Can Hypothyroidism also cause balance problems?

[angeleyes1978]

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....

[lovlirose]

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.

[gimel]

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.  

[Gravestohypo1]

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.

[Gravestohypo1]

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!!

[Robbie0710]

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.

[gimel]

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.