Hypothyroidism and PCOS

[caimin]

My 11 yr old daughter was recently tested for PCOS, per my request.  She's had rapid weight gain since the age of 3. At best, I've been able to stablize her weight through diet and exercise, but only for a period of time.  If she faulters, even slightly from healthy eating, she instantly gains weight. PCOS does run in my family - one sister was diagnosed in her early twenties, the other sister has all of the symptoms.  Neither sister has regular periods, and neither has been able to conceive.  

My daughter's tests didn't indicate a problem with hormone levels, but did indicate a slightly higher than normal TSH level - 5.8.  The Pediatric Endocrinologist fought me on the issue of Hypothyroidism, but did agree to give my daughter Metformin for  PCOS.  Her argument (regarding thyroid) was that the TSH number wasn't off by that much, and she went on and on about nutrition.  I did explain that I had seen a nutritionist, and that following the "healthy eating" plan never resulted in weight loss.  I also explained many other symptoms, such as dry, itchy scalp and exhaustion in the mornings.  The Endocrinologist was obviously only interested in the numbers

My question is:  Will the Metformin help lower my daughter's TSH level, in addition to the PCOS?  Should I consult another Endocrinologist based upon my daughter's current TSH level?

Thank you.

[magpieannie]

I got your note. It's a small world isn't it? I've lived here since I was 5! I use to take my daughter to a pediatric endo. at Medical City Dallas. Now we use a family practice MD who was recommended by our compounding pharmacist as someone who understands the importance of available t3 in the body. My daughter has been on desiccated thyroid hormone  (Nature-Throid) which is more like human thyroid as it has t3, t4, t1, t2, calcitonan,and selinium. She tried Armour first and did well until we got the new reformulated batch at refill.  Not so good after that, so we switched to Naturethroid 3 months ago and she is really doing great now!  Feeling so much better!!!  Now our only issue is finding it? They are having supply and demand issues  due to the new bad Armour (every one switched to their product at once because they were getting sick on the reformulated Armour) They say it will be available any day now. I only have enough to get to Dec. 18th. If I still can't find it, we'll be forced to have it compounded. Of course that means another change and adjustment period for my daughter, GRRRRRRRR! However, you do what you have to do. She will never go back to a synthetic t4 only drugs again, as she was having MANY hypo. health issues, (including rapid weight gain), the worst of which were heart palps (PVC's). She no longer has PVC's, her weight gain has stopped and most of the hypo issues have slowly corrected themself! Thank God!!!! I hope our experience will be of some help to you?

[magpieannie]

Hi my daughter is nine and born without a thyroid gland. If her TSH were that high then I know she'd be gaining weight as she would be hypothyroid. TSH needs to be under 2 in my opinion, but pediatric endos. are VERY set in their ways. We do not use ours anymore as she was slowly killing my daughter in my opinion.I don't know anything about the drug Metformin. What I do know is that there are alot of people out there taking lots of unnecessary drugs, instead of addressing the real thyroid issue. I think I'd find a doctor who is not an endo. to help her. Find a MD, DO or Naturapathic doctor to help her. Someone who understands hormones and the importance of available (Free) t3 and free t4. I don't know too much about PCOS other then that my daughter could be at a higher risk for this later in life. I think your daughter is probably too young.  Has she even started her period? Her issues are probably all thyroid related. It can effect sooooo much. Good luck and God Bless!