Short of breath hypo

[Kaz1969]

Hi All, i've read on this site abouth people being short of breath when Hypo, just want to clarify this isn't short of breath like asthma it's more a feeling of not getting enough air in one breath almost like having to yawn is the only way to get enough air, this creates anxiety. A little history last year had lots of different symptoms and a TSH of 7.1 then after an increased dose of Levo had a short symptom free period, then they returned TSH 0.81 tried taking 100mcg Levo on e day and 75mcg the next  - symptom free for about 5 months and a TSH of 2.41 (May 09) then 2 weeks ago anxiety, tiredness, palplitations and short of breath TSH 3.9 GP didn't want to increase the dose as said 3.9 is normal, but i have increased to 100mcg every day as I belive thay I feel best with a TSH at 2 . I feel like i;m going crazy, i'm not a panicky person but feel that I am on the edge of panicking or crying at any minute.  I live in the UK so it seems to be very difficult to get a GP that understands.  Just want to feel like I am not alone.

[laura1967]

You are not alone. If my levels drop at all, one of the first symptoms I get is shortness of breath. Dealing with it right now. My dr upped my T3 medicine and my breathing was improved by 95% immediately. Amazing.

[Kaz1969]

Thanks , it's nice to know I'm not going completely mad

[Smilerdeb]

I get shortness of breath too when my TSH is a little high for me.
Also anxiety and I get very 'teary' when TSH is over 2.3.
Having a TSH of 3.9 is not 'normal' as most Doctors say.

Be careful on 100mcg daily......you may go hyper.
Personally I would be taking 88mcg on the days when you dont take 100mcg.
You can increase/decrease in 12.5mcg increments.

[Kaz1969]

Thank you so much.  I think you are right the 100mcg a day is too much and has bought on the palpitations and the extra anxiety, going to try decreasing a little. Don't know what I would do without this site.

[Smilerdeb]

I found the 'extra' 12.5mcg each fortnight sent me a tad hyper so really 12.5mcg does make a difference even though you may not think it does.

I take 62.5mcg for 7 days then the next week I take 62.5mcg for 6 days and on the 7th day 50mcg.
I found that taking 62.5mcg all the time just 'toppled' me over the edge.
That extra 12.5mcg made all the difference to my levels.

Good luck :)

[mtkst13]

you are not crazy or imagining things.  i've had the same breathing issues off and on for YEARS, and was told it was "ANXIETY".  i was finally diagnosed last year with thyroid issues.  

your description is pretty accurate..."it's more a feeling of not getting enough air in one breath almost like having to yawn is the only way to get enough air, this creates anxiety."  i actually have to bend down and gasp for air.  i get so sore during these episodes.  my ribs and back hurt from the straining.  it's really awful.

good luck!  and don't let any doctor say that you have anxiety or that you have a mental issue.  also, a tsh of 3.9 is a little high.  you need an increase of meds, and it's obvious because you have symptoms.

[Kaz1969]

Thank you all for your responses , Smilerdeb I'm so glad you have said this, because my GP said that an extra 25mcg would not make any difference!  i obviously just need to find the right balance, the 75mcg and 100mcg every other day made me feel much better but still with some symptoms so I obviously need a little bit more but not as much as the extra 25mcg. I will try juggling the dose now that I know that other people do this to.  My GP said that I should just stick to the same dose every day as taking different doses on different days will not make any difference !!! I really need to find a Doctor in the UK who actually knows what they are talking about