Aa
Hypo - TSH from 308-4 in a month, but still feeling bad
6 months after giving birth I had my TSH checked and it was 308.88 After two weeks on synthroid it dropped to 35. Yesterday (5 weeks total later) it dropped to 4.91, which is "normal". So why do I feel as bad as I did at 308???? Shouldn't I feel better? Shouldn't there be a change somewhere? I haven't even lost a pound of weight. I still feel tired and have days where I'm totally down in the dumps. I don't get it.
Also, does having hypothyroidism affect your menstrual cycles? I am a month late, but I'm not pregnant.
And does it cause bruising? It seems like whenever I touch anything I get a big bruise - and I'm not diabetic.
Heather
Also, does having hypothyroidism affect your menstrual cycles? I am a month late, but I'm not pregnant.
And does it cause bruising? It seems like whenever I touch anything I get a big bruise - and I'm not diabetic.
Heather
I was interested in your comment about bruising--that it is like a yardstick for you of when you need more medication or when you are getting enough--which seems to relate it convincingly to your thyroid problem. I also took notice in a big way of your comments about clumsiness. Maybe there is more to it than just clumsiness in the sense of its being another thyroid-related symptom.
Here is my reason for saying so. I have had an array of symptoms that seem to be coming from my central nervous system. They started during the perimenopausal years. My physicians and I attributed the "neurological" symptoms to falling levels of reproductive hormones, but now, in hindsight, it is becoming increasingly obvious to me that my inadequate thyroid gland was starting to fail at its job right in the middle of my difficult perimenopausal years.
The result: A lot of the symptoms that my docs and I have thought were in some way related to reproductive hormones is now looking like thyroid-related problems instead. One of the most annoying symptoms is my utter failure to have any sense of how tightly I am gripping an object. I hold it quite loosely (without meaning to), which I notice when I either drop the object or come close to it. I also have had a poor sense of where my hand was in relation to a stationary object (meaning: I have broken drinking glasses by whacking one on the edge of the kitchen shelf, because I misjudged where the edge was, relative to my hand). I also have had a poor sense of where my foot is in relation to something such as a curb, which has caused me to catch my toe and fall more than once.
All such symptoms developed at approximately the same time. For reasons too detailed and also too boring to be worth explaining: It became obvious that my inaccurate sense of grip and of where my hand or foot was in relation to an object (I almost forgot: I also tend to misjudge if I am shifting an object from one hand to the other, which can send the object flying) were related in some way to hormones. I just think that my physicians and I were blaming the wrong hormones.
It makes sense that "clumsiness" could be caused by thyroid hormone problems. The products of the thyroid gland have powerful effects on the brain. I think that the world of endocrinology lacks a sufficient amount of descriptive research--simple studies of the what the entire range really is of what people with thyroid problems are experiencing. If more were known about thyroid symptomatology, we might find that both bruising and clumsiness were slightly unusual--but by no means unheard of--symptoms of a thyroid problem.
Here is my reason for saying so. I have had an array of symptoms that seem to be coming from my central nervous system. They started during the perimenopausal years. My physicians and I attributed the "neurological" symptoms to falling levels of reproductive hormones, but now, in hindsight, it is becoming increasingly obvious to me that my inadequate thyroid gland was starting to fail at its job right in the middle of my difficult perimenopausal years.
The result: A lot of the symptoms that my docs and I have thought were in some way related to reproductive hormones is now looking like thyroid-related problems instead. One of the most annoying symptoms is my utter failure to have any sense of how tightly I am gripping an object. I hold it quite loosely (without meaning to), which I notice when I either drop the object or come close to it. I also have had a poor sense of where my hand was in relation to a stationary object (meaning: I have broken drinking glasses by whacking one on the edge of the kitchen shelf, because I misjudged where the edge was, relative to my hand). I also have had a poor sense of where my foot is in relation to something such as a curb, which has caused me to catch my toe and fall more than once.
All such symptoms developed at approximately the same time. For reasons too detailed and also too boring to be worth explaining: It became obvious that my inaccurate sense of grip and of where my hand or foot was in relation to an object (I almost forgot: I also tend to misjudge if I am shifting an object from one hand to the other, which can send the object flying) were related in some way to hormones. I just think that my physicians and I were blaming the wrong hormones.
It makes sense that "clumsiness" could be caused by thyroid hormone problems. The products of the thyroid gland have powerful effects on the brain. I think that the world of endocrinology lacks a sufficient amount of descriptive research--simple studies of the what the entire range really is of what people with thyroid problems are experiencing. If more were known about thyroid symptomatology, we might find that both bruising and clumsiness were slightly unusual--but by no means unheard of--symptoms of a thyroid problem.
I would just like to add that I am on thyroid and have been for several years.One of the syptoms i have is easy bruising and am also clumsy.Maybe there is more to that than just clumsiness.I know when i need to have stonger meds because the bruising gets worse again. It does improve for me with treatment.I also was diagnosed with Lupus after 2 miscarries at 5 and a half months along.
I did bring up the bruising, but the doctor shook it off. But ever since I've had this problem (Thyroiditis) I'm black and blue and embarrassed to wear shorts to the gym (I'm also very clumsy). I took a couple heavy boxes to Fed Ex and it looked like I got in a fight!
Maybe this is why she is sending me to the blood specialist. We did talk about blood clotting problems and my fertility issues, but of course my brain couldn't comprehend it all at one time. I can't remember anything. I need to take notes, I guess.
I do like my doctor. I mentioned I was going back to work and how I am dreading it and she took it upon herself to write me a note to get me out of work for "at least" a month. I was shocked. Then she started talking about short term disability, etc, but I couldn't keep up with her. Now that my TSH is getting normal I'm sure I'll go back at the end of Feb. (I'm a flight attendant. I live in CA but work in NY.)
Maybe this is why she is sending me to the blood specialist. We did talk about blood clotting problems and my fertility issues, but of course my brain couldn't comprehend it all at one time. I can't remember anything. I need to take notes, I guess.
I do like my doctor. I mentioned I was going back to work and how I am dreading it and she took it upon herself to write me a note to get me out of work for "at least" a month. I was shocked. Then she started talking about short term disability, etc, but I couldn't keep up with her. Now that my TSH is getting normal I'm sure I'll go back at the end of Feb. (I'm a flight attendant. I live in CA but work in NY.)
There is so much to this I have to cut it short:
Avoid or eat in moderation goitrogens food which suppress thyroid hormone production , although none has been proven to cause hypothyroidism in humans. Cooking may lower the goiterogenic effects.
Soybean products (tofu, soy sauce, etc.) should only be used in moderation; avoid soy supplements and foods with added soy, as the soy reduces thyroid function
Avoid processed and refined foods, sugar, dairy products, wheat, caffeine, alcohol.
Avoid caffeine drinks like coffee, cola; avoid stimulants like smoking and alcohol as these all effect the thyroid function
Avoid fluorine and chloring (water and tooth paste). These two chemicals may block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland, potentially causing reduced hormone production. Use distilled bottled water, instead
Avoid stimulants like smoking and alcohol as these all effect the thyroid function.
Avoid dried fruit, processed potatoes, shrimp, and wine. The sulfites in these foods can destroy riboflavin, which can lead to deficiency.
Low progesterone goes hand in hand with low thyroid, so avoid foods that promote estrogen dominance. This includes any animal product that has not been produced organically (chicken, eggs, dairy, beef, lamb, pork, etc.).
Gluten is linked to thyroid dysfunction (both hyper and hypo thyroid) so if you have any digestive problems or any one in your family with a gluten sensitivity, it would be worth dramatically reducing your gluten intake.
Find yourself a good diet, one with a maintenance diet that you can live with for life. I am low or medium glycemic diet. http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm
http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm and http://diabetes.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.mendosa.com/common%5Ffoods.htm Check everything out.
Thyroid hormones, tyrosine controls appetite and fatigue. This amino acid aids in the production of melanin (pigment of the skin and hair) and in the production of the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands. L-tyrosine has not been reported to cause any serious side effects. However, it is not known whether long-term use of L-tyrosine, particularly in large amounts (such as more than 1,000 mg per day) is safe. For that reason, long-term use of L-tyrosine should be monitored by a doctor. Vitamin B6, folic acid, and copper are necessary for conversion of
L-tyrosine into neurotransmitters. Certain medications may interact with L-tyrosine. Dairy products, meats, fish, wheat, oats, and most other protein-containing foods contain tyrosine.
Avoid or eat in moderation goitrogens food which suppress thyroid hormone production , although none has been proven to cause hypothyroidism in humans. Cooking may lower the goiterogenic effects.
Soybean products (tofu, soy sauce, etc.) should only be used in moderation; avoid soy supplements and foods with added soy, as the soy reduces thyroid function
Avoid processed and refined foods, sugar, dairy products, wheat, caffeine, alcohol.
Avoid caffeine drinks like coffee, cola; avoid stimulants like smoking and alcohol as these all effect the thyroid function
Avoid fluorine and chloring (water and tooth paste). These two chemicals may block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland, potentially causing reduced hormone production. Use distilled bottled water, instead
Avoid stimulants like smoking and alcohol as these all effect the thyroid function.
Avoid dried fruit, processed potatoes, shrimp, and wine. The sulfites in these foods can destroy riboflavin, which can lead to deficiency.
Low progesterone goes hand in hand with low thyroid, so avoid foods that promote estrogen dominance. This includes any animal product that has not been produced organically (chicken, eggs, dairy, beef, lamb, pork, etc.).
Gluten is linked to thyroid dysfunction (both hyper and hypo thyroid) so if you have any digestive problems or any one in your family with a gluten sensitivity, it would be worth dramatically reducing your gluten intake.
Find yourself a good diet, one with a maintenance diet that you can live with for life. I am low or medium glycemic diet. http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm
http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm and http://diabetes.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.mendosa.com/common%5Ffoods.htm Check everything out.
Thyroid hormones, tyrosine controls appetite and fatigue. This amino acid aids in the production of melanin (pigment of the skin and hair) and in the production of the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands. L-tyrosine has not been reported to cause any serious side effects. However, it is not known whether long-term use of L-tyrosine, particularly in large amounts (such as more than 1,000 mg per day) is safe. For that reason, long-term use of L-tyrosine should be monitored by a doctor. Vitamin B6, folic acid, and copper are necessary for conversion of
L-tyrosine into neurotransmitters. Certain medications may interact with L-tyrosine. Dairy products, meats, fish, wheat, oats, and most other protein-containing foods contain tyrosine.
Yes, an unusual proneness to bruising IS one of the long, long, long list of effects or symptoms that hypothyroidism can have. It has been one of mine. A little bump produces a large, black bruise. Any symptom that concerns you always should be mentioned to your physician (this is a good general guideline), but I am betting that your endocrinologist tells you what mine told me in regard to bruising: Nothing about which to worry.
I am delighted for you that: A) you are now seeing an endocrinologist, not a physician in another specialty area, B) that she seems to be up-to-date in her thinking, and C) that you like her. Many forum participants would consider it a huge accomplishment to be settling into a patient/physician relationship like that. When you have the sort of endocrinologist that it seems as if you have found, then first and foremost, you should take questions or concerns about bruising or about anything else to her.
Good luck to you!
I am delighted for you that: A) you are now seeing an endocrinologist, not a physician in another specialty area, B) that she seems to be up-to-date in her thinking, and C) that you like her. Many forum participants would consider it a huge accomplishment to be settling into a patient/physician relationship like that. When you have the sort of endocrinologist that it seems as if you have found, then first and foremost, you should take questions or concerns about bruising or about anything else to her.
Good luck to you!
There are quite a few on this forum who have books they love so I'm sure you will hear from them. There are some foods that people will tell you affect your thyroid (GravesLady??)
Here's a bit of what I've found for a hypo diet:
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/dietweightloss/a/zonediet.htm
What you may want to consider is many people with thyroid conditions also develop Type II diabetes and the diabetic diet (carb control) is very similar to the Zone, South Beach, etc.:
http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/overview.jsp
http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/nutrition.html
What I'm wondering is if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition. Your TSH climbed over 300 for a reason and I'm wondering if it is Hashimoto's or another autoimmune disorder. There are also other autoimmune disorders that can attack your thyroid. It's worth discussing with your endo.
Here's some info that may help: http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/
http://www.endocrineweb.com/hypo1.html
I'm glad that your endo will treat anyone above a TSH of 3. Getting you under 3 should help you feel much better. If you can, get your medical records and labs from the fertility specialist - they could help your endo figure out what's up with the thyroid.
hang in there!!
Here's a bit of what I've found for a hypo diet:
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/dietweightloss/a/zonediet.htm
What you may want to consider is many people with thyroid conditions also develop Type II diabetes and the diabetic diet (carb control) is very similar to the Zone, South Beach, etc.:
http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/overview.jsp
http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/nutrition.html
What I'm wondering is if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition. Your TSH climbed over 300 for a reason and I'm wondering if it is Hashimoto's or another autoimmune disorder. There are also other autoimmune disorders that can attack your thyroid. It's worth discussing with your endo.
Here's some info that may help: http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/
http://www.endocrineweb.com/hypo1.html
I'm glad that your endo will treat anyone above a TSH of 3. Getting you under 3 should help you feel much better. If you can, get your medical records and labs from the fertility specialist - they could help your endo figure out what's up with the thyroid.
hang in there!!
Oh my...that is one tough diet. I can probably give up everything pretty easiliy except coffee and tortilla chips.
I'm so tired I feel like I "Need" the caffeine all day. I'll have 2 cups of coffee in the morning and a glass of iced tea in the day and NOW (this week) a cup of hot tea at night. Otherwise I can't stay awake past 8pm. After you give up caffeine do you feel better? Does that zombie like feeling really go away???? I feel like I've been swimming all day in a pool - and my eyes are burning from all the chlorine.
I'm so tired I feel like I "Need" the caffeine all day. I'll have 2 cups of coffee in the morning and a glass of iced tea in the day and NOW (this week) a cup of hot tea at night. Otherwise I can't stay awake past 8pm. After you give up caffeine do you feel better? Does that zombie like feeling really go away???? I feel like I've been swimming all day in a pool - and my eyes are burning from all the chlorine.
LOL! Like I said I am low to medium glycemic, but I still have my one or two favorites that I won't give up either. Sweets are my down fall especially chocolate :) I still have my two/three cups of coffee in the AM. I use to drink coffee all day and was really dragging. I feel much better with the two/three cups in the AM. Cups after that I really get hyper and sick/nausea. Winters I'll have a hot cup or two of 100% natural herb tea with natural raw honey. We just can't be 100%, 100% of the time, as long as we do our best.
Diet is a matter of individual and individuals system. What works for one may not work for another. So you might have to experiment with a few diets before finding one that works for you. I can suggest fad diets for fast 10/20 lbs lose but the weight will come right back. Before I was a vegetarian medium high protein diet work very well for me. It took 6 to 8 weeks before losing the 1st pound but once I started losing, I lost big time. You need to find a diet with a maintenance plan that works for you that you can live with for life...making a life style change. Its a lot of work but worth it in the end with good results.
I hope you are not getting TED - another thyroid autoimmune disorder. I suggest using lubricant sterile eye drops, not for red eyes but for dry eyes. Watch the progress of your eye, if they get worse or change, go to ophthalmologist to have the possibility of TED checked out.
Do right by yourself and you'll be ok.
GL
Please don't shoot the messenger!
Diet is a matter of individual and individuals system. What works for one may not work for another. So you might have to experiment with a few diets before finding one that works for you. I can suggest fad diets for fast 10/20 lbs lose but the weight will come right back. Before I was a vegetarian medium high protein diet work very well for me. It took 6 to 8 weeks before losing the 1st pound but once I started losing, I lost big time. You need to find a diet with a maintenance plan that works for you that you can live with for life...making a life style change. Its a lot of work but worth it in the end with good results.
I hope you are not getting TED - another thyroid autoimmune disorder. I suggest using lubricant sterile eye drops, not for red eyes but for dry eyes. Watch the progress of your eye, if they get worse or change, go to ophthalmologist to have the possibility of TED checked out.
Do right by yourself and you'll be ok.
GL
Please don't shoot the messenger!
Hi, Heather--
In my comments about bruising, I should have included the comment that it is one of the lesser-known effects of hypothyroidism. Although my endocrinologist knows a LOT about thyroid problems, even he would say that he does not know of every symptom that can go along with hypothyroidism.
You may be right, too, in thinking that maybe your endocrinologist did not mean to seem to be shrugging off your report of bruising. Instead, it may be the reason she wants you to see a hematologist (specialist in disorders of the blood), which seems like a good precaution. If the hematologist says that you are all right, then it is reasonable to hope your bruising tendency will go away as your thyroid problem gets straightened out.
Before I close, I want to comment on your earlier question, "is there a special hypothyroid diet I should follow. Can you, or anyone, suggest a good book???" GravesLady made a very wise comment when she said that "Diet is a matter of individual and individuals system." How true! Your endocrinologist can put dietary restrictions in the context of your unique medical situation, which is something that nothing in even a good book can do. I urge you to ask your endocrinologist about dietary restrictions the next time you see her. You might get at least a few pleasant surprises.
In my comments about bruising, I should have included the comment that it is one of the lesser-known effects of hypothyroidism. Although my endocrinologist knows a LOT about thyroid problems, even he would say that he does not know of every symptom that can go along with hypothyroidism.
You may be right, too, in thinking that maybe your endocrinologist did not mean to seem to be shrugging off your report of bruising. Instead, it may be the reason she wants you to see a hematologist (specialist in disorders of the blood), which seems like a good precaution. If the hematologist says that you are all right, then it is reasonable to hope your bruising tendency will go away as your thyroid problem gets straightened out.
Before I close, I want to comment on your earlier question, "is there a special hypothyroid diet I should follow. Can you, or anyone, suggest a good book???" GravesLady made a very wise comment when she said that "Diet is a matter of individual and individuals system." How true! Your endocrinologist can put dietary restrictions in the context of your unique medical situation, which is something that nothing in even a good book can do. I urge you to ask your endocrinologist about dietary restrictions the next time you see her. You might get at least a few pleasant surprises.
Utahmama -
Thanks for the quick response. So my TSH can drop quickly and I would still feel the same as I did when it was high. That's strange, but I'll take your word for it.
I did see an endocrinologist last week and I really like her. She didn't really say anything about my rapid TSH drop (308-35) in her office. SHould that be a concern? I'm on 125mgs of synthroid. She said that's the highest dose for a person who still has their thyroid intact. I like her because she believes the TSH "happy place" is between 1-2 and will treat anyone who is 3 and above. In 2004, before I was pregnant, my TSH was just over 3. I suffered 3 miscarriages in 8 months last year, so maybe that stressed my body??? Hypothyroidism runs in my family, so the doctor thinks I was a "carrier" and the pregnancy brought it out. My official diagnosis is postpartum thyroiditis with hypothyroidism, whatever that means. My first consultation with her was two days ago. While I was there she took blood to check my cortisol levels. I didn't know she tested my TSH too because she said it was too soon to test, but today I got the results in the mail. (TSH 4.91. Cortisol - 6.6) I have another appointment with her on Feb 18th to get tested again.
When I went to a fertility specialist in 2005, I was diagnosed with a slight elevated antibodies problem (I have no idea what I'm trying to say here...but it's a blood clotting thing) and when I told the endocrinologist about it she referred me to another specialist, a hemo something or other doctor. It's some sort of cancer place that she sent me to, but they don't take my insurance and after speaking to the doctor, the doctor said she doesn't handle the kind of testing my endocrinologist wanted to have done. So now I need to call the endocrinologist back on MOnday and see what she wants me to do.
GOod to know hypo affects menstrual cycles because mine is totally screwy. It's been 1- 2 weeks late every month for the last 3 months and this month it's over a month late.
Another question... is there a special hypothyroid diet I should follow. Can you, or anyone, suggest a good book???
Heather
Thanks for the quick response. So my TSH can drop quickly and I would still feel the same as I did when it was high. That's strange, but I'll take your word for it.
I did see an endocrinologist last week and I really like her. She didn't really say anything about my rapid TSH drop (308-35) in her office. SHould that be a concern? I'm on 125mgs of synthroid. She said that's the highest dose for a person who still has their thyroid intact. I like her because she believes the TSH "happy place" is between 1-2 and will treat anyone who is 3 and above. In 2004, before I was pregnant, my TSH was just over 3. I suffered 3 miscarriages in 8 months last year, so maybe that stressed my body??? Hypothyroidism runs in my family, so the doctor thinks I was a "carrier" and the pregnancy brought it out. My official diagnosis is postpartum thyroiditis with hypothyroidism, whatever that means. My first consultation with her was two days ago. While I was there she took blood to check my cortisol levels. I didn't know she tested my TSH too because she said it was too soon to test, but today I got the results in the mail. (TSH 4.91. Cortisol - 6.6) I have another appointment with her on Feb 18th to get tested again.
When I went to a fertility specialist in 2005, I was diagnosed with a slight elevated antibodies problem (I have no idea what I'm trying to say here...but it's a blood clotting thing) and when I told the endocrinologist about it she referred me to another specialist, a hemo something or other doctor. It's some sort of cancer place that she sent me to, but they don't take my insurance and after speaking to the doctor, the doctor said she doesn't handle the kind of testing my endocrinologist wanted to have done. So now I need to call the endocrinologist back on MOnday and see what she wants me to do.
GOod to know hypo affects menstrual cycles because mine is totally screwy. It's been 1- 2 weeks late every month for the last 3 months and this month it's over a month late.
Another question... is there a special hypothyroid diet I should follow. Can you, or anyone, suggest a good book???
Heather
Are you being treated by an endocrinologist or a doctor with a different speciality?
While dropping your TSH from over 300 to ~5 in just over a month is a huge change you are still on the hypo range of the TSH. Yes, being hypo can really mess up your periods - thyroid really interacts with estrogen.
Did your doctor run a complete thyroid panel on you with antibodies? Any clue why you went so hypo after pregnancy?
Your TSH levels are still adjusting (usually takes 6-8 weeks or more to stabilize) and you might hit a more hyper level soon so hang in there. The weight won't come off real quickly in fact for some of us we don't lose much weight hyper but you should feel much better.
Here's some info on the entire hypo/hyper thing:
http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyroid.html
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/
As for the bruising, I'm not sure. That's why I was asking if your doctor checked you for antibodies (an auto-immune disorder). Getting some answers on that may help your doctor figure out what is going on.
Oh, if you aren't seeing an endocrinologist, please consider seeing one.
While dropping your TSH from over 300 to ~5 in just over a month is a huge change you are still on the hypo range of the TSH. Yes, being hypo can really mess up your periods - thyroid really interacts with estrogen.
Did your doctor run a complete thyroid panel on you with antibodies? Any clue why you went so hypo after pregnancy?
Your TSH levels are still adjusting (usually takes 6-8 weeks or more to stabilize) and you might hit a more hyper level soon so hang in there. The weight won't come off real quickly in fact for some of us we don't lose much weight hyper but you should feel much better.
Here's some info on the entire hypo/hyper thing:
http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyroid.html
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/
As for the bruising, I'm not sure. That's why I was asking if your doctor checked you for antibodies (an auto-immune disorder). Getting some answers on that may help your doctor figure out what is going on.
Oh, if you aren't seeing an endocrinologist, please consider seeing one.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
