Aa
born with half my thyroid
Hi!
I found out about 8 years ago through a ultrasound of my thyroid, that i only have one half of it and was most likely born that way. I was just curious if anyone else had discovered this about themselves and what they did and if they had any symptoms of hypothyroidism? I have been on levoxyl for about 5 years, and I still have many of my symptoms. Recently I've been going to a different all natural medicine chiropractor and also a "wellness MD" and I think they are going to be a good help, but I've been spiralling down since May and am desperately looking for any answers!
Thanks everyone!
I found out about 8 years ago through a ultrasound of my thyroid, that i only have one half of it and was most likely born that way. I was just curious if anyone else had discovered this about themselves and what they did and if they had any symptoms of hypothyroidism? I have been on levoxyl for about 5 years, and I still have many of my symptoms. Recently I've been going to a different all natural medicine chiropractor and also a "wellness MD" and I think they are going to be a good help, but I've been spiralling down since May and am desperately looking for any answers!
Thanks everyone!
Unfortunately doctors have been taught, and usually follow, the practice of medicating a hypothyroid patient only enough to bring TSH within range. I say unfortunate because taking thyroid med establishes a different equilibrium among TSH, Free T4 and Free T3. Just giving the patient enough T4 med to get TSH within range results in a lower level of Free T4 than in the untreated state, and a much lower level of Free T3. Hypothyroidism is properly defined as "insufficient T3 effect in tissues throughout the body, due to inadequate supply of, or response to, thyroid hormone". The lower Free T3 results in hypo symptoms even though TSH and Free T4 may be well within their ranges. I should also point out here that the ranges for FT4 and FT3 are far too broad, especially to the low end of the range, due to the erroneous assumptions behind the way they are determined. So just being within the lower part of the range is no guarantee of adequacy.
A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically, by testing and adjusting Free T4 and FT3 as needed to relieve hypo symptoms, without being influenced by resultant TSH levels. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results. In support of that, there is a recent, excellent scientific study that concluded, "Hypothyroid symptom relief was associated with both a T4 dose giving TSH-suppression below the lower reference limit and FT3 elevated further into the upper half of its reference range."
Also going back to the definition of hypothyroidism, note the mention of not only supply of, but response to, thyroid hormone. The response to thyroid hormone is also very important. It can be affected by a number of things, especially cortisol,Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin. So you should be sure those are tested, along with Free T4, Free T3, and Reverse T3. Note that Vitamin D should be at least 50 ng/mL, B12 in the upper end of its range, and ferritin should be at least 100. If your doctor resists doing all this and treating you clinically, as needed to relieve symptoms, then you will need to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so. If you want to confirm all I have said, read at least the first two pages of the following, and more, if you want to get into the discussion and scientific evidence for all that is recommended.
http://www.thyroiduk.org/tuk/TUK_PDFs/The%20Diagnosis%20and%20Treatment%20of%20Hypothyroidism%20%20August%202017%20%20Update.pdf
A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically, by testing and adjusting Free T4 and FT3 as needed to relieve hypo symptoms, without being influenced by resultant TSH levels. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results. In support of that, there is a recent, excellent scientific study that concluded, "Hypothyroid symptom relief was associated with both a T4 dose giving TSH-suppression below the lower reference limit and FT3 elevated further into the upper half of its reference range."
Also going back to the definition of hypothyroidism, note the mention of not only supply of, but response to, thyroid hormone. The response to thyroid hormone is also very important. It can be affected by a number of things, especially cortisol,Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin. So you should be sure those are tested, along with Free T4, Free T3, and Reverse T3. Note that Vitamin D should be at least 50 ng/mL, B12 in the upper end of its range, and ferritin should be at least 100. If your doctor resists doing all this and treating you clinically, as needed to relieve symptoms, then you will need to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so. If you want to confirm all I have said, read at least the first two pages of the following, and more, if you want to get into the discussion and scientific evidence for all that is recommended.
http://www.thyroiduk.org/tuk/TUK_PDFs/The%20Diagnosis%20and%20Treatment%20of%20Hypothyroidism%20%20August%202017%20%20Update.pdf
I found out 4 years ago I had only the left lobe of my thyroid. The only symptom I grew up with looking back, was mild depression for which I ran every day to alieve. I only started symptoms that led me to finding this out 4 years ago. Dizziness, muscle soreness, low concentration, anxiety attacks, fear and shaking inside . I still do not feel completely ok. I take Synthroid but I am not going to a doctor who will look at all hormones related to my thyroid. For example, low T4 and higher than the now recommended TSH.
1 Comments
"now" going to a doctor, "not" is incorrect.
that is a sad commentary that no one had ever told you that.
Having only the right half made me wonder if the goiter could be due to the thyroid tissue working overtime to try and produce enough thyroid hormone for your needs. Note this info I found.
"A more common cause of goiter in America is an increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in response to a defect in normal hormone synthesis within the thyroid gland. The thyroid stimulating hormone comes from the pituitary and causes the thyroid to enlarge."
What do your thyroid test results and reference ranges show?
Having only the right half made me wonder if the goiter could be due to the thyroid tissue working overtime to try and produce enough thyroid hormone for your needs. Note this info I found.
"A more common cause of goiter in America is an increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in response to a defect in normal hormone synthesis within the thyroid gland. The thyroid stimulating hormone comes from the pituitary and causes the thyroid to enlarge."
What do your thyroid test results and reference ranges show?
Hello, I am a 34 year old mother of 4 and when I was pregnant with my last one they discovered that I had a goiter on the right side of my thyroid. I have a biopsy done and many ultrasounds and blood work and everything always came back fine. Well that was 13 years ago and I still have the goiter and still get the bloodwork and ultrasounds done as well as another biopsy done. Everything still fine. I have never taken any meds for it and I am a small person. 5'2 and 115lbs. Well I went to get my routine ultrasound done last week and find out that this whole time I have only had the right side of my thyroid and that I must have been born like that. 13 years I have been dealing with this and no one has ever let me know this information.
I am a bikini fitness competitor who has never done any type of performance enhancement drugs...for the last few months Ive been having severe anxiety due to many different ailments Ive been having. Ive gone from DR to DR....to not find any answers to the shortness of breath...the neck/back pain...sore joints....burning nerve pains in my head/chest area....was told my reflexes on the right side of my body aren't as responsive as the left.... the agonizing HEADACHES..... the list goes on and on and on....today I finally saw an endocrinologist for the first time and the first question she asked after reviewing my ultrasound was.....when did I have my right thyroid removed? apparently I have only half a thyroid gland ...... all these years up until even yesterdays blood test results all my hormone levels are okay....
Ive literally been in a depression trying to figure out whats wrong with me and now that I have found this page I am so grateful! on the MRI my Pituitary gland was asymmetrical so now I have to have an MRI of the Gland itself....
all i can say is that i am happy to at least know that im not crazy like and all these symptoms are REAL!!
Ive literally been in a depression trying to figure out whats wrong with me and now that I have found this page I am so grateful! on the MRI my Pituitary gland was asymmetrical so now I have to have an MRI of the Gland itself....
all i can say is that i am happy to at least know that im not crazy like and all these symptoms are REAL!!
I recently found out through ultrasound that I was born with only half a thyroid, too. The reason I had the ultrasound was because of a nodule on the right nodule. A biopsy found it to be benign, thank goodness. I'm in the normal range on all labwork, but wondor if I need antibiodie testing because I have symptoms of low thyroid.
I was told today I have only a left lobe. It is larger than usual -- working harder, I guess. No thyroid problems yet.
I was told today I have only a left lobe. It is larger than usual -- working harder, I guess. No thyroid problems yet.
COMMUNITY LEADER
This thread is nearly 3 years old and none of the previous posters are active on the forum any longer, so it's unlikely you will get a response from any of them.
Do you mind if I ask how old your cousin is and do you know if their mother was on any medications while pregnant?
I was born without my thyroid. My newborn screening test for TSH came back abnormal and I have been on Synthroid since I was a week old. My pediatrician told me to never go to the generic brands, but never told me why. As long as my levels are good I usually feel fine. You may want to see a different doc or change medication.
No I live in Alabama. TamraW might be able to help you. She is from Texas. Also try this website:
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/
It gives you a list - state by state- of good doctors in your state.
Hope this helps!
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/
It gives you a list - state by state- of good doctors in your state.
Hope this helps!
My daughter is nine and born without a thyroid gland. You don't happen to live in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth, Tx. area? I would love to find a doctor for her that would test all of that!
Hey Tamra and anyone else who may be interested. I went to my doctors today and these are the changes in medications and tests that were run. Just thought it may be inetersting or helpful for others. I am praying these new meds will bring about a dramatic change in improving the way I feel!! Feel free to comment!
Dr. McMinn
*Dr. McMinn prescribed me a compounded T3 and Cortef, Ambien CR, and the pill for the heavy metals take home test.
*I also got 12 vials of blood drawn to do a WIDE ARRAY of tests: Spectracell, MBV, Lyme disease, and various liver labs.
*Spectracell is a test that measures levels of selected vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential micronutrients within your white blood cells. This test will give the doctor and patient a more precise measure of which specific vitamins and minerals etc that need to be supplemented.
*I've also received take home tests to test the strength of my immune system and a urine test to detect heavy metals. Presence of heavy metals can really fatigue you apparently.
*I am also going to begin taking Transfer Factor Plasmyc for the next 6 months to rid myself of the EBV (epstein bar virus a.k.a. “mono-virus”) that I have.
*Due to a high reverse T3 test, I am going to discontinue taking levoxyl and begin taking my compounded T3 (7.5 mcg- two pills- twice per day-12 hrs apart). I will monitor my temperatures and the way I feel and check in with my doctor every week so we can decide how much we need to titrate up.
*I will also begin taking Cortef twice a day- 10mg in the morning and 5 mg at noon. I am taking the Cortef to increase my cortisol levels. My saliva test results were:
6:00 to 8:00 a.m. 6 Depressed 13-24 nM
11:00 to Noon 10 Normal 5-10nM
4:00 to 5:00 p.m. 3 Normal 3-8 nM
10:00 to Midnight 7 Elevated 1-4 nM
DHEA 1 Depressed 3-10 ng/ml
*Due to my liver tenderness and an elevated bilirubin level, I am going to get a liver ultrasound.
*I am also getting a thyroid ultrasound because of nodules that were discovered on my left lobe when I was 16, and also because my last scan showed I had no right lobe. I’ll have these scans done Monday,October 26, 2009.
Dr. Murphree
*I am going to continue taking Adrenal Cortex, CFS/Fibro Pack.
*I am going to increase my Probiotics/Acidophilus to 3 per day because I have 6 strains of moderate to abundant bacterial infections in my stomach: Staphylococcus spp.(moderate), Staphylococcus aureus(moderate), Enterococcus species (abundant), Alpha Hemolytic Streptococcus(abundant), Gamma Hemolytic Streptococcus(abundant), and Cornybacterium species(moderate).
*I am also going to take DHEA (25 mg) bc my levels were low (1 when the range was 3-10ng/ml) and it is supposed to be the most potent anti viral there is.
*I am also going to take Digestive Enzymes to make sure I am taking in all the nutrients and vitamins I need to and to improve digestion.
Dr. McMinn
*Dr. McMinn prescribed me a compounded T3 and Cortef, Ambien CR, and the pill for the heavy metals take home test.
*I also got 12 vials of blood drawn to do a WIDE ARRAY of tests: Spectracell, MBV, Lyme disease, and various liver labs.
*Spectracell is a test that measures levels of selected vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential micronutrients within your white blood cells. This test will give the doctor and patient a more precise measure of which specific vitamins and minerals etc that need to be supplemented.
*I've also received take home tests to test the strength of my immune system and a urine test to detect heavy metals. Presence of heavy metals can really fatigue you apparently.
*I am also going to begin taking Transfer Factor Plasmyc for the next 6 months to rid myself of the EBV (epstein bar virus a.k.a. “mono-virus”) that I have.
*Due to a high reverse T3 test, I am going to discontinue taking levoxyl and begin taking my compounded T3 (7.5 mcg- two pills- twice per day-12 hrs apart). I will monitor my temperatures and the way I feel and check in with my doctor every week so we can decide how much we need to titrate up.
*I will also begin taking Cortef twice a day- 10mg in the morning and 5 mg at noon. I am taking the Cortef to increase my cortisol levels. My saliva test results were:
6:00 to 8:00 a.m. 6 Depressed 13-24 nM
11:00 to Noon 10 Normal 5-10nM
4:00 to 5:00 p.m. 3 Normal 3-8 nM
10:00 to Midnight 7 Elevated 1-4 nM
DHEA 1 Depressed 3-10 ng/ml
*Due to my liver tenderness and an elevated bilirubin level, I am going to get a liver ultrasound.
*I am also getting a thyroid ultrasound because of nodules that were discovered on my left lobe when I was 16, and also because my last scan showed I had no right lobe. I’ll have these scans done Monday,October 26, 2009.
Dr. Murphree
*I am going to continue taking Adrenal Cortex, CFS/Fibro Pack.
*I am going to increase my Probiotics/Acidophilus to 3 per day because I have 6 strains of moderate to abundant bacterial infections in my stomach: Staphylococcus spp.(moderate), Staphylococcus aureus(moderate), Enterococcus species (abundant), Alpha Hemolytic Streptococcus(abundant), Gamma Hemolytic Streptococcus(abundant), and Cornybacterium species(moderate).
*I am also going to take DHEA (25 mg) bc my levels were low (1 when the range was 3-10ng/ml) and it is supposed to be the most potent anti viral there is.
*I am also going to take Digestive Enzymes to make sure I am taking in all the nutrients and vitamins I need to and to improve digestion.
Yeah, I've heard of the temp test. My temp is usually around 97.5. I don't know your reference ranges for your FT3, so I can't comment on that. I can tell that FT4 is in the mid-range, and some of us feel better with it pushed higher.
Those labs were in May and a lot can change between now and then. I suggest another set of labs and maybe a second opinion. Look at doctors on that list I sent you and see if you can find one who can help you.
Take care...
:) Tamra
Those labs were in May and a lot can change between now and then. I suggest another set of labs and maybe a second opinion. Look at doctors on that list I sent you and see if you can find one who can help you.
Take care...
:) Tamra
Hey quintessence89:
When I first was diagnosed with hypothyroidism I had gained about 20lbs and only after about 2 yrs on levoxyl 75 mcg did I lose the weight. I was up to 140 and am now 118lbs. I definitely believe hypothyroidism has a lot to do with weight gain bc I felt like everything I ate went straight to my gut and legs and I exercised mroe than I ever had in my life trying to get it to go away with no success.
Unfortunately, I still have all my other hypo symptoms. I wish your brother the best with his struggles. Thanks for contacting me...
Victoria
When I first was diagnosed with hypothyroidism I had gained about 20lbs and only after about 2 yrs on levoxyl 75 mcg did I lose the weight. I was up to 140 and am now 118lbs. I definitely believe hypothyroidism has a lot to do with weight gain bc I felt like everything I ate went straight to my gut and legs and I exercised mroe than I ever had in my life trying to get it to go away with no success.
Unfortunately, I still have all my other hypo symptoms. I wish your brother the best with his struggles. Thanks for contacting me...
Victoria
Hey Tamra!
Thank you for replying.
These results were from May 2009:
TSH = 0.566
FT4 = 1.42
These results were from July 2009:
FT3 = 3.5 pg/mL
Reverse T3 = 37 which was High according to the given range
Vitamin D = 63.6 ng/mL
I got more tests ran today but will not get those levels back until later this week or early next week.
I also had a saliva cortisol test and a yeast stool culture test and should learn of my results this week I hope. If my doctor will call me....I wish I had a direct line sometimes to just ask and get an immediate response. I hate going thru nurses and secretaries!
I have an appt with my chiropractor and wellness MD next Thurs (10/22/09) so I hope that they will consider me for Cortef if my cortisol levels determine it and also maybe some Cytomel. I have previously tried Armour - 1/4 grain- for about two weeks and had a racing heart beat and sweatiness. I even split the 1/4 grain to even smaller pieces and it still had that affect so maybe the synthetic drug Cytomel will work for me better.
Have you heard of the Dr. Broda Barnes temperature test? I am reading a book about him now. My chiropractor and wellness MD want me to track my temperature according to his temperature guidelines. It says if you have a basal temp(resting temp,first in the morning, 10 min under the arm with a mercury thermometer) of 97.8 or below then it is very likely you have hypothyroidism.
This was an extremely long post but I really am trying to get better and I'd love to network with others and let us all help each other out! Thanks!! Hope to hear from you soon!
Thank you for replying.
These results were from May 2009:
TSH = 0.566
FT4 = 1.42
These results were from July 2009:
FT3 = 3.5 pg/mL
Reverse T3 = 37 which was High according to the given range
Vitamin D = 63.6 ng/mL
I got more tests ran today but will not get those levels back until later this week or early next week.
I also had a saliva cortisol test and a yeast stool culture test and should learn of my results this week I hope. If my doctor will call me....I wish I had a direct line sometimes to just ask and get an immediate response. I hate going thru nurses and secretaries!
I have an appt with my chiropractor and wellness MD next Thurs (10/22/09) so I hope that they will consider me for Cortef if my cortisol levels determine it and also maybe some Cytomel. I have previously tried Armour - 1/4 grain- for about two weeks and had a racing heart beat and sweatiness. I even split the 1/4 grain to even smaller pieces and it still had that affect so maybe the synthetic drug Cytomel will work for me better.
Have you heard of the Dr. Broda Barnes temperature test? I am reading a book about him now. My chiropractor and wellness MD want me to track my temperature according to his temperature guidelines. It says if you have a basal temp(resting temp,first in the morning, 10 min under the arm with a mercury thermometer) of 97.8 or below then it is very likely you have hypothyroidism.
This was an extremely long post but I really am trying to get better and I'd love to network with others and let us all help each other out! Thanks!! Hope to hear from you soon!
Please read my post to Victoria about the various drug options. When we are hypo, our bodies store fat. If he is following a good diet and exercise routine, and he is still overweight, then his medication probably needs to be adjusted.
Maybe his endo is only treating TSH. Many endos make this mistake. This list has state-by-state recommended thyroid specialists:
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/
This is where I found my new endo. My last endo only wanted to treat my TSH, even though I was clearly still hypo.
:) Tamra
Maybe his endo is only treating TSH. Many endos make this mistake. This list has state-by-state recommended thyroid specialists:
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/
This is where I found my new endo. My last endo only wanted to treat my TSH, even though I was clearly still hypo.
:) Tamra
Victoria, please post your levels: TSH, FT3, FT4.
Many endos treat only TSH, ignoring the important free levels. Sometimes, the FT3 levels are low and Levo (synthetic T4 drug) alone will not help it. Adding Cytomel (synthetic T3 drug) to the mix makes all the difference. Sometimes, the FT4 levels are still low, but doctors are afraid to push TSH beyond their 'magic' number.
From my experiences thus far, chiros actually know a lot about thyroid. Many prescribe thyroid meds, but I'm pretty sure most chiros prefer the natural dessicated meds (made from pig thyroid). Medication like Nature Thyroid have FT4, FT3, plus I believe it also has FT1 and 2.
If you've had no adverse effects of Levo, other than the fact that you're still hypo, which probably has more to do with the prescription strength, then be warned that occasionally people who switch to the natural stuff have reactions. Sometimes, people who take the natural stuff have reactions to synthetics.
The point is that we are all different, but that DOES NOT mean we should suffer with hypo symptoms. There is a medication and dosage that is right for you. You just need a reliable doctor who will get you feeling better.
:) Tamra
Many endos treat only TSH, ignoring the important free levels. Sometimes, the FT3 levels are low and Levo (synthetic T4 drug) alone will not help it. Adding Cytomel (synthetic T3 drug) to the mix makes all the difference. Sometimes, the FT4 levels are still low, but doctors are afraid to push TSH beyond their 'magic' number.
From my experiences thus far, chiros actually know a lot about thyroid. Many prescribe thyroid meds, but I'm pretty sure most chiros prefer the natural dessicated meds (made from pig thyroid). Medication like Nature Thyroid have FT4, FT3, plus I believe it also has FT1 and 2.
If you've had no adverse effects of Levo, other than the fact that you're still hypo, which probably has more to do with the prescription strength, then be warned that occasionally people who switch to the natural stuff have reactions. Sometimes, people who take the natural stuff have reactions to synthetics.
The point is that we are all different, but that DOES NOT mean we should suffer with hypo symptoms. There is a medication and dosage that is right for you. You just need a reliable doctor who will get you feeling better.
:) Tamra
I have a relative born without a thyroid who is extremely hypo. When she is really, really good about taking her medication (synthroid, been on it all her life) she still has hypo symptoms. When she gets sloppy about taking her meds she gets really bad, especially with lots of weight gain and depression.
2 Comments
I have started to gain weight but not too much I have been on levothyroxine 0.175mg. for five years, My problem is since being on this drug-my hair has been coming out in handfull's, I have no stamina or energy I feel I'm alway's getting choked and this may sound crazy but I have been noticing what I call a horse collar growing on the right side of my neck where I no thyroid. so I weened myself off of the med's and haven't taken them for approx. 10mth's now- stopped the choking and the horse collar seem's to be disappearing also----So feeling good about getting off these med's
Why were you started on Levothyroxine? Was it after a thyroidectomy, or were you diagnosed as hypothyroid? In either case you will need thyroid med or you will return to having hypothyroid symptoms. Instead of getting off the med you most likely needed to be on the right meds and dosage and also optimize other variables that affect thyroid hormone.
If you will please post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges we can help interpret your situation better.
If you will please post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges we can help interpret your situation better.
do you happen to be overweight because of your hypothyroidism? My brother has it and he's had it all his life. he's been on all kinds of medications and i was just curious.
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.
