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386729 tn?1200334754

Can Hypothyroidism also cause balance problems?

Since feb of 2002 I've have been diagnosed as hypothyroid.  I've been on medication for quite some time and it's stabalized.  But I have also had balance problems since august of 2004 and the doctors and specialists have yet to discover what the diagnosis is.  I've seen countless neurologists, ent specialists, allergists, endocronologists and no one can find out what's causing these symptoms.  They thought is was MS but that has been ruled out too.  Even the Ent specialist has ruled out things like vertigo and inner ear disorders.  All my tests come out negetive.  It's very frustrating having the doctors look at me as if i'm making this up.  I even went to see a psychiatrist and he told me that I didn't fit the profile of someone who was psychosematic.  I"ve lost my job, my independance, as well as the chance to have a doctor take me seriously.  
My question is can being hypothyroid cause these symptoms?    I"m at a loss and really don't know where to turn anymore.  I always get the brush off and no one will take me seriously.  
I would appreicate any advice anyone can give me.  Thanks   Angeleyes....
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Avatar universal
Please post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Do you have any other symptoms?
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Avatar universal
What symptoms, if any, do you have besides balance problems?  

From a very long list of symptoms that may be related to hypothyroidism, following are those related to balance.  


    Lack of coordination
    Clumsiness
    Tendency to fall
    Dizziness    
    Vertigo

I suggest that you read at least the first two pages of the following link and get the tests listed in suggestion no. 6 on page 2.  

http://www.thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/TUK_PDFs/diagnosis_and_treatment_of_hypothyroidism_issue_1.pdf

    
    
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1 Comments
I have not been diagnosed with Thyroid but have all the symptoms. Over the last year I have had balance problems and the pulling to the left action described above. And the drunken style wobblies. Previously my tests are all normal according to doctors.  I have low vitamin D. I am forgetful so dont take the supplements regularly. I am not on any Thyroid medication and the balance thing has been progressing over the last 12 months. My question is do you think the balance thing is from the low Vitamin D or from the Thyroid dysfunction progressing ?  I think I will get strict on the Vitamin D supplement and if no change then I know its the thyroid. I am also going through menopause. So everything worse. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I live in Australia.
Avatar universal
I understand why the doctors want your TSH suppressed.  It is to preclude the possibility of a return on the thyroid cancer; however, it is ridiculous to ignore what the higher dose is doing to you.  Symptoms should be the main concern, not just test results, and especially not TSH results.  

TSH is a pituitary hormone, not a thyroid hormone.  You should be tested for both of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3 (not the same as Total T4 and Total T3), every time you go in for tests.  In addition, you need to be tested for Reverse T3, cortisol, Vitamin D and ferritin.  You should insist on getting those tests done so that you can see what may be causing your symptoms.  If the doctor resists, just insist on them and don't take no for an answer.  

Once you get those tests done you can see if your Free T3 is low in the range, which can cause hypo symptoms.  If so, it would be better to stay at a lower level of T4 med and add a source of enough T3 to both relieve symptoms and also suppress your TSH level.  The D, cortisol and ferritin are important also.  Hypo patients are often too low in the ranges for those as well.  

If you can get those tests done, then post results and ranges and we can help interpret and advise further.  

I am sending you a PM with further info.  To access, just click on your name and then from your personal page, click on messages.
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Avatar universal
I have had hyperthyroidism for 20years.  Initially there was a large nodule on my thyroid which went away with medication (100mcg unithroid). I was monitored by my PCP, and all was well.  About 2 years ago more nodules developed and I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I had been having ear aches, sore throat and balance issues, weakness in my legs, difficulty doing stairs.  My thyroid and several lymph nodes were removed, the cancer had not spread beyond the thyroid. I continued to take 100mcg of unithroid. The ear aches, sore throat, and balance issues improved when my thyroid was removed. The muscle weakness did not.The first time the levels (TSH only) were checked, it was 15.98. They lectured me on the importance of taking my med every day etc. I said I had, and they changed the dosage to 125mcg. The next check the level was at 3.98, but still not where they wanted it so they increased the dosage to 150mcg.  At 150mcg, I could not function - could barely get out of bed.  So with the approval of my PCP, I went back to 125mcg, and told the endocrinologist this.  I got read the riot act again, and they said the TSH level was not where they wanted it. So they said to take 125mcg, but take 8 pills a week - so 1 day a week I take 2 pills. The day I take the 2 pills, I start to feel miserable - have trouble swallowing food, dizzy, fatigue  and a  host of other things. As I go through the week, I start to feel better.  By day  6  I feel ok, but not great, and then we start all over again.  I have asked about the T3 and T4, but they say they do not check those, only the TSH. I have asked re the weakness in my legs, and have been told it is not thyroid related and that I should see a neurologist. I have not.  Along the way on one of my falls, I broke an ankle.  I have been doing physical therapy. There has been progress, but not to the degree I would like.  We have noticed, that my inability to do things, seems to be related to the dosage of the unithroid.  I go again on Tuesday to have the levels checked.  Any thoughts on how I should proceed with the doctor.  They seem much more concerned with the numbers and not at all concerned with how I feel!!
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15190200 tn?1439006034
Thank u very much. I will certainly persist in getting a referral to an endo. I will post as soon as I do.
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Avatar universal
Absolutely you should investigate further.  Even though your TSH is .8, your Free T4 is too low in the range, consistent with central hypothyroidism.  You haven't even been tested for Free T3 yet, which is also very important.

Note the following words from a good thyroid doctor, "The free T3 is not as helpful in untreated persons as the free T4 because in the light of a rather low FT4 the body will convert more T4 to T3 to maintain thyroid effect as well as is possible. So the person with a rather low FT4 and high-in-range FT3 may still be hypothyroid. However, if the FT4 is below 1.3 and the FT3 is also rather low, say below 3.4 (range 2 to 4.4 at LabCorp) then its likely that hypothyroidism is the cause of a person's symptoms."

So you definitely deserve further testing and treatment by a good thyroid doctor.  
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15190200 tn?1439006034
Thank u for ur information. I forgot to mention my Free T4 is 1.07 on average range of .73 - 1.95 and TSH 0.8 average range 0.5 -4.7. Should I still investigate further. I just want to feel better and quit balding it on my mental state as they claim. Found no message
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15190200 tn?1439006034
Thank u for ur information. I forgot to mention my Free T4 is 1.07 on average range of .73 - 1.95 and TSH 0.8 average range 0.5 -4.7. Should I still investigate further. I just want to feel better and quit balding it on my mental state as they claim.
Helpful - 0
15190200 tn?1439006034
Thank u for ur information. I forgot to mention my Free T4 is 1.07 on average range of .73 - 1.95 and TSH 0.8 average range 0.5 -4.7. Should I still investigate further. I just want to feel better and quit balding it on my mental state as they claim.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Just to add to the good info from Robbie, if TSH is the only test done for you, then you obviously need further tests done.  Specifically you need to test for Free T4 and Free T3 (not the same as Total T4 and Total T3).   Also would be good to know Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin.  

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve hypo symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.   Symptom relief should be all important for you, not just test results.  Your doctor is no doubt convinced that your TSH assures that you don't have hypothyroidism; however, he is overlooking the possibility of central hypothyroidism, with which  there is a dysfunction in the  hypothalamus/pituitary system which results in lower than needed TSH levels, and accompanying levels of Free T4 and Free T3 that are low enough to slow down body functions.  

So you do need a good thyroid doctor, which does not automatically mean an Endo.  I am sending you a PM with doctor info for your consideration.  To access, just click on your name and then from your personal page, click on messages.  
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Avatar universal
Just gotta add that my doctor listed several of those symptoms shared by Gimel as my reason for having to have been out of work for most of the summer!  And he always, always, checks the fluid in my ears!
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4 Comments
where is this doctor located? my doctor only tests TSH and i have been having this off balance feeling on and off again for years....right now its terrible! and she says its not related
That doctor was located in Atlanta, so would not be anywhere you.   I have several sources that I use to try and locate good thyroid doctors for members, but I cannot come up with one anywhere near your area.    The best suggestion I have for you is to use the following link and read at least the first two pages and more if you want to get into the discussion and scientific evidence for all that is recommended.  The more you know about diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism the more successful you will be in getting a doctor to do the right tests and diagnose and treat you clinically, rather than just based on TSH, which doesn't work.  

http://www.thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/TUK_PDFs/diagnosis_and_treatment_of_hypothyroidism_issue_1.pdf

After you know enough to become you own best advocate, you can give a copy of the paper to your doctor and ask him to review and consider expanding your testing and treat you clinically, rather than just based on TSH.  If the doctor will take some time and read the info he will not be able to refute what is recommended, and maybe that could help you get what you need.  

Also, do you have any symptoms other than the balance issue?   Do you think you could get your doctor to test for the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3?
ive been having racing heart but thats usually from being hyper or so i thought. i think that is occurring now because i am dehydrated and having a hard time eating because of loss of appetite.
i never had any symptoms other than being really skinny until my doctor scared me into the RAI treatment when i was 16. i really haven't had too many problems since then, that i know of, other than these dizziness issues...ive gotten them twice in the last 2 years and both times seem to have been when my doctor increased the levo to 125mcg and i even told my endo this before she prescribed that dose because it was my family doctor who prescribed it the first time. and they last for MONTHS. i missed thanksgiving and christmas because of this...granted at that point is was way worse like couldnt even get out of bed and to the ER twice in a week because of severe dehydration.
Are you taking the 125 mcg of T4 now?  Do you think you could get your doctor to test for Free T4, Free T3, cortisol, Vitamin D and ferritin?  
Avatar universal
Just wanted to share this bit of information...In May I was put off of work by my primary care Doctor due to, what I later discovered on my own, being hypothyroid.  I've since changed Doctors and needed to have my current Doctor, who is and endocrinologist/internal medicine, resubmit my paperwork stating that I could return to work.  Guess what he put on the paperwork as to why I needed to be off - he stated that I had been suffering moderately severe hypothyroidism that caused me to be dizzy, among other symptoms!  He also stated that I may have occassionaly flare ups that would require me to be off from work occassionally but as we work towards optimal treatements these flare ups would be minimal.  My Doctor and I discussed my equilibrium being off and he said this does happen to some patients whose thyroids are out of balance!  What's most interesting about my current doctor (he's my third endocrinologist) is that he won't allow patients to take their blood tests prior to your appointment.  He takes them the day off and as his office is affiliated with the hospital he gets the tests back within 24 hours.  When I asked him why I couldn't come in a week prior to give my blood he stated because he was more interested in how I was feeling over my blood work (music to my ears)!  He does test Free T3 and Free T4 and TSH.  I was concerned about his watching the TSH until he explained what he was leaning towards for my next course of therapy and didn't even mention the TSH.  He said he was watching myFree T4 and T3.  Since he had a baseline for the Free T3 and T4
established at my last appointment a month ago he wanted to see if my Free T4 was still at the top of the range mine tested at 1.76 and the top is1.77 and confirm that my Free T3 was still in the middle of the range.  If that's the case then he will be dropping my levothyroxine and adding in cytomel.  If T4 is down and T3 is tracking upwards then we will stay the course on the levothyroxine for now.  If it hadn't been for the great people on this forum I would have most probably stayed with a doctor who just told me my TSH is "within range".  This doctor is the 5th I've worked with and seems to be one who really gets it so please, please keep looking.  There are doctors out there that seem to be really listening to patients and watching and learning from patient feedback on boards like this one.
Helpful - 0
15190200 tn?1439006034
I have been suffering from vertigo for over 3 years and they tell me it is the crystals in my ears and recommend eply maneuvers but keeps coming back like every 2 months and lasts for about 4 weeks then cycle repeats. I have most of the symptoms u have listed. I have lots of nodules and a goiter thats negative. I M so depressed that I cannot function as I use too. I have trouble when I walk, stand sit, work on the computer. Sometimes i feel faint and sleepy as if I didn't  get any sleep when I get 8 hours. I have sleep apnea and use machine and I feel worse. Can't wake up in the morning. Had MRI, ent tests, seen nuetologist all say crystals.   Why can't they find what is wrong. They tell me I am just a nervous person and want me on anxiety pill and anti depressants which I refuse to do.  My labs r normal accirding to dr. Tsh 0.8 is that low although they tell me it is normal. I experience alot of anxiety, night sweats, hot nthen cold, fogged,  so drained, depressed, heart races fast once in a while. I don't smoke, drink or do caffeine. Should I see an endocrinologist? Please help. I am beginning to think these dr think I am a hypochondriac. This is sad.
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Avatar universal
Being an Endo doesn't guarantee a good thyroid doctor.  Many Endos specialize in diabetes, not thyroid.  Also, many of them have the "Immaculate TSH Belief" and only pay attention to TSH.  That doesn't work.  If they go beyond TSH typically it is to test for Free T4 and then they will use "Reference Range Endocrinology" and tell you that test result that falls anywhere within the range is adequate.  That is very wrong.  Due to the erroneous way they were established, the ranges are far too broad to be functional across their entire breadth for many people.  Many of our members say that symptom relief required Free T4 at the middle of the range, at minimum, and Free T3 in the upper third of its range, or as necessary to relieve symptoms.  

So with the Endo I suggest that you should concentrate on getting the tests mentioned above.  If he resists, you should insist on them and don't take no for an answer.  You also need to find out if he is going to be willing to treat clinically, as described.  If not, then you will need to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so.  
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your feedback.  I'm sorry for what you had to go through, but I'm glad that you are doing better.  It's comforting to know that I am not the only one with these symptoms.  My primary care physician referred me to a neurologist, but the neurologist could not figure out the cause of my balance issues, so I was beginning to feel that it was all in my head.
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Avatar universal
My symptoms include feeling weak and tired, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness in my legs, inability to stand for long periods, balance issues, feeling of being pulled to the right or left, and brain fog.  Sometimes, I feel like I'm walking on marshmallows.  I purchased a transport chair a few months ago, which has helped me get around easier.  The website that you referred me to was very helpful.  Thank you!  I have also been looking into thyroid supplements, but I wasn't sure if they would be effective in alleviating my symptoms.  I am scheduled to see my endocrinologist next week (8/12), so I was planning  to ask her about these supplements.  Thank you for your helpful feedback!!
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Avatar universal
I have also recently been suffering from balance issues but it's gotten much better.  For the past year I've been dizzy, light headed, and felt like I was always pulling to the left.  Then I discovered in June of this year that my Doctor had under treated me.  I've switched doctors twice since June and have been back on Levothyroxine for 2 months...I no longer have that pulled to the left feeling but still suffer from the occassionaly equilibrium being off balance but it's truly gotten much, much better over these past two months.  One thing that does help me is that I walk at least five days per week for 30 minutes a day and try my best to eat healthy and consume those nutrients that are good for our thyroid (B12 in liver, etc) as well as supplement my b12 and Vitamine D3.

Once I started back on the Leovthyroxine and saw most of my symptoms improve I started walking as my doctor suggested.  I alsoh had to use a walking stick because my balance was so off and I used it to get around at work.  I chose a walking stick because a friend of mine stated that a stick will keep you upright.  I used my stick for a good six weeks and have recently been able to not walk with it but I still keep it in my car just in case.
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Avatar universal
Not sure why your doctor has been so inconsistent about which tests are done.  You should make sure they test you for Free T4 and Free T3 every time you go in for tests.  TSH is largely a waste of time when already taking thyroid meds.  Since your levels were so inadequate in June, the doctor started you on 75 mcg of T4.  Then in Aug. it was increased to 100.  So you really have no idea what your Free T4 and Free T3 levels are currently.  

If you look through this list of 26 symptoms that are typically associated with being hypothyroid, which ones do you have, if any?

Also, your D and B12 are too low and need to be supplemented to optimize them.  You also need to test for ferritn.  D needs to be about 55-60, B12 in the very upper end of its range, and ferritin should be about 70 minimum.

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.  You can get some good insight from this link written by a good thyroid doctor.  

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html

I also suggest that you should make an appointment to get back in for tests as soon as possible.  You were just increased to 100, so the doctor may resist testing before 3-4 weeks, but I would push it, since you were not tested for Free T3 previously.  Make sure it is always Free T3, not Total T3.  
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Avatar universal
My TSH was <0.01 (standard range = 0.35 to 4.0) in February 2015 when I was diagnosed with Graves Disease.  I was prescribed methimazole in February and underwent RAI in March.  My blood test on 4/48/15 showed a TSH of 3.78, but I continued to take methimazole.  My blood tests on 6/1/15 showed a TSH level of 45.12 and I was instructed by my doctor to stop taking methimazole.  My blood test on 6/9/15 showed a TSH of 53.84 and my doctor put me on Syntroid 75 mcg.  My most recent blood test on 8/3/15 showed a TSH of 19.81 and my doctor increased the Synthroid to 100 mcg.  My T4 was 2.4 in February 2015 and dropped to 0.4 in June, but my blood test on 8/3/15 showed a T4 level of 1.1 (standard range = 0.8 to 1.5).  My T3 level was 277 in February (standard range = 58 to 159), but my last test result on 6/9/15 showed a T3 level of 33.  My vitamin D level was 29 in March 205 and my vitamin B12 was 512.
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Avatar universal
Please help us assess your status by posting your most recent thyroid related test results, including reference ranges.  Also what dose of Synthroid, and when did you start it relative to those test results?  What symptoms are you having besides the balance problem?  Finally, if tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, please post those also.
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Avatar universal
I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in February 2015 and underwent the radioiodine treatment to "kill" the thyroid in March.  I also took Methimazole until June 2015 when lab results showed that my TSH had increased to 53.84.  My endocrinologist told me to stop taking Methimazole at that time and put me on Synthroid.  Throughout this period (and ongoing), I have been experiencing significant balance issues and have not been able to engage in "normal" activities.  After the radioiodine treatment in March, I tried to return to work, but after almost passing out on Day 3, I decided that I could not return to work until my symptoms were under control.  I have been seen by my primary care physician, as well as an endocrinologist, neurologist, and a physical therapist, but my balance issues have not been resolved yet.  I began to feel that my symptoms were all in my head until I came across this forum and realized that others were experiencing similar symptoms to mine.  I am concerned that I may lose my job if I am not able to return to work soon, but I don't know how or when I'll be able to return to work since my balance issue is preventing me from engaging in other activities of daily living.
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Avatar universal
I would like to email you but it doesn't show your email, let me try to put mine in at gmail  thank you and hope to here from you
Sharhome 845
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Avatar universal
Wow I can't believe I'm hearing other people are going through the same as me. My thyroid in May of this year (2014) was 0.07 my heart dr thinks my primary should wein me off of my thyroid meds and I've been to so many doctors also and no one can tell me anything either . And I also mention could this be caused by my thyroid meds and they say no there is no side effects I think they are wrong. I don't get dizziness it's like something jerking me back
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Avatar universal
Hypo, being treated....and balance probs unexpectedly ...never before
Old or hypo......I think hypo!
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