Possibly Hypo? VERY Frustrated

[smb4469]

Hi- I'm female, 38. For the last few yrs, I'm constantly tired, especially after meals. I'm gaining weight, have VERY heavy menses, dry hair / skin, peeling nails, always freezing, have edema in hands / feet, am always constipated (I drink tons of water)- have to take M.O.M DAILY, my shoulders ache, I get dizzy / lightheaded, my sex drive is very low, and have unexplained infertility for 15yrs.

Last week I started these 'episodes' (3 in 1 week). I get very lighthead / almost pass out, heart starts pounding, short of breath.. ends in a panic attack- feels like I'm dying. I'm not stressed. The 1st time I was taken to the E.R, then Dr. My ECG and chest x-rays were fine. 24hr heart monitor showed nothing. The Dr. ordered a TSH, suspecting low thyroid. I've had my TSH tested recently & it's normal. Response has been 'Go see a psychologist'. FRUSTRATING!

I went to get my bloodwork and asked about including Hashimoto's. They said no- Wait and see what my TSH is (it's NORMAL). WHY can't it be included?? I can't continue wait; I cannot function. I'm afraid to leave the house. I'm getting more and more depressed. Why are doctors so hesitant to test for this?

**Do you think I'm a candidate for Hashimoto's or some other thyroid disorder that maybe is going undetected? I can't find a doctor that will listen to me. I'm sorry this is long. I'm in tears as I type this. Any information or feedback you can provide will be most appreciated.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The recent episodes do not sound typical for hashi but the other symptoms (while non-specific for hashi) could suggest hashi.  Would test antibodies - these are associated with infertility and miscarriage.  

The other, more likely diagnosis that may put much of this together is PCOS.

[smb4469]

I eat a VERY healthy diet- well-balanced, low carb.. never fast or fried food, and I exercise consistently.

[Thindy]

Hi. I couldn't help but notice your post here. 3 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Hashi's. All of the symptoms you describe I have as well including lots of hair loss. My regular doctor checked my thyroid levels and they were fine. However, when I went to see my endo he checked my anti-bodies and the test came back abnormal. My antibodies were extremely elevated ( the 2 that were elevated were indicative of hashi's.) Finally an answer to something I have dealt with for years. A lot of times we as patients have to do our own research and seek out the doctor who will do thorough testing!! If you haven't already you need to get your antibodies checked. Hope this helps! Let me know.

[smb4469]

Thank you so much for your response / sharing your experience. I'm struggling so much with this- Have been silently for years. Figured that's just 'how it is', as my TSH kept coming back normal. The last time I had an endo test my TSH was Nov. He grilled me about my marriage, asked me about my family history- When he heard my Mom died of pancreatic cancer, he asked if she was a heavy drinker (which she was NOT).. So his response was 'Well, then why did she get it?'. Are you kidding me??!! Again, it came back normal. He suggested I go see a psych and that maybe I needed to be on an anti-depressant. I walked away very discouraged and very upset, and just continued to deal with this. Up until these episodes started.

Oh, and yes.. I'm losing hair- it kind of goes in spurts, but my outer eyebrows are all but completely gone... And some other things- I'm slightly anemic, have very low body temperature (rarely is it over 98.2), low blood pressure (like 85/60), and slightly high cholesterol.

I demanded the nurse approve the lab where I had my blood drawn include the Hashimoto's test. She said she'd ask the doctor, and I said I didn't care what he said; I wanted it done. It's no loss to them, so I don't get what the resistance is all about. She said she'd let the doctor know, and I haven't heard anything back. My husband is furious and said that if they didn't order it, he is going to go there and tell them where to stick it. If that happens, what do I do?? Find another random endo that is open to doing the test? How can I convince these people I'm not crazy and it isn't in my head??

[smb4469]

I ran out of room in last post- How are you feeling now that you've been diagnosed and are taking meds?

[Thindy]

Thanks for your quick reply!! I am 36-very close to your age. My Doc put me on Levoxyl. It seems to have helped the mood and lethargy. As far as my hair-it's too early to tell. They say it can take 2-3 months to notice a difference. I also have lived silently about this and feel so much better now that I have a reason for everything!!

[Thindy]

My blood pressure is normally 80/60 like yours!! My body temp is continually low and my heart rate is very slow (56 bbm) - everyone has always attributed the slow heart rate to the fact that I am in great shape and exercise!! I'm not sure what my TSH levels are. Have you ever asked about what your antithyroglobulin and antiperoxidase levels were. Mine were in the thousands and they are supposed to be like 0-30!!

[smb4469]

Wow- We sound WAAY too much alike, and it really makes me feel somewhat hopeful.

I haven't asked about those other values, and I wonder if those were even captured last time. I WILL get a copy of my bloodwork this time though for sure. Thanks for the tip!

Yep, I've been written off as having low blood pressure, etc.. because I work out, too. Another thing I notice is that I have more energy when I DON'T eat. I don't know if my body goes into overdrive when there's food, or what. Exercise helps *a little* with energy, but only for a short time after the workout.

I hope your meds  continue to help you, and that your hair loss stops. We're way too young for that. My hair is thin in the first place, and when I go through spurts of losing 'chunks' of it, I am afraid to comb it or wash it, or do anything with it. Its to the point where I never blow dry it (it's already dry), and that's really helped. Good thing the straight look (vs. 80's big hair) is in, right?!

Thanks again. And if you ever want to email (so we don't hog the board) my email is ***@****. I'd love to compare notes. Thanks- You've been very kind!!

Wishing you the best!

[ciaobellaxoxo]

You have many of the same items I have as well.  I was diagnosed with Hashimoto. I also have anemia and feel that I have more advanced Hypothyroidism but my doctor will not treat me. He doesn't know much about thyroids. My biggest problem though is that I have a large goiter and it is cutting off my breathing and my throat is closed up and I'm having trouble swallowing.  I just wish if a Dr didn't know anything about what you need they would tell you so you could get help instead of writing it off.  Good luck!

[pocketsfull]

does anyone know whether excessive synthroid causes early menopause?

[smb4469]

Hi-

Thanks for the response.. I'm sorry to hear you're suffering so much- especially with the swallowing. I can't imagine adding that to the list of symptoms. You should really push to find a doctor that is more experienced in thyroid treatment- Unless people experience these things, they can't appreciate or understand how much it impacts our lives. I haven't been diagnosed yet, but I'm hopeful that the tests will show something. I can't go on unexplained any longer.

I have always been a bit anemic and have had slightly high cholesterol (forgot to mention that), in spite of my diet. My blood pressure is always VERY low, too.. but I've also been told it's because I exercise frequently.

I hope you are able to get your swallowing problem under control, and that you're able to find a doctor that will help get you back to feeling 'human' again.

Take care,
Stacey

[kitcurious]

I have an elevated TSH, diffuse goiter and no antibodies for Hashis. I am under treatment. This is because of the elevated TSH. Synthroid (et al) doesn't treat Hashis, nothing does. Synthroid treats TSH levels. If yours are good then, to my understanding, thyroid is not likely the problem. If they turn out to be elevated then you may have anissue with it.
Good luck with further testing.

[borninquisitive]

Check for a lab near you: http://www.healthcheckusa.com/
The antibodies test: http://www.healthcheckusa.com/lab_tests/Thyroid_Screenings/Anti-Thyroid_Antibodies

I used code 12345 for 10% off.

Good luck!
~Kate

[smb4469]

Thank you for your response. I will have the Dr. check for antibodies (although it's been a fight to get anything beyond TSH tested). One thing to note is that I've chronically been suffering from everything outside of the recent 'episodes' for many years. I'm more concerned about how I've been feeling recently- the extreme tiredness started it.. but it's the dizziness, shaking, shortness of breath and tightness in chest that came on quickly, with the tightness in my chests that persists. I'm tired and cold ALL of the time and I've had a constant headache that doesn't seem to go away.

One of the other reasons I suspect a thyroid problem (besides the other stuff) is because for 10 years I've been slightly (very slightly) anemic, have high cholesterol (in spite of my good diet), my blood pressure is consistently ~86/60, and my body temperature rarely reaches over 98.2.

I'm pretty sure I was tested for PCOS back a few years ago when we went through extensive fertility treatment. If I have PCOS, I'm confused what these other symptoms could be from, because in reading about PCOS, I have alot of other things happening that don't seem to fit.

**Can you recommend a good endo that would be open to doing extensive testing for either autoimmune or another thyroid disorder somewhere west of Chicago? I don't know what to do next if this Dr. won't help me.

[smb4469]

Kate,

Thanks for the info- I very much may have to go that route if I can't get a diagnosis or a doctor to listen to me. I won't accept another 'unexplained', or worse yet, that I have anxiety and I should be on meds.. because I know it is NOT that.

Thanks again!!

[Tammy67]

Hello I am a female 39 who has had symptoms ranging from visual disturbance, fatigue, weight gain, inability to lose weight, mental fatigue including memory, confusion, (brain fog) headaches, tingling hands up to shoulders at night when trying to sleep and tingling in feet also (sometimes even just sitting in a certain position) sensitivity to cold, & light, racing heart while idle, low blood pressure 90/60 and more recently tight feeling in chest, choking, trouble clearing my throat, hoarseness, I started to tell my doctor of my symptoms a few months after the birth of my third child three years ago. My optometrist said I had swollen vessels behind my eyes, she said it was a warning sign of something to go to my doctor. he did the usual blood tests (normal) sent me to an eye doctor
eye doctor called it some kind of optical migraine. as my symptoms got worse I started to feel depressed went back to my Doc this Jan told him I was not comfortable with diagnosis of migraine. agreed I was a little depressed was given wellbutrin I told him I wanted to see a neurologist he agreed referred me and set up a ct scan of my head test showed cyst in my brain but doctor said it was nothing, went to neurologist upon examining me in his office told me he didn't think anything was wrong with me, but was sending me for a couple tests blood, e.e.g. and cartoid ultrasound. the tech who performed cartoid ultrasound, decided to also do a thyroid ultrasound and found I have multi nodules on my thyroid one of them being 1 inch in size and having both cyst and solid tissue. My thyroid is also very enlarged. My doctor insists this is a total coincidental finding and that my symptoms are not caused by my thyroid because my TSH level is a 1 so my thyroid is working fine I asked him to test my antibodies and he did I don't know my exact numbers but the nurse did tell me one came back high, I am so scared that I could have thyroid cancer. My doctor has made a ref to a Endocron for me but I am terrified, If anyone has any similar situations I would like to here from you
thanks

[cosmicsoul]

I am so sorry to hear your frustration. I have no idea why doctors are so idiots - what is that they dont undestand about ordering antibody tests? Actually thyroid hormone therapy WILL reduce the number of antibodies, but it will take some time. I am on Armour thyroid and worked SO much better for me than Synthroid. Armour Thyroid saved my life. I encourage you to look into it. If you need to drive a 100 miles to get to a doctor who will prescribe it - it will probably worth it. I gained energy, lost weight, grew hair, feeling so much better. What was your exact TSH number? You know that anything above 2 is not really healthy especially if you are feeling crappy. There is not much thyroid awareness out there in doctors - as you can see from the people who posted to your original post. Many of us are written off as mental cases - what a pathetic situation! But of course there is VIAGRA - forget about women suffering from thyroid diseases. At least we have VIAGRA for men's pathetic problems! It is time that doctors know what they are doing - but we cant wait for that. Find another doctor until you find the right one. It took me 6 doctors until I found a good one. And even now I keep two on hand so I can get what I want. Good luck to you!

[cosmicsoul]

Ohh I feel your pain. Is not it something that doctors can not or will not help you? I am so sorry to hear all your scares and suffering. Have they even done a biopsy on the nodules of your thyroid? That is the first step to decide about cancer. Please do not worry in vain - first you have to find out for sure if you have one. I am not certain that antibodies have to do with cancer. I would not think so.. but I could be wrong. Go to about.thyroid.com and look for thyroid surgeons and doctors in your area. Hang in there I hope it will work out for you. Good luck!

[homeloanchic]

Hello I am a 35 year old female with fatigue, weight gain, stiffness of joints, VERY heavy mensus (cannot leave the house for first 2 days), constant cold feet, and my normal temperature is 97.1, irritable, night sweats/hot flashes.  
I easily lose my voice and for the last year my tongue has swollen several times(?).  
I feel like I am 60 years old.  I wake up tired/sluggish.  My stiff body makes my sex life almost non-existent.  And when I get a virus I seem to get it worse than anyone in my family.
I began complaining about some of these symptoms to my doctor 5 months after the birth of my second child.  He blamed it on the stress of the new baby and my career...he did check my thyroid and said it was normal.  He prescribed antidepressants - after taking them for 1 month my husband asked me to stop - all they made me do is not care.
I went to a different doctor 2 years later... a female thought it would help...she tested my thyroid said it was normal - she said I was tired from my weight gain - prescribed a diet pill - quit taking that because it made me more irritable.
I am so tired all the time - my husband is supportive to a point but he doesn't understand how come the doctors say there is nothing wrong with me - even I am beginning to think I am crazy.
Several months ago my mom went to a hormone specialist that tested her antibodies (?) said she has autoimmune of the thyroid.  Sorry, don't know correct terms.
Now, she wants me to go get tested the doctor told her it can be inherited.  I want to go get tested - I am tired of feeling bad all the time - but think the doctor will think I am a crazy person.  Always coming in and asking for thyroid tests - even though they (TSH & FreeT4) come back in normal ranges.
Is it possible to inherit this?  

[cosmicsoul]

I feel your pain too. ALWAYS get your test results in your hands!!!!!!!!!! YES! Autoimmune diseases can be inherited - unfortunately! If your TSH was more than 1.5 - you could be hypothyroid. It might be a challange to find a doctor who can understand this - the one who listens to YOU rather than to your lab results... Now, you do have to get other tests done and you also have to get the lab result copy to your hand - if they refuse to give it to you - raise hell. You are paying their salary! Test these: TSH, FreeT4, FreeT3, Antibodies: TPO (Thyroid peroxidase), T4 and T3. If your antibodies numbers come back high - it can be the underlying issue to your symptoms - called Hashimotos Thyroditis. What is happening? Although your thyroid numbers are normal - a process against your body begun to destroy your thyroid gland by your high antibody count. If you have high number of antibodies, eventually you will not be able to make enough thyroid hormones and your blood work will not be normal. I know people who are on thyroid medication with 145 antibodies and 3.5 TSH. You do not have to have high numbers escalated and be misearble to take medicine, but you have to have some numbers out of range so doctors will be able to prescribe. Please get a labwork and find another doctor (I went through 6, and now I keep 2 on hand to get all that I want). I wish you good luck and that your frustration will be gone soon.

[happyandhypo]

Your last post mentioned that you, "keep 2 on hand to get all that I want"?  Do you mean you keep two doctors on hand to get all the medicine you want or all the results you want?    

[cosmicsoul]

Yes I keep two doctors. If one refuses to test for something (all doctors even good doctors do that) then I have to ask the other one. Usually for testing - not for medicine. I am only on Armour and natural hormones so I get these medicines no problem. Sometimes doctors refuse to test something. I am pretty much into prevention - most doctors arent. There is a genetic cardio disease runs in my family and he refused to test me for that. Then he wrote me a labwork later and included this disease in it. Guess what. I tested positive for that - Factor V laiden disease that is. Just something good to know.