Thyroid Results & Symtoms

[something2thinkabout2]

I was diagnosed with depression about 4 years ago. Since then I have been on about 7 different  AD’s (lexapro, Zoloft, Effexor, Cymbalta. Currently Wellbutrin, Etc.). They’ve tried mood stabilizers. Nothing has helped. I’m getting worse instead of better. Around Christmas 06 I fell apart and missed 4 weeks of work going to group sessions……They said it was the depression. At the time I had some stress in my life due to problems with my job, relationship and children (all of witch I think were precipitated by my emotional state)
In beginning of Jan 08 I when to my GP with the flu. While I was there I talked to him about a problem I was having with numb/tingling in my toes. I went on to tell him about the DX of depression. I also told him some of my symptoms (see below). He ordered a Thyroid test (TSH and FT4) and cholesterol test. TSH= 4.42 (ref range .27-4.2), FT4=1.0 (ref range .9-1.7). The cholesterol was 155. He RX’ed 50mcg generic synthoid. I’ve been on it 1 week. I’m scheduled to see him again in 4 weeks.
I’m male, 49, 6’1”, 200 lbs, generally good health (I guess). Except for the following:
-Very SAD
-No motivation
-NO ENERGY!
-NO INTERESTS!
-Anxiety MOODY CONSTANT WORRY!!
-foggy DULL Feels like I've gotten stupid
- Detached/brain fog
-FORGETFULNESS!!!
-Emotional/moody some crying spells
-Told I was had Episodic Hypoglycemia by pych Dr.  Can't sleep if I'm hungry.
-Feel bad every day from  3:00p-6:00p. Generally until I eat
-Ringing in ears
-Tingling toes
-Socks cause big indentations on ankles
-Losing hair
-Mild weight gain in the late 90's 180to210
-Dr questioned if I might have IBS (frequent diarrhea)
-Chronic Sinus problems
-can't smell
-Can't take cold any more.
-Never could take heat
-Acne Face and scalp
-Carb Cravings

My questions:
Could I really have a possible thyroid problem?
Could Thyroid have been the problem all along?  
How long might it take to see positive changes?

I would really appreciate any help/insight.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The TSH elevation is mild and research studies suggest that many of these abnormalities are transient.  Before starting treatment I usually repeat the lab 4-6 weeks later and check thyroid antibodies to document evidence of thyroid disease before committing a patient to treatment.  Even then these labs may not explain all the symptoms you list.  Would consider evaluation for low testosterone.  The sinus problems may be having more of an effect than you think -- poor smell, fatigue, poor sleep etc...

Small frequent, protein based meals (ie 5-6x/day, 200-300calories each) can help with carb cravings and hypoglycemic symptoms --  see a nutrionist for details and ideas on meals.

[Trish1097]

Sorry to hear you have so many symptoms of withdrawl of which appears to be the mood stablizer drugs you have been on, such as Lexapro, Zoloft, etc.  Try acupuncture, herbs, fresh fruits, veggies, and see a therapist that does not put you on mind drugs. You can control your mind, just tell yourself, "I am well, happy, I have nothing to fear", and take care of yourself and those you love.  

Trish1097

[1jitterbug]

Depression is also a symptom of B 12 defiency along with some of the other symptoms you mentioned. You might ask to have your B 12 checked.

Best, TJ