THYROID DISEASE

Read and learn more about thyroid gland problems. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: thyroid gland problems….?urgent ! please ,only serious answers.?
after 3 months of so many problems and symptoms that made hell of my dayly life, all the blood results were almost perfect.
except, only one element for the thyroid gland (normal is from 1 to 5 , and mine was 9,8 ) …so i am waiting to see a specialist and get an ultrasound and check the tests all over again.
my symptoms are really terrible: from being anxious at times, variations of blood pressure, tachicardia at times,almost all the time chest pain and bronho spasms,tremor,redness of the skin that migrates from one spot to another,some problems with eyes,and many other stuff…

and one special thing : i am feeling sexual arousal as one of the symptoms as well .(and trust me ,its not feeling good to be “on the edge” almost all day ,for so many days. not pleasant at all).
but i am not sure that this particular change in libido can be really related to the thyroid . if you know for sure to tell me can that symptom can be related to hyperthyroid ,please let me know by your answer.
for now i do know that it is a thyroid case. (i am 29 by the way ,and i have quite of knowledge about medicine in general, but not about this particular question regarding the possibility of overcharged libido in thyroid. yeah, logically it can be ,because the hormones are in the game, but yet i haven’t found that that particular symptom can be related with thyroid) . just hope that it is not becaouse of some stupid ,uneducated people whould have hide the libido changes or sexual arousal as a symptom , out of being shy!!???
i am confused , couse i know it cannot be that only i feel that symptom and no one before me ! and again , if there is cases like mine , how comes that is not eay to find it among the other symptoms connected with thyroid.)
so, please, if u can get the information ,i’d be thatnful.
for everything else , i already know. however, i appreciate all your anwers .

A: This is the best I could find
HyperthyroidismFont SizeA A A Symptoms
You may have hyperthyroidism if you:

Feel nervous, moody, weak, or tired.
Have hand tremors; have a fast or irregular heartbeat; or have trouble breathing, even when you are resting.
Sweat a lot, and have warm, red skin that may be itchy.
Have frequent and sometimes loose bowel movements.
Have fine, soft hair that is falling out.
Lose weight even though you are eating normally or more than usual.
In addition, some women have irregular menstrual cycles or stop having periods altogether, and some men may develop enlarged breasts.

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are not the same for everyone. Your symptoms will depend on how much hormone your thyroid gland is making, how long you have had the condition, and your age. If you are older, it’s easy to mistakenly dismiss your symptoms as normal signs of aging.

Specific symptoms of Graves’ disease
People with Graves’ disease often have additional symptoms, including:

Goiter, which is an enlarged, painless, soft thyroid.
Thickened nails that lift off the nail beds.
Myxedema, which is lumpy, reddish, thick skin on the front of the shins and sometimes on top of the feet.
Clubbing (fingers with wide tips).
Graves’ ophthalmopathy, which causes bulging, reddened eyes, among other symptoms.
Complications
Graves’ ophthalmopathy is a frequent complication of hyperthyroidism. It can develop before, after, or at the same time as your symptoms of hyperthyroidism. People with Graves’ ophthalmopathy develop eye problems, including bulging, reddened eyes, sensitivity to light, and blurring or double vision. People who smoke are more likely to develop Graves’ ophthalmopathy.

If you have Graves’ ophthalmopathy, it may temporarily get worse if you have radioactive iodine treatment. On the other hand, it may get better if you take antithyroid medication.

If you do not treat your hyperthyroidism, you may:

Lose weight because your body’s metabolism is faster.
Have heart problems such as rapid heart rate, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure.
Have trouble replacing calcium and other minerals in your bones, which can lead to osteoporosis.
In rare cases, hyperthyroidism can cause a life-threatening condition called thyroid storm, which develops when the thyroid gland releases large amounts of thyroid hormones in a short period of time. Thyroid storm usually happens after you have had a serious infection or you have had a lot of stress in your life.

Q: Anyone had problems with their thyroid gland? what were your symptoms?
I went to the doctor and told her that my neck sometimes got a bit swollen. She checked it out and at first glance she said I might have a thyroid problem and possibly a goiter. I took the blood test and everything came back normal. I was wondering what were some of the symptoms of someone who has had it. Could it be that there is something wrong but not noticable yet? Some of the things that I have been experiencing is persistant nausea, breathing problem which is not caused by asthma, and some more than usual hair loss. Is this something that could be related? Any information would help. Thanks.

A: Yes, the symptoms you describe sound like a thyroid problem. There are two types of thyroid problems: hyperthryoidism (when your thyroid gland is overactive–producing too much thyroid hormones) and hypothyroidism (when your thyroid gland is underactive). Both have symptoms of goiter. Goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland that can interfere with swallowing, breathing and may cause swelling in the neck. More oftenly, it is associated with hyperthyroidism. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: weight loss, increased anxiety, increased heart rate, increased appetite, fatigue, hair loss, nausea/vomiting, and many others, including menstrual irregularities.

Hyperthyroidism is very common in young women, and can be easily treated. According to the symptoms you describe, it sounds like you may have hyperthyroidism. I would go see a different doctor (possibly an endocrinologist) who can do a more thorough test on you to see if indeed you have hyperthyroidism. Lab tests can be normal and you can still have a thyroid problem. That’s why it’s better to see someone who specializes in it. Good luck!

Q: what kinds of problems can occur when the thyroid gland doesn’t work properly?
Both my mom and nana have problems and I got a txt to my phone saying that if you notice an increase in hair lose to get your thyroid checked. My hair has been falling out like there’s no tomorrow. Please, could you give my any info on possible thyroid problems or anything on the thyroid like what it does and what hormones it sends out and what those hormones do? Thanks in advance

A: The thyroid is an endocrine gland which sits in front of your larynx in your throat. It secretes two different hormones, T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) which are responsible for regulating your body’s metabolism and controlling how quickly reactions in your body happen. They are the nerve centre you could say. It’s from these hormones that your body gets the messages to burn energy and regulate your metabolism. So the thyroid, as small as it is, is responsible for how efficiently your body burns fat, for how much you weigh and for how much you sleep.

So when your thyroid stops functioning well, your metabolism slows down, the weight gain starts and the other symptoms of hypothyroidism start to reveal themselves.The symtoms are pretty frustrating:
weight gain
hair loss
dry skin
aching limbs
cold hands and feet
memory fogginess
depression
infertility

If your mum and nana both have it then there is a higher chance that you too will inherit it so you should see your doctor for a blood test if the symptoms continue and you can get some meds to help you feel OK again.

Q: thyroid gland…..?
i have been told by my GP that i might have a problem with my thyroid gland (i am goin for more tests at the end of the month), but 2 days ago i woke up with a swelling around the bottom of my neck, it goes from 1 side to the other, and it hasnt seemed to have got smaller.

my question is for people who have, or no of this thyroid problem, if you think this could have anything to do with my gland, i think i have got a problem with it because i am tired all the time and lathargic but i would just like some information about this swelling of my neck.

thank you in advance.

A: I have hypothyroidism. (Underactive thyroid). I take medicine every day for this. What you are explaining is called a goiter. Although I have never had a goiter, I have had every single symptom (except the weight gain). I completely understand the fatigue. Like someone hit you with their car? If it hasn’t gotten that bad yet, believe me, it will. Your goiter can mean you either have hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid), hypo (too little thyroid), or it can possibly mean your thyroid gland is working fine and something else is causing the goiter. Since you are really tired, I am thinking you have hypothyroidism. You must ask yourself if you are more cold than everyone, (feeling chilled to the bone?), have trouble waking in the morning? dry skin? dry hair? hair loss? changes in hair? depression? heavy feeling in legs? poor circulation? cold extremities? Were your symptoms slow and almost unnoticeable, then became quite a problem very fast? Any unexplained weight gain or problems losing weight? If you are female (sorry, I can’t see your name or profile right now), any heavy periods or your symptoms seem much worse during that time of the month? If your thyroid gland isn’t working properly, you need the care of a doctor now. It will only get worse as time goes by. If you are diagnosed with this and want to talk, feel free to email me.

Q: Can speech problems be associated with the thyroid gland?
My son has apraxia of speech &I was wondering if it could be linked with thyroid?

A: http://www.lycos.com/info/hypothyroidism–infants.html

Infants with hypothyroidism are usually identified through testing after birth. This is important, because if hypothyroidism is not corrected, a child could have mental slowness or retardation problems and not grow to a normal height.

Q: Does your thyroid gland have to be swollen for you to have a thyroid problem?
I have all of the symptoms of a thyroid problem except a swollen thyroid gland. So does it sound like I have a thyroid problem or does it sound like a different problem?

A: No, it does NOT have to be swollen and you should NOT be diagnosed on a thyroid blood panel only! Especially if the doc only blood tests for TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). If he/she does then run do not walk from their office. TSH is your body’s thermostat which is secreted by your Pituitary Gland.

I learned the hard way from experience and now due to doctor’s misconceptions I had to have my thyroid surgically removed. I missed thyroid cancer by a hair width. I will be taking 2 pills 3 times per day for the rest of my life because of doctors solely relying on blood tests. I had a sub-clinical thyroid condition (meaning blood tests within the normal to low normal range) which later resulted in a autoimmune disease thyroid condition. I should have been diagnosed based on symptoms, but it takes a doc with a lot of knowledge to think outside the 4-corners of their medical textbook and guts too. My symptoms began 15 years ago and it took 15 years to hit rock bottom for my disease to surface on blood tests but then it became an autoimmune disease and was TOO LATE. Autoimmune disease is where your immune system turns against you and it begins to attack your body.

Also, I found that specialists such as Endocrinologists were the least informed. I found that they were quick to push mental health drugs treating only the symptoms and not getting to the root of the real problem. Go to the library and SELF-EDUCATE, read all books by patient advocate Mary J. Shomon, Doctors Ridha Ahrem and Steven F. Hotze. Once you learn just how important the thyroid is to your body’s well being and how it functions, then you will be able to connect the dots. You know your body better than anyone.

If you can remember one key important fact which is that some/most doctors medicate using the T-4 hormone (a thyroid pro-hormone) only, but a patient’s problem could lie with the assimilation of the T-3 hormone (the thyroids active hormone). After T-4 enters cells it must be converted into T-3 which is the active active form of thyroid hormone (active OUTSIDE of your blood stream) it is what effects your mental health (depression), memory, fatigue, body temperature, muscle strength, cholesterol level, weight, hair, skin, nails, etc. A complete hormone panel is key too (estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol,melatonin). I prefer hormone testing using saliva over blood, which unfortunately, the majority of insurance plans do not cover. I feel it is money well spent.

Good Luck and Be Well.

Q: Are There Any Warning Signs Of Thyroid Problems That Don’t Require A Blood Test?
My mom has had thyroid problems (it eventually had to be removed), and I would like to recognize any problems before they get too advanced, preferably without having to get a blood test every few months for it.

I know the thyroid gland regulates like temperature and mood, how could I isolate any problems caused by my thyroid?

A: Symptoms can vary:
For hypothyroid: Fatigue; depression; hair loss; dry skin; paleness; lowered temperature; sensitivity; sluggishness; constipation; hoarse voice; puffy face; unexplained weight gain; heavier than normal menstruation; swelling in extremities; joint & muscle pain & stiffness; etc.

For Hyperthyroid: Goiter (a bulge on side of neck when thyroid is swollen); weight loss even while eating normally; anxiety; jitteryness; increased appetite; rapid heartbeat; difficulty sleeping; fatigue; sweating; sensitivity to heat; frequent bowel movements; etc.

Symptoms often first appear as something else.

Google: mayo clinic>>diseases>>hypothyroidism
>>hyperthyroidism

You probably only need a blood test 2X/year.

Good luck

Q: can taking amphetamines cause problems with your thyroid gland?

A: Not unless you already have a thyroid problem. But why did you put this question under the Cancer health conditions category?

Take care!
Kali
Nurse Practitioner

Q: can a injured thyroid gland cause memory problems?

A: I think it’s mostly emotional control – but I could be wrong. Try Google, look up thyroid. Good luck.

Q: a thyroid gland problem?
Hiya folks

For the last while i have been having a few problems with the thyroid gland. I have a low thyroid gland and i have been taking extrolin. Now the thing is i have had a few fainting spells just mainly at home but i am really scared to go out juust in case if it happens when i am out and about.

I have seen my GP about this and she more or less said take it easy. but i am concerned that i might faint outside what should i do
debs my GP wasnt helpful and she did knock my confidence in the health system quite a lot.

A: If you thyroid levels have been checked recently proving your levothyroxine replacement is appropriate, then your fainting should not be linked with your thyroid problem.

Lol, I am afraid GPs saying ‘Take it easy’ to patients belongs in a 1920s novel rather than modern practice. Either you have an identifiable medical condition or you don’t! After investigation you should either be given appropriate management for your condition, or reassured following exclusion, that you don’t have a significant medical issue.

Find a GP who has at least entered the 21st century.

Q: Are there any people out there ever had problems with their “Thyroid” gland?
I have to see a consultant soon as I have a small “nodule” below windpipe which is quite painful at the moment.

A: Apparently about one third of Americans has some sort of thyroid problem. I have Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Check Mary J. Shomon’s thyroid website and books. (My cancer was all over in there and never hurt.) Don’t worry now, get informed!!!

About.com thyroid disease

Q: How problems relating to the thyroid gland effect? ?

A: It can leas to cancer as well and this has happened to one of my relatives recently.She used to skip the prescribed medicine frequently.I am not a doctor I am just sharing with you as to what the doctor had said.

Q: I recently underwent an ultra-sound of my thyroid gland and it was quite painful. Is this normal?
The ultra sound was done on my neck. The center and the right side was more painful than my left side. Is this a symptom of thyroid problems?

A: Hi Meyling M, Good luck with your thyroid. First thing is, I assume you were either having some issues – or possibly had a check up and your doctor felt your thyroid may be enlarged in order for him/her to order an ultrasound. If its enlarged it may be tender.

My younger sister had thyroid cancer so I have to have my thyroid ultra sounded yearly. I have never experienced true ‘pain’ but it can definitely be uncomfortable and unpleasant. I think sometimes the tech really needs to push on areas to get a clear reading.

Did they do some blood tests as well? My thyroid is abnormally shaped and has cysts on it but because it is functioning properly (normal blood tests) they just continue to watch it. If you DO have a problem- please stay on top of it. It is AMAZING how much the thyroid has a hand in!

If it’s something serious (like cancer-God forbid) they simply remove it and give you radiation (I’m sure all patients are different). If you have it removed you have to stay on medication for your life and it takes some time to adjust but thyroid cancer is very rarely life threatening (so they tell me). If you end up having problems, and want someone to talk to that has first hand experience- let me know and I can get you in touch with my sister. She’s very knowledgeable (and sweet) First star I see tonight I will wish on that yours is normal. Take care!

Q: Has anyone’s dog ever experienced thyroid problems?
Canines, as well as people have a thyroid gland. When a dog’s thyroid is underactive it is referred to as “Hypothyroidism.”

If you have been thru this with your pet, I am interested in knowing what sorts of symptoms your dog had and how the problem was resolved.

A: I had an Italian Greyhound with this.
Bad coat/hair loss, eye problems, loss of energy…………..a pill a day and the problem was taken care of.
Relatively cheap and she lived another 8 years and passed with unrelated condition at age 15.

Q: A thyroid gland problem can anybody help?
I had my thyroid hormones checked.
TSH and T4 results are in normal parameters while my T3 result is below normal(low).
What does it mean?
Does it mean I have hypothyroid or hyperthyroid?
I’d be very glad if you could help.Thanks…

A: Do you happen to know what the TSH was? If it’s over 2.0 with a low T3 then you are hypothyroid. Make sure if you go thyroid medication that it’s a T4/T3 med. Most thyroid meds are only T4.