Overweight/Unhappy/Moody 9 year old

[Kristen72]

I'm at my wits end on what to do for my 9 year old daughter.  Approx. 2+ years ago she started putting on weight and became EXTREMELY moody!!!  She's had a thyroid test (which showed negative), she was tested for ODD and she was borderline, and she has seen a psychiatrist which doesn't seem to do much for her.  I posted this question before and someone suggested "early puberty".  I think it's more.  She has gained 60+ pounds in the past 2 years (she was never an over weight child, until now) and I can't handle her mood swings, they're killing me.  Her eating habits and activity have not changed, so I don't believe it's related to overeating or lack of exercise.  However, she is much more tired than she use to be.  I've been looking around the net for answers and Thyroid and Bipolar (which she does have an aunt that is bipolar) keep popping up.  It seems they can quite often go hand in hand?!?  I don't know where to go from here, an endocrinologist or a better therapist???  Thank you for any help that anybody is willing to give.

[Kristen72]

We had blood test Friday and we meet with a new Dr. on Monday.  Starting a program called "Living Healthy".  Will let everyone know the blood test results.  Thanks for all your input

[dani2776]

Please let me know what you find out.  On top of all my thyroid problems, I also have a child with ADHD and ODD who is almost 12 years old.  I have been battling this with him for about 3 years now so maybe I can help with that too if you need.  Best of luck!

[Kristen72]

Thanks for your note, I'm contacting her Dr. to find out what tests have been run on her so far and if he can refer us to a specialist.  This is my fear, that we're missing something serious that may affect her for the rest of her life.

[Kristen72]

Thank you for this info.  I'll be calling her Dr. this afternoon to find out what tests they actually ran on her.

[dani2776]

In addition to the above advice I would also request the antibodies tests for the thyroid.  I am proof that lab work doesn't always show everything.  My TSH levels fluctuated between 3.0 and 3.9 but my antibodies were greater than 1000, normal should be under 35.  This has been going on for about 2 years and mood swings were the first symptom for me.  I now have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis which basically means by body has started to attack and destroy my thyroid.  Please have her checked because I can't express enough how terrible I feel!  Let me know and good luck!

[gimel]

Agree with FTB4.  Make sure they test free T3 and free T4, not total T3 and total T4.

[FTB4]

Did they do labs for her thyroid? if so, post them here, if not I would have her seen by an Endo that is familiar with thyroid (And don't be afraid to ask wwhen calling them) problems, some seem to be centered on Diabetes more than thyroid, Ask for a thyroid examination and lab work, I would also ask to make sure the do T3 and T4 along with the TSH. this will give them an acurate picture of how your daughters thyroid is working.
Good Luck FTB4