Achy/painful gums

Question

Dr. Lupo,

I am a 53 year old female just diagnosed with  hyperthyroid due to Graves disease. I was on Methimazole 10mg 3x a day for about 3 weeks and now 2 x a day for about two weeks. Most of my syptoms have improved. My labs seem to be coming along; T4 Free is 1.3,  my TSH 3rd Gen is 0.004 low and my ALT is 61. Since the on set of this illness I have had achy/painful gum episodes. Per Endocrin-md instruction I stopped the Methimazole to see if problem would subside. After 72 hrs of no Methimazole the episodes continue, each episode more severe. Tylenol helps. I have seen my Endocrinologist, dentist and periodontist, they cannot find a cause. Could this be from the Graves? I had a radioactive iodine uptake test and scan all consistent with Graves.  Please help me. Thank you.

HyperT77 · Answer

At this point, no.  The Endo is hopeful that I'll go into remission. If anything, he thinks I'll turn Hypo T then have to go on Synthroid.  Have been on Methimazole for 13 months now.  Certainly feel better now than when first diagnosed.  But, every time he "tweaks" my medication it takes 2-3 weeks to feel better again. 

I walk everyday.  Have to walk and take extra fiber, as my cholesterol levels have gone from low to high since going on Methimazole.

laram · Answer

Are you considering Radioactive Iodine?  or are you still waiting to see if you go into remission with the Methimazole?  I was on Methimazole for 4 years,  finally I had to do the RAI treatment.  I thought most of my pains would go away but, I actually felt better when I was on the methimazole.  Now I am on Levoxyl and I think my body is taking a long time to adjust.  My gums and teeth seem to hurt a lot.  I never had issues before the RAI.

HyperT77 · Answer

I had pain in the gums, jaw and every muscle in my body.  All symptoms have improved considerably since starting treatment a year ago - taking Methimazole.  I've done alot of reading on Hyperthyroidism and it sure can reak havoc on they body.

laram · Answer

I was wondering if you ever found a solution.  I had the RAI about 2 years ago and have had increase gum and jaw pain.  I'm curious to know if this is caused by the Radioactive Iodine?  Does this sound familiar to anyone with Graves disease?

fern3 · Answer

No, I am not taking any fish oil or any kind of cod liver oil. Are these beneficial to me? I've been thinking of taking a vitamin B12, I've heard that it is good for thyroid function. I've just been diagnosed about two months ago. Two months ago I had no idea that such a small gland could wreak so much havoc. No bleeding of the gums, just alot of pain. Thanks

chigirl29 · Answer

Are you taking any fish oil or any kind of cod liver oil or something?

My gums started bleeding and swelling--and I had bruises all over my body.

I found out it thins your blood--well--for some people.

I don't know about it being along with Grave's or iodine uptake--sorry about that.

fern3 · Answer

Hi- Thanks for your comment. Does that mean your pain finally went away?

cbread · Answer

Good question! I was diagnosed with hyper and had the worst jaw pain. I took advil for about six weeks and my accupuncturist and doctor said it wasn't thyroid. My dentist told me I had a cracked tooth and I got a crown, but honestly about 2 days before he fixed it- it was much, much better.  I am curious what you find out.