Hypothyroid or not?

November 27, 2007

> Thank you Sheila a million times for introducing me to the "group" I > have spent most of this morning reading and taking great comfort from > the posts. I was beginning to feel that my GP was right and I am just > menopausal!!

When you have more time, you should read all the information that we have collected and put in our Files. Also, have a look at the many useful links. As and when we get further info. we announce it to all our members.> > I am 55 years old, had a hysterectomy 7 years ago due to multiple > abnormalities and cysts in my ovaries. Prior to that was healthy > reasonably fit and sporty, apart from the pain which went with the > problem and I learnt to live with. My mother, maternal grandmother and > great grandmother were all hypothryoid, and in all cases had to start > treatment (with thyroxine mainly) after they gave birth.

Seems the majority of sufferers started after the birth of their children, or after the kind of surgery you experienced. Who'd be a woman?> > Because of this family history my thyroid has been checked constantly > butsince my surgically induced menopause, my "symptoms" keep multiplying> I have loss of hair on the scalp, puffy face and eyes, dry skin which > seems to be thickening sometimes with hives, am exceptionally tired all > the time, sleep badly,constipation, gaining weight rapidly despite > working out and running (gently) daily, and following a GI diet on the > instruction of my endocrinolgist, get depressed and lose concentration > easily and am always cold even when the temperature is 25 degrees and > especially in the mornings, have muscle aches, pins and needles.

Textbook hypothyroidism!> > My last blood work up (last week) was Total Thyroxine (T4) 101 nmo > (range 59-154) TSH 1.84 miU- range (0.27-4.20) Free T3 5.1 pmo My > thryroglobulin antibody was <0.9 My thyroid peroxidase was 3.5 u/ml

Well, your results do appear as reasonably normal, but what's normal? Doctors should realise many people have all the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism long before their blood results go outside of the range. Some hypothyroids NEVER go out of range, but doctors are not taught how to diagnose outside of using blood tests. How do they think patients got diagnosed before the blood testsd were invented?> > Apparently according to the GP and my endocrinologist, these are normal > results and there is nothing wrong with my thryoid - and all my > symptoms are because I am 55 and to be expected. I have pages of other > blood tests which say very little to me.

Have you got a result for your Ferritin (stored iron). If so, post them here together with the reference range. If not, please ask your doctor to test this as many hypothyroids have very low ferritin. Low ferritin can cause all the symptoms of hypothyroidism and can actually CAUSE hypothyroidism if not treated. You should also get the 24 hour adrenal stress profile from NPTech Services (see our Files) to see where your cortisol and DHEA lie at four specific times during the day. This is very important. Sadly, the NHS will only give you a short synacthen test to test your adrenals if they strongly suspect you have Cushings syndrome or 's disease, and they see no shades of grey inbetween healthy adrenals and unhealthy ones.> > I think from reading the posts I need to find a doctor who will review > my symptoms along with my tests, and shed a clue as to what is going on > with me.

Again, go to our Files and scroll down until you find a file called "Doctors who Will". These are some doctors who prescribe either a combination of synthetic T4/T3 and/or Armour Thyroid,USP. I know nothing of their bedside manner though, but if you let me know what part of the UK you live in, I will see if I can recommend one for you.

I know that I cannot expect to feel the way I did in my 40's > but refuse to be written off just yet as a menopausal hypochondriac!

Good for you Mel. You need grit and determination to regain your normal health. Once you have found a good doctors who will listen to your story, look at your symptoms and signs, do a thorough clinical examination, and then decide whether you are hypothyroid or not, the better. Sometimes, and take this on board...you simply might decide that the only way is to take your health into your own hands. Our Patron and Medical Adviser Dr Peatfield, wrote a book called "Your Thyroid and How to Keep it Healthy" and he wrote this for patients and doctors. You should read this. It will give you all the information you need and he makes everything very easy to understand.

> My family are convinced (as is my gynaecologist- now I am starting to > sound like a hypochondriac) that I am in need of some thyroid hormone > treatment. Thnak you for listening to the ramblings of a (physically)> 55 year old who still thinks she can be a 25 year old in spirit at > least

Well,m I'm 29 and will remain 29 forever, whatever my body outside is showing the world, but I am now well - and one day, you too will be. There is light at the end of the tunnel - and hopefully, you are now on the road to regaining your health - and some dignity that has obviously been removed under the care of the NHS.> > Best to you all Sandi

Luv - Sheila>

November 27, 2007

Aologies Joy - I called you Mel.

Luv - Sheila

November 28, 2007

I have looked at last weeks ferritin levels, my iron saturation is

18% (20-35 range) and my Ferritin is 115 ug/l I forgot to mention

yesterday that the endocrinolgist has me on metformin for insulin

resistance and lipitor as my cholesterol is 3.9 and 10mg amlodipine

for my bp which seems to be around 140/85 right now.

I live in NW London and will look at the list but any suggestions vis

a vis doctors would be appreciated.

have a good day take care sandi

November 28, 2007

I would not be taking a statin if my cholesterol was that low and that is a certainty - I wouldn't take it full stop but with a cholesterol of 4.2 my GP was very pleased with it being so low, I just don't understand why you are being prescribed it. As for your BP, I wish mine was that low and I certainly don't take anything for that either - what is your endo doing with your health, I am amazed and astounded that is for sure. Cannot comment on the metformin because I know nothing about diabetis or insulin resistence etc.

Luv nne

I forgot to mention yesterday that the endocrinolgist has me on metformin for insulin resistance and lipitor as my cholesterol is 3.9 and 10mg amlodipine for my bp which seems to be around 140/85 right now.

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November 28, 2007

Hi Sandi

Why would your doctor treat a cholesterol reading of 3.9? Such a reading is

absolutely perfect and many of the members here would kill to have such a

low reading. Neither would I feel your BP needed a prescription either. You

can help your BP (and cholesterol if it was considered high) by taking

natural products that do not harm the body such as highish doses of

CoEnzymeQ10 and also Niacin (Vitamin B3).

Here are some doctors you may wish to consider in the London area who might

be better than the one treating you Joy.

Dr N Avery

The Centre for the Study of Complementary Medicine,

14 Harley House,

Upper Harley Street,

London NW1 4PR

Dr I Hyams MD MB Ch.B

The Diagnostic Clinic

50 New Cavendish Street

London, W1G 6AG

Dr D O'Connell MB BCh BAO DRCOG MICGP FRSH FRIPHH

41 Elyston Place, Chelsea Green

London, SW3 3JY

Dr D O'Connell MB BCh BAO DRCOG MICGP FRSH FRIPHH

1 Cadogan Gardens,

London SW3 2RJ

Dr L Chapman MBBS

Centre of Integrated Medicine,

118 Station Road,

Hendon, London, NW4 3SN

Dr L Yong MA MBBS FRCS LFHOM

HB Health

59 Beauchamp Place,

London SW3 1NZ

Dr R Adeniyi- MRCP (UK)

The Regent Clinic,

21 Devonshire Place,

London, W1G 6HZ

Dr M Perring MA MB FCP (SA) DPM

B.Chir UKCP Registered Psychotherapist

19 Milford House

7 Queen Anne Street,

London W1G 9HN

Dr D O'Connell MB BCh BAO DRCOG MICGP FRSH FRIPHH

41 Elyston Place, Chelsea Green

London, SW3 3JY

Dr D O'Connell MB BCh BAO DRCOG MICGP FRSH FRIPHH

1 Cadogan Gardens,

London SW3 2RJ

Dr P Magovern, MB MICGP D.OBST (RCPI) CAFCI

126 Harley Street,

London, W1G 7JS

Dr D L Sister,

118 Harley Street,

London W1G 7JN

Dr Etienne Callebout

72 Harley Street

London, W1G 7HG

Dr Shotliffe MB BS MD FRCP DCH

Chelsea & Westminster Hospital

369 Fulham Road

Chelsea

London

SW10 9NH

Dr. Maurice Katz FCP(SA) FRCP

148 Harley Street

London

W1G 7LG

Some of these will see you NHS and some only privately. I do not have their

telephone numbers and do not know of their bedside manner. I know they

prescribe combination T4/T3 (either synthetic or natural).

Luv - Sheila

Re: Hypothyroid or not?

I have looked at last weeks ferritin levels, my iron saturation is

18% (20-35 range) and my Ferritin is 115 ug/l I forgot to mention

yesterday that the endocrinolgist has me on metformin for insulin

resistance and lipitor as my cholesterol is 3.9 and 10mg amlodipine

for my bp which seems to be around 140/85 right now.

I live in NW London and will look at the list but any suggestions vis

a vis doctors would be appreciated.

have a good day take care sandi

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11:40

November 28, 2007

Hi Sandi, A lot of what you have been experiencing could be due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. However, you say you have had a hysterectomy. Do you still have your ovaries or were they removed at the same time? Were you prescribed the metformin for PCOS and/or insulin resistance? I understand the 2 conditions tend to go hand in hand. Following the birth of my son 10 years ago, I developed classic hypothyroid symptoms including a weight gain of 3 stone in one year (which is enough to make anyone fill like cr**). I'm still having problems all these years later. I was tested for PCOS and told that the symptoms can be very similar to hypothyroid. My TSH at the time was 4.33 which ought to have been noted as significant but was ignored at the time as it was "in the normal range". If your ovaries were removed at the time of your hysterectomy, were

you put on replacement hormones? I suspect women's hormone imbalances and thyroid problems are all tied up together. Perhaps someone on the forum has found useful articles on the subject? Tracey

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November 28, 2007

> I am 55 years old, had a hysterectomy 7 years ago due to multiple

> abnormalities and cysts in my ovaries.

> Apparently according to the GP and my endocrinologist, these are

normal

> results and there is nothing wrong with my thryoid - and all my

> symptoms are because I am 55 and to be expected.

Hi Sandi

I'm not sure I can say much to you that will be of any help as I am

in the early days of trying to sort myself out too but I had a

hysterectomy and oopherectomy last year which I was told may have

just pushed me over the edge as far as my thyroid was concerned.

My biggest complaint when I fist saw Dr P was terrible brain fog and

a fuzzy head/dizziness, the former of which I thought had to do with

suddenly being thrown into surgical menopause. I thought he might

suggest ERT as my

adrenals were struggling and I was worried they wouldn't be able to

competently take over from my missing ovaries in supplying my

estrogen needs.

But he said that although that might be necessary down the line,

priority had to be given to thyroid hormones. I too am 55 and it's

very confusing to have to deal with menopausal stuff as well as

thyroid issues. My NHS tests were normal too.

Anyway, as I said, I've no real advice to give as such but just

wanted to say that I most certainly know where you're coming from. I

do hope you find a good doctor to work with. I think that is the key.

And BTW I'm totally with you on being 25 years old in spirit!! Me

too!!

Take care

November 28, 2007

I dont know who you were replying to nne, but I agree with you that 3.9 for cholesterol is good - they usually treat over 5 ish. The only other point on this could be that the good cholesterol is very low or the triglicerides are high - though I dont pretend to understand this bit! That BP of 140/85 was the standard that GPs were told to achieve through medication - I understand that recently they are encouraged to go lower! But I would try co enzyme Q10 and niacin rather than prescription drugs - I have and mine has come down a lot. On the insulin resistance a good book to read up on this is the Schwarzebein principle - its something to do with storing fat, particularly on the abdomen and something to do with production of insulin which leads to fat, low GI foods help to stop the peaks and troughs and therefore lead to less weight gain - but that's something else that I dont really understand!!

Gill

I would not be taking a statin if my cholesterol was that low

..

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November 29, 2007

Hi Sandi,

I wish docs wouldn't write folk off too soon. I'm 54 ( OK one

year younger) I had a hysterectomy when I was 38 and have been on HRT since.

I'm fine- love 5 mile walks and run around on a big motorbike. IT'S NOT YOUR

AGE.

There is something out of balance. Are you taking HRT? are you taking

oestrogen? See the website http://www.serenity.co.uk ( I think) progesterone

makes a big difference in how your thyroid hormones are utilised. Doesn't

matter how much is in the blood if it doesn't get in the cells.

This may do it for you, but with your history there may still be a thyroid

problem lurking as the tests are not perfect.

I think from reading the posts I need to find a doctor who will review

my symptoms along with my tests, and shed a clue as to what is going on

with me. I know that I cannot expect to feel the way I did in my 40's

but refuse to be written off just yet as a menopausal hypochondriac!

My family are convinced (as is my gynaecologist- now I am starting to

sound like a hypochondriac) that I am in need of some thyroid hormone

treatment. Thnak you for listening to the ramblings of a (physically)

55 year old who still thinks she can be a 25 year old in spirit at

least

Best to you all Sandi

Messages are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always

consult with a suitably qualified practitioner before changing medication.

October 10, 2010

Hello,

In May, I had blood work to try to determine if I was hypothyroid. I received a

copy of my blood work, but don't understand the numbers. I'm hoping someone here

can educate me, especially since the Nurse Practitioners I see (I have to have

an N.P. give me a referral if I am to see a doctor) are in disagreement as to

whether I need to be on meds or not. I'd like to understand for myself what is

going on and what the best course of treatment might be, if any at all.

In May, my TSH level was 1.33. Thyroxine, Free, Direct 0.68L. Additionally, my

Neutrophils was out of range at 44L. I have a hereditary bone disease (X-linked,

hypophosphatemic rickets), I'm wondering if the Neutorophils level might be in

relation to my disease or to the possible hypothyroidism.

After reviewing the initial blood work, the N.P. put me on 125 mgs. of

Levothyroxine. In August, after a second set of blood work, my TSH was 0.26L.

The N.P. took me off the Levothyroxine at that time.

Can anyone help me to understand what all of this means? I would greatly

appreciate it.

Thank you,

October 10, 2010

You need tests for FreeT3, FreeT4, ReverseT3 and TSH.

Free T3 and T4 are the amount of those hormones in your blood. ReverseT3 shows

how much your body is turning T4 into ReverseT3 instead of T3(the active

hormone). TSH is the thyroid stimulating hormone that your body calls for from

the pituitary gland (it's not a thyroid hormone). It stimulates the body to turn

T4 into T3.

If you can gett all these tests done after a 12 hour fast and no medicaton of

any kind before the test, they will show what is going on. Bring your meds and

take them after the blood draw.

Then you can post them here and we can help you to determine what is going on.

<>Roni

Immortality exists!

It's called knowledge!

Just because something isn't seen

doesn't mean it's not there<>

From: <lamacias@...>

Subject: Hypothyroid or not?

hypothyroidism

Date: Sunday, October 10, 2010, 1:29 PM