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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Thyroid and sleep apnea in non-overweight woman
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Thyroid and sleep apnea in non-overweight woman
by jrgood27, May 08, 2006 12:00AM
B/c I had so many symptoms, I started thyroid treatment 10 months ago after blood tests showed a TSH of 2.97 and Free T3 of 251 (230-420). Antibody tests were negative. I realize it's unusual to treat for hypoT with these results, but I've had dramatic improvement in some symptoms (constipation and depression).
I still have fatigue, concentration, and sleep difficulties. So I had a sleep study and was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (averaged 47 arousals/hr). I'm 36 and not overweight. (My apnea-like symptoms started at age 27. But I couldn't find a doctor who would prescribe a study until now).
My question is: though my thyroid tests are 'normal' could there be something wrong with my thyroid that is causing the apnea? Do I need an ultrasound? Or, conversely, can years of untreated sleep apnea cause one to have suboptimal thyroid levels?
Jenny
I still have fatigue, concentration, and sleep difficulties. So I had a sleep study and was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (averaged 47 arousals/hr). I'm 36 and not overweight. (My apnea-like symptoms started at age 27. But I couldn't find a doctor who would prescribe a study until now).
My question is: though my thyroid tests are 'normal' could there be something wrong with my thyroid that is causing the apnea? Do I need an ultrasound? Or, conversely, can years of untreated sleep apnea cause one to have suboptimal thyroid levels?
Jenny
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., May 09, 2006 12:00AM
, May 09, 2006 12:00AM
Unless the thyroid is very large on ultrasound, no it's not related in this case. Severe hypothyroidism can cause sleep apnea - your situation is borderline and I am glad that you've had improvement in some symptoms.
http://www.articleworld.org/Overweight
Contents
* 1 Definition
* 2 Measurement
* 3 Health
* 4 Cause
* 5 Treatment