Can shorotness of breath be due to a thyroid problem?

[kitty726]

I have had shortness of breath for more than three years without low blood oxygen levels. The shortness of breath is getting increasingly worse. I can no longer work. Can this ber caused by a thyroid problem? About the same time that the shortness of breath began, my hair began coming out more easily. Also I suffere from extremely painful before and during mentral cramps.Can this be due to a thyroid problem also?

[redheadaussie]

On the face of it, yes, it could well be a hypothyroid issue. You would need blood tests though to prove that. Ask for TSH, Free T4 and Free T3 and anti-bodies. They often will tell you that you are normal, this is not always the case, as many doctors are uneducated in interpreting the ranges. Please ask for your results and put them up here.

[laura1967]

I agree with redheadaussie.....I would also consider supporting your adrenals as they can cause these symptoms as well, and often coincide with thyroid issues.  :)

[kazakmom]

I was just dx w/ Hashimoto's and also periods of SOB.  What blood test would I need to test the adrenal gland?

Thanks!

[Applesan]

Just saw a great article on air hunger and hypothyroidism:

http://www.drlowe.com/jcl/comentry/breathingproblems.htm

I have had shortness of breath for over a year since RAI therapy and based on this article and what my next blood test shows I will see how my T3 level is doing and possibly ask for Cytomel as a supplement.