Hypothyroid symptoms

Starlightbella

Hello all!
I am relatively new here but I have been actively working out and watching my diet pretty consistently for a while now with limited results. Anyway, I was talking with my aunt (she's a nurse) and she said that both she and my mother have had a history of thyroid problems. I was unaware of this and am concerned I may need to be checked. Does anyone have any information or symptoms they know of that I need to be on the look out for to share at my doctors appt? I appreciate your time! Thanks :happy:

h2oophelia

I have Hashimoto's disease and have been on thyroid meds since I was in 7th grade. The main symptoms I notice when my levels are off are hair loss, super dry skin, and I'm exhausted ALL THE TIME. I also get extremely cold. Talk to your doc and if you get blood work make sure they check TSH, T3 and T4. So many docs just go off TSH levels, which may be normal, but you can still have abnormal T3 and/or T4.

Good luck!

h2oophelia

Oh, and I forgot a BIG symptom........weight gain and/or trouble losing weight. :sad:

JessyLovesJCS

I never even realized that I had Hypothyroid until a doctor did a lot of blood work on me! Mention your concerns and see if you can get a blood test.

Starlightbella

Thanks! I'll be sure to have them check at my appointment.

ninic010386

I am currently undergoing testing for my thyroid as well. Another symptom would be irregular periods. I got the blood test and they will also probably ask you to get an ultrasond of the thyroid. I have been on a mission to lose weight for about six months and was only able to lose 15 lbs and the scale stopped and started to go the wrong way again. But have faith in your doctors. Good luck!

fittocycle

I also had hair loss, weight gain, fatigue, and mostly feeling cold all the time! And I noticed I was the only cold during those times too.:laugh: My numbers weren't clear cut. Rather, my doctor noticed they were slowly creeping upward over several years. Thankfully, she agreed to treat my hypothyroidism before the numbers went way up there.

Be sure and ask your doctor to test your ferritin as well. It can be done at the same time (just lab work). Many of us who have hypothyroidism also have anemia. And you can have normal hemoglobin and still be anemic. Ferritin is a measure of iron reserves in your body. Might be something to ask about too. Good luck to you!

sara_235

i have the same problem

StaceyAnnMurray

I have Graves Disease..its an autoimmune disease form of hyerthyroidism.. most people lose weight with it and a small percentage gain.Of course I cant have the one symptom I woulldnt mind having!lol Deff get checked out...ANY thyroid issues can wreak havock in your body in so many ways. Go to an Endocronologist if you can..many GPs dont know squat about the thyroid.

Best of luck,
Stacey

kms1104

I had thyroid cancer, and now NO THYROID. I'm heavier than I've ever been, while I know not ALL of it is the thyroid, it plays a big role. Your thyroid controls metabolism, energy levels, absorption of vitamins (that assist in metabolising), and about a million other thing I didn't realize until I found out mine was cancerous. The levels WILL affect weight gain and how quickly/easily you use. best of luck!

bnfs2012

I have to have blood test done every 6 months. I had half of my thyroid removed due to cysts in 2001. So far so good cause I do not have to take meds.. but it is very important to have blood work done to check.

kstrunk1

I was diagnosed with it in 2004. I had NO energy and slept all of the time when I was not at school. I'm an elementary teacher so you can imagine how much energy is required to keep up with my little friends. My hair was falling out, my eyebrows were thinning, my skin was very dry and I was gaining weight even though I wasn't eating much.

Please don't wait to get it checked. I hope things work out for you.

kms1104

SO TRUE, I'm now on T4 AND T3... both #s should be checked. I don't think my TSH really matches how I feel...

hendrijm

Also have antibody levels checked. They do not test for that often as well. I had a lot of the symptoms listed, but I also had foggy brain, memory trouble, and was moody.

simonsayzz

I have Hashimoto's disease and have been on thyroid meds since I was in 7th grade. The main symptoms I notice when my levels are off are hair loss, super dry skin, and I'm exhausted ALL THE TIME. I also get extremely cold. Talk to your doc and if you get blood work make sure they check TSH, T3 and T4. So many docs just go off TSH levels, which may be normal, but you can still have abnormal T3 and/or T4.

Good luck!

Ditto!

Aehisme

I’ve had an overactive thyroid for about 5Years now. I went to see my doctor originally because I was having problems with my hands shaking and shortness of breath.
When he diagnosed an overactive thyroid I was so relieved as I thought I was on my last legs Lol.

My medication is carbimazole and although I started taking 6+5mg tablets a day, I’ve now settled down and only need 1x5mg. I wouldn’t wish the symptoms I had on anyone! With the right help and medication you will be as bright as a button in no time-
(I am) Wishing you good health!!

kms1104

Also have antibody levels checked. They do not test for that often as well. I had a lot of the symptoms listed, but I also had foggy brain, memory trouble, and was moody.

GOOD ones! Had 'em all!

kstrunk1

Also have antibody levels checked. They do not test for that often as well. I had a lot of the symptoms listed, but I also had foggy brain, memory trouble, and was moody.

^Yep!! Me, too! Depression as well.

kympow

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2001. Then Thyroid cancer last summer. My symptoms are dry skin, brittle nails, hair falling out (I have super thick hair), feeling tired all the time, was pretty cold all the time. I would have them check thyroid antibodies, T3/4 TSH... most likely they will only test TSH first.

Having no thyroid, I will forever be on thyroid meds....

Some also can suffer irregular periods, weight gain, infertility... your thyroid gland is a small butterfly shape that does alot for our bodies...

Some hypothyroid people also have PCOS and they can mask each other.

Starlightbella

I am currently undergoing testing for my thyroid as well. Another symptom would be irregular periods. I got the blood test and they will also probably ask you to get an ultrasond of the thyroid. I have been on a mission to lose weight for about six months and was only able to lose 15 lbs and the scale stopped and started to go the wrong way again. But have faith in your doctors. Good luck!

Irregular periods are a huge issue I just started experiencing within the last year. My gynecologist switched my birth control pills to a different hormone level and that seemed to help a bit, but I didn't know it was a symptom. I had been on my previous pills for 10yrs since having my daughter with no issues. I will tell my doctor about that symptom as well. Thanks so much.

littlepinkhearts

Here's a link to the Hypo/Hyperthyroid Group on MFP http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/770-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism There is a LOT of info on there you might be interested in. Hope it helps!

ATOLLIT

Hypothyroidism gives you general symptoms of things slowing down in your body. Some of the main ones that would lead you to suspect hypothyroidism are weight gain, feeling really cold, hair loss/thinning, loss of the outer 1/3 of the eyebrows, dry skin, slow heart rate and low blood pressure, irregular and heavy periods, and constipation.

Less commonly, you can also be able to see/feel that the front of your neck is swollen, and it can sometimes feel like it's stopping you from getting air down your windpipe properly.

I hope that's helpful! If you're going to see the doctor I'd say to go see the GP first as they can check your TSH, free T3 and T4, and anything else they might think is relevant like blood glucose and levels of any other hormones that could be associated with your symptoms. A lot of people whose family have some autoimmune conditions can get them, but not necessarily the one you expect! And then when you have some results the GP can refer you to a specialist if they think you need one, but at least in the UK, a large majority of people with hypothyroidism are managed by their GP and don't ever need to see a specialist.

oceanbigwater

you could tell your doctor of the family history, he will order a blood test and you will have your answer

Lakeswoman

I was diagnosed with Graves 6 years ago, after having gone through 5 years of hell with the cold, mood swings, hair loss, depression etc etc. AND menopause ALL AT ONCE. Such a joy. I'm on meds for life and was told that when things get balanced,,and this takes time,,then the body can be more "normal" for me. I have the TSH, T3's and 4's monitored as I KNOW the meds will now need to be adjusted again as I've lost weight.

Since I've been "normal" for a while now, I just started walking more and eating better. That gave me more energy..cuz once one thing changes, everything around it changes. I still walk, but more often and faster. I also ride a bike, just started using the elliptical machine, use 8 pound handweights and do circuit training. I mix it up a lot. The weight is coming off slowly, but it's off.
The best part is that I feel so good. My clothes size is constantly going down, so I'm doing something right---for me.
Good Luck.

kooltray87

Since we're on the topic, I am ALWAYS tired especially after I eat. Anything over 150 calories or higher makes me extremely tired when I eat it. I can barely eat lunch at work without completely falling asleep at my desk afterwards. Could this be a symptom of Hypothyroidism?

DeeDee2211

I've been hypothyorid since my early 30s, now in my early 50s. I can always tell if my numbers are off, being cold, losing hair, skin dry especially on my hands and feet, being exhausted just from getting a shower, many more things too, it's amazing what that small little organ does for our bodies. I have seen both a specialist and a GP, my GP does a better job, she listens to me better than the specialist did. Good luck to you!

To Kootray87: you might want to see your Dr. And have a glucose test done, sometimes high blood sugar will make you really tired right after you eat. Good luck!

RunMyOregonBunsOff

Since we're on the topic, I am ALWAYS tired especially after I eat. Anything over 150 calories or higher makes me extremely tired when I eat it. I can barely eat lunch at work without completely falling asleep at my desk afterwards. Could this be a symptom of Hypothyroidism?

If that is your only symptom then it may not be thyroid but it wouldn't hurt to talk to your doctor.


Trouble speaking can be another problem. My doctor also told me that thyroid problems (low and/or high), diabetes and skin cancer are all linked so if you have a family history of one, you are a bigger risk for any of them.