Weight Gain, Acne, Dry Skin, Ridges in Nails - HELP!

[serenewalker]

I posted an earlier question about severe acne to the dermatology forum, but I have a few other concerns and I am not sure if they are related. I did some research last night and after finding out that my 13 year old brother, my mother, grandmother, and several aunts have all been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism I am concerned.

I gained nearly 40 lbs in less than a year and I have to workout hard and eat extremely well in order not to gain anymore weight. I cannot seem to lose any weight I am just maintaining the weight I have now.

I have an onset of severe acne, dry skin, and deep ridges in my nails. I have some memory loss and trouble retaining new information which is important considering I am in business school.

I also checked up on hormone imbalance since I am no longer on birth control. Some of the symptoms are similar and so I am not sure what to do.

I am unemployed and only have catastrophe insurance so any testing will be out of pocket. If there is any information that you have as far as tending to this myself rather than expensive treatments that would be great.

[stella5349]

Yes - if money is tight as it is for everyone - especially w/ot insurance you must insist on getting proper labs the first time

Here is what I would think could help you with labs find out if there are abnormal levels based on symptoms.

Free T3 / FT3 ( must be FREE - make sure of this)
Free T4 /FT4 ( free not total)
TSH

estrodiol
testosterone
progesterone

RBC magnesium - ( must be RBC)
Vit B and D

calcium

[serenewalker]

Thanks so much for you responses. I will do the BBT starting tomorrow morning. If it is below the normal I will make an appointment immediately.  

[alfonsina]

I agree with Smilerdeb. You are going to need some labs to know better.

But there is something that you can do yourself and probably motivate you to get your labs.

I do not know if you have heard of Basal Body temperature (BBT). One of the pioneers in hypothyroidism treatment started to use BBT to diagnose this illness many years ago.

You take your temperature, by mouth, as soon as you wake up in the morning, trying not to move (do not get up!). Place a digital thermometer in your mouth and wait there in bed for about 10 minutes.

You have to do this for five consecutive days and write down your results.

If the average BBT is below 97.6 degrees you might have an under functioning thyroid or insufficient thyroid hormone replacement.

An average BBT between 87.8 and 98.2 is considered normal.

Do not do this when having your period as temperature varies; wait until the third or fourth day after your period has started.

You can Google BBT (and hypothyroidism) and you will find very useful information and the work of Dr. Broda Barnes.

I do not know where you are located, but if you are in the States some states have some low cost or free of charge programs (usually at hospitals) for low income people or the unemployed.

[Smilerdeb]

The only way to check for hypothyroidism is the labs...FT3, FT4 and TSH and also the antibody testing for Hashi's.
There is no other 100% accurate way to find out different.
You do need these labs done.