Thyroid and depression - the numbers don't tell everything

[Sybil456]

I have hypothyroid and depression.  An article in the NYTimes recently discussed the link between the two.

Most endocrinologists look at my tests and say I'm fine because they are within normal limits.  But I feel horrible - tired, depressed, gaining weight.

I'm seeking a doctor in NYC who understands this relationship and can look at the whole picture, not just my thyroid numbers.

[Ericamegan]

"my eyes were puffy, my face was puffy, didn't get my period for 5 months and before it was very irregular, panic attacks, depression again with manic and hypomanic behavior."  
I had all these symptoms when I was very hypo. I just felt really down & tired.  My eyes and face got so puffy.  Once you get your levels up you should feel much better!  

[Barb135]

You said "My doctor said it's not Hashimoto's, because she doesn't think I show the symptoms."  

I have to wonder if you need a different doctor.......

The 2 antibody tests performed, are those done to confirm Hashimoto's ....... you were positive on them both.  Hashimoto's causes hypothyroidism.... you have symptoms (and blood work to back it up) of hypothyroidism, plus the antibodies; therefore, you have symptoms of Hashimoto's......  

Yep, I'm thinkin' you might want to start looking for a different doctor.

[assassinfemme]

Thanks, Barb.

Tomorrow I will talk to my doctor.  I will also ask about the FT3 and FT4.  My doctor said it's not Hashimoto's, because she doesn't think I show the symptoms.  

Also, I forgot to mention a very important part.  I was on Accutane 20mg for 15 months and just stopped taking it 3 days ago.  Some symptoms of hypo are similar to side effects of Accutane.  It is also known for Accutane to resurface unmasked autoimmune disorders, which may have been in me latent.

Once again, thank you so much for your information.  I am a fighter, even though I am tired of struggling with my health for such a long time.  I suppose I might need to demand help, instead of ask for it tomorrow.  Thank you for making me more aware.  It is scary, since I am completely alone with this.  I will give it a try.

[Barb135]

Free T3 and Free T4 are the actual thyroid hormones and are much more important than TSH, with Free T3 being most important because it is the active hormone that's actually used by individual cells.  Just having them within the normal ranges is not enough.  If FT3 and FT4 are not high enough, you will have the symptoms you describe, plus possibly more.  

Your Anti-Thyroglobulin and Anti-TPO are antibody tests and since they are both elevated, that indicates that you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease in which the body sees the thyroid as foreign and produces antibodies to attack and destroy it.  As the destruction process progresses, your thyroid will produce less and less hormones, and you will have to replace them with the medication. This can be managed with much care and patience.

I know this can all sound confusing, but please don't be scared.  This forum is full of people who have Hashimoto's and many of us have been where you're at now.  

It takes approximately 5-6 for the medication to build in your system, to get the full benefit from it, but you could start seeing minor improvement within a shorter period.

Hang in there; we'll help you all we can.

[assassinfemme]

I have done my blood analysis in Spain, so I am hoping to translate it as properly as I can:

Enzimes (Alanina-Aminotransfereasa (GPT) - 15 (<40)
TSH                                                          - *7.01 (range 0.35-5.50)
Immunology (Anti-Tiroglobulina)                   - *67 (<60)
Anti-TPO (Anti Peroxidasa Tiroidea)             - *199 (<60)

Cholesterol - 314
HDL - 64
LDL -209
Triglycerides - 203

My doctor didn't tell me about the T3 or T4, but said that they were in normal range and only put me on medication for subclinical hypothyroidism, because of my high cholesterol.  

I would appreciate any help at this point, because from what I read here, it all sounds so scary, yet I have hope that depression and mood swings will go away to stop driving me crazy.

[Barb135]

Your symptoms go along with being hypo.  50 mcg levo might be too high a dose to start on.  It's usually best to start low and work up slowly.  

Can you please post your actual thyroid hormone levels, along with the reference ranges and we will try to make suggestions for things that might help you.

[assassinfemme]

I have been taking Celexa (Citalopram) - an SSRI from 2006-2011 30mg.  I didn't necessarily feel better, although my anxiety was gone and I was a more reasonable human being.  But I was feeling numb and still uninterested in life.  One time I had a suicide attempt in 2008.

I stopped taking the medication in hopes it was just temporary.  But something else emerged...my eyes were puffy, my face was puffy, didn't get my period for 5 months and before it was very irregular, panic attacks, depression again with manic and hypomanic behavior.  My cholesterol increased to 314 and I read that it might be hypo.  I was right.  My TSH came to be 7.01 and I started taking Levothroid 50mg.

I am suicidal again! Yesterday I snapped at 2 friends and was incredibly moody.  I could laugh hysterically and then I had a cry spell.  I don't want to live anymore - I am feeling HORRENDOUS.  Help!!

[Barb135]

"it is" -- what is?  If your thyroid were optimal, you wouldn't have symptoms.  Depression is a major symptom of hypothyroidism.  Many doctors prefer to throw antidepressants at their patients, rather than treat the thyroid issue.

I agree with gimel; we need to see your latest thyroid lab tests in order to see if you are being tested properly and where, within the ranges, your results fall.  As gimel said before: just being in range isn't good enough and doesn't make your treatment optimal.

[gimel]

I don't understand.  I did not in any way doubt that your issues may be thyroid related, I just would like to see your thyroid test results and reference ranges, to see if your doctor has even been testing you adequately.  

[2beth27]

it is

[2beth27]

it is

[Barb135]

In a way, you're lucky; many doctors prefer to toss antidepressants at their patients, rather than treat the underlying thyroid problem.

If you get your thyroid levels optimal, your depression should ease, if it's thyroid related.

[2beth27]

i have the same prob sept my head doc wont even treat my depression because he thinks its just my thyroid

[gimel]

Just because your thyroid test results are in the so-called "normal" range does not mean that is adequate for you.  The ranges are far too broad for taht to be the case.  

If you will post you test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report, members will be glad to comment on the adequacy of your testing, and your diagnosis.