Re: I think I might be hypothyroid- 22 year old female with FMS

[Guest guest]

High, Ata, welcome

Can you post your labs? the latest one or two... along with ranges... I'm wondering if they are misreading the labs and they are showing hypo but just don't understand the numbers... Your symptoms surely do sound hypo....

Topper ()

On Mon, 10 Apr 2006 09:05:16 -0000 "kyethra" writes:

Hello. I am Ata, a 22 year old female. I have had FMS for a little over two years now. I got sick following a high fever that left me feeling run down in December of 2003. A couple of months after that I got very ill- after over a month they discovered a large ovarian cyst. The cyst ruptered after a while and when it ruptered it caused nerve damage to a nerve ending in my abdominal wall. After that was diagnosed I was finally able to get treated with local injections. But even after the pain was taken care of I didn't get better like I was supposed which led to my FMS diagnosis in January of 2004.At first when I was ill doctors used to test my thyroid all the time because they suspected it of being underactive. My mother and grandmother had underactive thryoid, as does my aunt. I had one borderline reading, but after reapeated tests they stopped testing it.Latley I have been noticing some odd things going on with my body and my doctor said it sounded very much like underactive thyroid and ordered a blood test- I am still waiting on the results.My symptoms are as follows:Hair texture has changed. I used to have wavy hair all my life, but lately it seems to have straightened out. My scalp is also producing a lot less oil- now I wash it about twice a week, where before I would wash it every other day. My hair is also dry.Slow growth of body hair: This one I just noticed recently. My body hair is growing rather slowly. I shaved my legs two weeks ago- normally they would be pretty hairy by now, but they aren't even hairy enough to shave. They are still bare is most places. Dry and itchy skinBrittle nails: my nails keep breaking and splitting. I usually have long nails, but they are pretty short now due to all the breakings. I keep trying to file them nicely to prevent snags and putting strenghing stuff on, but so far they keep spliting. Acneweight gain- this could also be due to my going off of topamax that I was on for sleep issues (something like periodic limb movement disorder)migrainesconstipation- very unusual for me. I tend to be diarrhea prone ever since I got sick a couple of years ago. I currently take a few fiber capsules everyday because it helps with that, but I can't remember being constpiated as rountinely I have been for years. vision changes- my eyes used to be pretty steady- few changes in prescription, but lately my eyes seem to be getting worse. I keep holidng things closer and get headaches from reading. I have his this pair of glasses for not even a year. exhaustion- we are adjusting my sleep meds now, so that could be entirely to blame. But they don't seem to be as effective as they should be. sore throat- but as I was running a fever a couple of days ago, it could just be a bug.Changes in my period: I am on the nuva ring and it used to keep my periods regular, but these past few months I have noticed that my periods are getting further apart and lighter. I found that rather odd because before I went on birthcontrol a couple of years ago, my periods used to come more frequently than normal. I even asked the gynecologist Nurse Practitioner about it, but she said not to worry because it probably meant that my uterine lining was getting thicker.I have also read that low body temperature could be indicative of thyroid problems, but I have always had a low body temperature. If my temperature goes above 98.3 then I know something is off. I normally get as low as 96.something. I also have a history of depression. I have always been depressed and as long as I take my medication (cymbalta) I am fine. I have been a little anxious lately, but I think that is due to upcomming life changes (I graduate college next month and get married in August) rather than anything chemical.So while my test might be positive and that would be simple, I think there is also ample chance that my test could be negative because my body is very odd and illnesses don't like to show up on tests for me in any obvious ways.But I can't really think of anything other than hormones that this could be, or medication side effects.I eat enough protein and I take a daily multi vitamin. My diet hasn't changed so I find it strange that all of a sudden my hair and skin and nails should. So I was wondering if anyone had any idea about what tests other than the T3, T4 and TSH tend to be run with this sort of thing or if there is anything I could eat or try in order to help with all of this. I am trying to get more protein in because I was thinking that might help. Or any ideas on something else that could like the hypothyroid in terms of the symptoms?-Ata

[Guest guest]

I will post as soon as I get my results

from my doctor- I am going email her today and try to get them.

-Ata

From:

The_Thyroid_Support_Group

[mailto:The_Thyroid_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of topper2@...

Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 6:01

AM

To: The_Thyroid_Support_Group

Subject: Re:

I think I might be hypothyroid- 22 year old female

with FMS

High, Ata, welcome

Can you post your labs? the latest one or two...

along with ranges... I'm wondering if they are misreading the labs and they are

showing hypo but just don't understand the numbers... Your symptoms surely do

sound hypo....

Topper ()

On Mon, 10 Apr 2006 09:05:16 -0000

" kyethra "

writes:

Hello. I am Ata, a 22

year old female. I have had FMS for a little

over two years now. I got sick following a

high fever that left me

feeling run down in December of 2003. A

couple of months after that

I got very ill- after over a month they discovered

a large ovarian

cyst. The cyst ruptered after a while and

when it ruptered it

caused nerve damage to a nerve ending in my

abdominal wall. After

that was diagnosed I was finally able to get

treated with local

injections. But even after the pain was

taken care of I didn't get

better like I was supposed which led to my FMS

diagnosis in January

of 2004.

At first when I was ill doctors used to test my

thyroid all the time

because they suspected it of being

underactive. My mother and

grandmother had underactive thryoid, as does my

aunt. I had one

borderline reading, but after reapeated tests they

stopped testing

it.

Latley I have been noticing some odd things going

on with my body

and my doctor said it sounded very much like

underactive thyroid and

ordered a blood test- I am still waiting on the

results.

My symptoms are as follows:

Hair texture has changed. I used to have

wavy hair all my life, but

lately it seems to have straightened out. My

scalp is also

producing a lot less oil- now I wash it about

twice a week, where

before I would wash it every other day. My

hair is also dry.

Slow growth of body hair: This one I just

noticed recently. My

body hair is growing rather slowly. I shaved

my legs two weeks ago-

normally they would be pretty hairy by now, but

they aren't even

hairy enough to shave. They are still bare

is most places.

Dry and itchy skin

Brittle nails: my nails keep breaking and

splitting. I usually have

long nails, but they are pretty short now due to

all the breakings.

I keep trying to file them nicely to prevent snags

and putting

strenghing stuff on, but so far they keep

spliting.

Acne

weight gain- this could also be due to my going

off of topamax that

I was on for sleep issues (something like periodic

limb movement

disorder)

migraines

constipation- very unusual for me. I tend to

be diarrhea prone ever

since I got sick a couple of years ago. I

currently take a few

fiber capsules everyday because it helps with

that, but I can't

remember being constpiated as rountinely I have

been for years.

vision changes- my eyes used to be pretty steady-

few changes in

prescription, but lately my eyes seem to be

getting worse. I keep

holidng things closer and get headaches from

reading. I have his

this pair of glasses for not even a year.

exhaustion- we are adjusting my sleep meds now, so

that could be

entirely to blame. But they don't seem to be as

effective as they

should be.

sore throat- but as I was running a fever a couple

of days ago, it

could just be a bug.

Changes in my period: I am on the nuva ring and it

used to keep my

periods regular, but these past few months I have

noticed that my

periods are getting further apart and

lighter. I found that rather

odd because before I went on birthcontrol a couple

of years ago, my

periods used to come more frequently than

normal. I even asked the

gynecologist Nurse Practitioner about it, but she

said not to worry

because it probably meant that my uterine lining

was getting thicker.

I have also read that low body temperature could

be indicative of

thyroid problems, but I have always had a low body

temperature. If

my temperature goes above 98.3 then I know

something is off. I

normally get as low as 96.something.

I also have a history of depression. I have

always been depressed

and as long as I take my medication (cymbalta) I

am fine. I have

been a little anxious lately, but I think that is

due to upcomming

life changes (I graduate college next month and

get married in

August) rather than anything chemical.

So while my test might be positive and that would

be simple, I think

there is also ample chance that my test could be

negative because my

body is very odd and illnesses don't like to show

up on tests for me

in any obvious ways.

But I can't really think of anything other than

hormones that this

could be, or medication side effects.

I eat enough protein and I take a daily multi

vitamin. My diet

hasn't changed so I find it strange that all of a

sudden my hair and

skin and nails should.

So I was wondering if anyone had any idea about

what tests other

than the T3, T4 and TSH tend to be run with this

sort of thing or if

there is anything I could eat or try in order to

help with all of

this. I am trying to get more protein in

because I was thinking

that might help. Or any ideas on something

else that could like the

hypothyroid in terms of the symptoms?

-Ata

[Guest guest]

An ovarian cyst can actually stimulate your thyroid as a low TSH

antogonsist.. meaning if you have low thyroid signals from the

pituary gland it could of been what was balancing you out..

Your doc can order a TPO antibody test..high numbers usually

indicate Hashimoto's which can be diagnostic before TSH raises too

high..

Your symptoms sound hypo..except your monthly cycle..which makes me

think other hormones may also be out of whack which is common with

hypo.

Enemia both iron and B-12 can cause a lot of the symptoms and very

easy for the doctor to test for..

Nuvaring is a form of hormonal birth control..Estrogen binds T4

hormone and lowers your conversion rate of T4-T3..

Considering your history of cysts etc though you are going to want a

T3 lab test done first to see if it is an issue..and by adding

Sellium it could be enough to balance out the difference..

Although waiting is hard, it is really hard to make a judgement with

out first seeing the lab work. Make sure you get ranges for your lab

work also as different labs use different ranges..

A CBC/WBC would be helpful as a lot of your symptoms sound low iron

too me..but you would not want to add iron with out confirming it

first..these tend to run together with hypo so make sure the doc

tests even if hypo is confirmed.

Kats3boys

[Guest guest]

Hi, Its early morning here and coffee not kicking in yet but can you

explain this bit again? I have just had 2 ovarian cysts removed. One

was 3 " . Now my hypo is worse than before the op. Op was 3 months ago.

My TSH - 1.1 ( 0.5 - 3.7_

ft4 13 ( 10-25)

ft3 4.4 ( 3.1 - 5.4)

I am on Dr merry go round at the moment as all my Labs are normal but

I have symptoms including not being able to swallow and husky voice.

I have a scan being arranged now.

But just curious re this ov cyst .

Aussie Jane

>

> An ovarian cyst can actually stimulate your thyroid as a low TSH

> antogonsist.. meaning if you have low thyroid signals from the

> pituary gland it could of been what was balancing you out..

> Your doc can order a TPO antibody test..high numbers usually

> indicate Hashimoto's which can be diagnostic before TSH raises too

> high..

> Your symptoms sound hypo..except your monthly cycle..which makes me

> think other hormones may also be out of whack which is common with

> hypo.

> Enemia both iron and B-12 can cause a lot of the symptoms and very

> easy for the doctor to test for..

> Nuvaring is a form of hormonal birth control..Estrogen binds T4

> hormone and lowers your conversion rate of T4-T3..

> Considering your history of cysts etc though you are going to want a

> T3 lab test done first to see if it is an issue..and by adding

> Sellium it could be enough to balance out the difference..

>

> Although waiting is hard, it is really hard to make a judgement with

> out first seeing the lab work. Make sure you get ranges for your lab

> work also as different labs use different ranges..

>

> A CBC/WBC would be helpful as a lot of your symptoms sound low iron

> too me..but you would not want to add iron with out confirming it

> first..these tend to run together with hypo so make sure the doc

> tests even if hypo is confirmed.

>

> Kats3boys

>

[Guest guest]

From the merck manual..

Struma ovarii: Rarely, ovarian teratomas contain sufficient thyroid

tissue to cause true hyperthyroidism, but the location is in the

pelvis and the radioactive iodine uptake by the thyroid will be

suppressed.

From Thyroid manager..

STRUMA OVARII

Struma ovarii is a rare tumor occurring in a teratoma or dermoid in

the ovary. It is often admixed with a carcinoid tumor, (127) and has

been reported to occur in association with multiple endocrine

neoplasia type IIA (128). Ovarian strumal carcinoid tumors have been

found to synthesize different peptide hormones including calcitonin,

ACTH, SRIF, neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin, synaptophysin,

serotonin and other peptides (127-129). Struma ovarii is

unilaterally localized in about 90% of patients and about 80% are

benign (130). Pardo-Mindan and Vazquez (131) reviewed the world

literature on malignant struma ovarii until 1983, finding only 18

cases. As differentiation between carcinoid and struma tissue is

sometimes difficult, electron microscopic studies in combination

with specific immunochemistry may be necessary.

Struma ovarii seldom causes hyperthyroidism. In thyrotoxicosis due

to struma ovarii, uptake of radioactive iodine of the thyroid gland

is low in the presence of elevated serum thyroid hormones and

suppressed TSH. Uptake of radioactive iodine over the ovarian tumor

confirms the diagnosis (131a,. Although one would suspect that in

thyrotoxic cases due to struma ovarii the thyroid gland would be

reduced in size, the thyroid in several reports was enlarged

(130,132). Possibly this could represent the effect of thyroid

stimulating antibodies on both tissues. Treatment of struma ovarii,

either with euthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis, should be effected by

removal of the ovarian tumor. In the case of co-existent

thyrotoxicosis, preparation for surgery should be done by

administration of antithyroid drugs, sometimes in combination with

beta-blocking agents. Because of the co-existing teratoma, it is

sometimes difficult to determine if the thyroid tissue in the tumor

is benign or malignant. It is not advised to treat patients with

thyrotoxic struma ovarii with radioiodide because of the possibility

that the tumor is malignant, which cannot be determined on clinical

grounds, and secondly because of the unknown radiation effects on

the other elements of the teratoma. Doppler flow may aid in the

preoperative diagnosis of struma ovarii. Blood flow signals,

detected from the center of the echoic lesion, and low resistance to

flow may be more common in struma ovarii (132a). Recently a rare

case of thyrotoxicosis was described in a 73 year old women caused

by a toxic adenoma of the thyroid and an hyperthyroid struma ovarii

(132b)

This situation is rare, and even rarer diagnosed as it relies on a

full body radiation scan, not something someone does..

Although the above talk about HYPER with the extra TSH stimulation

it would make sense to me that a TSH secreted, hyperfunctional

Ovarian cyst in a person who is HYPO would go more HYPO after

removal of the cyst as it is an outside stimuli..

Hope this makes sense..a Struma Ovarii causes HYPER by over

stimulating the thyroid..and sometimes by actually being made up of

thyroid tissue and producing T4 and T3.

For someone who is HYPO this could keep you eurothyroid or closer to

normal ranges than with out it..when the cyst is removed in absent

of autoimmune thyroid disorder the HYPER patient usually resumes

normal thyroid function..if you are HYPO then you would resume

normal thyroid function for you..meaning more hypo and needing to

adjust meds..

Kats3boys

> >

> > An ovarian cyst can actually stimulate your thyroid as a low TSH

> > antogonsist.. meaning if you have low thyroid signals from the

> > pituary gland it could of been what was balancing you out..

> > Your doc can order a TPO antibody test..high numbers usually

> > indicate Hashimoto's which can be diagnostic before TSH raises

too

> > high..

> > Your symptoms sound hypo..except your monthly cycle..which makes

me

> > think other hormones may also be out of whack which is common

with

> > hypo.

> > Enemia both iron and B-12 can cause a lot of the symptoms and

very

> > easy for the doctor to test for..

> > Nuvaring is a form of hormonal birth control..Estrogen binds T4

> > hormone and lowers your conversion rate of T4-T3..

> > Considering your history of cysts etc though you are going to

want a

> > T3 lab test done first to see if it is an issue..and by adding

> > Sellium it could be enough to balance out the difference..

> >

> > Although waiting is hard, it is really hard to make a judgement

with

> > out first seeing the lab work. Make sure you get ranges for your

lab

> > work also as different labs use different ranges..

> >

> > A CBC/WBC would be helpful as a lot of your symptoms sound low

iron

> > too me..but you would not want to add iron with out confirming

it

> > first..these tend to run together with hypo so make sure the doc

> > tests even if hypo is confirmed.

> >

> > Kats3boys

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I got my labs back and as my doctor says

they are annoyingly normal. My TSH is 1.2 as is my free T4. So I

guess I don’t have a thyroid issue. Everyone is pretty puzzled by

this… I guess I will see a dermatologist next.

-Ata

From:

The_Thyroid_Support_Group

[mailto:The_Thyroid_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of topper2@...

Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 6:01

AM

To: The_Thyroid_Support_Group

Subject: Re:

I think I might be hypothyroid- 22 year old female

with FMS

High, Ata, welcome

Can you post your labs? the latest one or two...

along with ranges... I'm wondering if they are misreading the labs and they are

showing hypo but just don't understand the numbers... Your symptoms surely do

sound hypo....

Topper ()

On Mon, 10 Apr 2006 09:05:16 -0000

" kyethra "

writes:

Hello. I am Ata, a 22

year old female. I have had FMS for a little

over two years now. I got sick following a

high fever that left me

feeling run down in December of 2003. A

couple of months after that

I got very ill- after over a month they discovered

a large ovarian

cyst. The cyst ruptered after a while and

when it ruptered it

caused nerve damage to a nerve ending in my

abdominal wall. After

that was diagnosed I was finally able to get

treated with local

injections. But even after the pain was

taken care of I didn't get

better like I was supposed which led to my FMS

diagnosis in January

of 2004.

At first when I was ill doctors used to test my

thyroid all the time

because they suspected it of being

underactive. My mother and

grandmother had underactive thryoid, as does my

aunt. I had one

borderline reading, but after reapeated tests they

stopped testing

it.

Latley I have been noticing some odd things going

on with my body

and my doctor said it sounded very much like

underactive thyroid and

ordered a blood test- I am still waiting on the

results.

My symptoms are as follows:

Hair texture has changed. I used to have

wavy hair all my life, but

lately it seems to have straightened out. My

scalp is also

producing a lot less oil- now I wash it about

twice a week, where

before I would wash it every other day. My

hair is also dry.

Slow growth of body hair: This one I just

noticed recently. My

body hair is growing rather slowly. I shaved

my legs two weeks ago-

normally they would be pretty hairy by now, but

they aren't even

hairy enough to shave. They are still bare

is most places.

Dry and itchy skin

Brittle nails: my nails keep breaking and

splitting. I usually have

long nails, but they are pretty short now due to

all the breakings.

I keep trying to file them nicely to prevent snags

and putting

strenghing stuff on, but so far they keep

spliting.

Acne

weight gain- this could also be due to my going

off of topamax that

I was on for sleep issues (something like periodic

limb movement

disorder)

migraines

constipation- very unusual for me. I tend to

be diarrhea prone ever

since I got sick a couple of years ago. I

currently take a few

fiber capsules everyday because it helps with

that, but I can't

remember being constpiated as rountinely I have

been for years.

vision changes- my eyes used to be pretty steady-

few changes in

prescription, but lately my eyes seem to be

getting worse. I keep

holidng things closer and get headaches from

reading. I have his

this pair of glasses for not even a year.

exhaustion- we are adjusting my sleep meds now, so

that could be

entirely to blame. But they don't seem to be as

effective as they

should be.

sore throat- but as I was running a fever a couple

of days ago, it

could just be a bug.

Changes in my period: I am on the nuva ring and it

used to keep my

periods regular, but these past few months I have

noticed that my

periods are getting further apart and

lighter. I found that rather

odd because before I went on birthcontrol a couple

of years ago, my

periods used to come more frequently than

normal. I even asked the

gynecologist Nurse Practitioner about it, but she

said not to worry

because it probably meant that my uterine lining

was getting thicker.

I have also read that low body temperature could

be indicative of

thyroid problems, but I have always had a low body

temperature. If

my temperature goes above 98.3 then I know

something is off. I

normally get as low as 96.something.

I also have a history of depression. I have

always been depressed

and as long as I take my medication (cymbalta) I

am fine. I have

been a little anxious lately, but I think that is

due to upcomming

life changes (I graduate college next month and

get married in

August) rather than anything chemical.

So while my test might be positive and that would

be simple, I think

there is also ample chance that my test could be

negative because my

body is very odd and illnesses don't like to show

up on tests for me

in any obvious ways.

But I can't really think of anything other than

hormones that this

could be, or medication side effects.

I eat enough protein and I take a daily multi

vitamin. My diet

hasn't changed so I find it strange that all of a

sudden my hair and

skin and nails should.

So I was wondering if anyone had any idea about

what tests other

than the T3, T4 and TSH tend to be run with this

sort of thing or if

there is anything I could eat or try in order to

help with all of

this. I am trying to get more protein in

because I was thinking

that might help. Or any ideas on something

else that could like the

hypothyroid in terms of the symptoms?

-Ata

[Guest guest]

>

> I got my labs back and as my doctor says they are annoyingly

normal. My TSH

> is 1.2 as is my free T4. So I guess I don't have a thyroid

issue. Everyone

> is pretty puzzled by this. I guess I will see a dermatologist

next.

>

>

>

> -Ata

>

>

>

>

Did the doctor run any toher tests on you? And do you have ranges

for the tests..namely the Free T4? my lab uses a range of 11-20..so

you would be comatose hypo with those lab readings.. I have seem

others that use a 0.9-1.8 and others with a 1.2-2.2..now depending

on the ranges would depend if you are normal or low normal..

Estrogen and a few other hormones, not to mention some medications

bind with thyroid hormones..given your history of cysts..and being

on medications etc.. have you had your estrogen levels checked or

your Free T3 hormone..this will let you know if you are converting

or not..

Another direction to look would also be 's disease or adrenal

defficency..as low levels in your body can cause the symptoms

listed..

Kats3boys

[Guest guest]

No. She didn't check antibodies and I don't think T3 was run either. I

think my doctor is going to refer to other people, she is puzzled about this

one. I am also going to call my fibro doctor up in Chicago, he might have

an idea.

-Ata

* Re: I think I might be

> hypothyroid- 22 year old female with FMS

>

>

>

> High, Ata, welcome

>

>

>

> Can you post your labs? the latest one or two... along with ranges...

> I'm wondering if they are misreading the labs and they are showing hypo

> but just don't understand the numbers... Your symptoms surely do sound

> hypo....

>

>

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Mon, 10 Apr 2006 09:05:16 -0000 " kyethra " <aclausse@...

> > writes:

>

> Hello. I am Ata, a 22 year old female. I have had FMS for a little

> over two years now. I got sick following a high fever that left me

> feeling run down in December of 2003. A couple of months after that

> I got very ill- after over a month they discovered a large ovarian

> cyst. The cyst ruptered after a while and when it ruptered it

> caused nerve damage to a nerve ending in my abdominal wall. After

> that was diagnosed I was finally able to get treated with local

> injections. But even after the pain was taken care of I didn't get

> better like I was supposed which led to my FMS diagnosis in January

> of 2004.

>

> At first when I was ill doctors used to test my thyroid all the time

> because they suspected it of being underactive. My mother and

> grandmother had underactive thryoid, as does my aunt. I had one

> borderline reading, but after reapeated tests they stopped testing

> it.

>

> Latley I have been noticing some odd things going on with my body

> and my doctor said it sounded very much like underactive thyroid and

> ordered a blood test- I am still waiting on the results.

>

> My symptoms are as follows:

>

> Hair texture has changed. I used to have wavy hair all my life, but

> lately it seems to have straightened out. My scalp is also

> producing a lot less oil- now I wash it about twice a week, where

> before I would wash it every other day. My hair is also dry.

>

> Slow growth of body hair: This one I just noticed recently. My

> body hair is growing rather slowly. I shaved my legs two weeks ago-

> normally they would be pretty hairy by now, but they aren't even

> hairy enough to shave. They are still bare is most places.

>

> Dry and itchy skin

>

> Brittle nails: my nails keep breaking and splitting. I usually have

> long nails, but they are pretty short now due to all the breakings.

> I keep trying to file them nicely to prevent snags and putting

> strenghing stuff on, but so far they keep spliting.

>

> Acne

>

> weight gain- this could also be due to my going off of topamax that

> I was on for sleep issues (something like periodic limb movement

> disorder)

>

> migraines

>

> constipation- very unusual for me. I tend to be diarrhea prone ever

> since I got sick a couple of years ago. I currently take a few

> fiber capsules everyday because it helps with that, but I can't

> remember being constpiated as rountinely I have been for years.

>

> vision changes- my eyes used to be pretty steady- few changes in

> prescription, but lately my eyes seem to be getting worse. I keep

> holidng things closer and get headaches from reading. I have his

> this pair of glasses for not even a year.

>

> exhaustion- we are adjusting my sleep meds now, so that could be

> entirely to blame. But they don't seem to be as effective as they

> should be.

>

> sore throat- but as I was running a fever a couple of days ago, it

> could just be a bug.

>

> Changes in my period: I am on the nuva ring and it used to keep my

> periods regular, but these past few months I have noticed that my

> periods are getting further apart and lighter. I found that rather

> odd because before I went on birthcontrol a couple of years ago, my

> periods used to come more frequently than normal. I even asked the

> gynecologist Nurse Practitioner about it, but she said not to worry

> because it probably meant that my uterine lining was getting thicker.

>

> I have also read that low body temperature could be indicative of

> thyroid problems, but I have always had a low body temperature. If

> my temperature goes above 98.3 then I know something is off. I

> normally get as low as 96.something.

>

> I also have a history of depression. I have always been depressed

> and as long as I take my medication (cymbalta) I am fine. I have

> been a little anxious lately, but I think that is due to upcomming

> life changes (I graduate college next month and get married in

> August) rather than anything chemical.

>

> So while my test might be positive and that would be simple, I think

> there is also ample chance that my test could be negative because my

> body is very odd and illnesses don't like to show up on tests for me

> in any obvious ways.

>

> But I can't really think of anything other than hormones that this

> could be, or medication side effects.

>

> I eat enough protein and I take a daily multi vitamin. My diet

> hasn't changed so I find it strange that all of a sudden my hair and

> skin and nails should.

>

> So I was wondering if anyone had any idea about what tests other

> than the T3, T4 and TSH tend to be run with this sort of thing or if

> there is anything I could eat or try in order to help with all of

> this. I am trying to get more protein in because I was thinking

> that might help. Or any ideas on something else that could like the

> hypothyroid in terms of the symptoms?

>

> -Ata

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

------------------------------------------------------------------------

> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS

>

> * Visit your group " The_Thyroid_Support_Group

> <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Thyroid_Support_Group> " on

> the web.

>

> *

[Guest guest]

All very interesting. Thanks very much. I will ask the Dr when I next

see him. I can't recall feeling hyper last year although - perhaps -

brief episodes. My Gyno said the cyst he removed was a Endometritis Cyst.

To make it all more complicated .... I was born with kidney in pelvis.

No dramas. But this cyst was pressing onto kidney ( adrenals ?) and

also ovary.

Aussie Jane

> > >

> > > An ovarian cyst can actually stimulate your thyroid as a low TSH

> > > antogonsist.. meaning if you have low thyroid signals from the

> > > pituary gland it could of been what was balancing you out..

> > > Your doc can order a TPO antibody test..high numbers usually

> > > indicate Hashimoto's which can be diagnostic before TSH raises

> too

> > > high..

> > > Your symptoms sound hypo..except your monthly cycle..which makes

> me

> > > think other hormones may also be out of whack which is common

> with

> > > hypo.

> > > Enemia both iron and B-12 can cause a lot of the symptoms and

> very

> > > easy for the doctor to test for..

> > > Nuvaring is a form of hormonal birth control..Estrogen binds T4

> > > hormone and lowers your conversion rate of T4-T3..

> > > Considering your history of cysts etc though you are going to

> want a

> > > T3 lab test done first to see if it is an issue..and by adding

> > > Sellium it could be enough to balance out the difference..

> > >

> > > Although waiting is hard, it is really hard to make a judgement

> with

> > > out first seeing the lab work. Make sure you get ranges for your

> lab

> > > work also as different labs use different ranges..

> > >

> > > A CBC/WBC would be helpful as a lot of your symptoms sound low

> iron

> > > too me..but you would not want to add iron with out confirming

> it

> > > first..these tend to run together with hypo so make sure the doc

> > > tests even if hypo is confirmed.

> > >

> > > Kats3boys

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Can you post the labs, with ranges? Did he test Free T3 and thyroid antibodies?

As an example... if you have and autoimmune disorder that is affecting your thyroid... levels can fluctuate and it's possible to have 'normal' labs while still dealing with a VERY real thyroid disorder. Hashi's for example cycles between hyper and hypo with states of 'normal' between.

Topper ()

On Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:49:24 -0500 "Ata Claussen" writes:

I got my labs back and as my doctor says they are annoyingly normal. My TSH is 1.2 as is my free T4. So I guess I don’t have a thyroid issue. Everyone is pretty puzzled by this… I guess I will see a dermatologist next.

-Ata

[Guest guest]

After your lab value there is another set of numbers, usually in brackets or parenthesis....

TSH 1.2 (.3 - 3.0)

Something along that order... Different labs use different tests and the various tests have different ranges, TSH is the only one that has a standardized range the frees have three or four different levels for each, so we need the ranges to determine where your level falls within that range.

Not to overwhelm you with tons of info right off the bat...but to give you a taste of things as you build your knowledge base and learn....

Proper thyroid hormone levels involve more than their just being 'in normal range' it's where they fall within their ranges and how the level of the Free T4 in it's range compares with the Level of the Free T3 in it's range that indicates how well your body is utilizing hormone and converting hormone.

We'll get more into conversion, too, but the short version is that your body has to make a lot of the hormone that it uses to function. Through a process called conversion. Some of us are good converters and some of us are poor converters... those of us that have trouble converting have to be more diligent with dosing, meals and supplements to boost conversion... or we have to take additional T3 to boost our levels..

Topper ()

On Tue, 11 Apr 2006 01:22:06 -0500 "Ata Claussen" writes:

I just realized I don’t know what you mean by lab ranges. The lab tests for either a .4 or .8 for the TSH up to the 4 being normal, if that is what you mean. I always have labs run at the student health center.

-Ata

[Guest guest]

What are your free t3 levels and regular t3 and t4 levels?

RE: I think I might be hypothyroid- 22 year old female with FMS

I got my labs back and as my doctor says they are annoyingly normal. My TSH is 1.2 as is my free T4. So I guess I don’t have a thyroid issue. Everyone is pretty puzzled by this… I guess I will see a dermatologist next.

-Ata

From: The_Thyroid_Support_Group [mailto:The_Thyroid_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of topper2@...Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 6:01 AMTo: The_Thyroid_Support_Group Subject: Re: I think I might be hypothyroid- 22 year old female with FMS

High, Ata, welcome

Can you post your labs? the latest one or two... along with ranges... I'm wondering if they are misreading the labs and they are showing hypo but just don't understand the numbers... Your symptoms surely do sound hypo....

Topper ()

On Mon, 10 Apr 2006 09:05:16 -0000 "kyethra" writes:

Hello. I am Ata, a 22 year old female. I have had FMS for a little over two years now. I got sick following a high fever that left me feeling run down in December of 2003. A couple of months after that I got very ill- after over a month they discovered a large ovarian cyst. The cyst ruptered after a while and when it ruptered it caused nerve damage to a nerve ending in my abdominal wall. After that was diagnosed I was finally able to get treated with local injections. But even after the pain was taken care of I didn't get better like I was supposed which led to my FMS diagnosis in January of 2004.At first when I was ill doctors used to test my thyroid all the time because they suspected it of being underactive. My mother and grandmother had underactive thryoid, as does my aunt. I had one borderline reading, but after reapeated tests they stopped testing it.Latley I have been noticing some odd things going on with my body and my doctor said it sounded very much like underactive thyroid and ordered a blood test- I am still waiting on the results.My symptoms are as follows:Hair texture has changed. I used to have wavy hair all my life, but lately it seems to have straightened out. My scalp is also producing a lot less oil- now I wash it about twice a week, where before I would wash it every other day. My hair is also dry.Slow growth of body hair: This one I just noticed recently. My body hair is growing rather slowly. I shaved my legs two weeks ago- normally they would be pretty hairy by now, but they aren't even hairy enough to shave. They are still bare is most places. Dry and itchy skinBrittle nails: my nails keep breaking and splitting. I usually have long nails, but they are pretty short now due to all the breakings. I keep trying to file them nicely to prevent snags and putting strenghing stuff on, but so far they keep spliting. Acneweight gain- this could also be due to my going off of topamax that I was on for sleep issues (something like periodic limb movement disorder)migrainesconstipation- very unusual for me. I tend to be diarrhea prone ever since I got sick a couple of years ago. I currently take a few fiber capsules everyday because it helps with that, but I can't remember being constpiated as rountinely I have been for years. vision changes- my eyes used to be pretty steady- few changes in prescription, but lately my eyes seem to be getting worse. I keep holidng things closer and get headaches from reading. I have his this pair of glasses for not even a year. exhaustion- we are adjusting my sleep meds now, so that could be entirely to blame. But they don't seem to be as effective as they should be. sore throat- but as I was running a fever a couple of days ago, it could just be a bug.Changes in my period: I am on the nuva ring and it used to keep my periods regular, but these past few months I have noticed that my periods are getting further apart and lighter. I found that rather odd because before I went on birthcontrol a couple of years ago, my periods used to come more frequently than normal. I even asked the gynecologist Nurse Practitioner about it, but she said not to worry because it probably meant that my uterine lining was getting thicker.I have also read that low body temperature could be indicative of thyroid problems, but I have always had a low body temperature. If my temperature goes above 98.3 then I know something is off. I normally get as low as 96.something. I also have a history of depression. I have always been depressed and as long as I take my medication (cymbalta) I am fine. I have been a little anxious lately, but I think that is due to upcomming life changes (I graduate college next month and get married in August) rather than anything chemical.So while my test might be positive and that would be simple, I think there is also ample chance that my test could be negative because my body is very odd and illnesses don't like to show up on tests for me in any obvious ways.But I can't really think of anything other than hormones that this could be, or medication side effects.I eat enough protein and I take a daily multi vitamin. My diet hasn't changed so I find it strange that all of a sudden my hair and skin and nails should. So I was wondering if anyone had any idea about what tests other than the T3, T4 and TSH tend to be run with this sort of thing or if there is anything I could eat or try in order to help with all of this. I am trying to get more protein in because I was thinking that might help. Or any ideas on something else that could like the hypothyroid in terms of the symptoms?-Ata

[Guest guest]

oops.. kindly delete that post everyone.

RE: I think I might be hypothyroid- 22 year old female with FMS

I got my labs back and as my doctor says they are annoyingly normal. My TSH is 1.2 as is my free T4. So I guess I don’t have a thyroid issue. Everyone is pretty puzzled by this… I guess I will see a dermatologist next.

-Ata

From: The_Thyroid_Support_Group [mailto:The_Thyroid_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of topper2@...Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 6:01 AMTo: The_Thyroid_Support_Group Subject: Re: I think I might be hypothyroid- 22 year old female with FMS

High, Ata, welcome

Can you post your labs? the latest one or two... along with ranges... I'm wondering if they are misreading the labs and they are showing hypo but just don't understand the numbers... Your symptoms surely do sound hypo....

Topper ()

On Mon, 10 Apr 2006 09:05:16 -0000 "kyethra" writes:

Hello. I am Ata, a 22 year old female. I have had FMS for a little over two years now. I got sick following a high fever that left me feeling run down in December of 2003. A couple of months after that I got very ill- after over a month they discovered a large ovarian cyst. The cyst ruptered after a while and when it ruptered it caused nerve damage to a nerve ending in my abdominal wall. After that was diagnosed I was finally able to get treated with local injections. But even after the pain was taken care of I didn't get better like I was supposed which led to my FMS diagnosis in January of 2004.At first when I was ill doctors used to test my thyroid all the time because they suspected it of being underactive. My mother and grandmother had underactive thryoid, as does my aunt. I had one borderline reading, but after reapeated tests they stopped testing it.Latley I have been noticing some odd things going on with my body and my doctor said it sounded very much like underactive thyroid and ordered a blood test- I am still waiting on the results.My symptoms are as follows:Hair texture has changed. I used to have wavy hair all my life, but lately it seems to have straightened out. My scalp is also producing a lot less oil- now I wash it about twice a week, where before I would wash it every other day. My hair is also dry.Slow growth of body hair: This one I just noticed recently. My body hair is growing rather slowly. I shaved my legs two weeks ago- normally they would be pretty hairy by now, but they aren't even hairy enough to shave. They are still bare is most places. Dry and itchy skinBrittle nails: my nails keep breaking and splitting. I usually have long nails, but they are pretty short now due to all the breakings. I keep trying to file them nicely to prevent snags and putting strenghing stuff on, but so far they keep spliting. Acneweight gain- this could also be due to my going off of topamax that I was on for sleep issues (something like periodic limb movement disorder)migrainesconstipation- very unusual for me. I tend to be diarrhea prone ever since I got sick a couple of years ago. I currently take a few fiber capsules everyday because it helps with that, but I can't remember being constpiated as rountinely I have been for years. vision changes- my eyes used to be pretty steady- few changes in prescription, but lately my eyes seem to be getting worse. I keep holidng things closer and get headaches from reading. I have his this pair of glasses for not even a year. exhaustion- we are adjusting my sleep meds now, so that could be entirely to blame. But they don't seem to be as effective as they should be. sore throat- but as I was running a fever a couple of days ago, it could just be a bug.Changes in my period: I am on the nuva ring and it used to keep my periods regular, but these past few months I have noticed that my periods are getting further apart and lighter. I found that rather odd because before I went on birthcontrol a couple of years ago, my periods used to come more frequently than normal. I even asked the gynecologist Nurse Practitioner about it, but she said not to worry because it probably meant that my uterine lining was getting thicker.I have also read that low body temperature could be indicative of thyroid problems, but I have always had a low body temperature. If my temperature goes above 98.3 then I know something is off. I normally get as low as 96.something. I also have a history of depression. I have always been depressed and as long as I take my medication (cymbalta) I am fine. I have been a little anxious lately, but I think that is due to upcomming life changes (I graduate college next month and get married in August) rather than anything chemical.So while my test might be positive and that would be simple, I think there is also ample chance that my test could be negative because my body is very odd and illnesses don't like to show up on tests for me in any obvious ways.But I can't really think of anything other than hormones that this could be, or medication side effects.I eat enough protein and I take a daily multi vitamin. My diet hasn't changed so I find it strange that all of a sudden my hair and skin and nails should. So I was wondering if anyone had any idea about what tests other than the T3, T4 and TSH tend to be run with this sort of thing or if there is anything I could eat or try in order to help with all of this. I am trying to get more protein in because I was thinking that might help. Or any ideas on something else that could like the hypothyroid in terms of the symptoms?-Ata

[Guest guest]

I didn’t have those taken.

-Ata

My range on the TSH is .4-4 and on the

Free T4 it is .8-1.

From:

The_Thyroid_Support_Group

[mailto:The_Thyroid_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of medstudent2be

Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 9:09

AM

To:

The_Thyroid_Support_Group

Subject: Re:

I think I might be hypothyroid- 22 year old female with FMS

What are your free

t3 levels and regular t3 and t4 levels?

Re:

I think I might be hypothyroid- 22 year old female

with FMS

High, Ata, welcome

Can you post your labs? the latest one or two...

along with ranges... I'm wondering if they are misreading the labs and they are

showing hypo but just don't understand the numbers... Your symptoms surely do

sound hypo....

Topper ()

On Mon, 10 Apr 2006 09:05:16 -0000 " kyethra "

writes:

Hello. I am Ata, a 22

year old female. I have had FMS for a little

over two years now. I got sick following a

high fever that left me

feeling run down in December of 2003. A couple

of months after that

I got very ill- after over a month they discovered

a large ovarian

cyst. The cyst ruptered after a while and

when it ruptered it

caused nerve damage to a nerve ending in my

abdominal wall. After

that was diagnosed I was finally able to get

treated with local

injections. But even after the pain was

taken care of I didn't get

better like I was supposed which led to my FMS

diagnosis in January

of 2004.

At first when I was ill doctors used to test my

thyroid all the time

because they suspected it of being

underactive. My mother and

grandmother had underactive thryoid, as does my

aunt. I had one

borderline reading, but after reapeated tests they

stopped testing

it.

Latley I have been noticing some odd things going

on with my body

and my doctor said it sounded very much like

underactive thyroid and

ordered a blood test- I am still waiting on the

results.

My symptoms are as follows:

Hair texture has changed. I used to have

wavy hair all my life, but

lately it seems to have straightened out. My

scalp is also

producing a lot less oil- now I wash it about

twice a week, where

before I would wash it every other day. My

hair is also dry.

Slow growth of body hair: This one I just

noticed recently. My

body hair is growing rather slowly. I shaved

my legs two weeks ago-

normally they would be pretty hairy by now, but

they aren't even

hairy enough to shave. They are still bare

is most places.

Dry and itchy skin

Brittle nails: my nails keep breaking and

splitting. I usually have

long nails, but they are pretty short now due to

all the breakings.

I keep trying to file them nicely to prevent snags

and putting

strenghing stuff on, but so far they keep

spliting.

Acne

weight gain- this could also be due to my going

off of topamax that

I was on for sleep issues (something like periodic

limb movement

disorder)

migraines

constipation- very unusual for me. I tend to

be diarrhea prone ever

since I got sick a couple of years ago. I

currently take a few

fiber capsules everyday because it helps with

that, but I can't

remember being constpiated as rountinely I have

been for years.

vision changes- my eyes used to be pretty steady-

few changes in

prescription, but lately my eyes seem to be

getting worse. I keep

holidng things closer and get headaches from

reading. I have his

this pair of glasses for not even a year.

exhaustion- we are adjusting my sleep meds now, so

that could be

entirely to blame. But they don't seem to be as

effective as they

should be.

sore throat- but as I was running a fever a couple

of days ago, it

could just be a bug.

Changes in my period: I am on the nuva ring and it

used to keep my

periods regular, but these past few months I have

noticed that my

periods are getting further apart and

lighter. I found that rather

odd because before I went on birthcontrol a couple

of years ago, my

periods used to come more frequently than

normal. I even asked the

gynecologist Nurse Practitioner about it, but she

said not to worry

because it probably meant that my uterine lining

was getting thicker.

I have also read that low body temperature could

be indicative of

thyroid problems, but I have always had a low body

temperature. If

my temperature goes above 98.3 then I know

something is off. I

normally get as low as 96.something.

I also have a history of depression. I have

always been depressed

and as long as I take my medication (cymbalta) I

am fine. I have

been a little anxious lately, but I think that is

due to upcomming

life changes (I graduate college next month and

get married in

August) rather than anything chemical.

So while my test might be positive and that would

be simple, I think

there is also ample chance that my test could be

negative because my

body is very odd and illnesses don't like to show

up on tests for me

in any obvious ways.

But I can't really think of anything other than

hormones that this

could be, or medication side effects.

I eat enough protein and I take a daily multi

vitamin. My diet

hasn't changed so I find it strange that all of a

sudden my hair and

skin and nails should.

So I was wondering if anyone had any idea about

what tests other

than the T3, T4 and TSH tend to be run with this

sort of thing or if

there is anything I could eat or try in order to

help with all of

this. I am trying to get more protein in

because I was thinking

that might help. Or any ideas on something

else that could like the

hypothyroid in terms of the symptoms?

-Ata

[Guest guest]

You may want to talk to your doc about having them taken. It will help you figure out how you are converting your thyroid hormones and if you have a conversion problem, what you and your doctors can do about it.

-med.

RE: I think I might be hypothyroid- 22 year old female with FMS

I got my labs back and as my doctor says they are annoyingly normal. My TSH is 1.2 as is my free T4. So I guess I don’t have a thyroid issue. Everyone is pretty puzzled by this… I guess I will see a dermatologist next.

-Ata

From: The_Thyroid_Support_Group [mailto:The_Thyroid_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of topper2@...Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 6:01 AMTo: The_Thyroid_Support_Group Subject: Re: I think I might be hypothyroid- 22 year old female with FMS

High, Ata, welcome

Can you post your labs? the latest one or two... along with ranges... I'm wondering if they are misreading the labs and they are showing hypo but just don't understand the numbers... Your symptoms surely do sound hypo....

Topper ()

On Mon, 10 Apr 2006 09:05:16 -0000 "kyethra" writes:

Hello. I am Ata, a 22 year old female. I have had FMS for a little over two years now. I got sick following a high fever that left me feeling run down in December of 2003. A couple of months after that I got very ill- after over a month they discovered a large ovarian cyst. The cyst ruptered after a while and when it ruptered it caused nerve damage to a nerve ending in my abdominal wall. After that was diagnosed I was finally able to get treated with local injections. But even after the pain was taken care of I didn't get better like I was supposed which led to my FMS diagnosis in January of 2004.At first when I was ill doctors used to test my thyroid all the time because they suspected it of being underactive. My mother and grandmother had underactive thryoid, as does my aunt. I had one borderline reading, but after reapeated tests they stopped testing it.Latley I have been noticing some odd things going on with my body and my doctor said it sounded very much like underactive thyroid and ordered a blood test- I am still waiting on the results.My symptoms are as follows:Hair texture has changed. I used to have wavy hair all my life, but lately it seems to have straightened out. My scalp is also producing a lot less oil- now I wash it about twice a week, where before I would wash it every other day. My hair is also dry.Slow growth of body hair: This one I just noticed recently. My body hair is growing rather slowly. I shaved my legs two weeks ago- normally they would be pretty hairy by now, but they aren't even hairy enough to shave. They are still bare is most places. Dry and itchy skinBrittle nails: my nails keep breaking and splitting. I usually have long nails, but they are pretty short now due to all the breakings. I keep trying to file them nicely to prevent snags and putting strenghing stuff on, but so far they keep spliting. Acneweight gain- this could also be due to my going off of topamax that I was on for sleep issues (something like periodic limb movement disorder)migrainesconstipation- very unusual for me. I tend to be diarrhea prone ever since I got sick a couple of years ago. I currently take a few fiber capsules everyday because it helps with that, but I can't remember being constpiated as rountinely I have been for years. vision changes- my eyes used to be pretty steady- few changes in prescription, but lately my eyes seem to be getting worse. I keep holidng things closer and get headaches from reading. I have his this pair of glasses for not even a year. exhaustion- we are adjusting my sleep meds now, so that could be entirely to blame. But they don't seem to be as effective as they should be. sore throat- but as I was running a fever a couple of days ago, it could just be a bug.Changes in my period: I am on the nuva ring and it used to keep my periods regular, but these past few months I have noticed that my periods are getting further apart and lighter. I found that rather odd because before I went on birthcontrol a couple of years ago, my periods used to come more frequently than normal. I even asked the gynecologist Nurse Practitioner about it, but she said not to worry because it probably meant that my uterine lining was getting thicker.I have also read that low body temperature could be indicative of thyroid problems, but I have always had a low body temperature. If my temperature goes above 98.3 then I know something is off. I normally get as low as 96.something. I also have a history of depression. I have always been depressed and as long as I take my medication (cymbalta) I am fine. I have been a little anxious lately, but I think that is due to upcomming life changes (I graduate college next month and get married in August) rather than anything chemical.So while my test might be positive and that would be simple, I think there is also ample chance that my test could be negative because my body is very odd and illnesses don't like to show up on tests for me in any obvious ways.But I can't really think of anything other than hormones that this could be, or medication side effects.I eat enough protein and I take a daily multi vitamin. My diet hasn't changed so I find it strange that all of a sudden my hair and skin and nails should. So I was wondering if anyone had any idea about what tests other than the T3, T4 and TSH tend to be run with this sort of thing or if there is anything I could eat or try in order to help with all of this. I am trying to get more protein in because I was thinking that might help. Or any ideas on something else that could like the hypothyroid in terms of the symptoms?-Ata

[Guest guest]

Ata, dear, I'm glad to see you came to the group. If these guys

can't help you, then probably no one can - LoL.

Ami

>

> Hello. I am Ata, a 22 year old female. I have had FMS for a

little

> over two years now. I got sick following a high fever that left

me

> feeling run down in December of 2003. A couple of months after

that

> I got very ill- after over a month they discovered a large ovarian

> cyst. The cyst ruptered after a while and when it ruptered it

> caused nerve damage to a nerve ending in my abdominal wall. After

> that was diagnosed I was finally able to get treated with local

> injections. But even after the pain was taken care of I didn't

get

> better like I was supposed which led to my FMS diagnosis in

January

> of 2004.

>

> At first when I was ill doctors used to test my thyroid all the

time

> because they suspected it of being underactive. My mother and

> grandmother had underactive thryoid, as does my aunt. I had one

> borderline reading, but after reapeated tests they stopped testing

> it.

>

> Latley I have been noticing some odd things going on with my body

> and my doctor said it sounded very much like underactive thyroid

and

> ordered a blood test- I am still waiting on the results.

>

> My symptoms are as follows:

>

> Hair texture has changed. I used to have wavy hair all my life,

but

> lately it seems to have straightened out. My scalp is also

> producing a lot less oil- now I wash it about twice a week, where

> before I would wash it every other day. My hair is also dry.

>

> Slow growth of body hair: This one I just noticed recently. My

> body hair is growing rather slowly. I shaved my legs two weeks

ago-

> normally they would be pretty hairy by now, but they aren't even

> hairy enough to shave. They are still bare is most places.

>

> Dry and itchy skin

>

> Brittle nails: my nails keep breaking and splitting. I usually

have

> long nails, but they are pretty short now due to all the

breakings.

> I keep trying to file them nicely to prevent snags and putting

> strenghing stuff on, but so far they keep spliting.

>

> Acne

>

> weight gain- this could also be due to my going off of topamax

that

> I was on for sleep issues (something like periodic limb movement

> disorder)

>

> migraines

>

> constipation- very unusual for me. I tend to be diarrhea prone

ever

> since I got sick a couple of years ago. I currently take a few

> fiber capsules everyday because it helps with that, but I can't

> remember being constpiated as rountinely I have been for years.

>

> vision changes- my eyes used to be pretty steady- few changes in

> prescription, but lately my eyes seem to be getting worse. I keep

> holidng things closer and get headaches from reading. I have his

> this pair of glasses for not even a year.

>

> exhaustion- we are adjusting my sleep meds now, so that could be

> entirely to blame. But they don't seem to be as effective as they

> should be.

>

> sore throat- but as I was running a fever a couple of days ago, it

> could just be a bug.

>

> Changes in my period: I am on the nuva ring and it used to keep my

> periods regular, but these past few months I have noticed that my

> periods are getting further apart and lighter. I found that

rather

> odd because before I went on birthcontrol a couple of years ago,

my

> periods used to come more frequently than normal. I even asked

the

> gynecologist Nurse Practitioner about it, but she said not to

worry

> because it probably meant that my uterine lining was getting

thicker.

>

> I have also read that low body temperature could be indicative of

> thyroid problems, but I have always had a low body temperature.

If

> my temperature goes above 98.3 then I know something is off. I

> normally get as low as 96.something.

>

> I also have a history of depression. I have always been depressed

> and as long as I take my medication (cymbalta) I am fine. I have

> been a little anxious lately, but I think that is due to upcomming

> life changes (I graduate college next month and get married in

> August) rather than anything chemical.

>

> So while my test might be positive and that would be simple, I

think

> there is also ample chance that my test could be negative because

my

> body is very odd and illnesses don't like to show up on tests for

me

> in any obvious ways.

>

> But I can't really think of anything other than hormones that this

> could be, or medication side effects.

>

> I eat enough protein and I take a daily multi vitamin. My diet

> hasn't changed so I find it strange that all of a sudden my hair

and

> skin and nails should.

>

> So I was wondering if anyone had any idea about what tests other

> than the T3, T4 and TSH tend to be run with this sort of thing or

if

> there is anything I could eat or try in order to help with all of

> this. I am trying to get more protein in because I was thinking

> that might help. Or any ideas on something else that could like

the

> hypothyroid in terms of the symptoms?

>

> -Ata

>