Some Symptoms of Functional Thyroid Disease

68 Comments:

• At Fri Jan 26, 03:11:00 PM 2007,  moil said…

  hi i had an operation 11 years ago which involved in finding two lumps in my throat thease were removed. when i asked where thease anything to do with cancer i was told 99% was not but 1% werent sure. It all sttemed from my throid gland now i coulnt tell you now if it was under or over active. As the years have done by with no consider problems i have found i gained a few pounds not huge amount but as i was a skinny 20 year old wearing a size 12 i have and still go from a size 14 to a 16. i am 5ft 8inches. In have found myself getting tired very easy and can get into a bad mood with a turn of a switch. would you advise me to seek help as i dont take a supplement for this. regards

   

• At Mon Jan 29, 10:43:00 AM 2007,  Greg Tyler Allison, M.D., M.Sc. said…

  Hi,
  
  First of all, thank you so much for sharing your story with me, and with our readers. The issue that you have brought up here is a very common and important one.
  
  Following any neck surgery, but especially surgery on the thyroid or the parathyroid glands, hypothyroidism is a potential complication. Depending on the nature of the surgery, the risk of developing the disorder may be more short-term or more long-term. When the risk is more long-term, immediate thyroid hormone supplementation is often unecessary, and follow-up is dependent on any symptoms which might develop.
  
  In your particular case, it is quite likely that the gradual development of symptoms over the past 11 years are related to hypothyroidism. It is very important that you see a primary health care provider. That person will examine your neck and check your blood levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. Further blood tests may or may not be necessary.
  
  After the results of this evaluation are clear, thyroid hormone supplements may be prescribed, along with periodic follow-up for ensuring symptom reduction and blood level normalization.
  
  Dr. Greg

   

• At Fri Feb 16, 03:52:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  HELLO,
  I AM A 27 YEAR OLD MOTHER OF TWO. I HAD A PREMATURE BIRTH OF A SON IN FEBRUARY 2005-DUE TO PREECLAMPSIA, HE DIDN'T SURVIVE. AND I'VE HAD ABOUT 6 MISCARRIAGES NOW! I'M PREGNANT AGAIN )7 WEEKS) AND IM HEARING ALL THIS TALK ABOUT HYPOTHYROIDISM BEING CONNECTED WITH REPEATED MISCARRIAGES. I REMEMBER ONCE ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO, I SAW A DOCTOR AND AS HE WAS DOING A ROUTINE CHECK ON MY GLANDS -HE SAID..."HHMMM...YOUR LEFT THYROID SEEMS A LITTLE ENLARGED" THEN I ASKED HIM TO, YOU KNOW, EXPLAIN WHAT HE HAD NOTICED AND HE SAID "WELL, ONLY SLIGHTLY-NO BIGGY!" WELL, OF COURSE, NOW IM AFRAID THAT A SLIGHT THYROID DYSFUNCTION COULD BE CAUSING THESE MISCARRIAGES. AND IF SO..I COULD BE WELL ON MY WAY TO YET ANOTHER EARLY MISSCARRIAGE WITH NO EXPLANATION OR CONCERN BY DOCTORS. I JUST MADE MY FIRST PRENATAL APPOINTMENT FOR THIS PREGNANCY AND IT'S 3 WEEKS AWAY (I'LL BE 10 WKS,HOPEFULLY) IM THINKING I SHOULD LIKE GO TO THE EMERGNECY ROOM OR SOMETHING TO GET A FULL EXAM ON MY THRYOID. AND IF NESESSARY GET SOME SUPPORT FOR IT-THAT COULD HELP THIS PREGNANCY SUSTAIN. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
  SINCERELY,
  SCARED OF YET ANTOHER LOSS!

   

• At Tue Feb 20, 11:06:00 AM 2007,  Greg Tyler Allison, M.D., M.Sc. said…

  Dear Scared,
  
  Thank you so much for sharing your difficult and trying pregnancies with our readers. So many women and couples who have experienced one or more such heartbreaks will be glad that you have written.
  
  Thyroid problems, in particular hypothyroidism, indeed increase the chances of complications in pregnancy, including stillbirths and miscarriages. Unfortunately, a simple physical examination of the thyroid is not always so good at detecting significant thyroid changes.
  
  The most sensitive way to detect potential thyroid problems is to perform a simple blood test for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). This relatively inexpensive test is performed routinely by primary care practitioners, especially when symptoms (such as those listed in the article above) are present.
  
  In your case, your present concern regarding a potential connection between several very difficult pregnancies and a question that a physician raised on examination of your thyroid, should be sufficient information to allow for the ordering of a routine TSH blood test.
  
  Of course (and as I am sure that you are already aware): recurrent difficulties in pregnancy are often due to reasons other than problems with the thyroid.
  
  Therefore, my advice is for you to do this: maintain your routine prenatal visits, with which you have already made a great start. I would also ask that you make another appointment, at the earliest possible time, with a primary care practitioner (an Internal Medicine or Family Medicine specialist, or a Nurse Practitioner), and request a TSH test from this individual. Further blood tests might also be necessary.
  
  Please rest assured that if hypothyroidism is revealed, it can be safely treated with medication throughout your pregnancy. The goal of such therapy would be to allow the body to have normal levels of thyroid hormone: levels which are safe for both mother and baby.
  
  Dr. Greg

   

• At Wed Feb 21, 08:51:00 AM 2007,  Kenneth F. Trofatter, Jr., MD, PhD said…

  Just wanted to post a little comment in respones to "anonymous said..." With her history of preeclampsia (presumably 'severe') and the loss of the child from that pregnancy, as well as her history of 6 spontaneous miscarriages, she could have a thyroid condition contributing to her pregnancy problems, but I would be much more concerned about other etiologies. Patients with her history are at great risk for underlying abnormalities of the immune system (of which an autimmune thyroid condition could certainly be a part) and the coagulation system (thrombophilias). I would strongly suggest that if she is currently pregnant, she request a consultation with a specialist in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) because, if she has one of these conditions, she and the baby are at increased risk for poor outcomes, even if she does not miscarry. Recurrent pregnancy loss is a special interest of mine and I will use her query as the impetus for a future post in my Healthline blog "Fruit of the Womb."http://www.healthline.com/blogs/pregnancy_childbirth/

   

• At Fri Apr 20, 12:29:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Is it possible to have a low thyroid and it not show up on the tests? My doctor has run the tests for it and it comes back positive. At the same time, I am always cold..especially my hands and feet. My body temperature is never normal...always a little lower. I am always tired and have struggled with a some weight gain. Would it be harmful to take an iodine supplement?

   

• At Fri Apr 20, 10:45:00 AM 2007,  Greg Tyler Allison, M.D., M.Sc. said…

  Dear Anonymous,
  
  Thank you for your question.
  
  When a thyroid disorder is first suspected, a test known as a "TSH" is frequently performed. For most cases of low thyroid, the TSH will come back high (positive).
  
  In some cases of low thyroid, the TSH can be normal (negative). In these cases, if a thyroid disorder continues to be clinally suspected, other tests (specifically, a "Free T4" and "Free T3") may be performed.
  
  With regard to Iodine supplementation, many multivitamins (like Centrum) do contain 150 micrograms (or less) of Iodine. Such supplementation is usually not harmful. However, the present widespread use of Iodized salt in the U.S. usually makes such supplementation nonessential.
  
  Dr. Greg

   

• At Tue Apr 24, 03:15:00 AM 2007,  Jo said…

  Hi I have recently found out that I have a underactive thyroid,does this effect your chances of becoming pregnant in the future?
  Regards Jo

   

• At Tue Apr 24, 12:03:00 PM 2007,  Greg Tyler Allison, M.D., M.Sc. said…

  Hi Jo,
  
  Thank you for your important question.
  
  Thyroid disorders often affect fertility. In the case of hypothyroidism, lower levels of thyroid hormone indeed correlate with decreased chances of becoming pregnant.
  
  The good news is that this problem can be easily and often completely overcome with the proper treatment. Through the carefully monitored replacement of thyroid hormone, your chances of becoming pregnant can return to 100% normal.
  
  On a related topic, once you do become pregnant, continued medical treatment for low thyroid will be very important to the health of your baby. Unlike some other medication therapies, the supervised replacement of thyroid hormone should never be stopped during preganacy.
  
  In fact, on average, women will require a 50% increase in their regular dose of thyroid hormone at some point in gestation.
  
  I wish you all the best toward a happy and healthy pregnancy!
  
  Thanks,
  Dr. Greg

   

• At Fri May 04, 07:40:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  my tsh levels are consered low the numbers i believe are 0.022 and my endocrinologist is going to have a scan of my throid can you tell me what he may or may not be looking for?

   

• At Mon May 07, 04:31:00 PM 2007,  JC Jones MA RN said…

  You are right: the normal TSH levels for adults are 0.4-0.5mU/L. Healthline has 2 articles that may help you learn more: Thyroid Function Tests and Thyroid Scan Information. The thyroid gland is part of the body's endocrine system and regulates many of the body's functions in conjunction with the pituitary gland. It would be irresponsible and impossible for me to speculate on what your doctor is looking for, but at least you are in the hands of the right specialist for the job - an endocrinologist. Keep us posted and best of luck. Thanks.

   

• At Fri May 11, 01:46:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  hi, just fell into your page whilst looking up thyoid goitres,I am due to go into hospital in the next 10 days for the removal of a large left sided thyoid goitre, infact today was my preoperatve checkup. After my ECG showed a right sided bungle blockage, the test was repeated could you tell me why?

   

• At Sat May 12, 05:14:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Hello, A brief history. When I was 28 I had severe Graves Disease, was treated with RAI, and they forgot to put me on the controlling drug. Went into thyroidtoxicosis and was very ill in hospital. Fifteen years later I developed a thyroid nodule-benign but had a thyroidectomy. Ten years later I had a parathyroid adenoma,and had a parathyroidectomy
  Had to have reconstructive throat surgery due to paralyzed vocal cord and arytenoid. Now have a mechanical block in my throat. And four years ago developed graves opthalmic disease. Am going in for decompression surgery and eye alignment. I see double and one eyeball is rotated like a doorknob. I have severe opthalmic graves; suddenly have gained weight, especialy around my tummy. Hands, feet legs and skin are swollen. Lots of muscle pain and aches all over my body. I have low level active parathyroid disease again, and a small pituitary adenoma which they tell me is non symptomatic. I feel terrible. Am I really receiving the proper treatment? I take synthroid and thats it. My fingers are so swollen I cannot wear my rings from a size seven now to a size ten. My weight gain has been sudden and my usual diet is sparse. I really don't know where to turn. thank you.

   

• At Mon May 14, 10:20:00 AM 2007,  JC Jones MA RN said…

  Thanks for writing: We are sorry to hear of your misfortunes. Of course, it is not possible for us to provide medical advice, but there are things you can do to get help from other professionals. Three things anyone who has a complex medical problem can and should do to get other people involved in helping with your case: talk to your insurance company claims handler,ask for a referral for a second opinion, and a medical case manager. A nurse case manager is a specialized nurse consultant who will be your advocate and a liaison among you, your medical providers and your payor source. She will help you navigate the health care system and keep track of issues that may be overwhelming to you. Best of luck, and keep us posted.

   

• At Mon May 14, 10:25:00 AM 2007,  JC Jones MA RN said…

  Hello: we have an article in our licensed content here at Healthline that will provide more information about Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB) http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/bundle-branch-block
  
  It is usual practice to repeat the ECG to see if there are any changes. For any further questions, please discuss with your doctor or ask for a referral to a cardiologist. Best of luck.

   

• At Fri May 18, 04:09:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Hi,
  
  I was wondering if you could comment on stopping thyroid medication all together. I am a 36 year old woman, who about 6 1/2 years ago, was dx'd w/ Hashimotos thyroiditis. My endocronologist put me on meds, and I've been on them, (w/ 1 to 2 appointments a year to check my thyroid levels) ever since. Iin the last several months, I have developed a tremor in my hands, (although I notice it in my lips at times too) and it's driving me crazy. A neurologist dx'd it as an "essential tremor", and my endocronologist says that it's not thyroid related as my labs are W/in norm. limits, BUT my internal med doc, says he thinks it's a classic sign of hyperthyroidism (my labs were w/in the high end of normal). He knocked my thryoid meds down a notch from 75 to 50 mcg's and tested my TSH again (but not my T4). It was WNL again, but I'm still tremoring. Now he wants to stop the meds all together to see if that helps b/c he thinks I'm still overactive. I'm terrified of going off something I've been on for 6 years, and I'm wondering why 2 different (well 3 really) are in disagreement w/ one another. Please comment on what you think I should do. I have an appointment w/ the internal med doc. to discuss my concerns next week. Thank you for any insight you may provide.

   

• At Mon May 21, 10:30:00 AM 2007,  JC Jones MA RN said…

  Dear Anonymous:
  Your situation, involving 3 physicians now with conflicting opinions, has gotten complex. What I always recommend in these situations is calling the payor - the entity who pays the bills - the insurance company. Ask for help. Ask for a nurse case manager to be assigned to your case. A nurse case manager can be your advocate & ally & see that all of the doctors involved in your care are communicating and on the same page with you and your insurance company. It's a win-win for everyone. Most doctors and most insurers are happy to have the help. Best of luck & keep us posted on your progress.

   

• At Tue May 29, 08:38:00 PM 2007,  gea058 said…

  Hello. I am a mother of two children and during that time have experienced so many ups and downs, in fact every time i hit an up day I know I have a down day coming. But I've been tested and they never show any other results than normal, so I'm wondering if the levels can go up and then down so that some days the levels may show as normal?

   

• At Wed May 30, 03:08:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Hi there. This has been a heck of a year...first pneumonia, then reactive arthritis due to the pneumonia...which I was placed on a very low dose of medrol...which put my hormones all in disaray. I had 2 panic attacks, an ER visit, Cardiac stress tests, all kinds of blood tests. What concerns me is everything tests normal. My latest symptom is a hand tremor that won't go away. It gets worse with stress/hunger, etc. And it's not hypoglycemia. I was tested for that too. Are there any further thyroid tests they can do? Thyroid problems do run in my family. Thank you.

   

• At Fri Jun 01, 12:06:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  In response to the person who wrote on April 20th and asked if it was possible to have a low thyroid level, but have tests come back as normal...YES, it is. That is because the "normal limits" used in labs has not caught up with the knowledge endocrinologists now have about what is normal for different individuals. You need to find a doctor (either an endocrinologist or an internal medicine dr. who is up on the latest treatment guidelines) who understands that "4" is not the magic number for everyone. I present with many symptoms if I go much beyond a "2" (TSH). The American Thyroid Association (I think that is the name of it) has a very good handbook on hypothyroidism and this topic (test limits vs. individual "normal levels") this on the website.

   

• At Thu Jun 07, 09:26:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I found your site today and thought I'd post my current position and issue's with Thyroid. I am 47 years old and 8 years ago was diagnosed with Hypothroidism by my gynocologist. Since then I have seen 7 doctors up until recently I have found one and will gladly post my comments after I see how things go over the coming weeks. In the beginning though I was placed on Premarin which did not work out; also Synthroid...BANG---I have gained 70 lbs. I eat regular meals, and exercise by walking now. There is no light to shed except this condition made me gain weight, feel tired, depressed and miserable with myself and life in general. I have tried every over the counter diet pill and found that I did wrong since I have serious hypertension. I have just been placed on Dyazide, Atenlol 50mg, Armour Thyroid 30mg x2 daily and Synthroid .150mcg. Now I am swelling but I figure give it a week or so and maybe all this will subside, if not here we go again. Prior to finding the doctor I am seeing now, I saw several MD's, Internal Medicine doctor, Endocrinologist, 2 ENT's. and here I am laughing out loud, none of them are graced with any knowledge of the seriousness of Hypothyroidism. I am doing alot of research via the internet and it's astounding to see the complications women can have because of this disease. I hope to see some progress soon because I am as the expression goes, sick and tired of being sick and tired. I never had an illness until I had my hysterectomy and then I discovered just thru more indepth reading that I probably had Thyroid problems as a young teen due to severe Menstrual problems but, doctors I don't believe knew what a thyroid did years ago and how it can affect all bodily functions. I can fall asleep at the drop of a coin just by sitting for more than 5-10 minutes because I stay so tired. I was very healthy 8 years ago and if it's just a sign as my doctors have told me of just getting older..I'm sorry...they are wrong. The blood work does not always tell the story how you feel does too.

   

• At Thu Jun 07, 02:03:00 PM 2007,  JC Jones MA RN said…

  Thank you for sharing your story, Anonymous, and I hope that you do provide some follow-up for us. Your story highlights how important it is to be
  1. An informed patient
  2. An advocate for yourself
  
  Anonymous brings up an important point: co-morbidities or the problem or having more than one medical condition. It gets very complicated to keep all of one's medical conditions straight, and how the treatments and medications prescribed interact with one another and affect a person. Especially with the body's Endocrine System and hormones - every aspect of our being - from personality and mood to weight gain and neurological problems such as tremors - can be influenced by hormonal imbalances.
  
  A previous reader mention the American Thyroid Association or ATA. Their link is http://www.thyroid.org/patients/index.html
  Patients can also write in questions and a health professional will respond.

   

• At Fri Jun 08, 07:01:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Six months ago I was diagnosed with Hashimotos with a TSH level of approximately 7.5, my doctor indicated that I was not needing synthroid yet. At that time I also underwent an ultrasound which did show an overall enlarged gland and specifically one goiter on the left/center side. It was decided that no treatment was needed and to just monitor the situation for now.
  
  Last week I went for my six month check up and my TSH level is significantly lower at 1.45. Is this a hormone level that will vary this much? Is it supposed to be consistent? Please advise as to your experiences with TSH levels that fluctuate dramatically. Was this a mis-diagnosis?
  Thanks!

   

• At Tue Jun 12, 12:39:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Hi,
  I've been tested and was found to be hypothyriodic, T3 was not high enough. I have taken triiodothyronine, not on it now. Would SSKI improve the T3 level? I read something about it being used for "hypo", --Would its use be beneficial in low T3? Why or why not? How does it work?

   

• At Wed Jun 13, 05:42:00 AM 2007,  justpassedby said…

  halu!I'm 32, female, married with four kids. last sat, june 9, 2007 i was diagnosed to have hyperthyroidism because my T3 result is 188 (n.v. 81.0 - 178 ng/dl. the doctor then made a request for an thyroid ultrasound, then the result says that i have cystic masses that are seen at the upper, mid and lower poles measuring 6*8*6 mms at the upper pole, 7*3*5 mms at the midpole and 4.8*2 mmms at the lower pole of my left lobe. I showed the result to a geriatric doctor, which is our doctor in our health care insurance. this doctor requested for another test ; FT4 and TSH which turned out to be normal. I'm quite confused. I don't know where to go --- because he advised me to go to an EENT. are these cysts serious? What is the best thing to do? Which of them should i follow? the former or the latter? Hope you can give me some advise. Because im not really feeling wel at the moment. All i am taking right now are INdenal for my palpitations.Thanks!

   

• At Mon Jun 18, 05:18:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I am so confused, Ive seen two endocrinologists. I had one endocrinologist tell me to get my thyroid out and another that said surgery is significantly greater then the risk of following this nodule goiter with medication.
  A 5.4 X 3.3 cm degenerating colloid nodule in right lower pole was found . I have multiple approx 7 others nodules all appearing to be less than 1cm in left lobe. One of the endocriologist speaks weird and totally has this personallity that you dont know if he is kidding or not, such as my husband can give the surgeon and extra 20 bucks to clip a few vocal cords,or for me to put a pillow over his head because we spoke of his testing for sleep apnea.
  He says other doctors dont like him because of who he refers them to for surgury. But he wants to make sure that I go to someone that will take care in doing the surgury because of many sensitive issuses and complications such as vocal cords, parathyroid, veins, etc. This one wants to take it out.
  The other, is quick with his words, yet says If it were him, he wouldn't go through the surgery, and to try to shrink it by putting me on Levoxyl or Synthroid. He spoke of my hmo insurance, and explained how doctors give pills rather then run tests because of costs they have to pay for tests etc.
  Ive had 2 biopsys with results that said that No malignant cells were found, and its Negative for diagnostic tumor cells. I have had a ultra sound, and Uptake scan, and a cat scan all being fairly consistent in the size of this goiter/nodule. My cat scan found other small mm leasions in my kidney, and liver to be recheck for stabillity in a few months.
  I visited the surgeon the first endocrinologist recommonded, simply because I had waited 5 months for this appointment and wanted to know his oppinion and he said that you cant shrink this with medication it must come out because its going below the clavicle. He said If I wait it will just continue to grow. He thinks he can get it out now without splitting my chest. I am very scared and feel that I am not getting ALL the facts of this thyroid issue. I feel fine, a bit tired at times especially after I eat but I am getting older. I did gain 25 lbs in the last year and a half, but I also quit smoking. I have no problems breathing or swallowing food. They say my tracea is displaced to the left a bit. Each morning I wake up with anxsity, I am so scared and I just dont feel like I am getting trusted answers from anyone. Please answer soon.
  signed so scarred and confused at what to do.

   

• At Tue Jun 19, 09:12:00 AM 2007,  Hannah said…

  HI
  I have suffered from Hypothroidism for the last 30 years.
  Recently lost 25 kgs and feel terrible my hair is falling out in chunks and I can hardly stay awake.
  My question is this my TSH has been checked, one doctor says no my dosage should remain the same but the other says to cut from 1.5 Eltoroxin to 1 Eltoxin. This seems logical to me as my body mass is so much less. Consiring my symptoms I tend to go with the second opinion. What do you think
  
  Hannah

   

• At Tue Jun 19, 04:12:00 PM 2007,  JC Jones MA RN said…

  Healthline Networks regrets that we are not able to respond to your comments. Please discuss them with your health care providers and preferably with an endocrinologist if you are concerned about thyroid function. Thank you all for reading & for writing...

   

• At Tue Jun 19, 10:07:00 PM 2007,  mickey said…

  I recently had tsh test done. The first one was 0.340. One week later the tsh was 0.16 and the t3uptake was normal and the t4 free was1.10. My doctor said that my thyroid was supressed but he did not know why. I am boiling with heat. then I am so cold I have goose bumbs. I throw up my food every three days like clock work. I weigh 144lbs. I now weigh 140 because I just can't eat. Now I get dizzy and flush and just not right feeling. I really trust my doctor with every thing. If he doesn't know then I belive him and want to get some help. Any information would be appreciated. Thankyou.

   

• At Sat Jun 23, 02:46:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I have recently been diagnosed as hypothyroid. My first levels were 7 and last week were 11 and my doctor increased my levothyroxine to 100mcg. I feel terrible and am suffering from panic attacks in night and sweats, I feel really shaky is this normal and should I just put up with it until my body gets used to the medication. I have a goitre (ultrasound said hashimotos). Please help.

   

• At Mon Jun 25, 02:30:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Hello,
  I’m writing about my 24 year old son who is currently suffering from an over active Thyroid. Although I read much about the physical symptoms of the disorder, little is commented on the anxiety side. He suffered a seizure two years ago and although I suspect certain types of phobias may have existed before, since the Thyroid made it presence felt his anxiety levels have shot through the roof. He now goes through daily bouts that have some symptoms of panic attacks. Is there a possible link between the seizure, the Thyroid and the anxiety? Or should we be looking elsewhere? Anyone?

   

• At Tue Jun 26, 11:28:00 AM 2007,  JC Jones MA RN said…

  This post has certainly generated a lot of interest and questions that we are not able to answer. What I will do is post a follow-up article. Soon. Based on all of your great feedback. I am sure you all understand it would be unethical & just plain wrong to give medical advice - although I believe there are other sites where you can ask doctors questions online. I will find the link & post it.

   

• At Fri Jun 29, 09:22:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Hello, I am a 38 year old female. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in the year 2000 through bloodwork. Recently I was seen by an ENT because I had hoarseness and vocal chord changes for the last 6 months. At my 1st exam with the ENT, he had found several abnormalities, Thrush in my throat,esophagitus,severe laryngitis, and chronic vocal chord strain. I was treated for the Thrush with Fluconazale, and Prevacid for the inflammation of the esophagus in which I am still taking and wondering how necessary that is as I have no other symptoms of GERD? Upon my most recent follow up, he then said he had noticed what he thought was a cyst at the base of the tongue. A CT Scan with contrast was performed and it revealed an underdeveloped thyroid gland in its embryonic stage with a small nodule inside of it. At this time it is not believed to be cancerous so no biopsy or removal was recommended. Now I have many questions in which to ask at my next visit but I had wanted another expert's input for things I should consider or ask at my next visit. I had been exposed to radon over a long period of time and then this fall we had carbon monoxide in the house. Could these have caused the nodule? I believe my grandmother's cancer originated in her throat so should I get biopsied just to play it safe? Did the nodule cause any of those previously mentioned abnormalities? What are the consequences or effects of having an underdeveloped thyroid gland? I appreciate your time and input. Thanks! - Sherri

   

• At Fri Jun 29, 11:51:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I am a 56 year old female and have been taking thyroid meds since I was 14. Each time I have test they increase or decrease synthroid. They have decreased mcg the last 3 times I've had blood work. Does this mean my thyroid problem is improving?

   

• At Wed Jul 04, 11:07:00 PM 2007,  SHURON said…

  hi my name is shuron i am 21 i was diagnosed with a thyroid problem when i was 19 i have been on levothyroxine the whole time my labs are normal but i am still on the meds i would like to know in someone elses opionion why? does this problem ever go away and if so how long does it usually take i would like to get pregnant have great conhsern about getting pregnant while taking this medicine i don't want to wait anylonger for a baby does anyone have any advise?

   

• At Fri Jul 06, 10:27:00 AM 2007,  JC Jones MA RN said…

  Thank you ALL for your comments. Please see my follow-up post:
  http://www.healthline.com/blogs/health_observances/2007/07/thyroid-questions-from-our-readers.html
  Best of luck to all of you.

   

• At Sun Jul 15, 05:54:00 PM 2007,  Awesomassager said…

  I am a 25 year old fremale that has Crohns Disease diagnoised 6 months after my daughter was born. I had my doctor order a thyroid test 9 months ago, an it had a .5 higher level (don't remember which one). But now have had swelling of the legs the last 3-4 months. I have been depressed, that is my reason for going to the doctor 9 months ago. He put me on valproic acid, which has helped. I went to him last week and mentioned the weight gain and swelling, his reply was to diet and he didn't think we needed to run another set of tests. I wake up in the moring with tingling or achiness in my hands, and am very tired all day. My Aunt and Grandmother have a thyroid disease. I mimiced my aunts pregnancy and her levels were simular to mine. Her doctor put her a a 6month trial of meds. I have had weight isses since I first found out I was pregnant in 2004. I was 160 and when i delivered I was 250. I got down to 200, I am currently at 230 and am 5'5". I worry now that i found a knot on my neck just to the left of where the adams apple would be/is. What should i do??
  I don't feel right. I love my doctor but i think he is going about it in the wrong way. saying that weight just runs in the family, and to wear support hose.
  what do you think?

   

• At Fri Jul 20, 11:38:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I am a 49 year old female and I have a 1 cm nodule on the right side on the back of my thyroid. I was told that that is has a small blood supply going to it. I had 2 FNA done, one was inconclusive and the second one was mostly "benign" but my Dr. said pathologist recommended doing a 3rd FNA in 6 months. The Dr also upped me to 88mc from 75 of levythorxine. I was on 75mc for over a year and it did not help shrink nodule, but I really did feel good. Why do you think they might have ordered the 3rd test? Are they just playing it safe? Also my thyroid levels come back in the low normal range.

   

• At Mon Jul 23, 05:16:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Hello,
  
  I have been an anxiety sufferer for about eight years now. I just noticed that there may be a connection between a hyperactive thyroid and anxiety.
  
  My mother has had her thyroid removed so there is a family history of thyroid issues. I am a 50 year old male. I have been controlling the anxiety with a small dose of extended release benzodiazepines, meditation and cognitive behavioral modification...but it never really goes completely away.
  
  I do experience lethargy and tiredness and often have digestive irregularity. I'm not looking for an actual physical cause for the anxiety, but it sure would be nice to rule some things out.
  
  Should I visit the GP and have some bloodwork done? I have had blood work done within the past two years. Do they normally test for thyroid issues in a standard screening? If not, should I ask to be tested?
  
  If instances of anxiety can be attributed to a thyroid condition, why am I just now hearing about it? I have read every book, paper and cereal box about anxiety and it wasn't until I researched thyroid conditions that I saw the link.
  
  Thanks

   

• At Thu Jul 26, 07:03:00 AM 2007,  Darline said…

  I had an overactive thyroid after the pre-mature bith of my last child 24 years ago. It then went to under active. I have had this yo yo effect all the time. If finally got so bad, by doctor had my take a radiation pill in Feb 07 to kill it off. I went almost to zero tyroid afterward and then he started my on medication increasing it slowly. I now take 2 grs of Amour medication. About 2 months ago my hair started falling out, which has never happended before, I was depressed and have aniexty attacts. MY doctor put me om lexapro and the depression and attacts have gotten better, but my hair is still falling out. Could this be from the radiation pill or the low thyroid. Will it stop?

   

• At Tue Jul 31, 10:50:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  can thyroid problems create problems with breastmilk supply?

   

• At Sat Aug 04, 07:23:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  What the chance of men having hypothyroidism. My heart beats fast continuely.

   

• At Fri Aug 10, 03:31:00 AM 2007,  Thom said…

  I have found comfort reading the messages left by other sufferers of thyroid disorders. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about three or foru years ago. I suffered strange chest pains and had terrible anxiety and panic attacks. After a terrible experience taking sythroid where I felt fatigue, moodiness, dizziness, light headedness and other horrible side effects, I began, out of desperation to do research online. I read other messages from people who suffered from the side effects of synthroid. One person stated, "They should make synthroid illegal." Another person wrote, "I wouldn't give synthroid to a dog." And true...I have been taking most recently ARmour, which although it has side effects like palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness and sometimes an exhilerated feeling, it is endurable at least. After a good night sleep, the side effects seem to subside. I have taken the pill at night before bed, which seems to work better. Slowly but surely, I am trying to contend with this most frustrating conditon,...and I encourage the rest of you to try to stay optimistic, continue trying other medications if the ones you are taking are ruining your life, as synthroid was ruining mine. God Bless All Of You....

   

• At Sat Aug 11, 06:16:00 PM 2007,  angeliss said…

  does breast cancer have an effect as well? The reason i ask is because i have a black and pussy color discharge from my breast a mamogram has found a mass in on of the breast i see two doctors because my hormone level test has come back very highly elavated could these all be connected.

   

• At Mon Aug 13, 07:26:00 PM 2007,  LN said…

  I have a question or concern - I have experienced many symptoms that led me to the doc in relation to hypothyroid - (started 8 years ago - when OBGYN suggested enlarged thyroid).. gainded 80 lbs progressivly over 10 years.. I used to workout as my daily recreation - met my husband and working out slowed a bit - .. I still eat right - I could always do better - but I eat right and go the gym 15 days per month.. gaining weight..(back to the thyroid) all blood levels normal - doctor believed my frustration as I document every day I am in the gym.. thyroid uptake shows 2 cold nodules aprox 2 cm each and I have multiple cystic nodules -.. biopsy shows follicular in nature - so, I want info that helps me make a decision to remove or not remove - is it possible that these nodules are assisting in my weight gain -fatigue; hair loss and dry skin? To help me make my decision - I have upped my workouts to 6 days per week - 40 min. cardio with HR 15 - 160 and 30 min weight training.. I keep exact count of calories and created a deficit of 5000 calories each week - and GAINED 4 LBS..GEEZ - .. I am afraid to remove the thyroid and GAIN MORE WEIGHT..but my older kids tell me they would rather me gain weight than keep a thyroid that has a 20% chance of malignancy (my mom just died of uterine cancer - I know - not even the same fruit.. apples to oranges ) - Regardless the "C" word is very scary..but the weight gain is just as scary - oh - by the way my HDL/LDL and triglycerides are in awsome shape - before volunteering in a 3rd world country - my doc said after seeing my blood work - he would have never believed he would see a 90 lb overweight person with such great bloodwork!.. any hints.. (I am in controll of my decisions -and I realize you can not tell me what to do - but any thoughts are welcomed -

   

• At Thu Aug 16, 03:08:00 PM 2007,  Judycide said…

  Shame on these two doctors, who seem to have all but given up on those of us who are currently enduring, or have had to endure in the past, an annoying and persistent thyroid problem. Why did they start this webpage? I suppose because were not lying on their E.R. floor with a gunshot wound to the chest, or are, at the moment, having a heart attack, or with some disease that they already found a cure for, were just not that exciting or important enough to them.
  
  I am a 50-year-old female. I had hyperthyroidism and had similar symptoms as hypothyroidism except for the weight gain. Mine was only 20 lbs. My hyperthyroidism turned into hypothyroidism after taking the radioactive pill (and that is all they the hallowed doctors would tell me that the "pill" was called). I seem to be okay now. Over the last 5 years, I have not had to take any pills. My only complaint is that I am a little overweight by the same 20 lbs. My hair loss subsided within the first six months after taking the radioactive pill. Boy that was scary. And, interestingly, when my doctor had put me on Levothroid (sp?), I lost about 15 lbs in 10 days. They took me right off that. I guess you can be too thin.
  
  After reading all your letters and seeing that some of you have had horrific experiences with your own doctors, I realize that my experience really was not that bad. I agree with anonymous from Friday June 1, 2007 12:06:00 pm, in that, all of you might be better served if you seek the knowledge of an endocrinologist who is recently educated on the latest treatment guidelines. Such as a doctor who recently graduated from medical school. They are usually eager to help the people who need help. And, they want to try something innovative with treatment. Whereas the older, set in their ways doctors are reluctant to try anything new especially if they have to read up on something and re-educate themselves. Some of the older crowd wants to stay current. But, others don't want to put up with us who are complaining constantly. I guess they think we are hypochondriacs. Well, we are, now! I only wish I could help each and every one of you with your individual problem. My only advice is to keep trying with different doctors, if necessary, until you find the right one for you. Complain if you need to, to the administration. Don't stay with a doctor because he is conveniently located, or gives a discount, or will see you as long as you don't take too long? My god, they are being paid enough to help us. Why won't they just help us?

   

• At Mon Oct 08, 02:04:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Hello,
  
  I recenlty had a physcial. During the physical they did blood work and as a result I was told I had high Thyroid hormone. My TSH was 0.01 and my T4free was 3.0 I have many of the symptoms stated on this message board (which I found by chance!) and was wondering what I can expect/should be looking for. Thank you!

   

• At Wed Oct 10, 02:07:00 PM 2007,  Candi Weikert said…

  Got a question.... hypothyroidism runs in my mom's family radically. Also, I had Hep C type 2 for many years, finally was one of the first 100 people who took Pegasus and Copegus for 6 months when in came out in 2002. I understand those drugs did have a negative effect on the thyroid and other glands. I apparentley have 90% of the hypothyroid symptoms you've listed and have been monitoring my TSH, Free T3 & T4 Updakes and they're dropping. One year ago I was 1.8, then in six months I was 1.3, and I'm having another test tommorow. I have extreme insomnia, infrequent arrythmia, 30%overweight while eating very little. Have had two episodes this year of passing out for no apparent reason, very infrequent but intense migraines. Some breathing problems, have a small goiter and anemia that comes and goes. My question: Am I and my doctor being aggressive enough regarding my thyroid issues? Any suggestions?

   

• At Sun Oct 14, 10:54:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Dear doc ,I had a tumor on my thyroid removed in 2002 and my thyroid levels were Ok now 5 years later I have gained 7 pounds in 1 month I have not changed my eating habits, have trouble staying asleep , nails always split my face looks so saggy, I am always tired and never have a regular temp of 98.6 I am not constipated just the opposite. could I now have hypothyroid? My husband thinks I am being a hypocondriact>

   

• At Thu Oct 25, 11:09:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I am worry. I got my THS tested in a public health fair. My ths came 8.12. The normal range is from 0.35-5.50. I am 42.

   

• At Fri Oct 26, 08:18:00 PM 2007,  Elizabeth Blair said…

  Hello, I have a 7 year old little girl that weighs 87 pounds and doesn't eat enough to keep a bird alive. They found a problem with her thyroid in blood work and also sent her for a thyroid ultra sound and the ultra sound turned out normal. She can eat anything with sodium in it and she retains so much fluid in her stomach and face that it is unbelievable. She has always been this way from the time she was a baby. Problems with sleeping, mood swings, she is scheduled to see a thyroid specilist but not able to see until January. This is October. Can you give me some insight into what may be going on? Really worried about my little gir.
  Thank you in advance for any help or insight you can give me.
  Elizabeth Blair

   

• At Sun Nov 04, 05:25:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I have been having this i'd say 10 years now, years ago I took xanex and another kind of simular medicine and had an allergic reaction, well since then i often have what seems like ,,,i guess the best way to put it is lil spasams in my throat, right where it shows in the picture above, so much so it even hurts all the way down my neck, due to the spasams i'm sure. it's very hard to live with, i have lots of trouble sleeping, exspecially if i eat sweets are caffine etc. I have had this checked out, no doctor says they feel any lumps. One doctor says he sees a lump but nothing to do with my thyroid.Maybe calcum build up. I find it's hard to loose weight, i lost lots of inches a few years ago and my weight on the scale never changed.Have any ideas? And please if you have any questions are ideas feel free to email me :)
  
  Debbie Desperate For A New Life

   

• At Sun Nov 25, 01:00:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I have not been tested for any thyroid problems yet but I am seeing my doctor soon to discuss my problems. I am not even sure if that is whats wrong. I am 24 years old and about a year ago I started having problems swallowing. It would sometimes feel like my throat swells up and nothing can go down. I cant explain how horrible it gets. Sometimes I cant even eat because I feel as if I will choke. In the past couple months it has gotten much worse. I have anxiety attacks all the time, my chest tightens up and I feel like I can not breath. I blacked out while driven down the road. I feel tired all the time, I just feel like I have no energy to do anything. But then I lie awake at night because my throat gets so dry and my voice becomes so hoarse. At least twice a day, things just get blurry and I feel dizzy, almost like my head and my eyes are spinning around. Does this sound like I may have some kind of thyroid problem? I also want to add that I am 5'4 and my weight fluctuates from 105-115. Everyday it is different. Right now my weight is 111. Yestrday it was 114. Any help or comments would be greatly appreciated.

   

• At Tue Dec 11, 07:07:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I am a 27 year old woman. I have suffered three miscarriges. The first was when I wa younger the second I carried until I was 5 months. The most recent I lost at 8weeks. After the second one I gained 40 pounds in 3 months. I went for my check up my doctor noticed that my thyroid levels were weired. She told me that could be the caused of my weight gain. I went from 125 to 175. Every time I go for a check the doctor tells me to come back for another test and fast this time. Whn I do that the test come back normal. I really belive thatI have a hypothyroid problem. I have many of the systems listed. The doctors I am going are not taking the time to give me a definite diagnois. I was told by a firend to see a endocronoligist. I would like to get answers before I try for another child. Any suggestions?

   

• At Mon Dec 31, 12:30:00 PM 2007,  WORRIEDINAJ said…

  Hello; I am 79 year old woman who had both thyroids removed 23 years ago. They were found to be cancer. I have been taking synthroid or it's generic ever since. Now, I am developing 'tremors', dizziness, and my blood sugar is running up and down, and not in a 'normal' way. After I eat my breakfast the blood sugar is lower than it was when fasting? is there any connection between the thryoid / tremors/ dizziness / blood sugar? I see a primary care physican on a regular basis, and a neurologist annually. Have a meningioma that has to be checked for growth. Also, had a sever brain concussion a few months ago (in the area of the meningioma). Is there any connection between all these recent 'conditions' which were not present before the concussion?
  worriedinAJ.

   

• At Tue Jan 01, 11:42:00 PM 2008,  Anonymous said…

  Hi i'm 25 yrs old married female. Recently i have visited my doctor as i was feeling weak on regular basis even with proper diet. I was told that i have thyroid problem. I was asked to have more iodine content food and reduce cabage in my diet. I'm loosing hair more these days, my body is relatively warm through out the year, my bowel movements are irregular, i have many small pimples on my forehead. Recent medical tests have revealed that in my right ovary i have a very huge cyst. I wanted to know if all these things are connected and would it be causing any negative effect on me having babies in future?

   

• At Wed Jan 02, 12:03:00 AM 2008,  Chopper said…

  Hi i'm 24 yrs married female. Recently i was feeling weak quite frequently with my routine day's work. So i visited my doctor and he suggested to have my thyroid checked up. My thyroid is low so he suggested to have food with iodine content and reduce Cabbage in my diet. In few other tests it is confirmed that i have a huge cyst in my right ovary. I was asked to plan for pregnancy as early as possible. I'm losing hair more than before, my body is relatively warm for most of the year, i have irregular bowel moments, i have lots of small pimples on my forehead, i have irregular period cycles and some times longer periods. I don't go to gym nor did i gain weight even after 1yr of marriage. I'm little bit worried if all these things are inter-related and could this have some negative effect on my babies in future?

   

• At Fri Jan 04, 06:49:00 PM 2008,  Traci N said…

  Hello, I am 47 years old with 2 children 9 and 10 years old. I have mentioned to my doc for the past three years of fatigue, weight gain and symptoms that I thought were peri-menapause and she didn't think much of it and pretty much explained it away because of "working mother of two"etc...at my yearly exam last week, they drew blood for the usual tests and I got a call today to say that my thyroid test came back elevated and that my doc wants me to come back in 3 months for a re-test. I was reading the comments on your site and so many of the other symptoms are dead on...I am always very cold and can't seem to warm up, mood swings, extreme fatique, and I had surgery on my neck in 1985 and had a brachial cyst removed...so my question is should I wait for the re-test or try to see someone earlier with my issues, and try to get a handle on my thyroid???
  
  Thanks so much

   

• At Mon Feb 11, 06:19:00 AM 2008,  Anonymous said…

  i have hypothyroidism and have been on synthroid for about five years with yearly bloodtests. i am still tired, have insomnia, and am sluggish mentally and physically. I i cannot lose a pound unless i starve myself. is there any help for these symptoms with vitamins or something along with my current meds. thank you,
  Popper

   

• At Fri Feb 22, 02:36:00 PM 2008,  debbie said…

  i'm a47 yr. old single mom of a 7yr. old and 18 yr! i haven't had a period since the birth of my daughter 7 yrs ago.i was told i have graves disease 6 montn's ago,and that i'm already done with menopause completely.i go regularly to my endo specialist which has prescribed meds that seemed to help tremendously,once we got me slowed down a bit! ha! i still have a day here and there that i'm shaky or extremely tired.what a rollercoaster, is this normal? thanks,Debbie/Ohio

   

• At Thu Feb 28, 11:04:00 AM 2008,  sherrie williams said…

  I have 3 grown boys, but with the 1st one I had to take hormone shots to not lose him. The 2nd I had no problem. I lost a 3rd and then on my last son I started to lose him so I told my new Dr about my 1st son and he gave me hormone shots and he is a healthy 24 year old now. I believe I would have lost him also if I had not mentioned my problem to the Dr. I was worried about the 27 year old lady that commented on Feb 16 07 at 3:52pm and I hope her baby got here ok. I just wanted to mention that mothers that have miscarriages should be checked for hormone level. I now have a thyroid problem and I have to go for another check up with my DR. I just wanted to state my opinion. Thanks Sherrie Williams Holly Pond AL 35083 e-mail sherriewill56@yahoo.com

   

• At Thu Feb 28, 05:08:00 PM 2008,  Anonymous said…

  I am 45 yr old female who had her thyroid killed with radiodine therapy in 2004 so far i have been fine on synthroid. this past month some on my old symptoms came back. my blood work show i have thyroidtoxicosis and a supresses pituary gland. My dr took me off all synthroid for the next three weeks and will retest my blood. how long does it take to get the levels straightend out. and is it possible this happened because my thyroid is working again?

   

• At Thu Apr 03, 10:48:00 AM 2008,  Tony said…

  I had a TSH test done and the report said the Expected Range was
  0.3-5.1, my result was 2.0
  Does that sound right?
  Tony

   

• At Sun Apr 06, 10:53:00 AM 2008,  Anonymous said…

  HII AM A 51 YR. OLD FEMALE. AS A TEENAGER OF 13 I WAS PUT ON CYTOMEL FOR 5 YEARS. I WAS TESTED BY A NEW DOCTER AFTER MOVING AND WAS TOLD I DONT NEED TO TAKE ANY MORE. ALL THRU MY LIFE I BATTLED MY WEIGHT, UP AND DOWN I N