Partial thyroidectomy & mental health issues

[kittykibble]

My mum had half her thyroid removed over 10 years ago and has had major personality changes since. She was not placed on any medication as she still has half her thyroid. I do believe she had mental health issues prior to this, but after the surgery it got so much worse. About 4 years ago she was taken to the hospital, where they told her she has schizophrenic tendencies. She was given medication, but threw it out as she said it made her feel different. I'm trying to get her into counselling, but I'm definitely curious if it's possible that her mental health issues could be related to her thyroidectomy?

[gimel]

In my view it is unlikely that half of a thyroid gland could produce the amount of thyroid hormone needed by a patient.  So, if she has not been tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3 (not the same as Total T4 and Total T3), then she should get those done.   If those are below the middle of the range, and she has symptoms that can be related to being hypothyroid, then that would be a good indicator that she is hypo and needs to be on thyroid med.  In addition I highly recommend testing for Vitamin D and ferritin.  Both are important for her.  

Does she have any other symptoms?

I see that you are in Australia so you will be subject to the rules of the national health system there.  Typically there is the belief that only TSH testing is necessary to diagnose and treat a hypothyroid patient.  That is very wrong, so you should insist on testing her for Free T4 and Free T3.   If you are able to get that done, then post results and reference ranges shown on the lab report and we will be happy to help interpret  and advise further.  

[kittykibble]

Thank you for replying! Aside from her mental health issues she is quite healthy. She's definitely put on around 10kgs since the surgery, but other than that I haven't noticed any physical issues. She hasn't had a check up for 2-3 years so I will make sure she gets a blood test asap. When I know more I will post back here.