20 yo female bothersome breathlessness!

[yassy124]

Hi, for a few months now I've been experiencing breathlessness. This isn't just normal breathlessness, it mostly occurs while I'm sedentary, like just sitting down or laying in bed. I feel as if, even though I'm breathing in, I can't get a full breath of air, or as if the air I'm breathing in just isn't sufficient. At first I thought it was due to my diet and lack of exercise, but recently, due to high cholesterol levels at the doctor's office, I've been exercising much more and eating well. Somehow, I'm still having these issues with breathing. Some other symptoms I've noticed are that I've also been really much more emotional that usual, and my hair has been falling out more as well. Could this be a thyroid issue? I've spoken to my doctor a few times and haven't reached any solutions. I'm a 20 year old healthy female and I'm really concerned about this, so any advice would really help! Thanks!

[gimel]

Yes, it could be a thyroid problem.  So-called "air hunger" is frequently associated with being hypothyroid, along with the other symptoms mentioned, even high cholesterol..  You should request to be tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4 (not the same as Total T3 and Total T4), along with TSH that they always test for.  In addition it would be a good idea to test for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin (iron).  If the doctor resists, then you should insist on those and don't take no for an answer.  When the lab report is available, please post results and reference ranges shown on the report and members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.

[yassy124]

Thanks so much for your feedback! My doctor just took some blood and ordered a bunch of tests to be done. Once I see her again (next week), I'll suggest what you advised. Thanks again!

[gimel]

Did you check to confirm that they were doing all the tests you wanted done?