Anytime a_ravesi.
--Q. When I saw the allergist she recommended that I get a blood test for autoimmune disease and it came back negative but I'm not sure if that would catch it since this is with the eyes?
--A. Sometimes, an overactive thyroid may precede or follow Grave's eye disease, while being normal at the onset of this autoimmune eye condition.
In blood tests in the "in-between stage" of active Grave's eye disease and inactive full manifestation of Grave's disease, may show no autoimmune antibodies. The standard tests for Grave's are: T3,T4, TSH and TSI
Note: T3 & T3 could show normal levels-within lab range- and TSH very low. This is a classic sign of sub-clinical Grave's, which would be enough to cause many unwanted symptoms in a large number of patients, however, it could be totally dismissed by some doctors.
The hair loss and fatigue are hallmark symptoms of hypothyroidism, which is not uncommon to periodically appear in Grave's sufferers.
Thyroid autoimmune diseases can alternate from hypothyroid to hyperthyroid, making it very challenging to regulate.
An experienced thyroid endocrinologist, would be the doctor to seek, in such cases.
IDK if your GP knows enough about this to advise you properly.
Prolonged unresolved stress, affects the adrenals greatly and may trigger the hypothyroid state, as stressed adrenals tend to down-regulate thyroid function in order to recover. A 24 hour cortisol test (4x cortisol- saliva- and 2 x DHEA test) would help determine this better.
If at any time you need details regarding anything with thyroid & adrenals,
let me know.
Please be patient-not like being sick, lol!
This may take some time to resolve.
At least it may help you to know that your condition does not appear to be life threatening, but I understand the symptoms can be quite distressing.
Best,
Niko
Hey TheLightSeeker,
Thanks for the response. After looking at the symptoms of Grave's eye disease it does somewhat match up. I have been very fatigued lately and every time I shower there has been some hair loss but I wasn't sure if it was related or just because of the stress of it all. I will mention this to my GP and see what his thoughts are.
When I saw the allergist she recommended that I get a blood test for autoimmune disease and it came back negative but I'm not sure if that would catch it since this is with the eyes?
Hey a_ravesi, sorry for your suffering.
You may have been going to the wrong specialists, if my
suspicion is correct.
Your symptoms are consistent with Grave's eye disease aka Grave's
Ophthalmopathy or Thyroid eye disease (TED), which requires knowledge in Endocrinology & Rheumatology as well. ( Grave's is autoimmune hyperthyroidism, which falls under the specialty of Rheumatology)
Being a rather rare condition, it could have escaped the ophthalmologists' detection, specially if other Grave's symptoms were not present at the time.
Sometimes, an overactive thyroid may precede or follow Grave's eye disease, while being normal at the onset of this autoimmune eye condition.
In my opinion this possibility should be ruled in or ruled out asap.
Please note that my suggestions and comments are not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Best wishes,
Niko