thyroid and salt cravings?

[jerzy789]

I had a right partial thyroidectomy in 2000 for a hurthle cell ademona and have taken thyroxine for suppressive treatment ever since. I have follow-up blood tests and scans every year (give or take) and so far, so good. I've had a new (very small) nodule in the left side for the past four years, but it hasn't grown or caused any new problems. My last tests were about eight months ago.

My question is about the sudden salt cravings I've been having. All my life I've had a major sweet tooth and almost never added salt to my food... didnt really like it or seem to need it. Suddenly my sweet tooth has all but dissappeared and I can't seem to get enough salt. This has been going on for the two or three couple of months. I'm wondering if this may indicate a change in the status/condition of my thyroid. Or might there be some other reason for the change... menopause, perhaps?

Some background: I am 46, female, and on HRT (Premique) since December 2008 for early(ish) menopause. I also take fluoxitine, lamotrogine, trazadone, and thyroxine.

[jerzy789]

One more thing (sorry!): along with the swallowing problem, I've experienced dimished hearing in the right ear (same side). Hearing tests only show slight diminishment on right of otherwise good hearing, but experientially it seems more significant. Hearing in this ear feels muffled, like the sound quality has changed. It also has a slight "full" feeling. Seems strange to me that these symptoms--the swallowing and hearing--are on the same side and appeared at around the same time.

Now... how this would have anything to do with salt cravings I don't know! :-)   Just wondering if any of this is significant.  

[jerzy789]

I should add... for the last two or three years I've had intermittent difficulty swallowing, resulting in food being caught on the right side of my throat. This has been investigated by an ENT specialist who diagnosed acid reflux; I've had some relief in symptoms after treatment. Despite this, I've been wondering if something was missed. My suspicion is that something on the right side is paralyzed. When I gargle water, it feels as if I'm only gargling with the left side... there is no feeling on the right. I don't know if any of this is pertinent but thought it might be useful.

Thanks for any insight you might be able to provide.