Autoimmune response to smallpox vacc/ subsequent hypothyroid

[TSHatsME]

I'm male and 34. In 1999, when I was extremely robust, I participated in a smallpox vaccine study which made me VERY acutely ill (likely response to vaccinia virus transporter). My health starting going downhill in every way afterwards, but in a very slow progression. I found that I needed to take sick days like never before, for things running the gamut of fatigue, severe constipation, internal pain in joints, headaches, and general malaise. Over a few years I exhibited depressive behavior, which became a bigger part of my life and included some hypomanic cycles. I gained 50 lbs and noticed my enlarged neckline, became frustrated with forgetfulness and lack of mental focus. Like a Dumb Male, I ignored this symptom set until I finally sought help for depression and libido loss 1 yr ago, after (ironically) meeting (and now married to) a psychologist who could put together these issues. One thing led to another, and I've just received a solid diagnosis of Hashi, but my pituitary is suspect and I get an MRI for that tomorrow. Now that I am learning of its probable autoimmune origin, you can probably guess that I am curious about my unscientific tie-in of this smallpox vacc to my hypothyroid condition. There have not been studies on this I am sure (sample size still small) but I am wondering if there is any data regarding earlier disease affliction or response to later HT problems. Thanks very much. Here are my numbers: Testo, Total 201; Testo, Free 47; TSH 5.85; Anti-TPO 43; T4 1.0; LH 2.0; FSH 3.3; also slightly elevated lvls for glucose, bun/creat, total choles, HDL (low).

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The testosterone is low for age -- the LH is inappropriately low in the setting of low T -- agree with pituitary MRI

I suppose it makes sense that the vaccine may have stimulated an underlying disposition to develop Hashi -- although I know of no data to support this regarding smallpox specifically.

Sounds like it is time to start thyroid hormone treatment & get the tsh to about 1.0 -- this is assuming your pituitary is normal and the TSH is reliable -- if not then keep the Free T4 in the upper range of normal with synthroid or levoxyl.

[mshypo]

just a comment on this...i don't find your experience of a vaccine possibly triggering hashi's unusual.  I have contact with several young folks (teenagers) with hashi's...and I've noticed that many of them seem to have had severe symptoms triggered by their Hepatitis B vaccinations.  I'm wondering if those vaccines have mercury in them...did your smallpox have it?

[HashiMan]

Hey, I found a website of another Dr. you mentioned to me in answer to my adrenal fatigue question. Dr. Rhind has info that describes me to the detail and was truely an eyeopener to me. I hope it is alright to quote a little on here. This is peice from an article;
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QUESTION. I have adrenal fatigue. Do I have to fix the adrenals before the thyroid? Can't I just take Armour or T-3 anyway?
ANSWER. If your adrenals can't handle the stress of the (thyroid) metabolic stimulation then you may harm them by taking thyroid in a dose that overwhelms them (this happened to me-HashiMan). In the short run, you may feel better with increased energy. In the long run, you enter the world of adrenal fatigue which can be worse than thyroid hypofunction since you get low thyroid AND low adrenal function. If it gets bad enough,you get purely adrenal symptoms and then wish for the good old days when it wasn't as severe. Fixing the adrenals is usually not such a bid deal. Most people do fine and it usually only takes some adrenal support supplements. Once the adrenals are stronger, you can tolerate more thyroid support.
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Wowee, that describes my problem!! I have absolute test proof that my Armour doses caused my cortisol to go very low at times and it maintains at the lower ends of normal. I think it's time for me to find a good adrenal supplement.
Why in the world are Dr.s having so hard a time recognizing this, just because it is not the life threatening form of adrenal under-functioning? I had a consultation with a well known Osteopath Physician a year ago who said same as above. She also gives Coertef adrenal support to thyroid people with this problem. Only reason I was warey of her advice till now is due to other Dr.s saying short term adrenal support was dangerous. Surely a non-steroid type would be much safer in small dose, short term?
mshypo and ancientmariner, you have both been a lot of help to me. Thank you.

[mshypo]

I'm as clueless as to why most docs don't recognize adrenal fatigue as to why they can't accept a person can be hypothyroid with a TSH of 2.  I honestly don't get it sometimes...the information is out there, but mainstream docs seem to just ignore it.  i think it has something to do with relying on labs for these things...and TSH can be unreliable and the standard ATCH stim test would probably make anyone respond unless they had Addison's...so it's just not a good test for low adrenal reserve.  And docs rely on these lab tests instead of symptoms so much of the time it seems. That's the "standard"...and of course docs get scared of getting sued if they don't follow the standard guidelines.  

But I'm glad you're getting some good information about your condition.  Taking adrenal support can be a miracle and life changing thing for folks who need it.