goiters

[alwaystired711]

I have numerous goiters on my thyroid gland on both sides.  I have every symptom there is for hypothyroidism.  The problem is that my lab tests all come back "normal".  TSH and T3 & T4.  The doctors tell me that my levels would lean toward the hyperthyroidism anyway.  I want to feel better.
Any suggestions?

[GravesLady]

Goiter can be a different thyroid issue than hypo/hyper-thyroidism.

Goiters do not come with the typical thyroid symptoms if levels are normal and they usually have normal thyroid levels, with the exception of certain types or depending on the underlying cause of the goiter.

Goiters are seen more in hypo's and nodules in hyper's.

Goiter treatment depends on the size of the enlargement, your signs and symptoms (Enlarged thyroid gland, neck swelling, A tight feeling in  throat, Coughing, Difficulty swallowing, Difficulty breathing, hoarseness), and the underlying cause.
If your goiter is small and doesn't cause you much of a problem, and your thyroid is functioning normally, your doctor may suggest a wait-and-see approach.

If you are having every symptom of hypothyroid with normal thyroid levels, they might be caused by other health issues.  Not all  symptoms are exclusive to thyroid.

[choirgirl]

I had a goiter for 2 years with normal levels being checked by my regular physician.  Year number 3 had me checked by a endocrinologist and diagnosed with Hashimoto's.  You can have Hashi's and have normal levels - did they do an ultrasound?  Hashi's shows up very clearly on ultrasound and it is very non-invasive and easy to do.  Hope this helps!

[Mom4Lifeof4]

My thyroid is giving me trouble....I am also having trouble swallowing.  It is as if I do my part...and the food is just sitting back there somewhere waiting on the "ride to start", and slowly..it does manage to go down.  Also can happen with fluids, like it is going thru a funnel.  I also get  the reflux type back up (totally NOT normal for me), but since mine doesn't taste bitter or like stomach acid, Dr. believes mine is backing up before it ever makes it there.  I originally thought it was an Esophagus issue - Daddy had to have his stretched a couple of times, but Dr. said my Thyroid is slightly enlarged.  Am scheduled for a UltraSound and Barium/Gi test.  I constantly feel as if someone is choking me or I'm wearing a tight tie/turtleneck.    I read something about a thyroid and hair follicle connection.   Sounds stupid...but my issue didn't begin until I started having laser treatments for hair removal.  Anybody ever heard of a connection?