THYROID DISEASE

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

Q: Can low thyroid hormone symptoms like hair loss be reversed?
I’m a 19 year old guy, I recently found out that I have a low thyroid hormone level and I’ve had the symptom of hair loss for more than 3 years now, but it’s really starting to show now. Can it be reversed once I start taking the hormone pill that my doctor prescribed to me?

A: If the hair loss is indeed due to low thyroid (hypothyroidism), then yes, it can reverse when you take prescribed replacement therapy.

Q: Have all the symptoms of low thyroid but my blood test was normal?
Can anyone relate to this? I have many of the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism but I don’t have low thyroid. I just got the call that my blood test showed normal. I have been living with these awful symptoms for two years now, what do I do now?
Thank you everyone for your responses, very helpful. My symptoms are: very bad muscle aches, headaches, cold intolerance, memory problems, FATIGUE, concentration problems, dry skin, dry hair, low sex drive, and some others I can’t think of because of memory problems

A: What are the symptoms? Are you seeing a proper endocrinologist, or just a regular physician? They’ve narrowed the range that is “normal” so your doctor might be looking at the old range. They’re much more aggressive with treating thyroid. (I take thyroid meds and I never had symptoms, it was because of my blood test). Be AGGRESSIVE with your doctor — YOU are the client, remember!

Hypothyroidism

Clinically apparent hypothyroidism usually warrants treatment. In case the hypothyroidism is due to dietary minerals and iodine, supplementation with these may obviate the need for hormonal treatment, but only if iodine deficiency has been documented, which is very rare in the Western world. Whilst subclinical hypothyroidism is thought to have long-term consequences, such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease risks,[1] there is no current consensus as to the benefits of treatment in this group.[2][3]

Treatment is usually with levothyroxine (starting at 50 μg/day), a synthetic thyroxine analogue. There is no evidence suggesting that there is any need to substitute T3 as well.[4][5]

Symptoms as well as TSH levels are used to monitor effect of substitution; a high TSH level suggests treatment is not yet adequate and that dose adjustments are necessary. A low (“suppressed”) TSH may indicate the dose is too high. Some patients prefer a pig thyroid extract, natural desiccated thyroid hormones, which contains T3 as well as T4 and traces of T2, T1 and calcitonin.

Q: Does anyone know of a disease/condition that has the same symptoms as low thyroid, but isn’t low thyroid?
During the last two years I have been tested for low thyroid on several occasions, but my blood work keeps coming back normal. During the last few months I have felt worse and my doctor tested me for low thyroid again, but it came back normal. I have also been tested for diabetes and that has come back normal too. My symptoms are that I’m always tired, forgetful, have a hard time concentrating, losing/thinning hair, cold hands & feet, dry skin, “cloudy” thinking, unpredictable periods with bad cramps, etc. What do you think is wrong with me?? I feel like I’m going crazy because it’s been two years without any answer. Thanks!

A: Have your doctor order a special thyroid test that measure the amount of T3 vs the amount of reverse T3 in your thyroid panel. This is important because MOST hypothyroidism actually occurs with the patient having normal thyroid levels. The problem here is one of the most important of the thyroid hormones is not biologically active. T3 and reverse T3 are exactly the same chemically. A normal thryroid test that measure T3 can’t tell the difference. However, normal T3 is biologically active while it’s isomer (an isomer is the name of a molecule that, while the same chemically, is actually shaped slightly differently), reverse T3 has very little biological activity.

Anyway, if you have that test done (all standard labs do this test nowadays….exactly for the reason I just mentioned) and you have lots of reverse T3 and very little normal T3, that is the problem. There’s actually a way to stimulate your thyroid into fixing this problem involving the use of synthroid, but I don’t know much about it. Consult and endocrinologist.

BTW, this sort of thing tends to present in women after they have their first child. Reverse T3 is something your body makes when under stress in order to slow down processes and conserve energy.

Be sure to read the information at this website:

http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/

Q: With low thyroid in a human, what actual symptoms would one feel?
My dog has low thyroid and I was just wondering what he felt. The vet was amazed at the results of several blood tests, because he didn’t exhibit the typical signs of lethargy and obesity.

A: In humans, hypothyroidism is charactized by: weakness, fatigue, lethargy, intolerance to cold, decreased memory, constipation, muscle cramps, joint pain, weight gain, decreased sweating, dry coarse skin, puffiness around the eyes, swelling of the hands and feet, low blood pressure and body temperature, and anemia.

Q: Symptoms of LOW thyroid?
what are symptoms of low thyroid

A: When thyroid hormone levels are too low, the body’s cells can’t get enough thyroid hormone and the body’s processes start slowing down. As the body slows, you may notice that you feel colder, you tire more easily, your skin is getting drier, you’re becoming forgetful and depressed, and you’ve started getting constipated. Because the symptoms are so variable, the only way to know for sure whether you have hypothyroidism is with blood tests. Since the metabolism is effected, weight gain is another possible symptom.

Q: Symptoms of low thyroid?
I am a 26 year old female. My doctor told me I have low thyroid after he got the results of blood work he had drawn on me. I have been taking Levothyroxine, only 25mgs a day. That is the lowest does. He said he wanted to eventually take me higher, as that is very low. I moved, and do not have a doctor, and it will take me a while to get one. I have been having some health concerns, and I was wondering if they could be due to the low thyroid, not being cured because of the low dose of medicine. My hair is very brittle, and up top it is thinning, almost like someone cut it. My throat seems to get hoarse. Very dizzy. The dizziness is the most concerning for me. Can anyone who is reading this tell me what they think from what I have said here? Also, what symptoms do you know of? Thanks a lot.

A: You really need to know what the results of your thyroid function tests were. You would have had your TSH levels tested at least and anything over 3 is considered too high. You take thyroxine to bring this level down. Anything below 2.5 would be excellent. Symptoms of low thyroid function include insomnia, feel the cold, brittle fingernails, coarse hair, fatigue and constipation. You don’t need to have all of the symptoms. I take 25mcg of thyroxine daily and my TSH levels came down from 3.1 to 2.1 and my problems have improved. Hope this helps!

Q: Symptoms of a low thyroid?
I am wondering if I have a low thyroid, many of my friends and family have said this before to me, and have suggested I get tested.

But before I do, I would like to know of any common symptoms beforehand.
Thankyou so much!

A: Gaining weight, no energy, feeling tired. although symptoms can take place over months. i use to have an overactive thyroid and now i’m the total opposite (hypo).

my thyroid was detected through a blood test. you should go to the doctor and explain how you feel and tell them you want a blood test. the earlier they catch it the better. it’s nothing huge to worry about once it is under control with medication.

Q: How do I fell on a low Thyroid? How do I feel on a high Thyroid, and what are the Symptoms to both?

A: If you have Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) You usually feel sluggish, tired and put on weight without even eating. If you have hyperthyroidism (high thyroid) You usually have alot of energy, hyperactivity and lose weight without even trying (this is the one I want lol) But if you feel you have one of these get to a doctor and a simple blood test can let you know. Sometimes with the hyperthyroid you feel like your heart is racing and almost beating out of your chest. Hope this has helped.

Q: What are the symptoms of a dog that has Low Thyroid?

A: Hair loss is the first symptom in most cases. End stage thyroid disease is characterized by oozing yellowish scaly sores that will not heal.

Q: Endocrinology / low thyroid?
what do you usually take for low thyroid symptoms?

A: Thyroxin

Q: What are 5 major symptoms possibly related to low thyroid? Suggest ways to reverse it w/o meds. TY?

A: Fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain with poor appetite, heavy periods, facial puffiness, dry and rough skin, dry and coarse hair, lateral thinning of the eyebrows, decreased exercise capacity, etc.

Treating hypothyroidism without medications doesn’t work. Levothyroxine is the treatment.

Q: Im joining the navy but i have low thyroid im taking medicine for it but will this be a problem in the navy?
Im taking synthroid the symptoms of low thyroid is depression which ive been feeling because of my past problem of me not know my real father i feel uncompleted,unwanted and feel like wats the use of smiling i dont have nothin to smile about.how do i talk to someone about this but still go to the navy without any problems.

A: First of all, don’t lie to your recruiter. It is your recruiters job to do everything he/she can to get you in the Navy. They should lay it out for you, and try to get you any waivers you may need. If you lie and try to cover it up, and they find out later while you are in.. you are screwed. You will get kicked out on a medical discharge.
It sounds like you are going through a tough time my friend, you aren’t alone, we all go through them. Once you are in the Navy, there are lots of options available to help you with your problems. You will have unrestricted access to counciling and chaplains, who will do everything in their power to help you. Even in basic training.
Just remember, be honest and open with your recruiter and they will do their best to help you. Good luck.

Q: Is it possible to have a low thyroid that doesn’t show up in your blood work?
I have every single symptom of low thyroid…but when I have the blood test it doesn’t show up. I’m well within the range for a normal, healthy thyroid. Are there any other health issues that could mimick a low thyroid in a perfectly healthy person? I’m at my wits end!!!

A: i can relate completely as i also have suspicious symptoms that indicate a thryroid disorder. i had some lab work done but my TSH and Free T4 were “normal”; although the tests were done 3 hours after i ate breakfast. (TSH was 1.48 and Free T4 was 1.1).

what irks me is that when i do the online tests for hypo thyroid, i always come up with a potential problem thyroid.

Mary Shomon is an excellent patient advocate on this subject. Here is her URL: http://thyroid.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=thyroid&cdn=health&tm=16&gps=194_263_1011_606&f=00&su=p726.2.152.ip_p284.8.150.ip_&tt=17&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.thyroid-info.com/

I’m going to ask the doc if it would be possible to re-test in the a.m. before eating. if not, i’ll have my naturopath call in the blood work and pay out of pocket.

I hope you are able to find some relief. I’d do anything to get a good night’s rest myself…

Q: Doctors say i have low levels in my thyroid ((hypothyroidism)) but the symptoms are more like Hyperthyroidism.
I have anxiety attacks and i get depressed feelings.

A: Hypothyroidism can cause your heartbeat to be too slow, or even to skip beats, which may have something to do with getting panicky feelings. (Whether you are conscious of the skipped/low heartbeats or not).
Definately can cause depression, or at least make it worse.

Q: I suspect I have low thyroid, but want to treat it as naturally as possible, not with synthetics drugs. Doctor
I want natural treatment and natural hormones if necessary. Does anyone have knowledge or experience with this, such as if I can still buy a mercury thermometer to measure basal body temp. in the morning under armpit. Also any experience with natural treatment and doctors? I have read Dr. Broda Barnes’ book and I feel that many tests that even an endocrinologist would suggest are not really necessary. If basal temperature is low than it seems safe to assume that so is the thyroid, especially when symptoms are present. I want to find a mercury thermometer, then if low temp. is confirmed I want to take armour thyroid and then monitor temp. and any changes in symptoms. If someone has knowledge of natural medicine and treatment which could support me even better than this idea, without costing a fortune, I would most appreciate the info, thanks.

A: Well, I know how you feel. Being diagnosed or getting on the medicine is scary and overwhelming. I had this and I was just like you. I opposed drugs, medicines, synthetics until I learned that thyroid hormone is an absolute must in our bodies in fact it goes into ALL of our cells to regulate metabolism, temperature, moods, nerves, absorbtion and a whole buntch of many things. Then I had a blood work, and another and saw that not taking the meds making my labwork worse! I recommend you to focus on getting the right diagnosis first instead of trying to find shortcuts or ways that you are not helping your body, yourself and your health. We can not live without thyroid hormone – this is a fact! Also, there are no “natural thyroid hormones” like something that you get from a plant, a tincture, a vitamin, or food. If you are thyroid is not producing enough hormone – you need to supplement it. Think about a diabetic who requires insulin (type 1). Would you think it is smart not to take the synthetic insulin shots to keep your blood sugar in control? Of course not – people dont die of diabetes but its complications like heart disease, organ failure and so many more. Same thing applies to your thyroid – you would be crazy to deny your body of something that it needs! So here is what I recommend. Get a comprehensive thyroid panel blood test and look where you stand. Get checked for: TSH (should be under 2 even though the range lists that up to 5.5 is OK – it is not), T4, T3, FreeT4, FreeT3, T3 Uptake, TPO antibodies. When you get the results in your hand – go to about.thyroid.com and check the ranges again. If you are in range – your symptoms could be due to other factors. If you have an underactive thyroid or possibly an autoimmune underactive thyroid (Hashimotos) you NEED medicine. You can denied this from yourself, but why would you? Without the drug you further deteriorate in your health. An untreated thyroid will leave you miserable along with can lead to coma. You can take synthetic drug called Synthroid (T4 only) – it is ok, but many do better on a combination therapy of synthetic T4 and T3, or take pig thyroid supplement as I do and feel like your old self again. I took synthetics before. Please do not confuse yourself synthetic female hormones (HRT) with thyroid hormones. All the mess you hear on the news about Hormone Replacement are about menapausal women getting synthetic estrogens and progesterones. That is not about thyroid treatments! Thyroid hormone replacement therapy has NO side effects if doses correctly and will help you to live a better and healthier life. It is your work to find out if you do better on the synthetic or animal derived product. I know some people say that eating kelp or doing yoga reversed their underactve thyroid condition which may be true in some cases – if their condition is not severe enough where they can function without symptons. Many of us can do all the yoga we want and we still have to take our meds. I wish you good luck and great health!