Thyroid Question

I had my TAH-BSO in the summer of 2010, and I do not take hormones at all because they intensify my hot flashes, hand/foot burning and pain in my small joints, freezing cold hands, and tightness in my muscles. These are new symptoms since my hysterectomy, but the HRT makes them much worse. I also have a second frozen shoulder, and my hair falls out. My extensive thyroid tests have all been in normal range, even the Hashimoto's. My last level was checked in July. I continue to decline and feel terrible. Every time I describe my symptoms to one of the many docs I see, they all think "thyroid", but my levels have looked good. I am wondering if it takes a while for thyroid levels to coincide with how awful you feel? I am ready to push for a low level of thyroid while being monitored, just to see if it helps me! I am exhausted, weak, can't think straight, and I am no longer who I used to be!

Anyone with a thyroid imbalance that took a while to figure out? Or am I reaching too far? I am so frustrated and don't want an antidepressant slapped on me because they don't know what to do with me! I would rather get to the root before a cover-all treatment is given to me.

(((Joy61))) When you tried HRT, what did you try and how long did you give it? Many times when we start a new HRT, the sudden change can cause worsened or different symptoms, but after a while they fade away.

Have your DRs considered that you may have an autoimmune problem that is triggered by changes in hormone levels, rather than a thyroid problem?

s,
-Linda

Hi Joy, I'm so sorry to hear how awful you feel. I just wanted to chime and say that I felt terrible right after my surgery and went not quite 3 months without HRT. When I finally started I wasn't sure if it was going to help as it took a long time. My neck and joints were pretty sore. Anyway, with time things got a lot better. I did end up increasing my patch strength twice and I now feel pretty darn good. But, it took time. I also had my shoulder freeze almost a year post op. That is so painful and I sure hope it doesn't happen again! Have they tried a cortisone injection? It really helped me as did PT. Good luck!

I have had thyroid issues prior to my hysterectomy. When I first went in for symptoms they thought thyroid but my blood work showed levels within the normal range. So after almost a year of other tests they redid my thyroid bloodwork and it was off the charts. so yes it is possible to have symptoms and still have levels within the normal range. particularly if you are close to the edge of the normal range I would encourage you to pursue it with your doctor

Thyroid levels are normal within a wide range. Even if you are in the normal range, you might feel much better if they increase your dose or start you on a small dose.

It's important to keep you in the normal range, but they could totally play with the range and get you nearer to the high end of the range and see if you feel better.

I was in the normal range, and I didn't feel better till I went in to the higher range. My first doctor is now fired because she dismissed my fatigue as depression, tellng me my thyroid was in the normal range. I switched providers, got an increase, and am finally awake enough all the other miserable symptoms have disappeared.

I'm wondering if you don't need to see a new provider. Yours isn't doing much for you. You have lots and lots of thyroid symptoms. It makes sense to start there.

I had my complete hysterectomy back in March, and I have been wondering about my thyroid as well. One of the reasons I've not gone to the doc was I just figured I would test "normal" and what would be the point in having the blood draw?

But my other problem is weight gain, I am now seriously wondering if I have a low thyroid (metabolism). I do work out, I do record what I eat, I do make sure to drink a lot of water (at least 8 glasses of water a day) and yet my clothes don't fit any better (still snug or uncomfortable) and my chest has grown a full cup or more.

I'm at a complete loss.

I hope we both get answers we are hoping for.

This is way out of left field - but have either of you ladies with these problems been recently tested for diabetes? If not .. maybe consider it? Thyroid and type 2 diabetes symptoms are often similar and/or related.

Just a thought... and I hope you both get some answers soon.



Tori

no I've not been tested for diabetes 2

Thanks, ladies, for all of the replies. I have been tested for diabetes, and so far, so good. Saw my endo today and tried to hold it together but got tearful anyway. I hate that!! I've done so much research on thyroid and wanted to have an intelligent discussion about possibly needing to balance my thyroid according to MY body's needs, but he said "no." He isn't looking deep enough and at my entire circle of symptoms to come to any conclusions. I left there feeling like an idiot and so upset. So now I am back to square one and am just trying to find someone who will help me. I tried various strengths of HRT compounds for 8 months and continued to decline. I have read Elizabeth Vliet's book and also have read a lot of Mary Shomon's info about thyroid, specifically her interviews with Drs. Shame (husband-wife team who specialize in thyroid)--really good info for those struggling with thyroid or if you have questions about the possibility of having thyroid imbalance. Of particular interest to me was their discussion of estrogen causing more intensified hot flashes if thyroid is not balanced, and how oftentimes physicians think HRT is the answer for everything menopausal when it's the thyroid that needs balancing first. Sometimes balancing thyroid takes care of other symptoms, or at least makes them more gradual and tolerable.

Anyway, I don't know that it's my thyroid that's causing me fits, but I do know it's something, and I need to get to the bottom of it so I can live again. I did not appreciate the conclusion of Wellbutrin and NSAIDs by this doc!

Thanks again, ladies!

@Joy61 have you thought to inquire with a naturopath? That may be the better route to go.

I am sorry to hear how frustrated you, if it were me I would be as well.