cholesterol

[Bev2]

I posted below about the low T4 free (calc) & normal TSH.  A few days ago, I found out my cholesterol was high at 299 (LDL 219/ HDL 48) and my triglycerides were above range, too (161).  Last time I tested chol/trig. a few years ago, everything was fine.  I wondered if there was any link between Cholesterol/Triglycerides and thyroid problems.  I also have Hashimotos, but have not been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism yet.  However, the Dr is retesting T4 free (per post below) to reevaluate.

[carolinamoon35]

A related discussion, High choliestol and hypothyroidism was started.

[aagil]

I was just diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease but the MD states that I don't have hypothyroidism.  I went to the doc for sensitivity to cold, dry skin and hair, constipation, fatigue (I sleep 10-14 hours/day), & weight gain.  I found out through several blood test that I have Hashimoto's and high cholesterol.  He thinks that my weight gain and fatigue are due to my Sarafem that I take for PMS, so he wants to change me to Zoloft and start me on Crestor and a low fat diet to reduce my cholesterol numbers.  
I saw on the internet that there has been 2 studies in regards to euthyroid and Hashimoto's and treatment with thyroid meds.  This may even prevent the Hashimoto's from becoming true hypothyroidism.  
Does anyone know of a MD in the Chicago area that believes in this philosophy?  I don't want to start on Crestor if all I need is some thyroid hormones.  
Please help.

[aagil]

I was just diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease but the MD states that I don't have hypothyroidism.  I went to the doc for sensitivity to cold, dry skin and hair, constipation, fatigue (I sleep 10-14 hours/day), & weight gain.  I found out through several blood test that I have Hashimoto's and high cholesterol.  He thinks that my weight gain and fatigue are due to my Sarafem that I take for PMS, so he wants to change me to Zoloft and start me on Crestor and a low fat diet to reduce my cholesterol numbers.  
I saw on the internet that there has been 2 studies in regards to euthyroid and Hashimoto's and treatment with thyroid meds.  This may even prevent the Hashimoto's from becoming true hypothyroidism.  
Does anyone know of a MD in the Chicago area that believes in this philosophy?  I don't want to start on Crestor if all I need is some thyroid hormones.  
Please help.

[Dixie1]

Normal TSH means squat with Hashimoto's. The free T3/4 readings and your symptoms are the most accurate ways of deciding treatment measures. Most people's symptoms disappear when free t3/4 are in mid to upper range of 'normal'. If most docs see the frees in low range, they think you are ok, and send you off to a psychiatrist and other docs, who put you on antidepressants and cholesterol lowering drugs, etc.

The thyroid hormones are required in the process that makes neurotransmitters, so if they are low, you will have cognitive symptoms. The brain has more thyroid receptors than anywhere else in the body. Have you had your adrenal gland hormones tested? Very important, 80% of people with thyroid problems have an adrenal issue. Could be exactly why your free T4 is so low. What is your free T3 score, where is it in the range?

As for cholesterol, high cholesterol IS associated with low thyroid, and your TSH does not have to be above 5. The thyroid hormones are needed in the process of converting cholesterol to the other adrenal gland hormones/sex hormones. So if they are low....high cholesterol, as well as lower adrenal hormones common. TSH is NOT a thyroid hormone...when are the docs going to get that?

[Bev2]

I was diagnosed with Hashimotos about 2 years ago during thyroid nodule evaluation.  I haven't been put on meds because the hormone levels have been normal until this FT4 level dropped.

I am currently being treated for depression, so many symptoms of depression also resemble hypo symptoms.  It's impossible to tell them apart.

[tinkerbell 2006]

How long have you had Hashimoto's Disease? And why aren't you on meds? or do you swing between hypo and hyper?

TSH is not a reliable guide, good you're getting the FT4 done. However the Free T3 is even more important as that tells you what you are actually using, the FT4 is a storage hormone and converts to FT3

What symptoms do you have?

Here's a good web site for information

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

There's a link but it usually starts with elevated TSH -- at least >5, but usually much higher to be the only cause of a cholesterol this high.  Sounds like you have high cholesterol and a separate thyroid problem (hashi).