thyroid question

tater8589
tater8589 Posts: 616
edited September 21 in Motivation and Support
Hi, I have a question for those who have or know about hypothyroidism. I recently found out that my mom has it and did some reading from a google search on the topic. How high are the chances that I could have it? I have struggled with many of the common symptoms, however the dr I have seen was little help. I am going to be tested, but I haven't gotten it yet.

Pending the results of the test what should I ask the dr? If the test is neg, but I am still having symptoms what else can I ask the dr to look for? I don't like hearing "We don't know whats causing this, but its not normal.. Take and asprin everyday, maybe that will help" WTF... why did I go to the dr? Not to be told IDK. I'm anemic, asprin everyday is not a good idea, I start bruising (sp?) very very easily.

Replies

  • JoyceJoanne
    JoyceJoanne Posts: 760 Member
    I was tested for thyroid many times just to hear... "your levels are within the normal range". I know my body, and they were NOT normal. Finally I went to see an endochronologist (sp). He tested me for thyroid antibodies. Guess what- positive. So yes, my body was producing thyroid, but the antibodies that my body was also producing was basically killing the thyroid that I made. So when I was tested for thyroid, they were there and tested 'normal' but they weren't doing their job. It's called hashimotos disease. Good luck with the tests. I struggled with this for years before I was diagnosed 6months ago.
    ps. my mother and grandmother also have thyroid issues.
  • tater8589
    tater8589 Posts: 616
    Thank you so much. I have had blood drawn at least 7 times in a year just to be told IDK, but thyroid hasn't been done yet. I had to fight for it, give more blood tomorrow.. hmm (yay??)

    Again Thank you.
  • bjberry
    bjberry Posts: 665 Member
    If possible, If you could not use bad words, I would appreciate it. Thanks.
    I have hypothyroidism and take 137mcg per day, in the morning, at least 30 minutes before I eat.
    Mine started after having my daughter--this, evidently, is one of the ways to develop hypothyroidism. You body starts attacking itself--in this case the thyroid.
    Symptoms:
    Depression, excessive hair loss, dry skin, and a swelling in the throat. Mine did not cause me to gain weight--eating too much caused my weight gain, and I had already lost most of the baby-weight before I saw the swollen throat.
    The docs checked my TSH and T3 and T4 levels and scanned the swelling to make sure it wasn't cancer. Then they prescribed my Synthroid, and I have been on it since 1982. You must take it every day for the rest of your life.

    Does that help any?
  • robynrae_1
    robynrae_1 Posts: 712 Member
    Hosimotos hypothyroid seems to be herditary. My mom has it and I was diagnosed at 23 years old. The Dr told me that it was and "old lady" thing and didn't want to test me, until I insisted on it. Make sure that they test for the TSH level. This is the hormone in your body that tells the thyroid gland to make more. My Free T4 levels where normal but my TSH levels where 3 times what they should have been.
    Random signs of hypothyroid:
    dry, brittle hair (lots of unexplained split-ends)
    finger nails the peel, bend, and break (I just finaly can grow nails)
    irregular periods, (mine where every 31 days till I was put synthyroid now 28 days)
    being cold all the time

    If you have any questions ask I have it and I also work as a lab tech so I know that part also.

    Also if you are brusing make sure they do a platelet count, (this will be done if they are checking you for anemia.)
  • tater8589
    tater8589 Posts: 616
    Thank ya'll so much :)

    I found a nail polish called nail alive and another one in a gold box at Sallys beauty supply that have really helped my nails
    I have tried everything for my hair, main and tail helps but still lacks.
    Birthcontrol has helped with my periods, but w/o it they are crazy heavy...

    Oh, so a nurse decided to cancel my iron prescription (GRR), I am anemic. What is the best otc iron suppliment?
  • robynrae_1
    robynrae_1 Posts: 712 Member
    Birthcontrol has helped with my periods, but w/o it they are crazy heavy...

    Oh, so a nurse decided to cancel my iron prescription (GRR), I am anemic. What is the best otc iron suppliment?

    Ok so i have 2 questions, is your period fairly normal now? (This is one of the most common reasons women get anemic.)
    Also has your Dr tested your iron levels?

    The body recylces iron, when our blood breaks down we keep about 90% of the iron. If we lose blood (period) we can't recycle it, and that is when we need to add more iron. Most people are able to get enough iron in a normal diet, so they don't need to add iron supplements.

    Your anemia might not be from the lack of iron. (this is why i asked about lab tests.)

    I personaly just take a multivitamin that has iron in it.
  • tater8589
    tater8589 Posts: 616
    A dr has run multiple tests,even on a supplement I had a major iron defiency. He told me that my counts should be around 20, mine at best were at 7, after 3 months of being on iron. He made sure to not test during tom as well, I just wish he hadn't moved bases, I like him. Now i'm bouncing between 3 or 4 diff doctors, gets frustrating telling all of them the same problems over and over and not getting any answers on whats wrong with me.

    My periods have been better with birthcontrol, more normal. But they still varry sometimes, I can have normal one month, kinda heavy one month, and almost nothing the next. I'm just glad none of them have been what they were before bc... every hour or less or i leaked through both tampon and super pad.... and had back cramps so bad breathing hurt. I will take hot flashes from my current bc over that anyday.
  • tater8589
    tater8589 Posts: 616
    Ok, don't know if anyone is reading this one anymore, but update. Tests are back, my thyroid is low. Waiting for the dr to call and tell me what she wants to do about it.
  • robynrae_1
    robynrae_1 Posts: 712 Member
    They should put you on a either levothyroxine or synthroid, and they will retest in 3 months to see how your levels are doing on the medication. good luck, it will take you sometime to feel better.
  • kriswigg
    kriswigg Posts: 95
    I know this is months after your post, but I just joined the site. Has your dr checked your vit d3 levels? I don't know if that is common with hypothyroid, or just my problem because I had my thyroid removed, but since my endo put me on rx strength vit d3, my nails, hair, and skin are much improved. Just thought I'd throw that out there. Hope you are doing better since you got your diagnosis
  • tater8589
    tater8589 Posts: 616
    He ran tests on my vit d, b's and estrogen levels a couple weeks ago, but I haven't been able to get a follow up with him yet. After 2 thyroid tests I'm right on the borderline, just inside normal. He is looking for other reasons for my symptoms and has changed my bc to YAZ. Thank you for letting me know. My mom has a RX for vit d along with synthroid too. I have picked up an OTC vit d and b complex to help.
  • Neach
    Neach Posts: 13
    My doctor told me to take vitamin B12 as that helps with the production of red blood cells. I have just started taking it on a regualr basis so i will have to let you know how well it works. If I can stay awake on my bus ride home after work, I will consider it a success. I usually get my nap overwith so when I do get in the house I am ready to go.
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