Are Dr's telling you that you do not have thyroid problems?
Replies
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I really do not understand why people would take someone's post and try to make a mockery of it. I am far from being a hypochondriac. But for all of you who choose to be insensitive to someones problem, by all means, feel free to do so, I will not feed into it.
Some people are just like that. :frown:
I know my body well. My daughter and I both have autoimmune disorders. We have spent our fair share of time in the doctors office. I can diagnose something before our doctor half of the time. Our doctor knows my extent of knowledge in the medical field (you learn a lot when your kid is sick all of the time and in the hospital). She knows when I am asking for something I am pretty serious. Year after year, I was called a hypochondriac and accused of having Munchhausen by proxy (by friends). My doctor knew the illnesses my daughter had were nothing I could have done to her or intentionally given her. I chose to defend myself and fight until the end. In the end, Lupus and primary immune deficiency were there. Everyone else can kiss my butt for thinking we were hypochondriacs.0 -
In all seriousness.. Were you taking Synthroid when you had the blood test done? If so, of course it's going to look like your levels are within range.
and if you were on synthroid, why were you taken off it?
I was not taken off. I moved out of state, ran out of meds and before I knew it, many years went by and I felt alright, so I figure I was alright.0 -
I really do not understand why people would take someone's post and try to make a mockery of it. I am far from being a hypochondriac. But for all of you who choose to be insensitive to someones problem, by all means, feel free to do so, I will not feed into it.
Some people are just like that. :frown:
I know my body well. My daughter and I both have autoimmune disorders. We have spent our fair share of time in the doctors office. I can diagnose something before our doctor half of the time. Our doctor knows my extent of knowledge in the medical field (you learn a lot when your kid is sick all of the time and in the hospital). She knows when I am asking for something I am pretty serious. Year after year, I was called a hypochondriac and accused of having Munchhausen by proxy (by friends). My doctor knew the illnesses my daughter had were nothing I could have done to her or intentionally given her. I chose to defend myself and fight until the end. In the end, Lupus and primary immune deficiency were there. Everyone else can kiss my butt for thinking we were hypochondriacs.
I am so sorry that you had to deal with that. I know exactly how you must have felt.0 -
I had all the symptoms but tested negative after having been on the medication. I opted to take kelp as a supplement to help with some of the symptoms. There are many vitamin and herbal supplements out there. My issue was solved by changing my diet and taking supplements.
I do know know what type of foods and supplements to take, can you lead me in the right direction please? Thanks.0 -
very interesting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZSqH9Prwvc&feature=related 0 -
Here is another very interesting factor:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MHB7N-bXq8&feature=relmfu 0 -
I tried to diagnose something from the internet - it said I had yellow fever, even though I had never been anywhere that had it. When I went to a doctor, it turned out to be sciatica and a cold!
ETA: if you do not trust your current doctor, get another one and ask all the questions you have of them - write it down before so you remember - and take a pen and paper to take notes.0 -
I tried to diagnose something from the internet - it said I had yellow fever, even though I had never been anywhere that had it. When I went to a doctor, it turned out to be sciatica and a cold!
I am not trying to do a web diagnostic. I know what my problem is. I was being treated for it long time ago when I lived up north.0 -
ETA: if you do not trust your current doctor, get another one and ask all the questions you have of them - write it down before so you remember - and take a pen and paper to take notes.
[/quote]
This is exactly why I am researching it, so that I can go to my doctors with these questions and findings.0 -
I also have the same symptoms... got myself checked up.. went for blood test and my tsh was on boundary line... doctors say it does not matters.. but i guess it does because I am unable to lose the fat.. and gaining the weight becomes really easy...
I am looking after what i eat and what i do... IF doctors can not help us.. then I have to help myself....
Recently i went for ultra sound and my reports were not good... so hopefully i will be better after my medications start :ohwell:0 -
I use to take medication for my thyroids being under active. When I moved down south and years have passed, I decided I needed to go get treated, to get back on the meds and the dr's keep saying that I do not have it. I am tired of the dr's. mis-diagnosing my condition. Have any of you suffer with the same situation with your dr's, if so, what did you do? I have more than 2/3 of the symptoms listed below. I am very upset and so ready for treatment. I feel that it is hindering my workouts.
Here is an article that I was reading about hypothyroidism & the symptoms which it can include:
http://www.ask.com/health/channel/hypothyroid_symptoms
Constipation, Weight Gain, Swelling, Dry Skin, Drowsiness, Muscle Weakness, Missed Period, Cold Intolerance, Slow Heart Rate, Menstrual Irregularity, No Menstrual Period, Unintentional Weight Gain, Gap Between Cranial Sutures, Tired, Pain, Depression, Fatigue, Anemia, Headache, Hair Loss, Goiter, General Weakness, Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Hoarseness, Fluid Retention, Loss of Appetite, Depressed Mood, Swollen Ankle, Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, Brittle Nails, Dry Hair, Swollen Feet, Brittle Hair, Swollen Hands, Facial Swelling, Joint Stiffness, Abnormal Heart Rhythms, Pale Complexion, Thick Skin, Change In Bowel Habit, Shortness of Breath On Exertion, Loss of sense of smell. Impaired Sensation, Expressionless Face, Mask-Like Facies, Itching, Severe, Abnormal Sense of Taste, Body Mass Index Over 30, Heart Rate Altered, Difficulty Speaking at Normal Rate.
http://www.ask.com/health/adamcontent/hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism Health Article
Definition
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.
See also:
•Chronic thryoiditis (Hashimoto's disease)
•Subacute thyroiditis
•Silent thyroiditis
•Neonatal hypothyroidism
Alternative Names
Myxedema; Adult hypothyroidism
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box (larynx). It releases hormones that control metabolism.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is inflammation of the thyroid gland, which damages the gland's cells. Autoimmune or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, is the most common example of this. Some women develop hypothyroidism after pregancy (often referred to as "postpartum throiditis").
Other common causes of hypothyroidism include:
•Congenital (birth) defects
•Radiation treatments to the neck to treat different cancers, which may also damage the thyroid gland
•Radioactive iodine used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
•Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, done to treat other thyroid problems
•Viral thyroiditis, which may case hyperthyroidism and is often followed by temporary or permanent hypothyroidism
Certain drugs can cause hyperthyroidism, including:
•Amiodarone
•Drugs used for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), such as propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole
•Lithium
•Radiation to the brain
•Sheehan syndrome, a condition that may occur in a woman who bleeds severely during pregnancy or childbirth and causes destruction of the pituitary gland
Risk factors include:
•Age over 50 years
•Being female
Symptoms
Early symptoms:
•Being more sensitive to cold
•Constipation
•Depression
•Fatigue or feeling slowed down
•Heavier menstrual periods
•Joint or muscle pain
•Paleness or dry skin
•Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
•Weakness
•Weight gain (unintentional)
Late symptoms, if left untreated:
•Decreased taste and smell
•Hoarseness
•Puffy face, hands, and feet
•Slow speech
•Thickening of the skin
•Thinning of eyebrows
Signs and tests
A physical examination may reveal a smaller-than-normal thyroid gland, although sometimes the gland is normal size or even enlarged (goiter). The examination may also reveal:
•Brittle nails
•Coarse facial features
•Pale or dry skin, which may be cool to the touch
•Swelling of the arms and legs
•Thin and brittle hair
A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart.
Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include:
•Serum TSH
•T4 test
Lab tests may also reveal:
•Anemia on a complete blood count (CBC)
•Increased cholesterol levels
•Increased liver enzymes
•Increased prolactin
•Low sodium
Treatment
The purpose of treatment is to replace the thyroid hormone that is lacking. Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medication. Doctors will prescribe the lowest dose that effectively relieves symptoms and brings the TSH level to a normal range. If you have heart disease or you are older, your doctor may start with a very small dose.
Lifelong therapy is required unless you have a condition called transient viral thyroiditis.
You must continue taking your medication even when your symptoms go away. When starting your medication, your doctor may check your hormone levels every 2 - 3 months. After that, your thyroid hormone levels should be monitored at least every year.
Important things to remember when you are taking thyroid hormone are:
•Do NOT stop taking the medication when you feel better. Continue taking the medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
•If you change brands of thyroid medicine, let your doctor know. Your levels may need to be checked.
•Some dietary changes can change the way your body absorbs the thryoid medicine. Talk with your doctor if you are eating a lot of soy products or a high-fiber diet.
•Thryoid medicine works best on an empty stomach and when taken 1 hour before any other medications. Do NOT take thyroid hormone with calcium, iron, multivitamins, alumin hydroxide antacids, colestipol, or other medicines that bind bile acids, or fiber supplements.
After you start taking replacement therapy, tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of increased thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism) such as:
•Rapid weight loss
•Restlessness or shakiness
•Sweating
Myxedema coma is a medical emergency that occurs when the body's level of thyroid hormones becomes extremely low. It is treated with intravenous thyroid hormone replacement and steroid medications. Some patients may need supportive therapy (oxygen, breathing assistance, fluid replacement) and intensive-care nursing.
Expectations (prognosis)
In most cases, thyroid levels return to with proper treatment. However, thyroid hormone replacement must be taken for the rest of your life.
Myxedema coma can result in death.
Complications
Myxedema coma, the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It may be caused by an infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medications in people with untreated hypothyroidism.
Symptoms and signs of myxedema coma include:
•Below normal temperature
•Decreased breathing
•Low blood pressure
•Low blood sugar
•Unresponsiveness
Other complications are:
•Heart disease
•Increased risk of infection
•Infertility
•Miscarriage
People with untreated hypothyroidism are at increased risk for:
•Giving birth to a baby with birth defects
•Heart disease because of higher levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol
•Heart failure
People treated with too much thyroid hormone are at risk for angina or heart attack, as well as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism (or myxedema).
If you are being treated for hypothyroidism, call your doctor if:
•You develop chest pain or rapid heartbeat
•You have an infection
•Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
•You develop new symptoms
Prevention
There is no prevention for hypothyroidism.
Screening tests in newborns can detect hypothyroidism that is present from birth (congenital hypothyroidism).
Most of those symptoms are also signs of:
gluten intolerance, food allergies, congenital heart defect, premenopause (starts when we are 30-35 years old), estrogen imbalance, excess testosterone, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Vitamin D deficiency, and more. How about you get a full panel workup including hormone levels, going through an elimination diet, etc and start thinking outside the box?0 -
I am putting all interesting information here, so that I can come back to it later and gather all that I feel is important to bring to my doctor.
Another one: www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=OpKb7F3SA8c0 -
it is a relatively simple test. either your t levels are within range or they are not. how can a doctor not diagnose it if they give you the test?. usually, it isnt diagnosed because they dont test for it.
This is wrong. A lot of doctor's offices have old ranges like 5.0 and up is hypothyroid, but the newer guidelines are actually 3.0. I was misdiagnosed for YEARS and tried so many different doctors. Also my thyroid was going up and down (burning out) and it was difficult to "catch" out of range. I now KNOW my body/labs and all that so I know that if I am over 1.5 I have to fix it. 2.0 or 2.5 and I'm starting to feel very very hypothyroid, and 3.0 is the "norm" I would feel HALF DEAD.
It also matters WHAT type of medication you take (I have to take two or I feel half dead again). I feel MOST doctors won't diagnose or go there because they did one little test and it says "fine" or within range and they just don't know anymore than that, that is why.
to Original poster google "TOP THYROID DOCS" you will find them by state, I have one endocrinologist and one naturopathic doc from that site I could not live without them! Plus go buy yourself Living Well with Hypothyroidism book to tell you how to get your docs to listen to you and get proper tests.0 -
Most of those symptoms are also signs of:
gluten intolerance, food allergies, congenital heart defect, premenopause (starts when we are 30-35 years old), estrogen imbalance, excess testosterone, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Vitamin D deficiency, and more. How about you get a full panel workup including hormone levels, going through an elimination diet, etc and start thinking outside the box?
Thank you - that was the point I was trying to make.0 -
If you were diagnosed and put on meds why did you stop taking them? Not being snarky, and if you answered this once I apologize - I didn't read the responses.
I have thyroid issues (I actually have a goiter on my thyroid) and there is no way I would EVER stop taking my meds, I cant. I lost them while on vacation and couldn't get more for 2 weeks as I was in the middle of no where and there were no dr's or pharmacys or anything near by and by the time I got my pills I knew my levels were way way out of whack.
I would suggest to stop dr. google and web MD as they always tend to end up with the worst of the worst situation. The symptoms for thyroid issues are common in MANY different issues. If you have been tested, and the Dr. says your levels are good (I actually see the test results when he goes over them with me and my dr. explains what is good and what is bad) than it is not a thyroid issue.
If you do not trust your current dr. go see another one but don't just dr. jump to get the answer you want.0 -
Most of those symptoms are also signs of:
gluten intolerance, food allergies, congenital heart defect, premenopause (starts when we are 30-35 years old), estrogen imbalance, excess testosterone, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Vitamin D deficiency, and more. How about you get a full panel workup including hormone levels, going through an elimination diet, etc and start thinking outside the box?
Thank you - that was the point I was trying to make.
:happy: This is my specialty...helping people get to root cause so they can get the right help0 -
I use to take medication for my thyroids being under active. When I moved down south and years have passed, I decided I needed to go get treated, to get back on the meds and the dr's keep saying that I do not have it. I am tired of the dr's. mis-diagnosing my condition. Have any of you suffer with the same situation with your dr's, if so, what did you do? I have more than 2/3 of the symptoms listed below. I am very upset and so ready for treatment. I feel that it is hindering my workouts.
Here is an article that I was reading about hypothyroidism & the symptoms which it can include:
http://www.ask.com/health/channel/hypothyroid_symptoms
Constipation, Weight Gain, Swelling, Dry Skin, Drowsiness, Muscle Weakness, Missed Period, Cold Intolerance, Slow Heart Rate, Menstrual Irregularity, No Menstrual Period, Unintentional Weight Gain, Gap Between Cranial Sutures, Tired, Pain, Depression, Fatigue, Anemia, Headache, Hair Loss, Goiter, General Weakness, Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Hoarseness, Fluid Retention, Loss of Appetite, Depressed Mood, Swollen Ankle, Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, Brittle Nails, Dry Hair, Swollen Feet, Brittle Hair, Swollen Hands, Facial Swelling, Joint Stiffness, Abnormal Heart Rhythms, Pale Complexion, Thick Skin, Change In Bowel Habit, Shortness of Breath On Exertion, Loss of sense of smell. Impaired Sensation, Expressionless Face, Mask-Like Facies, Itching, Severe, Abnormal Sense of Taste, Body Mass Index Over 30, Heart Rate Altered, Difficulty Speaking at Normal Rate.
http://www.ask.com/health/adamcontent/hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism Health Article
Definition
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.
See also:
•Chronic thryoiditis (Hashimoto's disease)
•Subacute thyroiditis
•Silent thyroiditis
•Neonatal hypothyroidism
Alternative Names
Myxedema; Adult hypothyroidism
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box (larynx). It releases hormones that control metabolism.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is inflammation of the thyroid gland, which damages the gland's cells. Autoimmune or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, is the most common example of this. Some women develop hypothyroidism after pregancy (often referred to as "postpartum throiditis").
Other common causes of hypothyroidism include:
•Congenital (birth) defects
•Radiation treatments to the neck to treat different cancers, which may also damage the thyroid gland
•Radioactive iodine used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
•Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, done to treat other thyroid problems
•Viral thyroiditis, which may case hyperthyroidism and is often followed by temporary or permanent hypothyroidism
Certain drugs can cause hyperthyroidism, including:
•Amiodarone
•Drugs used for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), such as propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole
•Lithium
•Radiation to the brain
•Sheehan syndrome, a condition that may occur in a woman who bleeds severely during pregnancy or childbirth and causes destruction of the pituitary gland
Risk factors include:
•Age over 50 years
•Being female
Symptoms
Early symptoms:
•Being more sensitive to cold
•Constipation
•Depression
•Fatigue or feeling slowed down
•Heavier menstrual periods
•Joint or muscle pain
•Paleness or dry skin
•Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
•Weakness
•Weight gain (unintentional)
Late symptoms, if left untreated:
•Decreased taste and smell
•Hoarseness
•Puffy face, hands, and feet
•Slow speech
•Thickening of the skin
•Thinning of eyebrows
Signs and tests
A physical examination may reveal a smaller-than-normal thyroid gland, although sometimes the gland is normal size or even enlarged (goiter). The examination may also reveal:
•Brittle nails
•Coarse facial features
•Pale or dry skin, which may be cool to the touch
•Swelling of the arms and legs
•Thin and brittle hair
A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart.
Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include:
•Serum TSH
•T4 test
Lab tests may also reveal:
•Anemia on a complete blood count (CBC)
•Increased cholesterol levels
•Increased liver enzymes
•Increased prolactin
•Low sodium
Treatment
The purpose of treatment is to replace the thyroid hormone that is lacking. Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medication. Doctors will prescribe the lowest dose that effectively relieves symptoms and brings the TSH level to a normal range. If you have heart disease or you are older, your doctor may start with a very small dose.
Lifelong therapy is required unless you have a condition called transient viral thyroiditis.
You must continue taking your medication even when your symptoms go away. When starting your medication, your doctor may check your hormone levels every 2 - 3 months. After that, your thyroid hormone levels should be monitored at least every year.
Important things to remember when you are taking thyroid hormone are:
•Do NOT stop taking the medication when you feel better. Continue taking the medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
•If you change brands of thyroid medicine, let your doctor know. Your levels may need to be checked.
•Some dietary changes can change the way your body absorbs the thryoid medicine. Talk with your doctor if you are eating a lot of soy products or a high-fiber diet.
•Thryoid medicine works best on an empty stomach and when taken 1 hour before any other medications. Do NOT take thyroid hormone with calcium, iron, multivitamins, alumin hydroxide antacids, colestipol, or other medicines that bind bile acids, or fiber supplements.
After you start taking replacement therapy, tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of increased thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism) such as:
•Rapid weight loss
•Restlessness or shakiness
•Sweating
Myxedema coma is a medical emergency that occurs when the body's level of thyroid hormones becomes extremely low. It is treated with intravenous thyroid hormone replacement and steroid medications. Some patients may need supportive therapy (oxygen, breathing assistance, fluid replacement) and intensive-care nursing.
Expectations (prognosis)
In most cases, thyroid levels return to with proper treatment. However, thyroid hormone replacement must be taken for the rest of your life.
Myxedema coma can result in death.
Complications
Myxedema coma, the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It may be caused by an infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medications in people with untreated hypothyroidism.
Symptoms and signs of myxedema coma include:
•Below normal temperature
•Decreased breathing
•Low blood pressure
•Low blood sugar
•Unresponsiveness
Other complications are:
•Heart disease
•Increased risk of infection
•Infertility
•Miscarriage
People with untreated hypothyroidism are at increased risk for:
•Giving birth to a baby with birth defects
•Heart disease because of higher levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol
•Heart failure
People treated with too much thyroid hormone are at risk for angina or heart attack, as well as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism (or myxedema).
If you are being treated for hypothyroidism, call your doctor if:
•You develop chest pain or rapid heartbeat
•You have an infection
•Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
•You develop new symptoms
Prevention
There is no prevention for hypothyroidism.
Screening tests in newborns can detect hypothyroidism that is present from birth (congenital hypothyroidism).
Most of those symptoms are also signs of:
gluten intolerance, food allergies, congenital heart defect, premenopause (starts when we are 30-35 years old), estrogen imbalance, excess testosterone, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Vitamin D deficiency, and more. How about you get a full panel workup including hormone levels, going through an elimination diet, etc and start thinking outside the box?
Thank you for that information. I understand what you are saying. I use to take Synthroid back in the 90's for my thyroid. I stop taking it on my own, with the transition of moving down to GA, I did not know much about thyroid problems and the symptoms. I was feeling better, so I figured I did not need the meds anymore. I am going to a heart doctor and he keeps telling me to go get my thyroids checked and treated at my primary doctor.0 -
I really do not understand why people would take someone's post and try to make a mockery of it. I am far from being a hypochondriac. But for all of you who choose to be insensitive to someones problem, by all means, feel free to do so, I will not feed into it.
If any doctor says or makes you feel like a hypochondriac- run. You are paying them!
I went from a good athlete, fit, high-functioning person to at age 24; 80-85 SYMPTOMS at one time! No joke...I thought I had cancer. Went to doc after doc (you're fine, you look great, you're just tired from having a child, etc.). ..I finally found a doc that was interested in what I was saying but he had no answers! I have found my own answers out over the years and now I am in control of my health.
I had everything from asthma (I've never had this before or since), out of breath, severe allergies, bloat, enlarged neck/goiter/thyroid, constipation, sweating a lot, nervousness, sleeping a lot/tired, fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, dry hair, my sight felt weird, fast weight gain despite working out 5x a week and eating vegetarian and well (soy is your worst enemy by the way I found out with thyroid conditions), sick a lot/all the time and severe like pneumonia, gums bleeding, foot problems, aches/pains/fibromyalgia, apathy, depression, anxiety, heart palpitations, oh my gosh I could go on and on I was a mess!
Fast forward today; I am very healthy, I never get sick, I have taken charge of my health. I have little to no symptoms ever, except my stubborn weightloss which I am working on and down 22 lbs.
Good luck!0 -
I had all the symptoms but tested negative after having been on the medication. I opted to take kelp as a supplement to help with some of the symptoms. There are many vitamin and herbal supplements out there. My issue was solved by changing my diet and taking supplements.
I do know know what type of foods and supplements to take, can you lead me in the right direction please? Thanks.
This is what I do for a living, so once it is diagnosed you can contact me and I will point you in the right direction. Please note that supplements are NOT a substitute for medical treatment, they merely help the treatment to be more effective.0 -
Most of those symptoms are also signs of:
gluten intolerance, food allergies, congenital heart defect, premenopause (starts when we are 30-35 years old), estrogen imbalance, excess testosterone, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Vitamin D deficiency, and more. How about you get a full panel workup including hormone levels, going through an elimination diet, etc and start thinking outside the box?
Thank you - that was the point I was trying to make.
:happy: This is my specialty...helping people get to root cause so they can get the right help
Yes you are right with all those other symptoms including low b12, low b vitamins, low zinc and a number of other problems/issues even urinating several times during the night (getting up to go often at night).
This is why I would love to become a Holistic Health Coach...soon...very soon!0 -
If you were diagnosed and put on meds why did you stop taking them? Not being snarky, and if you answered this once I apologize - I didn't read the responses.
I have thyroid issues (I actually have a goiter on my thyroid) and there is no way I would EVER stop taking my meds, I cant. I lost them while on vacation and couldn't get more for 2 weeks as I was in the middle of no where and there were no dr's or pharmacys or anything near by and by the time I got my pills I knew my levels were way way out of whack.
I would suggest to stop dr. google and web MD as they always tend to end up with the worst of the worst situation. The symptoms for thyroid issues are common in MANY different issues. If you have been tested, and the Dr. says your levels are good (I actually see the test results when he goes over them with me and my dr. explains what is good and what is bad) than it is not a thyroid issue.
If you do not trust your current dr. go see another one but don't just dr. jump to get the answer you want.
When I was told that I had thyroid problems back in the 90's, I did not know much about it. All I do know, is that I was feeling better, moved out of state, ran out of meds and did not follow up with it.0 -
I use to take medication for my thyroids being under active. When I moved down south and years have passed, I decided I needed to go get treated, to get back on the meds and the dr's keep saying that I do not have it. I am tired of the dr's. mis-diagnosing my condition. Have any of you suffer with the same situation with your dr's, if so, what did you do? I have more than 2/3 of the symptoms listed below. I am very upset and so ready for treatment. I feel that it is hindering my workouts.
Here is an article that I was reading about hypothyroidism & the symptoms which it can include:
http://www.ask.com/health/channel/hypothyroid_symptoms
Constipation, Weight Gain, Swelling, Dry Skin, Drowsiness, Muscle Weakness, Missed Period, Cold Intolerance, Slow Heart Rate, Menstrual Irregularity, No Menstrual Period, Unintentional Weight Gain, Gap Between Cranial Sutures, Tired, Pain, Depression, Fatigue, Anemia, Headache, Hair Loss, Goiter, General Weakness, Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Hoarseness, Fluid Retention, Loss of Appetite, Depressed Mood, Swollen Ankle, Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, Brittle Nails, Dry Hair, Swollen Feet, Brittle Hair, Swollen Hands, Facial Swelling, Joint Stiffness, Abnormal Heart Rhythms, Pale Complexion, Thick Skin, Change In Bowel Habit, Shortness of Breath On Exertion, Loss of sense of smell. Impaired Sensation, Expressionless Face, Mask-Like Facies, Itching, Severe, Abnormal Sense of Taste, Body Mass Index Over 30, Heart Rate Altered, Difficulty Speaking at Normal Rate.
http://www.ask.com/health/adamcontent/hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism Health Article
Definition
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.
See also:
•Chronic thryoiditis (Hashimoto's disease)
•Subacute thyroiditis
•Silent thyroiditis
•Neonatal hypothyroidism
Alternative Names
Myxedema; Adult hypothyroidism
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box (larynx). It releases hormones that control metabolism.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is inflammation of the thyroid gland, which damages the gland's cells. Autoimmune or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, is the most common example of this. Some women develop hypothyroidism after pregancy (often referred to as "postpartum throiditis").
Other common causes of hypothyroidism include:
•Congenital (birth) defects
•Radiation treatments to the neck to treat different cancers, which may also damage the thyroid gland
•Radioactive iodine used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
•Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, done to treat other thyroid problems
•Viral thyroiditis, which may case hyperthyroidism and is often followed by temporary or permanent hypothyroidism
Certain drugs can cause hyperthyroidism, including:
•Amiodarone
•Drugs used for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), such as propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole
•Lithium
•Radiation to the brain
•Sheehan syndrome, a condition that may occur in a woman who bleeds severely during pregnancy or childbirth and causes destruction of the pituitary gland
Risk factors include:
•Age over 50 years
•Being female
Symptoms
Early symptoms:
•Being more sensitive to cold
•Constipation
•Depression
•Fatigue or feeling slowed down
•Heavier menstrual periods
•Joint or muscle pain
•Paleness or dry skin
•Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
•Weakness
•Weight gain (unintentional)
Late symptoms, if left untreated:
•Decreased taste and smell
•Hoarseness
•Puffy face, hands, and feet
•Slow speech
•Thickening of the skin
•Thinning of eyebrows
Signs and tests
A physical examination may reveal a smaller-than-normal thyroid gland, although sometimes the gland is normal size or even enlarged (goiter). The examination may also reveal:
•Brittle nails
•Coarse facial features
•Pale or dry skin, which may be cool to the touch
•Swelling of the arms and legs
•Thin and brittle hair
A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart.
Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include:
•Serum TSH
•T4 test
Lab tests may also reveal:
•Anemia on a complete blood count (CBC)
•Increased cholesterol levels
•Increased liver enzymes
•Increased prolactin
•Low sodium
Treatment
The purpose of treatment is to replace the thyroid hormone that is lacking. Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medication. Doctors will prescribe the lowest dose that effectively relieves symptoms and brings the TSH level to a normal range. If you have heart disease or you are older, your doctor may start with a very small dose.
Lifelong therapy is required unless you have a condition called transient viral thyroiditis.
You must continue taking your medication even when your symptoms go away. When starting your medication, your doctor may check your hormone levels every 2 - 3 months. After that, your thyroid hormone levels should be monitored at least every year.
Important things to remember when you are taking thyroid hormone are:
•Do NOT stop taking the medication when you feel better. Continue taking the medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
•If you change brands of thyroid medicine, let your doctor know. Your levels may need to be checked.
•Some dietary changes can change the way your body absorbs the thryoid medicine. Talk with your doctor if you are eating a lot of soy products or a high-fiber diet.
•Thryoid medicine works best on an empty stomach and when taken 1 hour before any other medications. Do NOT take thyroid hormone with calcium, iron, multivitamins, alumin hydroxide antacids, colestipol, or other medicines that bind bile acids, or fiber supplements.
After you start taking replacement therapy, tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of increased thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism) such as:
•Rapid weight loss
•Restlessness or shakiness
•Sweating
Myxedema coma is a medical emergency that occurs when the body's level of thyroid hormones becomes extremely low. It is treated with intravenous thyroid hormone replacement and steroid medications. Some patients may need supportive therapy (oxygen, breathing assistance, fluid replacement) and intensive-care nursing.
Expectations (prognosis)
In most cases, thyroid levels return to with proper treatment. However, thyroid hormone replacement must be taken for the rest of your life.
Myxedema coma can result in death.
Complications
Myxedema coma, the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It may be caused by an infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medications in people with untreated hypothyroidism.
Symptoms and signs of myxedema coma include:
•Below normal temperature
•Decreased breathing
•Low blood pressure
•Low blood sugar
•Unresponsiveness
Other complications are:
•Heart disease
•Increased risk of infection
•Infertility
•Miscarriage
People with untreated hypothyroidism are at increased risk for:
•Giving birth to a baby with birth defects
•Heart disease because of higher levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol
•Heart failure
People treated with too much thyroid hormone are at risk for angina or heart attack, as well as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism (or myxedema).
If you are being treated for hypothyroidism, call your doctor if:
•You develop chest pain or rapid heartbeat
•You have an infection
•Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
•You develop new symptoms
Prevention
There is no prevention for hypothyroidism.
Screening tests in newborns can detect hypothyroidism that is present from birth (congenital hypothyroidism).
Most of those symptoms are also signs of:
gluten intolerance, food allergies, congenital heart defect, premenopause (starts when we are 30-35 years old), estrogen imbalance, excess testosterone, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Vitamin D deficiency, and more. How about you get a full panel workup including hormone levels, going through an elimination diet, etc and start thinking outside the box?
Thank you for that information. I understand what you are saying. I use to take Synthroid back in the 90's for my thyroid. I stop taking it on my own, with the transition of moving down to GA, I did not know much about thyroid problems and the symptoms. I was feeling better, so I figured I did not need the meds anymore. I am going to a heart doctor and he keeps telling me to go get my thyroids checked and treated at my primary doctor.
While synthoid is used primarily as a thyroid hormone replacement, it is also effective in controlling estrogen imbalances, so it may not actually be your thyroid and more a female issue such as poly-cystic ovarian disease or other hormonal condition0 -
This is the part of the article that gets me:
Expectations (prognosis)
In most cases, thyroid levels return to with proper treatment. However, thyroid hormone replacement must be taken for the rest of your life.
With that being said, my levels can be reading normal, but without meds, I will continue to have the symptoms? Am I reading that right?
Your levels can be perfect and you can still have symptoms. Some docs out there treat symptoms only or treat symptoms first and then use labs and other methods to figure out the intricate and delicate web that is our thyroid.0 -
I use to take medication for my thyroids being under active. When I moved down south and years have passed, I decided I needed to go get treated, to get back on the meds and the dr's keep saying that I do not have it. I am tired of the dr's. mis-diagnosing my condition. Have any of you suffer with the same situation with your dr's, if so, what did you do? I have more than 2/3 of the symptoms listed below. I am very upset and so ready for treatment. I feel that it is hindering my workouts.
Here is an article that I was reading about hypothyroidism & the symptoms which it can include:
http://www.ask.com/health/channel/hypothyroid_symptoms
Constipation, Weight Gain, Swelling, Dry Skin, Drowsiness, Muscle Weakness, Missed Period, Cold Intolerance, Slow Heart Rate, Menstrual Irregularity, No Menstrual Period, Unintentional Weight Gain, Gap Between Cranial Sutures, Tired, Pain, Depression, Fatigue, Anemia, Headache, Hair Loss, Goiter, General Weakness, Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Hoarseness, Fluid Retention, Loss of Appetite, Depressed Mood, Swollen Ankle, Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, Brittle Nails, Dry Hair, Swollen Feet, Brittle Hair, Swollen Hands, Facial Swelling, Joint Stiffness, Abnormal Heart Rhythms, Pale Complexion, Thick Skin, Change In Bowel Habit, Shortness of Breath On Exertion, Loss of sense of smell. Impaired Sensation, Expressionless Face, Mask-Like Facies, Itching, Severe, Abnormal Sense of Taste, Body Mass Index Over 30, Heart Rate Altered, Difficulty Speaking at Normal Rate.
http://www.ask.com/health/adamcontent/hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism Health Article
Definition
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.
See also:
•Chronic thryoiditis (Hashimoto's disease)
•Subacute thyroiditis
•Silent thyroiditis
•Neonatal hypothyroidism
Alternative Names
Myxedema; Adult hypothyroidism
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box (larynx). It releases hormones that control metabolism.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is inflammation of the thyroid gland, which damages the gland's cells. Autoimmune or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, is the most common example of this. Some women develop hypothyroidism after pregancy (often referred to as "postpartum throiditis").
Other common causes of hypothyroidism include:
•Congenital (birth) defects
•Radiation treatments to the neck to treat different cancers, which may also damage the thyroid gland
•Radioactive iodine used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
•Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, done to treat other thyroid problems
•Viral thyroiditis, which may case hyperthyroidism and is often followed by temporary or permanent hypothyroidism
Certain drugs can cause hyperthyroidism, including:
•Amiodarone
•Drugs used for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), such as propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole
•Lithium
•Radiation to the brain
•Sheehan syndrome, a condition that may occur in a woman who bleeds severely during pregnancy or childbirth and causes destruction of the pituitary gland
Risk factors include:
•Age over 50 years
•Being female
Symptoms
Early symptoms:
•Being more sensitive to cold
•Constipation
•Depression
•Fatigue or feeling slowed down
•Heavier menstrual periods
•Joint or muscle pain
•Paleness or dry skin
•Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
•Weakness
•Weight gain (unintentional)
Late symptoms, if left untreated:
•Decreased taste and smell
•Hoarseness
•Puffy face, hands, and feet
•Slow speech
•Thickening of the skin
•Thinning of eyebrows
Signs and tests
A physical examination may reveal a smaller-than-normal thyroid gland, although sometimes the gland is normal size or even enlarged (goiter). The examination may also reveal:
•Brittle nails
•Coarse facial features
•Pale or dry skin, which may be cool to the touch
•Swelling of the arms and legs
•Thin and brittle hair
A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart.
Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include:
•Serum TSH
•T4 test
Lab tests may also reveal:
•Anemia on a complete blood count (CBC)
•Increased cholesterol levels
•Increased liver enzymes
•Increased prolactin
•Low sodium
Treatment
The purpose of treatment is to replace the thyroid hormone that is lacking. Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medication. Doctors will prescribe the lowest dose that effectively relieves symptoms and brings the TSH level to a normal range. If you have heart disease or you are older, your doctor may start with a very small dose.
Lifelong therapy is required unless you have a condition called transient viral thyroiditis.
You must continue taking your medication even when your symptoms go away. When starting your medication, your doctor may check your hormone levels every 2 - 3 months. After that, your thyroid hormone levels should be monitored at least every year.
Important things to remember when you are taking thyroid hormone are:
•Do NOT stop taking the medication when you feel better. Continue taking the medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
•If you change brands of thyroid medicine, let your doctor know. Your levels may need to be checked.
•Some dietary changes can change the way your body absorbs the thryoid medicine. Talk with your doctor if you are eating a lot of soy products or a high-fiber diet.
•Thryoid medicine works best on an empty stomach and when taken 1 hour before any other medications. Do NOT take thyroid hormone with calcium, iron, multivitamins, alumin hydroxide antacids, colestipol, or other medicines that bind bile acids, or fiber supplements.
After you start taking replacement therapy, tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of increased thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism) such as:
•Rapid weight loss
•Restlessness or shakiness
•Sweating
Myxedema coma is a medical emergency that occurs when the body's level of thyroid hormones becomes extremely low. It is treated with intravenous thyroid hormone replacement and steroid medications. Some patients may need supportive therapy (oxygen, breathing assistance, fluid replacement) and intensive-care nursing.
Expectations (prognosis)
In most cases, thyroid levels return to with proper treatment. However, thyroid hormone replacement must be taken for the rest of your life.
Myxedema coma can result in death.
Complications
Myxedema coma, the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It may be caused by an infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medications in people with untreated hypothyroidism.
Symptoms and signs of myxedema coma include:
•Below normal temperature
•Decreased breathing
•Low blood pressure
•Low blood sugar
•Unresponsiveness
Other complications are:
•Heart disease
•Increased risk of infection
•Infertility
•Miscarriage
People with untreated hypothyroidism are at increased risk for:
•Giving birth to a baby with birth defects
•Heart disease because of higher levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol
•Heart failure
People treated with too much thyroid hormone are at risk for angina or heart attack, as well as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism (or myxedema).
If you are being treated for hypothyroidism, call your doctor if:
•You develop chest pain or rapid heartbeat
•You have an infection
•Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
•You develop new symptoms
Prevention
There is no prevention for hypothyroidism.
Screening tests in newborns can detect hypothyroidism that is present from birth (congenital hypothyroidism).
Most of those symptoms are also signs of:
gluten intolerance, food allergies, congenital heart defect, premenopause (starts when we are 30-35 years old), estrogen imbalance, excess testosterone, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Vitamin D deficiency, and more. How about you get a full panel workup including hormone levels, going through an elimination diet, etc and start thinking outside the box?
Thank you for that information. I understand what you are saying. I use to take Synthroid back in the 90's for my thyroid. I stop taking it on my own, with the transition of moving down to GA, I did not know much about thyroid problems and the symptoms. I was feeling better, so I figured I did not need the meds anymore. I am going to a heart doctor and he keeps telling me to go get my thyroids checked and treated at my primary doctor.
While synthoid is used primarily as a thyroid hormone replacement, it is also effective in controlling estrogen imbalances, so it may not actually be your thyroid and more a female issue such as poly-cystic ovarian disease or other hormonal condition
Thank you very much and I appreciate you and all your help and feedback, but I know what I was being treated for, it was my thyroid.0 -
This is the part of the article that gets me:
Expectations (prognosis)
In most cases, thyroid levels return to with proper treatment. However, thyroid hormone replacement must be taken for the rest of your life.
With that being said, my levels can be reading normal, but without meds, I will continue to have the symptoms? Am I reading that right?
Your levels can be perfect and you can still have symptoms. Some docs out there treat symptoms only or treat symptoms first and then use labs and other methods to figure out the intricate and delicate web that is our thyroid.
Thank you so much. That is what I am going to try to convince my doctor to do.0 -
<snip>
Most of those symptoms are also signs of:
gluten intolerance, food allergies, congenital heart defect, premenopause (starts when we are 30-35 years old), estrogen imbalance, excess testosterone, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Vitamin D deficiency, and more. How about you get a full panel workup including hormone levels, going through an elimination diet, etc and start thinking outside the box?
Thank you for that information. I understand what you are saying. I use to take Synthroid back in the 90's for my thyroid. I stop taking it on my own, with the transition of moving down to GA, I did not know much about thyroid problems and the symptoms. I was feeling better, so I figured I did not need the meds anymore. I am going to a heart doctor and he keeps telling me to go get my thyroids checked and treated at my primary doctor.
While synthoid is used primarily as a thyroid hormone replacement, it is also effective in controlling estrogen imbalances, so it may not actually be your thyroid and more a female issue such as poly-cystic ovarian disease or other hormonal condition
Thank you very much and I appreciate you and all your help and feedback, but I know what I was being treated for, it was my thyroid.
I understand that is what they were treating you for, but it is possible you were misdiagnosed but coincidentally the treatment actually fixed the real issue. Does that make sense? I know it seems impossible, but it happens more than people realize0 -
Good grief.....WHY do so many people need to be snooty??:noway: The OP stated she WAS ON a thyroid medication at one point....clearly indicating her prior physician felt she had an issue! Best of luck to you my dear....Dr's are human....and can have varying opinions like anyone.... I have a genetic clotting factor.... my primary Dr said I was simply a carrier....yet my sister's Dr said no, I have the same thing she does....a factor that makes me 6x more likely to clot or so. And that Dr was the specialist who had been treating her ( my sister nearly died from massive blood clots in her lungs due to the genetic factor and various contributors that all together made her hundreds times more likely to have it happen......) If her Hematologist had not also reviewed my results I would have treated certain aspects of my health differently since...which could have been disasterous.... It can NOT hurt to get a second opinion and more detailed tests! I would also see if your records indicate why your origonal Dr put you on the meds....hope you get the answers you need soon!!!!0
-
Good grief.....WHY do so many people need to be snooty??:noway: The OP stated she WAS ON a thyroid medication at one point....clearly indicating her prior physician felt she had an issue! Best of luck to you my dear....Dr's are human....and can have varying opinions like anyone.... I have a genetic clotting factor.... my primary Dr said I was simply a carrier....yet my sister's Dr said no, I have the same thing she does....a factor that makes me 6x more likely to clot or so. And that Dr was the specialist who had been treating her ( my sister nearly died from massive blood clots in her lungs due to the genetic factor and various contributors that all together made her hundreds times more likely to have it happen......) If her Hematologist had not also reviewed my results I would have treated certain aspects of my health differently since...which could have been disasterous.... It can NOT hurt to get a second opinion and more detailed tests! I would also see if your records indicate why your origonal Dr put you on the meds....hope you get the answers you need soon!!!!
No one is being snooty that I can see...most people are just proposing that she get a second opinion and not be cemented in the original diagnosis. It only makes sense to open the mind to other possibilities.0 -
Good grief.....WHY do so many people need to be snooty??:noway: The OP stated she WAS ON a thyroid medication at one point....clearly indicating her prior physician felt she had an issue! Best of luck to you my dear....Dr's are human....and can have varying opinions like anyone.... I have a genetic clotting factor.... my primary Dr said I was simply a carrier....yet my sister's Dr said no, I have the same thing she does....a factor that makes me 6x more likely to clot or so. And that Dr was the specialist who had been treating her ( my sister nearly died from massive blood clots in her lungs due to the genetic factor and various contributors that all together made her hundreds times more likely to have it happen......) If her Hematologist had not also reviewed my results I would have treated certain aspects of my health differently since...which could have been disasterous.... It can NOT hurt to get a second opinion and more detailed tests! I would also see if your records indicate why your origonal Dr put you on the meds....hope you get the answers you need soon!!!!
Thank you so much. I tried to call my old doctor from way back then and they said that do not keep medical records past 10 years. I made the calls today, as a matter of fact.
I am so sorry that you and your family had to encounter that. I hope all is better with you and your sister. I wish you both the best of health and God Bless.0 -
My surgeon did blood test (due for surgery) and found my tsh level high and sent me to the endocrinologist. He said he'd test my T3 and T4 and if they came back normal, I wouldn't need treatment. He also tested my vitamin D level.
My T3/4 came back normal but my vitamin D was really low. When I researched it, the symptoms are almost the same. I was also diagnosed with PCOS years ago, now with researching vitamin D deficiencies I think that's a mistake. It's the same symptoms. I've been complaining for years and no one ever tested me for Vitamin D. This is the first time my TSH was high and they sent me to work on that.
I just finished 8 weeks of mega D and need to go back for a check up and further plans. I do feel better, not perfect but better.0
This discussion has been closed.
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