thyroid problem or not?!

[kjarvis420]

I had my thyroid tested in 2005 or so because of multiple miscarriages. Results came back more on the hyper side, but I had all hypo symptoms. I also had a goiter at that time. The doc sent me to have an ultrasound, but the ultrasound tech said there was no goiter and didn't even know why I was there. I continued to have my thyroid levels tested, but was also trying to conceive, so I was not treated. Finally I conceived and was able to carry to full term. Didn't continue having my thyroid tested after baby. I started having symptoms again in September 2008, but didn't have my thyroid tested until June 2009. TSH, 3rd generation was at .64 (normal range is .4 - 4.5). This test was done by a general practitioner, so I went to a "thyroid specialist" because of the hypo symptoms I was (and still am) experiencing. They went from mild in Sepember of 2008 to REALLY BAD by August 2009. I had more tests: T4 free was 1; Thyroglobulin antibodies were under 20 IU/mL; and Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies were under 10 IU/mL. Everything looks normal, but I am suffering! ??? My heart rate is slow, heart palpatations; low blood pressure; dry scaley skin, even in big patches; hair falls out by the handfuls (good thing i have a lot on my head already!); gained 30 pounds since September 2008 despite a very restrictive diet and I exercise like a freak. (Before September 2008, I lost over 100lbs in about a year without much effort in diet or exercise. Hashitoxicosis?), i have low immunoglobulins; scratchy voice, like it hurts to talk; NO sex drive; being cold HURTS; muscle cramps and charley horses all the time!; constipation; depression (currently in therapy); fatigue; multiple miscarriages. What else could this be??? And what kind of test results mean Hashimotos?

[Linda051]

Hello,
I had similar symptoms to you years ago and with the help of a very astitute Gynecologist, it was determined that my hormones were extremely out of balance (particularly DHEA, testosterone were severely lacking) and my estrogen was spiking intermittently (estrogen dominance).  I would ask, has anyone tested your hormones?  As well, have they tested your hormone metabolism?  Metabolic syndrome is yet another possibility.  Finally perhaps even gluten intolerance.

I was diagnosed with all of these --- my condition was a result of years of significant severe emotional distress, combined with environmental issues, diet, possibly other medications and/or genetics.  In terms of diet, especially consider the fact that meat and dairy these days contain a very high amount of growth hormones -- this indeed has an effect.

In any case, after my diagnosis, then regulating my diet and adding very good vitamins, supplements, and pharmacy-grade estrogen-regulating substances, I returned to balance and symptoms subsided.  Since then I have changed my approach to diet, exercise, self-care, and even in terms of work and my life in general -- stress can play a significant role in one's health.

As I write this, it has been ten years since my initial diagnosis and I'm stabilized as far as my reproductive hormones.  Nonetheless, I am now experiencing mild hypothyroidism -- no doubt from years of emotional/mental distress, however, some Physicians cite this as a link to menopause as well.   I just wish that the Endocrinologists and Gynechologists would get together on all this -- would certainly make it easier for diagnostic purposes.

Dr. Lupo...I would welcome your input here if you care to.
Linda

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Sounds like all the thyroid testing is essentially normal.
Negative antibodies suggest against Hashimoto's.
Ultrasound seems to have been normal and the TSH is perfectly normal currently.
Would look elsewhere for cause of symptoms -- consider Addison's, but would have a general physical with an internist to help sort all this out.