Diagnosed hypo but racing heart?

[TanM]

Hi there - I've had ME (chronic fatigue syndrome) severely for the last 3 years and have gradually become more and more disabled with it so that I can only walk a very short distance.

Two weeks ago I had some weird symptoms - palpitations and resting pulse of 100 bpm, feeling dizzy (lack of balance), difficulty speaking and processing words. Heart was checked out - all fine, and checked for stroke - all fine. Blood tests came back and diagnosed with hypothyroid - my TSH levels were 54 ( in 2006 when I was diagnosed with ME they were 2.4).

My issue is: since I have felt tired in the extreme for the past 3-5 years, and always had cold feet and hands, the only new symptoms I've had (esp the racing heart) point towards hyper rather than hypo.  No dry skin, hair falling out, anything like that. Has anyone experienced funny heart things  as a result of hypo?

Also - now I'm on the medication, I'm noticing that I'm falling into a deeper sleep and feel v drugged when I wake in the morning. I'm guessing this is the opposite to what most people have - can anyone tell me why?

Thanks

Have been on

[TanM]

Thanks - didn't realise heart symptoms could be a factor for hypo as well as hyper. I've been housebound for past 8 months so there's a very good chance I'm low on vitamin D too. Will see if my dr will go with FT3 monitoring.

[gimel]

Even though TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by many variables to the point that it is inadequate as a sole diagnostic for thyroid, when a TSH result is that high it is a strong indication of being hypo.  You have mentioned many symptoms of hypothyroidism.  As you said the heart issues are more often associated with being hyper, but also occurs with hypothyroidism, so that does not negate the possibility of being hypo.

As I mentioned, TSH varies so much that at best it is an indicator, to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms and also the levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, which are Free T3 and Free T4.  Of these FT3 is the most important because FT3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Studies have also shown that FT3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while FT4 and TSH did not correlate very well at all.

So, I think you need to see your doctor soon and get tested for Free T3 and free T4, along with the TSH.  Also, since hypo patients frequently have deficiencies in Vitamin A, D, B12, iron/ferritin, selenium,  zinc, and RBC magnesium,  I would also suggest that you try to get those tested as well.  

A good thyroid doctor treats a hypo patient clinically, by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  You need to find out if your doctor is going to be willing to treat you in this manner, rather than by TSH.  If not, then you need to find a new doctor that will do so.