Family Dr has referred me to an endocrinologist, but I cannot get an appt for 2 mos and I am confused. Labs show hyperthyroid but my symptoms are mostly hypo and have been for years.
54yo F (5'0" 130 lbs) in late menopause. Mostly vegetarian for 5 yrs but with plenty of egg, dairy and collagen supplement. Was taking supplements for last 2 years including B vit (and 3000mcg of Biotin for nail & hair), high zinc & D since CV19, but went off all supplements when sick in March, so no vitamins taken prior to labs for 60 days.
I had a physical since it had been 3 years since going to Dr. and had 2 bouts of non-CV19 sickness this year (Jan & Mar). I had not had a resp. infection in over 5 years - I am rarely sick. Following bronchitis in March, I had tenderness in neck near thyroid. New PCP felt thickness and ordered ultrasound and thyroid labs. I have had typical symptoms of hypo for years, although former PCP would not order tests and told me I was getting older and should eat less, work on sleep habits and exercise to not gain weight.
Symptoms:
Fatigue and insomnia
Increased sensitivity to cold - can be extreme
Constipation and digestive issues
Dry skin
Weight gain (difficulty losing weight) even on 1100 cal/day
Hoarseness
Blood cholesterol level - higher than past years, but only slightly elevated
Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods - hemorrhaged 2x - 5 yrs ago and had ablation
Thinning hair - nails splitting before growing to finger tip
Slowed heart rate & BP on low side - now normal, previously low
Depression
Impaired memory
Images:
IMPRESSION: Diffuse heterogeneity of the thyroid without definitive isolated nodule.
RECOMMENDATION: No features requiring follow-up.
FINDINGS: Thyroid Dimensions (cc length x transverse width x AP):
Right Lobe: 3.5 x 1.4 x 1.7 cm.
Left Lobe: 3.7 x 1.4 x 1.5 cm.
Isthmus: 0.4 cm.
Vascularity: Normal
Overall echotexture of the gland: Moderately heterogeneous bilateral.
No abnormal lymph nodes identified.
Nodule Assessment*: No nodules.
Labs:
TSH <0.01 mcIU/mL 0.30 - 5.00 mcIU/mL L
Free T4 1.7 ng/dL 0.6 - 1.6 ng/dL H
Excess biotin may interfere with this test. Please contact the clinical laboratory if more information is needed.
No T3 was done
Total Protein 6.1 gm/dL 6.4 - 8.9 gm/dL L
Albumin 3.6 gm/dL 3.5 - 5.7 gm/dL
Iron 86 mcg/dL 32 - 192 mcg/dL
Iron Saturation 30 % 15 - 58 %
Transferrin 206.2 mg/dL 205.0 - 400.0 mg/dL
All other labs were in normal level
B12 and D were not done.
Why is my only symptom of hyperthyroid insomnia (perhaps the occasional hot flash) and the rest of the symptoms are aligned with hypo?
What recommendations can you provide moving forward?
Lab tests, diet, etc - my endocrine appt is not until early August, do I need to worry that it is so far out?
Thank you for any insight or advice!