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Gained 10 lbs without changing diet
I’ve gained 10 lbs over the past year even though I eat the same and work out a lot. My clothes fit the same but I’m a bit concerned. I've had Hashimotos antibodies for years now and I was borderline hypo 3 years ago. 4-5 years ago when I was hyperthyroid I lost 10 lbs. Now I gained 10 lbs without changing anything and I suspect that I may be hypo.
This weight is not normal for me and some of my other conditions have been flaring to the point where they’re worse than they’ve ever been. My heart PVCs and stomach symptoms have gotten worse than ever as of late. Last time my thyroid was checked my TSH was over 3 but no one seemed to care because it was under 4. I’m not sure what to do.
This weight is not normal for me and some of my other conditions have been flaring to the point where they’re worse than they’ve ever been. My heart PVCs and stomach symptoms have gotten worse than ever as of late. Last time my thyroid was checked my TSH was over 3 but no one seemed to care because it was under 4. I’m not sure what to do.
Nothing comes to mind right now about the rapid thyroid changes.
D has a direct effect on response to thyroid hormone at the cellular level. D needs to be at least 50 ng/mL.
D has a direct effect on response to thyroid hormone at the cellular level. D needs to be at least 50 ng/mL.
You asked about the Hashi's antibodies affecting your rapid changes in thyroid hormone levels and symptoms. My opinion is no, I cannot see how the changes in TG ab levels would affect your thyroid hormone levels and related symptoms so rapidly.
As for ferritin, it has been shown to be a precursor to iron levels. So please note the following. info from a reliable source.
"Iron deficiency is shown to significantly reduce T4 to T3 conversion, increase reverse T3 levels, and block the thermogenic (metabolism boosting) properties of thyroid hormone. Thus, iron deficiency, as indicated by an iron saturation below 25 or a ferritin below 70, will result in diminished intracellular T3 levels. Additionally, T4 should not be considered adequate thyroid replacement if iron deficiency is present." I would only add to this that a survey of numerous sources resulted in a recommendation that ferritin should be at least 100. Having an adequate ferritin level is extremely important for you.
On Vitamin D, do you have test results that confirm that the topical cream is adequately increasing your level? If not you can always get injections of Vitamin D, which is very effective.
As for ferritin, it has been shown to be a precursor to iron levels. So please note the following. info from a reliable source.
"Iron deficiency is shown to significantly reduce T4 to T3 conversion, increase reverse T3 levels, and block the thermogenic (metabolism boosting) properties of thyroid hormone. Thus, iron deficiency, as indicated by an iron saturation below 25 or a ferritin below 70, will result in diminished intracellular T3 levels. Additionally, T4 should not be considered adequate thyroid replacement if iron deficiency is present." I would only add to this that a survey of numerous sources resulted in a recommendation that ferritin should be at least 100. Having an adequate ferritin level is extremely important for you.
On Vitamin D, do you have test results that confirm that the topical cream is adequately increasing your level? If not you can always get injections of Vitamin D, which is very effective.
1 Comments
If my antibodies aren't causing the rapid thyroid changes, what could it be? Any thoughts or ideas?
Wow, I didn't know low ferritin could cause thyroid issues. I feel like most women have low ferritin. I tried to take supplements in the past and they helped a little but my levels were still relatively low.
"On Vitamin D, do you have test results that confirm that the topical cream is adequately increasing your level?"
Yes. 2-3 years ago my doctor checked my Vitamin D levels a few months after I started using the cream and they were higher.
Wow, I didn't know low ferritin could cause thyroid issues. I feel like most women have low ferritin. I tried to take supplements in the past and they helped a little but my levels were still relatively low.
"On Vitamin D, do you have test results that confirm that the topical cream is adequately increasing your level?"
Yes. 2-3 years ago my doctor checked my Vitamin D levels a few months after I started using the cream and they were higher.
How do you know that your thyroid hormones fluctuate a lot when the Hashi's flares? Have you actually been tested during those times? I am not sure either about what you men by Hashi's flares. The only thing I can think of is the effect of nodules forming from the Hashi's destruction of the thyroid gland. Those nodules can leak hormone faster than normal and cause hyper symptoms, before going back to hypo again, but I don't expect that would switch so quickly.
Your B12 is okay, but your ferritin is terribly low. You badly need to supplement as needed to get over 100. One of the best iron supplements is VitronC.
How much Vitamin D are you taking daily?
Your B12 is okay, but your ferritin is terribly low. You badly need to supplement as needed to get over 100. One of the best iron supplements is VitronC.
How much Vitamin D are you taking daily?
1 Comments
"How do you know that your thyroid hormones fluctuate a lot when the Hashi's flares?
Have you actually been tested during those times? "
Yes I was.
My thyroid levels were checked relatively often the past (3-4 years ago) when my condition was flaring. My thyroid hormones were all over the place. I was even told that I was going to be put on medication one time because I was hypo and then the doctor took it back a week or two later because my thyroid went back to normal.
This is what my doctor considered hypo:
TSH: ~4
FT4: low end of normal
This is what my doctor considered normal:
TSH: 1.7
FT4: mid range
Honestly I don't know why my thyroid fluctuates like that, but I have measurable TSI levels (44%), high TPO and fluctuating Tg levels. My TPO is always high but my Tg fluctuates a lot. Sometimes it's positive (very high positive) and sometimes it's negative (Hashimoto's/Tg remission??). I was kind of wondering if these changes in antibodies could somehow explain my thyroid hormone fluctuations and the odd symptoms.
"The only thing I can think of is the effect of nodules forming from the Hashi's destruction of the thyroid gland. Those nodules can leak hormone faster than normal and cause hyper symptoms, before going back to hypo again, but I don't expect that would switch so quickly."
At the time I had 2 thyroid ultrasounds that showed no nodules. But they showed inflammation and mild enlargement of the thyroid gland. The report said the results were consistent with Hashimoto's/autoimmune thyroiditis.
"Your B12 is okay, but your ferritin is terribly low. You badly need to supplement as needed to get over 100. One of the best iron supplements is VitronC."
Out of curiosity, how does ferritin help the thyroid?
"How much Vitamin D are you taking daily? "
5000-10000 IU (topical cream). I use this cream because my body doesn't seem to absorb oral vitamin D supplements because of my gastric problems. I tried taking 4000 IU capsules but they did nothing.
Have you actually been tested during those times? "
Yes I was.
My thyroid levels were checked relatively often the past (3-4 years ago) when my condition was flaring. My thyroid hormones were all over the place. I was even told that I was going to be put on medication one time because I was hypo and then the doctor took it back a week or two later because my thyroid went back to normal.
This is what my doctor considered hypo:
TSH: ~4
FT4: low end of normal
This is what my doctor considered normal:
TSH: 1.7
FT4: mid range
Honestly I don't know why my thyroid fluctuates like that, but I have measurable TSI levels (44%), high TPO and fluctuating Tg levels. My TPO is always high but my Tg fluctuates a lot. Sometimes it's positive (very high positive) and sometimes it's negative (Hashimoto's/Tg remission??). I was kind of wondering if these changes in antibodies could somehow explain my thyroid hormone fluctuations and the odd symptoms.
"The only thing I can think of is the effect of nodules forming from the Hashi's destruction of the thyroid gland. Those nodules can leak hormone faster than normal and cause hyper symptoms, before going back to hypo again, but I don't expect that would switch so quickly."
At the time I had 2 thyroid ultrasounds that showed no nodules. But they showed inflammation and mild enlargement of the thyroid gland. The report said the results were consistent with Hashimoto's/autoimmune thyroiditis.
"Your B12 is okay, but your ferritin is terribly low. You badly need to supplement as needed to get over 100. One of the best iron supplements is VitronC."
Out of curiosity, how does ferritin help the thyroid?
"How much Vitamin D are you taking daily? "
5000-10000 IU (topical cream). I use this cream because my body doesn't seem to absorb oral vitamin D supplements because of my gastric problems. I tried taking 4000 IU capsules but they did nothing.
I would not wait to get the labs done. You need to go ahead with the tests and then post results and reference ranges here so that we can help interpret and advise further, and get you ready for a doctor appointment. You mentioned tests for Free T4 and Free T3. Could you also persuade your doctor to order cortisol, Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin since they also have an effect on hypothyroid patients?
1 Comments
The problem is that my thyroid hormones fluctuate a lot when my Hashimoto's flares. They can go from hypo to normal to near-hyper in a few days (where normal means TSH around 1-1.8 and mid range FT3/FT4). My PVCs went away a few days ago and I'm concerned that the results won't reflect the thyroid levels that actually caused them. If my test results come back normal I wont be treated and my thyroid won't be checked again when the palpitations return.
My ferritin and B12 were checked a couple of months ago:
Ferritin 10 (5-570)
B12 500 (140-650)
My ferritin and Vitamin D are always low. My ferritin always comes back low/low-normal. It's been low since long before I had Hashimoto's/palpitations. I'm taking a vitamin D supplement, so even if it's still low there's not much else I can do.
I doubt that I can get them to check my cortisol level. The cortisol levels I posted above are from 2014 (2-3 years after my thyroid problems started).
My ferritin and B12 were checked a couple of months ago:
Ferritin 10 (5-570)
B12 500 (140-650)
My ferritin and Vitamin D are always low. My ferritin always comes back low/low-normal. It's been low since long before I had Hashimoto's/palpitations. I'm taking a vitamin D supplement, so even if it's still low there's not much else I can do.
I doubt that I can get them to check my cortisol level. The cortisol levels I posted above are from 2014 (2-3 years after my thyroid problems started).
Update: my cardiology tests came back negative (as you probably guessed). My cardiologist ordered blood tests (including TSH, FT3 and FT4!). I think I'm going to wait until my palpitations flare again to do the labs.
So you tested positive for the autoimmune antibodies of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis about 5 years ago. Since that time you have had several thyroid related tests that showed that your Free T4 was bouncing around in the bottom part of its range. Although you should be tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones FT4 and FT3 every time you go in for tests, the one test you listed for FT3 showed it to be only at 21% of its range. The ranges are far too broad to be functional in the lower part of the ranges due to the erroneous assumptions used to establish them. Your doctor ignores your Hashi's background, ignores your many symptoms, most of which relate to being hypothyroid, and some possibly indicating hypocortisolism, and does nothing but continue to test and refer you to other doctors. That is a clear indication that the doctor is only paying attention to TSH and using "Reference Range Endocrinology", by which a test that falls anywhere within range is considered "normal' and does not require treatment. That is very wrong.
I have no confidence in your doctor correctly diagnosing and treating you: however, in the interest of getting something done quickly, I suggest that you take the copy of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and hypo-cortisolism and circle the ones you have and then give a copy to the doctor ASAP and remind her of you being diagnosed with Hashi's 5 years ago and that apparently over that time your thyroid gland function is deteriorated, resulting in the hypothyroid symptoms, and that you need to start on thyroid med. Also give the doctor a copy of the one page overview I mentioned that is in my Journal. If she is the right kind of doctor she may be open to reading the material and considering the possibility of needing to change her protocol for hypothyroidism. Be very insistent in talking about your history and all the typical hypo symptoms you have, likely including the PVC's. Suggest starting on 1/2 grain of a desiccated type containing both T4 and T3, like NatureThroid, or Armour Thyroid and don't take no for an answer. Since your cortisol seemed to be borderline low, it may be that adequate thyroid med could help relieve stress on the adrenals and your cortisol level could get better. You will have to monitor that and see. Insist on getting all those tests that we discussed done because they are frequently deficient for hypothyroid patients and are very important.
Anyway, short term you are going to have to be your own advocate for getting the testing, diagnosis and treatment needed. Longer term, if you will tell us your location, perhaps we can suggest a good thyroid doctor that has been recommended by other thyroid patients.
I have no confidence in your doctor correctly diagnosing and treating you: however, in the interest of getting something done quickly, I suggest that you take the copy of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and hypo-cortisolism and circle the ones you have and then give a copy to the doctor ASAP and remind her of you being diagnosed with Hashi's 5 years ago and that apparently over that time your thyroid gland function is deteriorated, resulting in the hypothyroid symptoms, and that you need to start on thyroid med. Also give the doctor a copy of the one page overview I mentioned that is in my Journal. If she is the right kind of doctor she may be open to reading the material and considering the possibility of needing to change her protocol for hypothyroidism. Be very insistent in talking about your history and all the typical hypo symptoms you have, likely including the PVC's. Suggest starting on 1/2 grain of a desiccated type containing both T4 and T3, like NatureThroid, or Armour Thyroid and don't take no for an answer. Since your cortisol seemed to be borderline low, it may be that adequate thyroid med could help relieve stress on the adrenals and your cortisol level could get better. You will have to monitor that and see. Insist on getting all those tests that we discussed done because they are frequently deficient for hypothyroid patients and are very important.
Anyway, short term you are going to have to be your own advocate for getting the testing, diagnosis and treatment needed. Longer term, if you will tell us your location, perhaps we can suggest a good thyroid doctor that has been recommended by other thyroid patients.
1 Comments
I've changed PCPs a lot over the past 5 years. The tests I listed about were done by 10+ different doctors (internal medicine doctors, functional medicine doctors and endocrinologists). My symptoms and thyroid hormones got significantly better 2.5 years ago so I stopped thinking about my thyroid. I was finally healthier and had no reason to see my doctors. My insurance and doctors have changed a lot since then and now that everything is flaring again my current doctors don't know much about my history. I made sure to tell them I have Hashimoto's but they're currently more concerned about my heart. They don't seem to think my palpitations have anything to do with my thyroid (even though I'm pretty sure this is the cause for all of this madness).
Thank you for offering to help me find a doctor. The thing is that my current insurance plan doesn't cover nearly as much as my old plan did. I don't think I can pick and choose the doctors I want to see and I can't afford to pay out of pocket. I also need a referral to see a specialist so I can't even see an endocrinologist at this point.
The doctor I saw a few days ago said he would consider checking my FT3 and FT4 after my cardiology appointment. I'm going to go back to to him after my appointment with the cardiologist and we'll see what he says. My thyroid home test kit should be here in a few days. I just hope those annoying PVCs don't flare again before then. I really need sleep.
Thank you for offering to help me find a doctor. The thing is that my current insurance plan doesn't cover nearly as much as my old plan did. I don't think I can pick and choose the doctors I want to see and I can't afford to pay out of pocket. I also need a referral to see a specialist so I can't even see an endocrinologist at this point.
The doctor I saw a few days ago said he would consider checking my FT3 and FT4 after my cardiology appointment. I'm going to go back to to him after my appointment with the cardiologist and we'll see what he says. My thyroid home test kit should be here in a few days. I just hope those annoying PVCs don't flare again before then. I really need sleep.
Yes. My antibodies have been checked plenty of times. I was officially diagnosed with Hashimoto's in 2013.
I saw 3-4 endocrinologists in 2014-2015. One of them told me I was hypo and wanted to put my on thyroid medication . Then he took it back a week later when my levels went back to normal (hypo: TSH: 3.8+, FT4: 1.0, normal - TSH:1.7, FT4: 1.2).
Labs:
Two months ago:
TSH: slightly over 3 (checked because my PVCs were flaring)
My doctor didn't order FT3 and FT4
Gained 10 lbs
Late 2016-early 2018
I felt fine so I didn’t get my thyroid levels checked
My PVCs were nearly gone
Mid 2016:
TSH, FT3 and FT4 were completely normal (TSH~.5, FT3 & FT4: upper half of the range)
PVCs were nearly gone
March 2016:
TSH: 1.6
FT4: 1.2
TPO: 600
Unexplained eosinophilia (high EOS)
Early 2016:
TSH, FT3 and FT4 were more stable than before
August 2015:
TSH: .88
FT4: 1.3
Anti Tg: <20 (<20)
Anti TPO: 580 H
March 2015:
TSH: 2.6 (.35-4.9)
Free T4 0.95 (.89-1.89)
T3, total: 96 (60-181)
Anti TPO AB: 1118 (<5)
Sep 2014:
T4 serum free: 0.97 ng/dL (0.7-1.48)
TSH: 2.16 u[iU]/mL (.4-3.98)
T3 free serum: 2.4 pg/mL 2-3.9
Thyroid peroxide ab: 781iu/ml (<5) H
TSI: 44% (<140) August 2014
April 2014:
TSH 1.7
Free T4 1.2
Thyroglobulin Ab: 83.9 IU/mL (<19.0) H
TPO ab: 420 IU/mL (<34) H
Nov 2013 - Mar 2014:
TSH 3.8-4.2 mIU/L
free T4 1.0-1.2 (range: 0.9-1.7)
(had lots of hypo symptoms)
mid 2013:
borderline low TSH
normal free T4
positive TPO
negative THYROGLOBULIN Ab
2012:
PVCs started
2011:
hyperthyroid
Lost 10 lbs
I saw 3-4 endocrinologists in 2014-2015. One of them told me I was hypo and wanted to put my on thyroid medication . Then he took it back a week later when my levels went back to normal (hypo: TSH: 3.8+, FT4: 1.0, normal - TSH:1.7, FT4: 1.2).
Labs:
Two months ago:
TSH: slightly over 3 (checked because my PVCs were flaring)
My doctor didn't order FT3 and FT4
Gained 10 lbs
Late 2016-early 2018
I felt fine so I didn’t get my thyroid levels checked
My PVCs were nearly gone
Mid 2016:
TSH, FT3 and FT4 were completely normal (TSH~.5, FT3 & FT4: upper half of the range)
PVCs were nearly gone
March 2016:
TSH: 1.6
FT4: 1.2
TPO: 600
Unexplained eosinophilia (high EOS)
Early 2016:
TSH, FT3 and FT4 were more stable than before
August 2015:
TSH: .88
FT4: 1.3
Anti Tg: <20 (<20)
Anti TPO: 580 H
March 2015:
TSH: 2.6 (.35-4.9)
Free T4 0.95 (.89-1.89)
T3, total: 96 (60-181)
Anti TPO AB: 1118 (<5)
Sep 2014:
T4 serum free: 0.97 ng/dL (0.7-1.48)
TSH: 2.16 u[iU]/mL (.4-3.98)
T3 free serum: 2.4 pg/mL 2-3.9
Thyroid peroxide ab: 781iu/ml (<5) H
TSI: 44% (<140) August 2014
April 2014:
TSH 1.7
Free T4 1.2
Thyroglobulin Ab: 83.9 IU/mL (<19.0) H
TPO ab: 420 IU/mL (<34) H
Nov 2013 - Mar 2014:
TSH 3.8-4.2 mIU/L
free T4 1.0-1.2 (range: 0.9-1.7)
(had lots of hypo symptoms)
mid 2013:
borderline low TSH
normal free T4
positive TPO
negative THYROGLOBULIN Ab
2012:
PVCs started
2011:
hyperthyroid
Lost 10 lbs
Looking back at our prior messages, have you ever had any thyroid related tests besides TSH? And when were you tested? Also, you said you were hesitant to take T4? Was that previously offered to you by the doctor?
Thank you so much for your response. My PVCs finally went away around 5-6 am (I literally had them all night). Something is definitely wrong. These palpitations are definitely much more frequent and bothersome than the ones I had a few years ago. We're talking orders of magnitude here.
I bought one of those home thyroid test kits to check if it's because of my thyroid (TSH, FT3, FT4). Hopefully this will shed some light on what's going on. What's good about having my own kit is that I can draw blood as the palpitations are happening (hormones fluctuate throughout the day right?). I don't have to wait for the clinic to open or try to convince my doctor to order these tests.
Symptoms (based on your list)
Weight gain (10 lbs in a few months, no change in diet)
Increased sensitivity to cold (had it yesterday - I generally don't. It was 66 degrees out and I was freezing to the point where I was shivering. Everyone around me was wearing shorts. I had no flu/cold symptoms)
Puffy face (Hashimoto's face)
Swelling around the eyes
Joint and muscle pain, aches, and stiffness (over the past few days. I usually don't have this symptom)
Pale, dry, rough, and thick skin
Dry, thinning, or coarse hair
Decreased hearing (I didn't realize this was a thyroid symptom, but I definitely have it)
I bought one of those home thyroid test kits to check if it's because of my thyroid (TSH, FT3, FT4). Hopefully this will shed some light on what's going on. What's good about having my own kit is that I can draw blood as the palpitations are happening (hormones fluctuate throughout the day right?). I don't have to wait for the clinic to open or try to convince my doctor to order these tests.
Symptoms (based on your list)
Weight gain (10 lbs in a few months, no change in diet)
Increased sensitivity to cold (had it yesterday - I generally don't. It was 66 degrees out and I was freezing to the point where I was shivering. Everyone around me was wearing shorts. I had no flu/cold symptoms)
Puffy face (Hashimoto's face)
Swelling around the eyes
Joint and muscle pain, aches, and stiffness (over the past few days. I usually don't have this symptom)
Pale, dry, rough, and thick skin
Dry, thinning, or coarse hair
Decreased hearing (I didn't realize this was a thyroid symptom, but I definitely have it)
Fixing your symptoms is going to require at least thyroid med. This is not a normal situation where you can wait to see the cardio first, then get in to see your PCP, and then get the needed tests done, then wait for results, and then hope that the doctor will diagnose as hypothyroid and prescribe thyroid med. That is a long road.
I think you might just take the desperate approach and go to the PCP now and tell them you are having these horrible PVC's along with many other symptoms that are related to hypothyroidism, and that you just can't wait any longer to be tested as needed to confirm hypothyroidism and get started on thyroid med. If they resist, tell them you have already been tested and found to have the autoimmune antibodies of Hashi's several years ago and that it is clear it has progressed to the point that you have many symptoms of being hypothyroid now and that there is just no reason to wait any longer for the necessary tests to be done to confirm the need for thyroid med. That should work when they see how desperate you are, especially due to the ongoing problems with severe PVC's. Also ask for something to help with the PCV's while waiting for test results and prescribed thyroid med to kick in.
So, in preparation for whenever you go to the PCP, please look at this link on typical symptoms of hypothyroidism and tell us which ones you have.
http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs.html
I think you might just take the desperate approach and go to the PCP now and tell them you are having these horrible PVC's along with many other symptoms that are related to hypothyroidism, and that you just can't wait any longer to be tested as needed to confirm hypothyroidism and get started on thyroid med. If they resist, tell them you have already been tested and found to have the autoimmune antibodies of Hashi's several years ago and that it is clear it has progressed to the point that you have many symptoms of being hypothyroid now and that there is just no reason to wait any longer for the necessary tests to be done to confirm the need for thyroid med. That should work when they see how desperate you are, especially due to the ongoing problems with severe PVC's. Also ask for something to help with the PCV's while waiting for test results and prescribed thyroid med to kick in.
So, in preparation for whenever you go to the PCP, please look at this link on typical symptoms of hypothyroidism and tell us which ones you have.
http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs.html
Jenn, that list of symptoms is for low cortisol. Also, looking at your saliva cortisol results, even though within range, that does not mean adequacy. The ranges are far too broad. Just logically does it make any sense that the high limit is 4 times the low limit? I expect that the range includes basically the test results for everyone tested. I have seen limits used by an outstanding thyroid doctor that were far narrower than those you show. According to his ranges, the morning result should be in the upper half of the range, before and after lunch results should be in the middle third of its range, and his night range is just slightly inside the lab range. Overlooking the result when you were so stressed, your cortisol results seem to be below or at low end of functional ranges. In addition, that doctor has stated that diagnosis for possible low cortisol should alway take into account symptoms that may be related. Following is a link to info on cortisol, written by the doctor.
http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Cortisol.html
http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Cortisol.html
1 Comments
Is there a way to fix this? btw, my PVCs are getting worse. Way worse. I had another episode in class today. It was so bad. I had one every 5-10 seconds and it went on for a good 20-30 minutes. I have an appointment with the cardiologist in a few days but at this rate it's going to be a lot worse by then.
Current symptoms:
Heart palpitations
mild headache (started recently)
Extremely sensitive skin
Abdominal pain and hunger pain (also recent)
Insomnia and dark circles under the eyes
Low bladder capacity and symptoms of IBS (both started about a year after my thyroid problems started)
I had many of the other listed symptoms in the past and they went away a few years ago
Heart palpitations
mild headache (started recently)
Extremely sensitive skin
Abdominal pain and hunger pain (also recent)
Insomnia and dark circles under the eyes
Low bladder capacity and symptoms of IBS (both started about a year after my thyroid problems started)
I had many of the other listed symptoms in the past and they went away a few years ago
From the following list of symptoms, which ones do you have, if any?
Mental and psychological ailments such as depression
Faintness and dizziness
Weakness and fatigue
Heart palpitations
Emotional hypersensitivity
Inability to cope with stress
Social anxiety
Muscle weakness
Headache, scalp ache, or general body ache
Severe or dull lower back pain
Extremely sensitive skin
Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
Abdominal pain and hunger pain despite an empty stomach
Extreme craving for salty foods
Anxiety and jitters
Clumsiness and confusion
Motion sickness
Insomnia and dark circles under the eyes
Low bladder capacity and symptoms of IBS
Irregular or non-existent menstrual period
Mental and psychological ailments such as depression
Faintness and dizziness
Weakness and fatigue
Heart palpitations
Emotional hypersensitivity
Inability to cope with stress
Social anxiety
Muscle weakness
Headache, scalp ache, or general body ache
Severe or dull lower back pain
Extremely sensitive skin
Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
Abdominal pain and hunger pain despite an empty stomach
Extreme craving for salty foods
Anxiety and jitters
Clumsiness and confusion
Motion sickness
Insomnia and dark circles under the eyes
Low bladder capacity and symptoms of IBS
Irregular or non-existent menstrual period
Saliva Cortisol:
7 AM - 9 AM 0.7 (0.3 - 1.2)
11 AM - 1 PM 0.56 (0.1 - 0.4) I was really stressed here (I was getting tested for thyroid cancer - it came back negative btw).
3 PM - 5 PM 0.1 (0.05 - 0.3)
10 AM - 12 AM 0.04 (0.03 - 0.13)
7 AM - 9 AM 0.7 (0.3 - 1.2)
11 AM - 1 PM 0.56 (0.1 - 0.4) I was really stressed here (I was getting tested for thyroid cancer - it came back negative btw).
3 PM - 5 PM 0.1 (0.05 - 0.3)
10 AM - 12 AM 0.04 (0.03 - 0.13)
If that is what it takes to get your doctor on board with the thyroid related testing needed, then why not go ahead with cardiac testing, as long as it can be done right away? You might ask them if the cardiac tests are okay, will they commit to doing the thyroid related tests: Free T4, Free T3, cortisol, Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin?
1 Comments
My cortisol was checked around the time I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's. It was perfectly fine. My doctors told me that they would consider checking my Free T3 and Free T4 if the cardiac tests come back negative. My GI ordered a bunch of tests (Vit D, Selenium, etc) a few weeks ago but the results are not available online. I have so many doctors. I feel like a 90 year old right now.
Thank you so much for your help. I'm going to try, but it seems like my doctors want me to see a cardiologist first. They said they'd get me an urgent appointment for next week and that the cardiologist would run some tests (labs, echo, etc).
Well, according to the scale, that is just into the severe hypothyroidism category. I think you can make good use of that info by giving a copy to your PCP.
It just occurred to me that since symptoms are the most important consideration in trying to assess a person's thyroid status, please click on this link and check the ones you have and it will give you a score for comparison to a rating scale. What is your score?
http://www.thyroid-australia.com/lowthyroid.htm
http://www.thyroid-australia.com/lowthyroid.htm
I think that is blood spot testing and I am not at all sure your doctor would accept the results as accurate. I suggest that you talk to your PCP and tell her about your recent episode with the PVC's and that you have other symptoms of being hypothyroid and that she can do the testing and treatment needed for hypothyroidism and that you need to be tested beyond TSH. Insist on being tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3 and tell the doctor that for most people, those need to be at least mid-range. You should also ask to be tested for cortisol, since it can have such an effect on thyroid metabolism. Impress on her that you must find out the cause for your PVC's that are so bad, and that in view of the autoimmune antibodies, it is time to do further testing for hypothyroidism.
I'm thinking of getting a home thyroid test kit off of Amazon. This is the one I was thinking of getting: https://www.amazon.com/Thyroid-Home-Test-Accredited-Accurate/dp/B07BRXFRRD
Has anyone tried these home test kits?
Do they actually work?
Are they safe?
Has anyone tried these home test kits?
Do they actually work?
Are they safe?
4 Comments
Hi Jenn,
Certain states let you "order" your own lab tests where you pay on-line, print out a piece of paper with a lab order and take it to your local blood draw center and they will send the results to you. I think these work better than "at home" tests where you prick your finger since they use blood drawn from your vein. It looks like you can do this everywhere in the US except NY, NJ, RI, MA or MD.
This website has a list of companies you can order from: https://*************************/recommended-labwork/
The mymedlab link takes you to a link for STTM thyroid baseline which looks like it does TSH, free T3, free T4, and both Thyroid peroxidase antibody and Thyroid antibody for $125 (which is just a little more than the Amazon link, and would tell if you do have Hashimoto's). I believe these are the exact same tests your doctor would order for you, so results should be safe and accurate.
I'm so sorry you have to deal with this and figure out if you have a thyroid problem on your own. I have TSH between 3 and 4 too, found out recently I do have Hashimoto's, and have lots of hypo symptoms, but my ENT refuses to treat the symptoms until my hormone levels go "out of range". (I'm also having half my thyroid removed due to a suspicious nodule, so right now I'm focused on that and haven't tried to convince my PCP to let me try low dose hormone to treat my symptoms, but that's my plan for after the surgery.)
I had to convince my doctors to let me have the thyroid antibody test (despite hypo symptoms, enlarged multinodular goiter, and TSH higher than most peoples (3.44, which is "in range" but clearly a problem for me) - but once I found out I have Hashimoto's it was a relief because it explains a lot of my symptoms and thyroid issues and gives me treatment options. Good luck with your tests and I hope you feel better soon!
Certain states let you "order" your own lab tests where you pay on-line, print out a piece of paper with a lab order and take it to your local blood draw center and they will send the results to you. I think these work better than "at home" tests where you prick your finger since they use blood drawn from your vein. It looks like you can do this everywhere in the US except NY, NJ, RI, MA or MD.
This website has a list of companies you can order from: https://*************************/recommended-labwork/
The mymedlab link takes you to a link for STTM thyroid baseline which looks like it does TSH, free T3, free T4, and both Thyroid peroxidase antibody and Thyroid antibody for $125 (which is just a little more than the Amazon link, and would tell if you do have Hashimoto's). I believe these are the exact same tests your doctor would order for you, so results should be safe and accurate.
I'm so sorry you have to deal with this and figure out if you have a thyroid problem on your own. I have TSH between 3 and 4 too, found out recently I do have Hashimoto's, and have lots of hypo symptoms, but my ENT refuses to treat the symptoms until my hormone levels go "out of range". (I'm also having half my thyroid removed due to a suspicious nodule, so right now I'm focused on that and haven't tried to convince my PCP to let me try low dose hormone to treat my symptoms, but that's my plan for after the surgery.)
I had to convince my doctors to let me have the thyroid antibody test (despite hypo symptoms, enlarged multinodular goiter, and TSH higher than most peoples (3.44, which is "in range" but clearly a problem for me) - but once I found out I have Hashimoto's it was a relief because it explains a lot of my symptoms and thyroid issues and gives me treatment options. Good luck with your tests and I hope you feel better soon!
ok clearly I don't understand how to do links on here... let's try to get around that:
Type in Stop the thyroid madness (*************************) click on "labwork" at top left, then click on "recommended labwork".
Type in Stop the thyroid madness (*************************) click on "labwork" at top left, then click on "recommended labwork".
ok just search for Stop the thyroid madness, click on the link that has this name as its website address, then click on "labwork" and "recommended labwork". (sorry for the link problems!)
Thank you for your informative response. It seems like my state doesn't offer these services.
I'm so sorry you're going through this and that you had such a hard time getting diagnosed. A goiter is a pretty clear sign that your thyroid isn't working properly. How did your doctor not think to check your antibodies?
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's several years ago and I've had my antibodies checked plenty of times since then. I have two antibodies TPO and Tg and my TSI is measurable (44%). My TPO is relatively high (over 1000).
Before I was diagnosed my doctor checked my antibodies because I had a history of hyperthyroidism. I looked pale and felt sick and my TSH was low. I didn't even know what Hashimoto's was at the time.
Like me, your TSH is not in the optimal range. Having a TSH between 3 and 4 is the worst. I feel like I start getting symptoms around 2.5 and they get a lot worse when my TSH goes up to 3. I don't know what my thyroid levels are now (my TSH was checked a few months ago, no FT3 or FT4) but I'd shocked if they were anywhere near the optimal range. Before my thyroid problems started my TSH was always around 1.5.
I'm so sorry you're going through this and that you had such a hard time getting diagnosed. A goiter is a pretty clear sign that your thyroid isn't working properly. How did your doctor not think to check your antibodies?
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's several years ago and I've had my antibodies checked plenty of times since then. I have two antibodies TPO and Tg and my TSI is measurable (44%). My TPO is relatively high (over 1000).
Before I was diagnosed my doctor checked my antibodies because I had a history of hyperthyroidism. I looked pale and felt sick and my TSH was low. I didn't even know what Hashimoto's was at the time.
Like me, your TSH is not in the optimal range. Having a TSH between 3 and 4 is the worst. I feel like I start getting symptoms around 2.5 and they get a lot worse when my TSH goes up to 3. I don't know what my thyroid levels are now (my TSH was checked a few months ago, no FT3 or FT4) but I'd shocked if they were anywhere near the optimal range. Before my thyroid problems started my TSH was always around 1.5.
I had another episode of frequent PVCs that kept me up last night. I literally felt like I was getting kicked in the chest every 5 seconds and I couldn't sleep. I went to urgent care and tried to get the doctor to check my thyroid hormones. He referred me to a cardiologist and said he would consider checking my Free T3 and Free T4 if the cardiologist doesn't find anything.
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