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Avatar universal

Can thyroid surgery affect other hormones?

I had thyroid surgery four months ago.  There was no cancer and my thyroid levels are normal with no supplemental meds.  My problem is I have had so much trouble with dizziness and heart palps when I go to bed at night.  They are ten times worse around my period.  I've read a lot of literature that suggests I am peri-menopause (age 38).  Could surgery have spun my other hormones (adrenals, ovaries, pituitary, etc) out of line?  Some have suggested my progesterone levels are low.  I get dizzy, sore joints, heart palps, etc.  I've ruled out MS, autoimmune diseases.  Saw a cardiologist and he's following up, but really believes everything is okay and that it may be hormonal.  Soem days I get these waves of weakness.  It's almost like whatever this is has a switch...some parts of a day I'm great and there are other whole days when I drudge through the day.  I am height/weight appropriate and up until my surgery was a 4 day per week exerciser. My primary, though, has been totally clueless.  Surely there are other people out there with this.  The fatigue, muscle twitches, and other symptoms come and go, but it's starting to wear on me mentally.  Anyone have a suggestion on what this is...low/high hormones, etc?  Some people have suggested birth control pills, progesterone cream, and hormone level testing. If I do hormone level testing, is saliva or blood more accurate?  I am supposed to see my OB on 2/7.  Any insight anyone has for me prior to that date is appreciatd.  Thanks!
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Avatar universal
PS:  To answer your other question, they removed only the center portion of my thyroid (isthmus--contains little thyroid producing hormones) as well as a sliver of the left and right.  They really didn't remove enough to warrant meds or even a drop in production.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for writing back. They checked my TSH & T4 about 6 weeks post-op.  They were 1.5 and 1.4.  (They'd each been 1.2 pre-surgery).  I don't know what the antibodies thing is.  I'm not gaining/losing weight or having trouble with hair loss/growth, etc. and other things typical of thyroid problems.  It all seeems just hormonal--ovaries, etc. vs. thyroid and it all seems to revolve around my menstrual cycle.  I've been seeing a chiropractor/acupuncturist who specializes in women's issues.  I have something off kilter at the top of my neck and she believes it may be from the positioning during surgery and she's working to correct it. The dizziness I get during the day even while standing is now 90% gone.  She suggested acupuncture for palps and dizziness that come during that one lousy week each month so that my body can correct itself more naturally without the pill, etc.  I guess that's my other option is to go back on the pill.  Hope this info helps.  Any other info is appreciated. Thanks :)
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Avatar universal
When was your thyroid hormones checked last? They can drop suddenly after treatment. Mine dropped from normal with low TSH to very low hormones & very high TSH in 5 wks. I had many of the symptoms you described. Did they also do a I131 treatment on you after you thyroidectomy? They very often do, if you had a total removal & also depending on the reason for the removal. It's radioactive iodine treatment to kill off any remaining thyroid cells they may have missed. You definetely need to have your TSH. free T-3, free T-4, & posibly thyroid antibodies checked.
It's highly unusual for you not to be on some kind of supplement following thyroidectomy unless it was a partical. Let us know how your doing ok.              Jean
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Avatar universal
I have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) and it can cause the symptoms you described (as well as some others). Did you have total thyroidectomy or only a partial? Have you ever had your thyroid antibodies tested...what were the results? How long ago were your thyroid levels checked...what were those results?

Sorry to ask so many questions I'm just trying to get a clearer picture :).

I do have other hormonal issues as well that may have been causing some of my symptoms but I've never had my levels tested. I feel much better since starting on ortho evra (contraceptive patch). I have had a lot of menstrual irregularities, miscarriages and ovarian cysts so my OB suggested I try it...I feel worlds better!

I still have a few symptoms but nothing that I can't tolerate :).

Kelly
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Avatar universal
No, but I'm a pretty consistent eater (don't go too long between meals, etc) and don't eat alot of foods that turn to sugar quickly (breads, candy, soda, etc).  I don't get shaky either like I hear most people say.  It doesn't center around food as much as bedtime and periods.  I know it sounds crazy, but I just can't figure this out!
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Avatar universal
Have you had your blood sugar levels checked?  I am hypoglyemic
and have symptons like you described when I'm not eating right
or right before my period.
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