Hashimoto's and Liver Problems

[MelissaMil]

I have Hashimoto's for 7 years. In May they removed my Thyroid. To date I have not had any stability with my TSH levels. A month after my thyroid removal my TSH levels were 0.54. Two months later it was 29.3 and new symptoms started creeping in. Notably my abdomen is the size of an 8 month pregnant woman (I had a hysterectomy so this isn't a possibility). I feel full all the time and have loose stools all day. Now I am being referred to my primary from my endo to be checked for liver problems. I am seeing online that there is a correlation with Hashimoto's and Liver issues. Anyone experience this??

[Red_Star]

I too have had the same symptoms. My fluid retention was so bad (I too looked 8 months pregnant) that the weight against my abdomen was affecting my breathing and I couldn't bare the pressure of a light sheet against my abdomen/belly as it hurt. I had elevated liver enzymes from untreated Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I also was full after a couple of bites due to gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) which is yet another of my numerous symptoms of hypothyroidism.

[gimel]

What thyroid med and dosages have you been on?  Trying to use TSH as a diagnostic by which to dose a hypo patient simply doesn't work.  A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms.  Scientific studies have shown that Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate at all. You can get some good info from this link.  

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf

Also, there are studies showing adverse effects of hypothyroidism on liver function testing.  Note the following, taken from a scientific study.  

CONCLUSION:

It can be concluded that both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism altered liver function tests. It is thus recommended that liver function tests interpretation in thyroid dysfunction should be with caution.

So, before assuming a liver problem, I would insist on being tested for Free T3, Free T4, Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin.  If those tests show your Free T3 and Free T4 to be in the lower part of their ranges, as I expect, then the first order of business for you should be to find a good thyroid doctor that will treat clinically, as described.  If you will get the above tests done and post results and their reference ranges, members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.