Questions...PLEASE Help!

[addysmom]

Hello.  I really hope you can help me.  I am a 24 year old female suffering from headaches, extreme weightloss, nervousness, insomnia, extreme fatigue, trembling hands, intolerance to cold, nausea, diarrhea, and dry skin.  I have been constantly sick for the better part of 3 years with periods of being healthy not lasting longer than 2 weeks.  

I finally got my doctor to run tests and my TSH level came back at .002 (low).  I was told I was hyperthyroid and was sent for a Thyroid Uptake and Scan.  My 6 hour result was 21% (with 20% being the high end of normal) and my 24 hour result was 34.6% (with 35% being the high side of normal).  

I informed my doctor a year ago that even 6 months after weaning my daughter I was still leaking breast milk and she acted like it was no big deal.  It has now been 16 months since weaning my daughter and I am still leaking breast milk.  

Here is my question.  Everything I have read points to a prolactinoma being the cause of my problems.  Is this a good assumption?  I have also noticed a change in my menstruation.  My periods have become very sporadic and very heavy.  (I always use to be right on time and very light flow)  I have vaginal dryness as well.  I am not on any form of birth control so I know that this is not the cause.  

This whole ordeal is very frustrating...I am lost as to where to go next.  I was asked if I would like to see an endocrinologist...and when I asked if it was necessary was told, "that's up to you".  Obviously, I would like for this to be taken care of.  It is getting to the point where I can barely function...and out of the one month I have been at my new job I have missed a total of 2 weeks already.  At 24, with a husband and 19 month old child and a job I cannot afford to feel so horrible.

Any insight?

[LIsaD69]

Also, most people with autoimmune problems are gluten intolerant.1/4 or nearly of my family have Hashimotos. Because of this I am now gluten free.  For the first 3 months I noticed little difference.  But now my stomach is no longer bloated and gassy and any gluten gives me a runny tummy.   My daughter tested negative for Celiac disease but is gluten intolerant anyway.  After 4  years of her being nauseaus, runny tummy, cramping up with what appeared to be the most unbareable period like cramps she was 4-8years old , she is now well and medication free, so long as she does not touch gluten.  She was previously on 4 buscopan a day) as it reduces cramping) plus pain killers, plus metamucil which bulks the stomach up to reduce the severity of the cramps.  All on the advice of a gastro and we were truly grateful to give her any help. It took six weeks of strict diet to see a dramatic difference in her health.  She is no longer pale, tired , sick , nauseus and in pain
It would be worth trying to switch your diet!  There is a great web site founded by a lady called Elaine Gottshall.  Another lady called Sandra Ramacher has a cooking web site following this advice.
cheers Lisa

[LIsaD69]

I would get my hormones tested to see what is out of balance.  To be accurate it needs to be done 1 week before your next period.   Hashimotos can cause major hormonal imbalances!  As can other auto immune disorders.
cheers Lisa

[addysmom]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to answer my questions....it means so much to me.

I do have a few more though.  :)  Today my doctor called me and told me that I need to come in for a blood test to test my prolactin levels.   HER assumption is that I have an infection in my left breast.  Problem with that is...I have NO symptoms of an infection...it does not itch, hurt, burn...nothing.  Technically my breasts feel fine...I just have leakage that is rather bothersome!  

I cannot get in to see an endo until April/May (I will have insurance then) so I asked my doctor if there was anything I could take to relieve these symptoms.  The 3 most bothersome are the nausea, migranes, and shakiness.  I can deal with the rest for a while.  She first said she would give me some phenergan for the nausea.  Imagine my surprise when I picked up the prescription and she had only prescribed 5 pills.  She told me that she thinks I need to see a gastro for the nausea/cramping...and that she had no clue what to do on the rest.  I basically had to FORCE her to call an endo and ask their opinion.

What do you guys think on this???  I have to wait until Monday for the results on the prolactin levels...which feels like eternity!

[LIsaD69]

Thyroid problems can cause a range of problems and symptoms and throw out your other hormones. One side effects can be Oestrogen dominence which can cause a loss of sex drive, dry vagina, depression, exhaustion, mood swings, heavy periods (with cramping to various degrees), extremely sore swollen and tender breasts etc.  If you have a hormone test to be accurate you need to do it 7-5 days before next period.
It can also throw out your adrenals, by causing adrenal exhaution.  All of these systems are linked and effect each other eventually if one is out.
Keep looking and asking questions and good luck!
cheers Lisa

[addysmom]

I had an abdominal ultrasound that came back normal one week ago....so my "nurse practitioner" doesn't think its anything gyno.

Yes, I see a nurse practitioner...up until this point...I loved her.

Do you guys know of anything that will help relieve the symptoms while I wait to see an endo?  I have tried vitamins, energy supplements, over the counter pain meds and nausea meds, nothing works....

[stella5349]

Was this doctor an MD.

What does your Gyno say?

[Thypatient]

I'd go see the endo at this point.  Even if it turns out that everything's okay, it still seems worth a visit.

Good luck.

[addysmom]

I should probably also add that I have been suffering from severe abdominal cramps...to the point where I am doubled over in pain....