Mom and Son's Mental Problems, Son's TSH very low, now very high

[Mikeinneb]

My wife has multiple hypothyroid symptoms, low blood pressure, low body temperature, cold extremities, dizzy spells, constant headaches and migraines, unexplained bruising, chest pains, constipation/gastro-intestinal problems, change in body odor, weight gain with swelling in abdomen, legs, ankles, and feet, higher cholesterol, irregular/heavy periods, loss of libido, etc. etc.
Mentally, she has/is suffering from depression, paranoia, anxiety, forgetfullness, hysterics, and few cases of delusions. She also has undergone a total personality change where she now hates me, with a big reason being I think she has a medical problem. (She is adament that she is fine.)

Our oldest son is also acting weird. He ran away in November and Mom and him moved out shortly after. Both of their behaviors have worsened over the past 6 months with little interaction with me. But they still blame me for everything.

My son has had two blood tests, the most recent last week.

April 4th, 2006
Free T4 -- 0.9 (0.8 to 1.8 for 12 to 17 year olds)
TSH -- 0.01 (0.4 to 5)



May 3rd, 2006
Free T3-- 2.6 (2.3-4.2)
Free T4-- 0.5 (0.5-1.1) Note Range Difference from Above
Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin
111% ((0 to 129%)
TSH (3rd Generation)-- 24.323 (0.4 to 5.1)
TSH Receptor Ab-- <5% (<10)


What I'm reading is that in 1 month his TSH went from undetectable to now almost 5 times above the reference range. I now have no idea what to think. But whatever he has, I'm sure it's what my wife has. Any incite would be appreciated.

[CatalinaMa]

Check out website of www.drrind.com. With your labs, temperature data and other info, he will do phone appointments (2 hours long) where he analyzes not only the labs in detail but your detailed history so that your wife/son don't get messed up more than they already are. He has already helped me with a problem unacknowledged by doctors for 30 years, even though I knew something was wrong. A lot of info is free on the site. He takes the time to find the real answers.

[Mikeinneb]

Thank you for the Responses,

Here's some things I forgot to mention initially in regards to my son. Per the pediatrician, my son hasn't grown in height in a year and a half. From two weeks ago, the Endocronologist felt that his thyroid was somewhat swollen.

Right now I'm in "information overload" trying to understand  this. Based on the first blood test, the "no growth", and behavioral problems, a Doctor that I consulted via telephone felt the information pointed to central hypothyroidism. The Endocronologist felt his thyroid "was getting ready to do something" and said he was looking for Grave's Disease. It was suggested on another discussion group I posted on that this is; Grave's Disease, because the TSI level clearly indicates that, and Early Hashimoto's, with the first blood test being a snapshot of him being in a transient "hyperthyroid" state. He definitely has hyperactive symptoms. However, his Mom has just about every hypothyroid symptom that is listed.

Again, any incite and comments is greatly appreciated.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Your son had subacute/silent thyroiditis - this is a transient over-active thyroid due to irritation/inflammation (often after an upper respiratory infection).  Usually within a month or so the thyroid will swing low as it recovers -- most people recover fully and treatment is not necessary -- would repeat the labs in a month.  If anti TPO or anti Tg antibodies are present, then the probability of a full recovery from the hypo phase (ie the high TSH) is lowered somewhat.

Regarding your wife -- TSH, Free T4 and antibodies would be a start.  It's not contagious - that we know of -- but antibodies can be hereditary.

[GravesLady]

It is not unusal for Hypo/Hashis' To go through a hyper stage before going hypo.

Perhaps you can get him in for another test with antibodies to confirm hypo or hyper.

Before hyperthyroidism was recognized as a disease, many patients with Graves' disease spent their days in asylums.