Hypothyroid and Dizziness?

[godsown]

I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism.  I delivered my third child in August of 2007 and my body was not returning to "normal".  I was not able to loose weight, I was EXTREMELY tired and fatigued, extreme moods swings, body aches, and so on...I had ALL the text book symptoms.  I went to see my doctor this last February and had some blood work done.  I got a call that my TSH level was 45.  They put my on Levothyroxine immediately and have increased my dose from 25 mcg to 75 mcg.  My recent blood work showed that my TSH levels have come down to 4.6, but my T4 level is at 1.1.  My doctor said that she will be increasing my dose again to 100 mcg.  I mentioned to my Dr. that although I was feeling better, I was still struggling with my symptoms.  She stated that it will take time as my medication tries to get things back in order.  When I shared that I have times when I feel an extreme pressure on my forehead and feel dizzy and that I might pass out, she said that if I were to read the text book symptoms of hypothyroidism, it probably lists it as a symptom, but that it is probabley allergies.  Allergies??? I don't have allergies.  I was wondering if anyone else has this symptom.  I am new at this and would love to have your input/experiences.

Thanks!

[gimel]

Sounds like you have hypothyroidism and if that is the case, 50 or 75 mcg of  (I assume) T4 med is not going to be enough to relieve hypo symptoms.  There is much to discuss, but first please post your thyroid test results and reference ranges for your last couple of sets of tests.   Also, same for tests done at the hospital.   Also, please tell us about all your symptoms.

[Renay81]

I AM feeling this ways now. I have hyperactive Thyroid. I am at my wits end. For New Years I was sitting in the ER trying to figure out what’s going on. My Thyroid Drz checked my level and said everything was ok. I’ve been to a total of 4 Doctors in four months and all day I’m ok. But I do not feel ok. My medication have changed from 50 to 75mg. I’m not sure what is going on but I’m not feeling like myself: I have this brain fog or something going on. its not a headache but it’s very annoying. It’s going on 4 months. I’m exhausted. Did you get any help?

[Jbird8198]

Thank you for the reply gimel! You have been a HUGE help!

[gimel]

I would not expect very much change in the relatively short time since you were put on the starter dose of 25 mcg of T4 med.  T4 acts slowly and takes about 4 weeks to reach 90% of its final effect on serum levels.  You increased to 50 mcg after 4 weeks, and still haven't had very much time at that dose.  Also realize that when starting on thyroid meds, the TSH will decrease, which diminishes the production of natural thyroid hormone.  The net result is that your actual serum levels may not increase significantly until  your TSH becomes suppressed below range, while dosage is being increased.  

A good thyroid doctor understands this and will not become alarmed at a suppressed TSH.  Instead he will increase your meds until your Free T4 is around the middle of its range, at minimum. and your Free T3 is in the upper part of its range, as needed to relieve symptoms.  Another thing to keep in mind is that symptom changes tend to lag behind changes in serum levels.  So you need to be patient.

When you see the doctor again you should make sure that they test for both Free T4 and Free T3 every time they test you.  Also, since hypo patients are so frequently low in the ranges for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin you should also get those tested.  D should be about 55-60, B12 in the very upper end of its range and ferritin should be about 70 minimum.

[Jbird8198]

I am also very curious about these Free T3 and T4 tests? My Endo Doctor started me on Synthroid. I was on the 25mcg for 14 days and have been on 50mcg for about 1 week now. My symptoms have not changed very much. I have seen some small changes in my digestive system but the dizzy and lightheadedness problems have not changed. All of my other problems such as depression, mood, tiredness, and etc. have not changed much yet either.  

[Jbird8198]

Hi gimel! Thank you for all of the great information you provide us on here! I wanted to post some of my results. These are just some recent tests that were done and I am due for more blood work in about 1 week. Also, I am kind of new to all of this so hopefully I am posting the right stuff. I have just about the same symptoms as everyone else with digestive and dizziness problems.  

Thyroglobulin AB 0 - 115 [IU]/mL (7/27/2015 -- 192)

TSH
0.27 - 4.20 u[IU]/mL  (6/30/2015 -- 6.02)  (7/27/2015 -- 3.55)

Thyroxine 4.5 - 11.7 ug/dL (7/19/2015 -- 6.2)

[Jbird8198]

Glad I found this post. My symptoms are very close to yours. I just found out that I have Hashimoto's. My digestive system and constant dizziness have been my biggest problem along with feeling tired and depressed all of the time. I have gained about 20-30lbs and have not been able to get rid of it for the life of me (was always around 185lbs and very active athlete). Glad you were able to get help and feel better and THANK YOU for posting this!!!!!!

Jason

[outlan]

It sounds like, even with all your synthroid meds, you still have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism.  It is possible that thyroid hormone is circulating in your blood so that your tests come out normal, but there is a problem at the cellular level.  It could be a problem converting T4 into T3, or cellular resistance to the thyroid hormone.  You can find more information on the website for the National Association of Hypothyroidism.  Finding a doctor who understands these conditions will be harder.  Be persistent and let them know that your symptoms are not improving on synthroid.  If you can't find someone local, I can recommend someone in New York.

[gperez2121]

You are not alone, I too suffer from dizziness and tingling in the hands specially in the morning.

[gimel]

Sounds like your thyroid hormone levels are not adequate.  Please post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Also do you have other symptoms?

[Cynvilov]

This really help, I have hyphotyroidsm, and since I begin exercise and a different diet, the dizziness and low blood presure began.

[Barb135]

This is a very old thread and MCIGZ is no longer active on the forum.  If you have blood test results, please start a new thread and post them, along with reference ranges, so members can better assess you testing and make suggestions for treatment, if you'd like.

[Grneyes68]

I was just diagnosed after 2 yrs of trying to get answers & everything you just described is exactly what I am dealing with. It's horrible! I go back in 2 days to discuss treatment. I am feeling extremely dizzy & nauseous tonight & that is a pretty frequent thing.

[content2b]

Oh! And what's up with this foot falling asleep totally business?

[content2b]

This is new to me. I've been having arthritis problems and had an achilles tendon tear surgery 5 months ago. I'm 54 and now and then I've had swoony feelings out of no-where. I just catch myself and wonder where in the world did that come from?? These past 2-3 weeks, I've been having pains in the ankles and area where I had the achilles surgery. That's just Wrong. I've had very bad knees for a few years and have had cortizone and the other shots in knees....to no avail. My bones are crackin all over all the time and my ball of my foot has to be stretched several times a day, I have trouble with my big toe since surgery. I'm over-weight, but in pain so much, activity is limited and because of it all, I'm depressed and can't seem to stick to dieting. Now, the latest is headaches in front, over eye brows. I can stand still and turn my head (normally, not a quick jerk) and just get so dizzy. I've been known to have sinus and ear infection problems in life so I wondered if it was just that, but seeing hypo and para-thyroid info, I'm wondering....I see a doctor next Friday. Because of pains and "stabs and aches, I've given up helping with vacation bible school and my book club and errands so I can attend my grand daughter's birthday party tomorrow..I wear out super easily....this can't go on....advice? Eml me directly?? ***@**** (Lori)

[cgoodman11]

HELP!

I went to the E.R. on Saturday (3/22), second trip in a month, because on occasion I experience vertigo w/ double vision. At the E.R. they did a MRI on my brain and found nothing (healthy brain) and they took my blood and I told them to check my Thyroid because I already had paperwork from the ENT (cause I went there 2 weeks earlier to get checked for Benign Positional Vertigo) ordered it. Well turns out I do have hypothyroid. He didn't tell me anything more about it but told me to make an appointment with my primary care doctor for follow up thyroid studies (what does that mean?). I'm having my lab work sent to me so I can carry my paperwork with me from doctor to doctor.

I also have a bulging disc in my lower lumbar and over the last two weeks I've had tingles and numbness in my left foot. I went to the spine doctor who put me on physical therapy (I start next week), muscle relaxers (yuck can't function on these things) and mobic (strong ibuprofen type of medication).

I'm also being tested for Sleep Apnea -- first home study didn't work out so redoing next Monday.

Had gallbladder removed 5/20/2012 - Haven't been the same since.

So I have a couple of questions.

Symptoms over the last 8-10 years (some intermittent)

These started after the birth of my son in 2004.

1.) Weight gain (15 pounds since September)

2.) Hair thinned out big time (handfuls each day - slowed down now)

3.) Dull looking hair

4.) Extreme fatigue (some days I can't function)

5.) Brain fog (like I'm living behind a screen)

6.) BP up and down

7.) Lightheaded/spaced out and poor concentration

8.) Panic attacks

9.) Depression

10.) Vertigo w/ double vision (Dr. says this is Labyrinthitis/ inner ear issue) - This is very scary when it happens, have had it happen while driving. It's not constant and seems to strike out of nowhere. I'm afraid to drive with my children in the car. This started in September 2012 and comes and goes. Maybe once every month or so.

11.) Tingles and Numbness in left foot (just started two weeks ago). Went to podiatrist because I fell on this foot two months ago and it's still painful. He took an x-ray and shows no fracture but I have flat foot and the tingles and numbness could be caused from "healing" or the disc bulging in my lower back.

12.) Joint pain (off and on)

13.) Itchy/Dry skin patches (off and on)

14.) Bathroom issues (sometimes days of constipation and other times days of diarrhea. Never normal)

So to sum it up:

Diagnosed with lower lumbar bulging disc in October 2013.

Diagnosed with hypothyroid 3/22

Diagnosed with Labyrinthis 3/22 -- unknown what's causing this

Gallbladder emergency removal 5/2012

Tingles and Numbness in left foot -- unknown what's causing this

Sleep Apnea - In process of being diagnosed

Blood Pressure up and down - Could be related to Sleep Apnea I was told

Weight issues

Any of you experience of these things with Hypothyroid? Especially tingles in one foot and the vertigo/double vision thing?

I've been off of work for two weeks (go back this Friday). Took personal vacation to try and figure out what's wrong with me.

What's the best Hypothyroid medication? Some of it sounds really bad. Can you treat naturally or must you use prescribed medication? I've been on low carb/low calorie diet for two weeks. Does Thyroid medication give you back your life/energy/weight????? I'm so sick of being sick and tired.

[gimel]

I have the name of a doctor for you to consider.  Sending info by PM.  Just click on your name and that takes you to your personal page.  Then click on messages.

[moonbeam4]

Hi, I also am going to the cleveland clinic and what a JOKE.. I take it you are in the cleveland area, so am I. Have you found a good thyroid doc yet? If so please let me know. I am under this site as moonbeam4.

Thanks,

[gimel]

Make sure it is Free T3 and Free T4, not Total T3 and T4.  I'd even go as far as quizzing the lab personnel to make sure they know it is to be Free T3 and Free T4.  Otherwise they frequently operate on auto pilot and you get the Totals.

While you are at it, I would also recommend Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin.  They are  frequently too low in the range also.

When results are available, please post along with reference ranges and members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.  

[shimmygirl411]

I was diagnosed with hypo several years ago.  Started on Armour, then Westhroid during the Armour shortage, then Levo, now Armour again.  Also, I have been dizzy/woozy and quite fatigued for the past 3 years.  I've had TONS of tests....it's not menieres, MRI's are fine, sleep study is fine, blah, blah, blah.  My ENT, neurotologist and neurologist all believe it is migraine related dizziness.  I believe them to be wrong.  The neurologist has thrown numerous drugs at me, which only made the symptoms worse.  I finally told him what he could do with all his drugs.  I am now exploring the possible link between the hypo and the dizziness.  I never really thought it could be that becuase my TSH levels are always normal.  After reading this forum, I believe my fam doc needs to also test T3 and T4.  I have an appt next week.  We'll see.....

[gimel]

MCIGZ has not posted on the forum for quite a while, so I doubt there will be a response there.  However, there are many other members who will be glad to try and provide any answers you need.  

Have you been tested beyond TSH.  If not, then you should be sure to request tests for Free T3 and Free T4 each time you go in for tests.  If the doctor resists, just insist on it and don't take no for an answer.  Free T3 is the most important because it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Scientific studies have shown that Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate at all.

If you have been tested beyond TSH, please post results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report and members will be better able to assess the adequacy of your testing and treatment.  

The 112 does not seem like too large of a dose.  Half of that sounds way too low.  What do you mean by tearing up your stomach?  

[bestwon]

I hope you read this and can help me.  I too have been diagnosed with Hashimotos and hypo as well.  I can completely relate to everything you have written the problem is finding a dr that believes me without thinking I am nuts.  Can you please tell me how you found yours?  I have been through more drs than meds.  Including going to Cleveland Clinic also to no avail.  I cannot take the Synthroid for long as it keeps tearing up my stomach.  I am now down to half of a 112mg eventhough I am supposed to be taking a whole one.  I was hospitalized last November with mexadema my tsh numbers were over 300.  Any help would be appreciated thanks   Jenny

[gimel]

Please be sure to read my posts above and make sure they do all those tests for you.  Then when results are available, please post results and their reference ranges and members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.  

[Yeskeya]

Thank you for posting this.  Now I now I'm NOT INSANE!!! Going to my doctor asap!!! Been dealing with what my old dr. who passed away told me was hypothyroid, but was shrugged off by other doctors. Why do they want to just pass us off as mental, instead of realizing we're sick?!