramps once a month.  But, I'd happily go back to that if I could.  I only went to my doctor because mom/sisters all have thyroid problems and figured I should get tested.

Sorry so long - I just needed to get that out!

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Avatar universal
Hi all,
I too have terrible problems with shortness of breath, and it seems to happen when my meds need to be increased and my tsh is going higher, right now its 2.5 i am hashi/hypo and I know it needs to be lower... but the shortness of breath seems to be a irritating symptom to say the least!!
I hope someday ppl will not have to  beg and plead with their dr.s for help, my daugher who is 14 is also hypo. I do not want her to suffer the way I have and the way most of us have!!
I wish I lived somewhere in Fl besides BFE north central fl and could find a good doc I will NEVER give up. But sometimes its so hard... you feel good for one week outta 3 whooo wee yheeaa haaa...... I wanna feel good again like I used to I am 41 and know there is alot of life to live and I will fight to get what I need and find a doc who will do it for me and more for my baby girl so she does not have to get as bad as I have...
I know it takes patience... but prevention is the cure in her case..
take care all
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Avatar universal
Hello everyone, I just joined this board.

I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and I also have shortness of breath.  I am still in the process of getting my meds regulated.  When they need to be increased, the shortness of breath gets worse and I also get heart palpitations. It is good to know that these can be symptoms of hypothyroidism.

I hope we all feel better soon!
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Avatar universal
You might want to check out StopTheThyroidMaddness.com I saw it listed here and wow!!! Informative and well put together. You may find the answers to your questions there.

PNWBabe
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Avatar universal
Ok well my endocrinologist just called with my TSH results from Friday. TSH 0.6. So I explained to him that save for the relief of joint pain, all other symptoms persist. I have extreme fatigue, mental fog, hair loss, and now breathing problems to name a few. So he said that all must be from something else besides my thyroid! Excuse me? So now that my TSH is 0.6 he won't do anything else and he suggests I see my family doc to figure out what is causing all of my symptoms that are NOT THYROID RELATED. Ridiculous! Oh he also told me that Armour thyroid is GREAT-for pigs only, and that he won't try it. The T3 tests are useless according to him. One thing is for sure..I'll be looking for a new Dr. now. I am NOT going to waste my time
feeling like **** and just accept it. Does anyone know of a good doctor in the Southeaster Wisconsin/Milwaukee area? I'm in the market for one.
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Avatar universal
Hi,

I have just a bit of sympathy! This story is SO common to hear - for my entire life, I was underweight, even after having 3 children, I only weighed 115 lb at 5'6" tall. Then I began what my doctor decided was menopause. For 2 years, I took HRT, had no periods and only gained 5 lb. Then I quit smoking, and became hypER. It took 7 months to get that diagnosis, though......the end result of that was I had RAI to "kill" my thyroid. I went very hypo and gained 50lb in 3 months! My endo discussed the "relationship of diet and exercise to weight", and my GP just laughed at me! Yes, laughed! I wanted to smack him, but didn't.

So, I (and millions of other hypO women) know exactly how you felt!
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Avatar universal
Well Now,  I have found this so very interesting (as usual)  I went to my dr 3 weeks ago telling him I was finding it very difficult to take a deep breath and I could not shake the feeling of being out of breath.  So he did a chest xray told me I was fine my shortness of breath was due to the fact that (quote) "I had gained so much weight"(he really made my day with this comment :o( ) (I have gained 55 pounds over past few years)  I have hashi and am hypo.  My ENT had just put my on 25mcg of cytomel twice daily 2 weeks before I went to my family doctor. I told him I was taking the cytomel. (I also take 100mcg of synthroid) He said the cytomel would not cause shortness of breath.  Hmmm.. I am really having my doubts about my dr.  I have always just loved him in the past but my last visit really put me off. If I sound upset, I guess I am just needing to vent! sorry to dump on you nice folks.  Also, does it seem strange that I started the Cytomel with 1 pill the first day and then went to taking 2 times daily.  What I have been reading is that most people seem to start off with a lower dosage. I will say that this past week or so I have notice that my shortness of breath is better maybe I am getting used to the cytomel. THANK YOU ALL FOR LISTENING
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Avatar universal
I also work in a hospital. In fact I am a respiratory therapist who deals with respiratory disorders day in and day out. I understand anatomy and physiology. I don't think my problem is actually with my lungs due to the normal CT,spirometry,PFTs. I am glad to hear of someone else who describes the same symptoms. I actually found some literature on the internet that gave a few reasons for this particular problem including (1)respiratory muscle weakness including the diaphragm(Hypothyroid myopathy), (2)phrenic nerve impairment (which controls the diaphragm), and (3)decreased central respiratory drive(just think if being hypo can create such a "brain fog" due to decreased thyroid hormone in the brain-it makes since that it can wreak havoc on your respiratory drive as well.) I found this info at drlowe.com in case anyone is wondering.
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your suggestion. I'm pretty certain that it's one of these two thyroid meds. I'm a relativly athletic person, and I know what I'm capable of on a day to day basis. Doctors want to treat you like your sick. I don't feel sick and I don't feel like I have a sickness and it's not in my head. Docs don't want to believe that you can actually have an adverse reaction to a med. My doctor says that I shouldn't be having a problem because these are two relativly "benign" medications. I'll certainly suggest Armour to the endocrine guy if the adjustments we make up to the time I see him in April aren't successful. I wish we could just say to hell with it I'm not taking this stuff anymore. But then I remember what a lethargic babbeling slug I was before treatment.
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