having symptoms of hashi's w/normal labs

[maxigirl]

I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's antibodies. I have been going through a heck of a time over the past 6 months or so. I was told by my doctor and and endo that my TSH was in the normal range- 2.7 and that my antibodies were not affecting me yet. So,  I was put on an antidepressant which did not help me very much. In the meantime I was having weight loss, gastrointestinal issues like loose bowels and nausea. I had a colonoscopy/endoscopy, tested for celiac sprue- everything was completely normal. The worst thing of all was the intense anxiety and depression that I was feeling, my hair falling out- I think I have lost half my hair so far. My endo/GP and my new doctor all insist that I do not have hyperthyroidism but I will eventually be hypothyroid. Anyway- the short of it is- I have been on a small dose of synthroid for about 2 months (finally found a doc that acknowledged that my antibodies were affecting me)and have had a considerable decrease in my symptoms. My anxiety/depression has lessened, I have a much clearer mind. But, I am still losing a little bit of weight, my hair is still falling out and my tongue is swollen. I have had my tsh tested recently and it was 1.4. Now that my TSH is in a more optimal range- shouldn't my hair grow back? my tongue not be swollen anymmore? Or am I destined to have some symptoms all the time?

I have noticed that some days I am very hyperactive. I am still concerned that I may be hyper even though the docs say no. Is this just the nature of this disease? hyper phases? thanks so much for your time.

[maxigirl]

Thanks you guys, I appreciate your comments very much.

I guess I keep thinking that I may be hyper because I feel so anxious sometimes and it is like I have drank 10 cups of coffee. I notice that when I am having more anxiety I have loose  bowel issues at the same time. I am also losing weight.

Anyway, mshypo- I read some of your posted articles and found them very fascinating.

I will look into my B12 levels. Right now I am seening Dr. Stephen Langer  a thyroid specialist in Berkeley. He is very into nutrition and always gives me good vitamins to take. I just got another tsh test done a few days ago but I will ask my doc about my freeT3/T4 levels.

thanks guys :)

[mshypo]

gosh, i need to slow down and read all the post...i think the reason you're still having symptoms is because you're still hypo.  what is your Free T4 and Free T3?

[mshypo]

oh - i see you're on a dab of synthroid.  i doubt that works well...most folks straight T3 for the mood and cognitive issues..and there are current studies saying that too.

[mshypo]

why do you think you're hyper?  the anxiety?  it's a hypo symptom too.  I used to take anti-anxiety meds before i was diagnosed.  not any more.  And with all your other symptoms, you sound hypo.  did you read the psychiatric articles i posted in the other thread?

I think your docs are gonna cause you long term damage like they did me because they wouldn't treat me when I had a TSH of 2.33 and lots of symptoms.  I would give so much to have those years back and not have the damage done to my body.  You have no idea how bad it can get when you don't get treatment when you need it. If I were in your position, I'd find a doctor who understands antibodies plus symptoms equals needs treatment.  Antibodies can cause symptoms even when labs are in range.

[HashiMan]

I would like to make the comment that when I went to Dr.s with my thyroid problem they wanted to put me on antidepressants with the hormone. I told them I had heard that the thyroid hormone would relieve my anxiety and depression with time and it seemed to make since to me, to wait first and see if the hormone would take care of this. It did take care of it except for mild changes in emotions probably due to occassional changes in thyroid levels and looking back I still wonder why they were so eager to put me on thoses other drugs before the thyroid treatment had a chance to work. I would have no problem with taking those drugs if the thyroid treatment had not worked.
Over time I think you'll see stronger changes in that area.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

It takes 2-3 months for hair to respond to hormone changes -- would take a vitamin for hair/nail health (eg, GNC makes one) -- the tsh suggests you are not hyper -- unless there are t4/t3 levels that are high that you did not mention.  I have seen patients have improvement in anxiety with thyroid hormone treatment and a low dose of synthroid (25mcg) makes sense - may be worth getting the tsh to around 0.5 to see how you do.  Some symptoms may persist even then....and regarding the tongue -- make sure you don't have a low B12 level....