Understanding Hypothyroidism

[Ellen ON VACATION]

Hi you guys,

If you have been reading my thread about health care systems I managed to go way off topic when my issue with the FDA sent me to a new really incredible doctor. This new doctor is very progressive and receptive to my thoughts and ideas regarding my Hidradenitis Suppurativa. I've been seriously researching the connection between my disease and a lot of other skin diseases that others on this forum suffer from and hormones. There is a clear connection and my studies have led me to Hypothyroidism. My new doctor agrees with me on this issue so here I am.

It's interesting that doctors have been testing me for hypothyroidism off and on for a number of years and they tested my Mom who also suffered from HS for the majority of her life. They tested us based on a lifelong issue with mood swings and depression, being tired and PMS. All of these symptoms are common among HS sufferers.

Nothing ever came of these tests so until the past few months I never gave it much consideration. Now I've learned that often times when people are tested for thyroid disorders that the results are inconclusive because apparently there are just tons of different factors that can throw these tests, they have to be done precisely right or the outcome will be a false reading. I have also learned that millions of people are suffering from this condition and don't know it, it's very common.

I think what really prompted me to look into this is a vanity issue. Over the last 1 1/2 years I've gained weight and I'm having a difficult time losing it. Since this issue has made it's way into my life I am simply amazed at the number of symptoms of hypothyroidism that I can relate to and I am equally amazed that at least one of the huge list of doctors that I've seen over the years did not follow up on this situation more aggressively. I was so stupid to blindly put my trust in these peoples hands.

Here is a list of symptoms of hypothyroidism. The amount of items on this list that I can relate to blows my mind! Another interesting fact that I need to note here is that one of the medications that I'm taking for my HS can elevate these symptoms if they already exist. Interesting.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM (UNDER ACTIVE THYROID) INCLUDE:

# LOSS OF HAIR
# WEIGHT GAIN
# COLD HANDS AND FEET
# CELLULITE
# WEIGHT GAIN ON THIGHS AND HIPS
# DRY SKIN
# LOW BODY TEMPERATURE
# LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
# LOW ADRENAL FUNCTION
# MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITIES
# INFERTILITY
# PMS
# OSTEOPOROSIS
# SUGAR CRAVINGS AND HYPOGLYCEMIA
# UNEXPLAINED FATIGUE
# CHRONIC FATIGUE
# CONSTIPATION
# MUSCLE CRAMPS AND SPASMS
# PROBLEMS DIGESTING FATS AND OILS
# SLUGGISH LIVER
# COPPER TOXICITY

I know that many of you are aware of a thyroid issue that complicates your life and are being treated for it. I am about to take my tests and start to deal with this myself so I would truly appreciate any feedback from you on this disease and what to expect.

I would like to know about diet and medications. I already told my doctor that I don't want to take what I consider hard chemicals for this problem, I would much prefer a more natural approach to correcting any imbalances. I know that the desiccated thyroid supplements are very effective...the animal issue does bother me BUT I honestly do not want to take synthetic thyroid drugs.

One more question, for those of you that are dealing with a thyroid problem do you feel that addressing your hypothyroidism helps you to keep your skin disorder under control?

I can sit and read medical abstracts about this all day long (and I do) but what I really want is to hear about this from real people.

Thanks everybody.

[Celery Peach]

Hi Ellen

I have had the test but it came back clear. At the time I hadnt associated it with HS, I had the test as my Mum had Hyper Active Thyroid.

Thanks for the list, I had a good look down it, I think that maybe my diagnosis was right, as only a few of those relate.

I do think that there could very possibly be a link to HS, you are defo onto to something Ellen, its just how and why exactly ?

As I said thyroid problems are in my family. Altho it would be hard for me to advise you about symptoms and drugs, as Mum was first diagnosed in '85 as Hyper Active, then after they operated she became Hypo, but she also has severe Bi Polar, it was a very hard time for her, I think she could of ticked every symptom on that list and more some, for several years !

[Ellen ON VACATION]

CP,
I'm seeing this new Derm, he's FANTASTIC!!! Read over my post on the health care systems thread, I was raving about him there. He's progressive and he told me that he absolutely believes that these skin disorders are directly related to hormonal issues. This sure would explain a lot for me.

I don't want another illness tacked on to my HS but if dealing with this would help me feel better and manage my HS then I'm jumping for joy!!

I am so sick of being sick.

[Celery Peach]

  I will have to go and read through that Ellen

Yes, I am also convinced that HS is hormone related. Again, its the hows and whys tho, that they really need to get down to. Maybe we can cook up some polls to do here, see if we cant get a few answers from our members ? Ypur Derm could always put in a few Questions too, through you, I'm sure we are all chomping at the bit to help any professional that is willing !

My story with the hormones :
Always had a regular cycle, no probs with menses etc....
HS first started at the same time as adolescence
It was mild, I would say stage 1 for years.
Baby number 1 & 2, still no real worries with the HS, if anything it was better.
Baby number 3....2 days after birth it all began soooo bad. Huge boils on thighs and under boobs, then armpits...on til the acitretin over 4 years later.
Tried the Dianette BCP and it made me 10 times worse !
HS has always flared around menses so now on Depo Provero to stop them completely.

Hmmmm, how come the HS went bonkaz after having my third child ? Could it be that she was my first girl ? Could the extra female hormones in my system have anything to do with it ?

And...my biggest queary on the hormone thing....what about the Males ? How does the hormone problem relate to them ?

[Ellen ON VACATION]

CP (Good dialogue!)

I asked my doctor to look at this site and hs-usa he said that he would but doctors won't post for a variety of reasons the main one being liability. In this country people are SUE HAPPY! They sue over spilling coffee on themselves through a fast food drive through window, I kid you not! The doctors get sued so much that they are terrified to discuss anything health related to anyone who is not officially their patient. It's a shame. I will ask him if he has any questions for a poll.
 
I was reading this last post of yours and it made me think about 2 years ago when I went into stage 3 HS. Check this out CP, I went from stage one bordering on stage 2 during a time of great stress which is when I starting having serious fibroid problems which resulted in surgery to remove 6 fibroid tumors from my uterus. As soon as that surgery was done BAM, stage 3 HS and almost this whole list of hypothyroid symptoms appeared.

And as you said, what about males with skin disorders? I absolutely and without a doubt know that my skin disorder is hormonally connected and I haven't got a clue about the boys. I know that male hormones are as powerful as ours but I don't know enough about how their bodies function in that area to even guess.

Who knows maybe we'll get some good feedback from a few of our boys here to help shed some light on this issue. (Hint, hint!)

[Judworth]

Hello Ellen,
I read your post and had to reply (although I am short on time at present!!).
I have hyperthyroidism and my partner hypothyroidism!
Don't be surprised on Dr's missing or testing for hypothyroidism as I am positive that many thousands of women (and men) get turned away with you need to lose weight, get a hobby and generally get out more and you won't feel so depressed, anxious, unfit etc!!
Sadly a simple blood test is not the only answer as I was telling chocs/Phil that the ranges for thyroid disorders was set many, many years ago ( and would certainly not have included our Black brothers & sisters) so the Dr's & hospitals use varying ranges for TSH and T4 to keep the whole country in check..........how crazy is that???
If your thyroid was not tested when you were well how on earth can anyone know just what an individuals IDEAL RANGE IS!!!
Good friends of mine have been walking (barely) talking
(hardly) hypothyroid people and the Dr's have put them on
anti-depressants or said that it was the menopause!!
Since I diagnosed my partner in 2000 he has developed various skin problems and allergies.........he was VERY fit & well until the age of 31!!
Your investigations will make very interesting reading!
That is why I call Thyroid disease THE SILENT ENEMY!
As it controls your physical & mental wellbeing it is simply
criminal that it goes undetected for so long!
Good luck!
Judz

[Ellen ON VACATION]

Judz,

Thanks so much for the input...very valuable stuff and please, when you have more time talk to me some more.

Regarding the screening that I'm about to do to determine if there is a thyroid problem, I don't trust it at all. As I said I've had those tests several times over the years and I say POO POO! I'm going to do it and I'm interested in what it says but as you were explaining these tests are FLAWED.

I also know that if a person (say me for instance, lol) was to take desiccated thyroid tabs and indeed there was not a thyroid issue that it WOULD NOT IN ANYWAY HARM THEM. So regardless of what the tests say I'm going for it.

At some point would you be willing to talk to me about how the dosage is calculated and what sort of diet you and your partner follow? In other words please come back another time and tell me more!!!

[Judworth]

Hello Again Ellen,
I could write a book really............Hyperthyroidism is easier to diagnose (my level was way off the scale) so most Dr's wouldn't miss it, but still horrible as when I was on the antithyroid drugs (I refused to have part of my thyroid removed, naughty naughty ) the drugs took me too low & I then experienced alot of the symptoms of hypothyroidism!
The so-called specialist's said things like 'most people with a T4 of 11 feel perfectly well'..........I was almost suicidal!
The difficult thing about being  hypo, is that once a patient on thyroxine falls within the 'acceptable' range for their particular area then the Dr's are happy!
Despite the fact that they may still feel like s**t!!
I feel very passionate about this, as you can probably tell!
Thyroid problems are often heriditary (may dear Father was
hyper) and my partners Mother died of kidney failure at 49
due to an undiagnosed underactive thyroid (she was just a lazy, overweight woman) according to the Dr's!!
There are many. many diseases that are linked to thyroid disorders, Lupus,diabetes type 1,rheumatoid arthritis, parkinsons disease,vitiligo, myasthemia gravis.
I know of several helpful books if you would like!
We don't go on any special diets, although my partner finds it very difficult to control his weight and although his dose of thyroxine has dropped over the years we are still very aware of the problems being hypo can bring!
Huge hugs Judz

[chocs]

judz

your the encyclopedia of thyroid!!! and i can understand your passion as i have felt much more determined to find out more in the last year.today i went to see my GP and he told me my level was just perfect and looked pleased as punch with himself!! But then less so when i asked him to refer me to the derm again regarding vitiligo,it has certainly spread more in the last 2 years on my face and it is starting to get me down yet he seems.... i would say, annoyed that i would even mention it.i just want to speak to a derm who has a genuine interest in vitiligo to give me some options,i feel at the moment that i'm getting nowhere fast.

keep spreading the news!!
phil.

[Judworth]

Phil!
Ahhhhhhhh Dr's do make me want to scream!
When my partner & I have our thryroids checked we ask what are levels are: TSH & T4 are the results you normally want, and also what range your Dr's work to as it varies from hospital to hospital, Dr's to Dr's and hospital to Dr's........oh! & did I mention area to area!!
So if you feel like S**t and move area then your thyroid level should be fine! ahhhhhhhh again!
Phil, it is totally unacceptable that your Dr does not want to refer you to a derm, vitiligo needs to be cared for & given the attention that it/you deserve!
You watch this topic just get more & more replies.
Thyroid problems are epedemic; something is going on; however if everyone who needed thyroxine was on it I am sure the NHS would collapse!
I do feel passionate, I am very fortunate, I am a strong person, I have to research these things, I know first hand how desperate people feel when the Dr's say "Your level is fine/you are within the range" & they feel like they are wading through mud !
Ask what your levels are Phil, you have every right, and keep a diary of them so you know what you were readings were when you felt well!
Hugs Judz (soap box queen )

[idil]

hey guys

I also suffer from hypothyroid. For many years i wasnt diagnosed even though my TSH(thyroid stimulating horomone) was at the upper end of the scale on the so called "normal range". I finally got diagnosed in 99 but wasnt told much about it all, the doc said take these pills. I went home home and took them until they ran out. To make a long story short, I really started taking  the pills on a regular basis in 2003.

The problem i have at this moment is that i cant convince my doc to increase my dosage. My TSH is at 4.12. I recently read an article saying that they have changed the normal range from 0.3 to 3.0 i think. I dont know what to do.  I think im going to see a new doc we'll see insha-allah.

PS-------i also think that my skin condition and hypothyroid could be liinked.

[Ellen ON VACATION]

i also think that my skin condition and hypothyroid could be liinked.

I think there is a HUGE connection between thyroid, adrenals/cortisol and skin disorders. Read the first post on this thread.

I have been in touch with a woman who owns a company that manufactures desiccated thyroid and she promises that it's wonderful stuff like Armour. We've gotten very chummy over the last few days and she sent me a bottle to sample. My doctor gave me a script last week for thyroid. If this really is a good product I'll ask the powers that be if I can post a link to her site on here, no prescription necessary because she doesn't claim that it's a drug on her site.

My new friend told me that a dose that is appropriate for one year may be too low the next. To maintain normal thyroid levels, some patients may need to take gradually increasing doses of thyroid hormone every year or two.

[idil]

My new friend told me that a dose that is appropriate for one year may be too low the next. To maintain normal thyroid levels, some patients may need to take gradually increasing doses of thyroid hormone every year or two.

If thats the case then im worried. If i were to keep on increasing my dose every 1 or 2 yrs then i would be taking loads of pills by the age of 30.

[Ellen ON VACATION]

No Sweetie! You would eventually hit your optimal dose and stop the increase...

[Ellen ON VACATION]

Here is information that I found about testing ourselves for under active thyroid.

Thyroid Self-Test:
To test yourself for an under active Thyroid, keep an Electronic Thermometer by your bed at night. When you wake up in the morning, place the thermometer in your armpit and hold it there for about 10 minutes. Keep still and quiet. Any movement of the body can upset your temperature reading. Temperature of the Body rises when you begin moving around. A temperature of 97.5°F. or lower is indicative of an under active Thyroid. Keep a Temperature log for five days. Menstruating women should perform test on 2nd, 3rd & 4th day of menstruation. Menopausal women or women with irregular periods can check on any day.

If your readings are consistently low, consult your Health Care provider.

Symptoms of Stealth Hypothyroidism

Some times the Free T3, Free T4 and Ultrasensitive TSH Hormone levels check out to be OK, but the body still manifests all the symptoms of Hypothyroidism - especially the early morning temperatures are consistently below 97.5° F. sometimes even as low as 95° F or lower and one begins to wonder if something is wrong with the Thermometer. What is the explanation for this ? The phenomenon is know as Estrogen Dominance.

[Ellen ON VACATION]

Cool Link:

Signs, symptoms & indicators of Progesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance:

http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C8779.html#H1

Wow...this gets more and more interesting. This all leads to Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency.

I love that diagnose me site.

[idil]

Interesting info. Thanks ellen

[psirosisvirgin]

Both my mum and my nan have an underactive thyroid and i have many of the symptoms but have had the test and am clear.

[Ellen ON VACATION]

Yup, that's a problem psirosisvirgin.

Blood tests for hypothyroid are OFTEN wrong. The tests are incredibly flawed so consequently millions of people are walking around with a thyroid problem and because their hormone levels checked fine their doctors said you just need to get some exercise or here have some prozac! (This happened to both me and my Mother.) I've had the test done many, many times and it always checked out fine but I'm anything but fine.

We CAN NOT blindly follow doctors advice. Anytime we deal with doctors we MUST study and arm ourselves with information. If a doctor doesn't want to listen to us and exchange information then we need to FIRE THAT DOCTOR and find a new one.

Here's something that I found online but you can do your own search type in inaccurate thyroid test and hundreds of websites pop up talking about how flawed these tests are.

_________________________________________________________________

     
Testing for  Thyroid Health Conditions
   
   Blood test
This is the conventional method where the hormone levels of at least T4 is measured and preferably T3, T4 and TSH. However, this method tends to be inaccurate. Dr Peatfield  estimates that 9 out of 10 cases presenting with typical hypothyroid symptoms showed normal thyroid levels in blood tests.
 
Barnes test
Considered to be 85% accurate. The patient measures his/her temperature first thing, daily, under the armpit with a digital thermometer for 4 minutes and record the reading. Take an average over 4 days (30 days for menstruating women). It should be within 1 degree of 97.6F /36C. Temperatures are often between 95F and 96F for hypothyroid suffers.

BEST - Computerised Electro Dermal Screening
This method is very sensitive to hormone imbalances, especially the thyroid. By screening for hormone imbalances in the Endocrine system - not only thyroid but adrenal,  adrenocortisol, oestrogen, glucogen etc, a full, detailed picture of how the endocrine system is functioning can be assessed and any problems pinpointed. The process only takes about half and hour, is non invasive and gives the results immediately. Further still this method can be used to identify specific rebalancing remedies for each individual case.

[psirosisvirgin]

Thats shocking Ellen! Do you think i should ask my doctor for one of these other tests? I only had the blood test.

[Ellen ON VACATION]

Yes!!! I tested fine for years! I'm not kidding, I've had the bloodtest done at least 4 times.

Print out some information and take it with you.

[Ellen ON VACATION]

Also psirosisvirgin,

Read a few posts ago about how to test yourself. You can do that.....

[Judworth]

Both my mum and my nan have an underactive thyroid and i have many of the symptoms but have had the test and am clear.

Keep checking though from time to time as your family has a history of it!
Judz

[Judworth]

IDIL,
TSH 4.12.............that is well over in some places and VERY upper for others!!
What was your T4 when you got the above reading??
Hugs Judz

[gb2828]

you people are top, there are some intresting issues here.  i have always been healthy, although when i was 17 i use to do a lot of boxing and circuit training,and one day i was lifting weights over my head and i fell back, instead of dropping the bar i kept hold of it, causing my back to crack,anyway over the next 20 yrs i still worked ,also seeing various osteopaths,i have had 10 epidruiles (spelling).                                                                                                                                                                                                          18 facet block injections,my doc didnt give a s**t. but i still worked and kept fit.anyway on my 40th i got food poisening, i thought i was going to die, i went to a+e,i was having panic attacks, they just said i got it from the fried rice, but that night changed my life totally, i had terrible panic attacks,it took 2 years to shake them off,i only get them now + again .                                                                                                                                                                                                               but my weight ballooned, my hands swelled,pins + needles in my fingers, hands + forearms going stone cold. hating heat.                                                                                                     so of i went to the docs,who made me an app at the hosp, in turn diag me as under at thyroide, they gave me 50mg daily now i am on 250 mg. in turn my legs swelled you could push your finger in and lose the end. they gave me 1mg bumetide. daily now i am on 4mg daily. i get hot flushes,blinding headaches,swollen hands,etc. so if you feel sleepy,clumsy,putting weight on without reason, DO NOT DIET get your blood checked NOW_____NOW....because once you have it it leads to all sorts!!!!!!! but this is a great site to learn from. i could on+ on but i'll stop now

[Ellen ON VACATION]

Great info in that post gb. I've got the weight gain and I can't lose it, a little numbness in the ends of fingers and parts of my hand at times but not all of the time. I get very cold at night when I lay down for bed and the headache...sometimes I wake up with them, they hurt like hell. Oh yeah and I'm tired. It all started with panic attacks 2 years ago during a time of intense stress.

One of the meds that I'm taking for the HS brings on hypothyroid symptoms so I'm wondering if I'm just cooked until I'm done with these meds. I have another 3 weeks to go on them. I have my desiccated thyroid pills ready to go but I'm thinking that I should wait until I'm off of these meds.

[Calista]

Hi guys,  i'm new on this site, but allready love it.  I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 1998.  I used Eltroxin 0.1mg for 6 years and even though my blood test were normal, I still had all the symptoms of an underactive thyroid.  It wasnt until I read about combining T4 and T3 that things got better.  I was overweight and seriously suicidal, and after reading about T3, everything made sense!!  Alot of docters dont know this, but you are suppose to combine the medication Eltroxin (T4) with Tertroxin (T3).  T3 is shortlived and the effects are almost immediately!  I finally managed to lose weight this way.  Just a tip..NEVER ever go to your docter and ask for thyroid medication or tests and mention WEIGHT!!!! they are very cautious of this and think most people are looking for a scape goat.  Rather do as much research about T3 (Tertroxin) and take it with you and ask if you could go on a trial period and see if it doesnt help you eleviating other symptoms.   Just wanted to share this with you guys, hypthyroidism doesnt have to be a jail sentence...

[Ellen ON VACATION]

If you have the symptoms I sure do!

OUR DISEASES ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO GLANDULAR & HORMONAL IMBALANCES AND DIET period, end of story. All the pills, all the off shoot diseases and disorders...depression, anxiety, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH...it's all a sick game.

We treat ourselves with deadly chemicals that produce wicked, wicked, side effects looking for relief and every time we get relief and we think that "the new drug" worked we get the disease back again. The drugs DON'T F*****G work!

Let's open our eyes for a moment. We all have different chronic skin problems, what do we all share in common? Depression, anxiety, signs of hormonal imbalance?

HELLLLLOOOOOO!!!!! Ellen beats her head against the wall...

FACT:

In the US: In the United States, the prevalence of HS appears to be 1-2% in the general population.
Internationally: The prevalence of HS appears to be 1% of the general population

"HS usually affects young women, with a prevalence of 0.3% to 4% in industrialized countries."

SEARCH:
 *Diet in industrialized countries....what is our poor diet of over processed, high meat laced with chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, white flour, SUGAR, pesticide and radiation treated, shipped while it's green produce, etc. diet doing to our chemical make up? Why are our bodies out of whack and so sick? Why is it the people suffer from HS and other chronic skin disease primarily in countries that are "advanced" and eat a western diet?

Why don't more people take this seriously?

Check this out too, this is from a medical abstract:

THIS KID GOT HS AFTER RECEIVING CHEMOTHERAPY
"We report the first pediatric case in an 11-year-old girl with acute myelomonocytic leukemia who developed this eruption following her first and second course of VAPA-10 induction chemotherapy"....find out the effects of chemo on hormones, thyroid and adrenal glands.

SEARCH:
 *Endocrine/hormone Complications related to chemotherapy

Another interesting tidbit...low level of estrogen predisposes women to disease activity.

OK, this next bit is all HS related BUT I'm quite sure that if you research P that you will find evidence of androgen, thyroid, estrogen etc. malfunctions relate.

Sweat glands are stimulated by androgen and suppressed by estrogen. Evidence for the hormonal effects in HS exists; however, the exact roles of androgens in the pathogenesis of HS remain controversial, and they may prove to be secondary.

Many women describe a worsening of the condition with menses, whereas others report alleviation with pregnancy, followed by postmenstrual flaring. These observations suggest that the low level of estrogen predisposes women to disease activity. Recently, premenstrual flare was shown to be unrelated to menstrual disturbances. These flares were not predictive of the overall course, and the effect of pregnancy was not constant.

The following evidence supports the association of androgens and HS: the disease is rarely present until after puberty begins, HS is not present in eunuchs or eunuchoids, and HS may occur as the presenting feature of premature adrenarche. Also, antiandrogen therapy is of some benefit in patients with HS.

The relationship between HS and hyperandrogenism is largely based on the finding that the free androgen index is increased due to a low level of sex hormone“binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG is now believed to be regulated by factors that influence body weight.

Hirsutism and obesity are common findings among women with HS.

MOST depression, anxiety and mood disorders also begin at puberty...SURPRISE!!!

This has been Ellens morning rant.

[idil]

hey judz


I think its up there too. Im not sure what to do cuz my doc said it was at a good place. I dont know how to convince her to increase my dosage, any suggestions??

[Judworth]

Idil,
You cannot overdose on thyroxine.
My partner has increased his dose before(gradually) until he felt well.
The Dr's seem to get all jittery when people self-medicate, and I can understand why, however with thyroxine uppping your dose very gradually
will prove or disprove that it is your thyroid playing up!
Your body will soon tell you if you have gone hyperthyroid (overactive) trembling fingers,fast pulse, increased appetite, anxiety!
By what you have said your readings indicate that you are still underactive.
Gradually increase your dose by a small amount & then leave  it a while and get retested.
Or better still demand from your Dr's that they increase your thyroxine as you feel like hell!
Good luck!
Judz

[idil]

hey girl

Thanks for the reply. I went to see my doc on wed and asked her to refer me to an endocronologist, her reply was "lets get some blood work done". If it comes back near the high range im not sure what im going to do. Really im usually assertive but when it comes to my doc i feel like everything coming out of my mouth in regards to my thyroid is idiotic. She just gives me a blank stare and im like "oh god" then i leave her office not satisfied at all. Its sad really...lol

[Judworth]

Idil
Brilliant news that you are being referred!
But please, please when they do your Thyroid
Function test ASK WHAT THE READINGS ARE &
WHAT RANGE THEY WORK TO!!
The T4 will be say 12 and their range may be
10-22 then the TSH will have a reading and a
range!
It is your right to know as it is your health!
You MUST be asssertive if you want to feel well
again & you will when your dose is right!
Keep us posted!
Huge HugsJudzxx

[idil]

Hun, you misunderstood me my doc hasnt given me a referral but rather has  just taken new blood test. Hopefully I will get good news god-willingly.

P.P.S --->hopefully me and her will come to an understanding. Will keep you fine folks updated.

[Judworth]

idil,
What does it take to get referred these days?
Sounds to me like your dose certainly needs to be increased.............what is your GP waiting
for?
Divine inspiration??
Good luck!
Judz

[chicky]

Hi there

About under active thyriods. alot of people with auto immune disorders have this don't they i'm pretty sure.

I am pretty sure people with this sould not have white flour products or refined sugar.
Also you should eat lots of Vitamin A, Essentail fatty acids, zinc And iodine.(I reccomend Kelp tablets they are high in both)
I am taking kelp tablets they are very good!!

Bye chicky

[idil]

idil,
What does it take to get referred these days?
Sounds to me like your dose certainly needs to be increased.............what is your GP waiting
for?
Divine inspiration??
Good luck!
Judz

Hey hun,

Well i went to see my doc about my blood test and she said everything looks fine. I tried to convice her to increase the dosage and that failed miserably. Soo i decided to take matters into my own hands, ive decided to take 2 pills a day. So far so good, hopefully it will go good.

[Judworth]

Hello sweetheart,
Did you ask your Doctor what  range they work to?
I have just had my thyroid checked; my Dr's know that I have a history of severe overactivity and so leave things pretty much up to me!
My partner monitors his underactivity too!
Please let me know how things go!
Hugs Judz

[idil]

 :hug:judz

yeah she told me that it was at 3. something. I told her that i read somewhere that ppl tend to do better when they are at a 1 or 2, she wouldnt listen. Ill keep you updated. How are things going with u?

[Judworth]

I am okay thanks; just had a blodd test for my thyroid function.
I have to have it checked every 6 months.
My partner has a history of hypothyroidism so we are a unique pair!
I guess if we cuddle up close enough some of my hyperthyroidism may rub off on him!!
Judz

[Cody]

Hello All !  Im so fortunate to have found this site.  So many interesting things here.  I have some questions about being Hypo.  I just had some blood tests done because of having so many symptoms of being Hypo and then my GP tells me I'm HYPER !  I understand that some of the symptoms are the same but here are my symptoms and you tell me what you think.  Constipation, Hair loss and very easily tangled, cant get anywhere near a fan,,lol, my temp in the mornings run about 97.2 consistantly, always so cold that alot of times I'll get in a hot shower to get warm, I can fall asleep at any time and any where, (including when driving), fatique, very tired, no short term memory at all, have trouble concentrating, severe monthly cramps, and the most worrisome of all is I cannot lose weight, no matter what diet ive tried, Over months of dieting I might lose about 5lbs at the very beginning of the diet and then nothing.     I will get a copy of the test results tomorrow and see what the T3, T4, and TSH readings are and let you know.  Anyone with any ideas?

[sharlaine]

LOL Another topic on there that I can help with. (not something I find happens for me very often)

Last summer we took a vacation to Niagra Falls and Canada. Walking back from the falls, I thought I was going to die! I felt so awful! LOL My 65 year old MIL kept looking back over her shoulder checking on ME??? How sick is that? So I gathered myself together, stayed awake long enough to get myself to the dr. Where upon he order thyroid testing, but never went and had the test. BUT I got on the scale and found that I had gained from 165 lbs all the way up to 235!

So my symptoms were...

Massive weight gain (in less than 6 months-at one point I was gaining 5 lbs a week!)
Extreme Fatigue (I'm talking I would get up, get my kid on the bus and go back to sleep. Wake up to get off the bus and go back to sleep till dinner time, get up make food then go back to sleep till bed time)
Irregular periods (but not as bad as it can be)
Hair problems (my hair was like a brillo pad. And I couldn't comb it unless I'd put half a bottle of conditionor on it, terrible dandruff, my scalp would itch so bad I would scratch till I was bleeding)
Muscle problems (I'd do something like carry the laundry basket and my arms would "pump" like I'd been working out and they would stay like that for hours)
Muscle cramp too
Irritable (I yelled at my 4 year old so much, and I felt so bad about it)
Carpal tunnel
Bloating (my stomach would get so huge that my underwear would be the wrong size by the end of the day)
My ribs and sternum hurt
Panic Attacks (that's a story by it's self-I could have been diagnoised then, but THAT dr told me I was fat and depressed and that I'd feel better if I lost some weight and too zoloft)
No sex drive
Depression
brown pathces on elbows
I was always COLD! My temp was generally around 95. One time I took it and it was at 94.2 LOL my husband laughed and said dead bodies have higher temps than that!

And all these things I ignored? What a fool!!!

Then one morning I woke up and my ankles and legs were so huge! And they dented when I pushed on them (pitting edema) And it was BAD

So I went to the ER and all systems were fine. No heart troubles, no kidney problems. BUT they did blood test and would send the results over to my GP.

I went and saw him about a week later as a follow up for the edema. He put me on a diuretic (that I still have to take) and after some confusion, he looked at my blood test results.

Each lab uses different standard as for a dianosis for Hypo/Hyper. The lab that I'm concerned with uses these standards .03-5.2 are considered normal. LOL There really wasn't any problem with mine being borderline thou since it was 118!!!!! 

so I started this long jorney to get the levels regulated. It's been almost a year and just 4 months ago I settled out at a dose of 125 mcg (micrograms) Synthroid.

I have learned so much about this disease since then. And I've learned a new respect for my body. I hate what it's done to me and how much it's taken from me, but I respect it. I've learned how all the systems work and why each one is effected by the thyroid. ex. when we have no energy left, out bodies start living on adrenaline. Thus hypo's end up having panic attacks which are caused by adrenaline. The weight gain and tiredness are do to the fact that our bodies are trying desperatly to keep us alive with our super slowed metabolism.

So anyway, I have been on a fixed dosage for 4 months. A lot of my sympotms have corrected, but it's a slow process. I no longer have the panic attacks. I've lost 19 pounds (it come off WAY slower than it went on!!!) I can stay awake all day long. My hair started falling out during the adjusting, I thought I was going to be bald, but that stopped when the dosage got correct. Most of the other system functions have returned. CT gone, bloating mostly gone most of the time, muscle problems vanished within a week of starting treatment. Periods are regular, lighter, little or no PMS.

Some this remain still but DR expects them to go away as well. I still take the fluid pill as I still ahve problems with the edema. And because of that, my blood pressure went up and I'm being treated for that now. Also ended up with a too fast heart rate which is being treated as well. (these two things often show up during treatment-sometimes they correct later on)

I understand that for most people it takes 8 months to a year for them to feel much improved. I feel it already! I really think I was about to die. And I'm sure that I would be dead now if it I hadn't started treatment when I did.

**********

PLEASE feel free to ask me any questions you want! I know the ins and outs of this disease, and I'd love to help where I can. In fact, I've made it my goal to spread the word about thyroid problems. LOL I hear a friend say she's tired and I tell her to go get her thyroid tested.

One tip right now (I'm having my tonsils out tomorrow so I don't know how fast I'll get back to here )

I found that I can not eat soy. Apparently it causes the thyroid to to shut totally down in some Hypos so that your meds don't work. Soy nearly  instantly make me fall asleep and I'm talking out like a light, out cold within half an hour of eating it. I was surprised to find soy in so much! Bread, pasta, lots of things. I can deal with minor amounts, but NOT as in mayo, tuna, salad dressings, margarine...lots of place you wouldn't expect it. So if you're all the sudden going along and bammm...you feel like you've hit a wall, check what you just ate. There might be something in there that you can't handle.

There are more foods than just soy. Lot's of folks have problems with raw vegetable, most noted are brocolli, cabbage, brussel sprouts and a few more.

Again, if you have a question about hypothyroidism or about thyroid in general, ask me. I'll help you!

[Cody]

Thank you so much Sharlaine, and Wow,, I didnt know that panic attacks went with being Hypo.  As I have had them for years.  To the point that I cannot stand crowds or going in any stores.  Ive just about let my family go hungry because of not wanting to go to the grocery.  I would go to the parking lot and sit there for no telling how long trying to talk myself into going in the store.  I can drive by a store knowing I need something from there and I start telling myself right then "Oh I can get it later",,lol  It's just crazy.  And Ive also had those dents in my legs and I just thought I was deformed or something.  LOL  I got my thyroid tests back today my TSH was 0.004 the limits the lab went by was 0.350-5.500.  My T-4 was 2.01, their limits was 0.61-1.76, The T-3 was 259 and their limits were 85-205. 

I feel terrible with all the symptoms of Hypo but now they want to treat me for being Hyper.  And I really feel like I need to find a new doctor.  Id like to find a doctor with some really good references that I could chat with but not sure Ill find one.  Id also like to add that about 7 years ago I had a biopsy done on my thyroid for nodules and the results was questionable so they wanted to remove half of my thyroid and at that time I was dianosed as being Hypo and was on Synthroid and Cytomel.  Now that I only have half of a thyroid they are telling me Im Hyper and they wanted to do the iodine treatment to kill the rest of my thyroid and I wasnt going for that at all.  One question I have is ,,,  Why do I have all the symptoms of being Hypo but my GP says I'm Hyper?  I'm just at my wits end.   

[Cody]

Gotta correct something right quick too,,,lol  They did a biopsy on a nodule for cancer, after I reread my post it didnt look right.  Good luck with your surgery tomorrow.

[chocs]

cody,
sounds very underactive to me,your showing pretty much every symptom, strange your bloods are showing the other way!  With this many symptoms no matter what the levels show there is an imbalance there.what i can say is that  for me i was losing weight and frequent number two's.which are both fine now my levels are balanced and yet these are supposed to be overactive symptoms? and i'm under or was!
hope you get it sorted keep us posted!!
phil

[sharlaine]

Cody, sorry for the delay getting back to you. I've been whining on the Tonsilectomey thread for the past 2 days.

Anyway, once the thyroid is out of balance, symptoms can clash. example, my MIL is hypo but she had a goiter, which is a classic symptom of hyper.

Let me try and understand. You are/were hypo and then these test results they want to start treating you for hyper? With those test results? Are you still taking the meds? It looks to me that all you need to do is readjust your meds, maybe even just back off a fraction on the synthroid.

BUT that said, if the other half of your thyroid isn't functioning well, you made need to have to iodine treatment. At least once it was done, it would be easier to maintain your levels. Fluctuating up and down is nearly as bad as either extreme.

Talk with your DR and let them know how you feel. And if you feel you want to find a new DR than please do so. Our doctors should be helping us and listening to us, but sadly, not all of them do. My DR, I feel I can lead him by the nose. It feels like I could tell him I wanted and RX for anything and he'd give it. He listens, but he's very quick to take the easy route. LOL give her a script and tell her to come back in 3 months.

Hope you can get it all figured out. There is nothing worse than feeling cruddy with these thyroids. It's hard to believe the medical profession doesn't but the thyroid higher on the list of things to check. With it being down near the bottom, many people go a long time living a miserable life when all it takes is a simple blood test to turn their lives around.

About you panic, actually what you're describing is more like social anxiety. Panic attacks are the "flight or fight" response. When I got them, it was like my head and body were saying, we have to get out of here, but there isn't anywhere to go, but you don't understand, if we stay here we're going to die, but there isn't anywhere to go, nothing is going to kill us... Very odd sort of feeling, like I was going to die, yet I knew there was nothing to be afraid of. My body was so far gone the adrenaline was the only thing keeping me going, and when it gets out of control, you have the attacks. I was having them 4 or 5 times a day. YUCK!

Anything else, just ask!

[MEMILER]

Hello everyone,

My Name is melissa and i recently self diagnosed my self with hs after having it for my entire life and not knwoing what it was. i also have asthema and hypothyroidism, and have been suffering from these for years. I have seen specialists, homeopathic doctors, and every other possible kind of physician you can think of for this. I have had acupunture, and massage, and still nothing seems to help. thanks to tyhroid, i gained an immaculant 100 lbs in the course of a year, and the doctors still did not diagnose my problem of thyroid disorder until almost 6 years ago. I am currently on levothyroid, doesnt seem to do much though. I am already up to a .15 doages and it has not brought my levels down at all, i am at a 13. ouch. My asthema has recently become better, i have been walking one hour a day and taking advair on top of albuterol, and my asthema seems controlled to me. My hs is not under control in anyway. I have in the inner part of my thighs, my butt, and i have had one om my armpitt, and under my breast. I have sever scarring, and becuase noone was able to diagnose exactly what i have, i have gone untreated for years. i can date this back to about 7 years of age. I told my mother about a bump i had down there and she shrugged it off and told me i had a bug bite. May very well be, but at the age of four, i had sever and multiple rashes up and dow my legs and butt and wonder if this too has something to do with this desease. Anyway ok enough about my problems and let me get to some good news.

HS RESOLUTIONS-

I found a neat web site its called http://www.truenaturalweightloss.com/HSResearchReport.html

Feel free to check out the link if you want. Itgives a big summary of what the causew of hs might be and some ways you can naturally change your habits to rehabilitate your body. i might try this lifestyle change and hey if i get any relief from it at all, i would be happy to let you all know. I also have started a regimin of exfoliating my entire body daily with scrubbing gloves and an anti bacterial body wash. i follow that by pouring peroxide on the infected areas and follow that by swabbing alcohol on the entire area. I gave up my tight jeans for loose dresses and skirts, and so far. My hugh bumps have started to go away, and only little ones have reappeared but with little to no pain, and only slight redness. i will continue this for a few motnhs to se if it gives me complete relief and i will keep you all posted.

Asthema-

Like i said advaire and albuterol and getting my lungs and body moving has made a world of diffrence. Unfortunatly i cannot loose the weight because my hormones are screwed up.

Thyroid-

Still no awnsers, i am going to continue the doctors medication regimin, however, i heard if i add liguid edible iodine into my diet, that i may help to counter balance my hormones. i have also been told that birth control helps. Hpwever taking birth contorl is what gave me my thytroid disorder, so i am not to sure how it is going to fix it. I think iw ill stay clear of it unless any of you have any suggestions.

Anyway that you all for listening to me grieve, and hey lets all work together to get better.

Meli

[sallyb36]

Hi,
I wonder if anyone here can help me.  I had an overactive Thyroid, and was treated with radioactive iodine, then put on Thyroxine as i went underactive.  i'm on 125mg/day, but recently have started having mild dizzy/disorientated spells mid-afternoon, and feeling tired from early-mid afternoon.  My regular blood tests have all been fine according to the doctor, even though the lst tie I had one i was almost convinced I would need to up my dose of tHyroxin, according to the doc i don't need to.  Also, my fingers get cold for no apparent reason.

[vonkamp]

Sallyb- The people I know that have hyper thyroid and were treated with rad. iodine are on a higher dose of synthroid than 125mg. Most are over 200mg. I have allways been hypo. and I take 175mg. I would see a endo doc and have more blood tests.

I would not recommend self diagnosis or just taking more synthroid without tests. Also as mentioned before, many things can affect the synthroid such as soy, never take any weight loss pills. I've heard grapefruit can also cause problems.

I have found that some days are just better than others. I feel, sometimes that my synthroid just did not kick in. when that happens I get the classic symptoms ie: cold feet/hands, lethargic, depressed....just plain crappy. Other days I feel fine.
Hang in there,
Baron