Abnormal Thyroid

cbr600girl started this discussion · 4/9/2010

So I had my annual blood work done a couple of weeks ago. I've been really fighting to get my weight and cholesterol down for almost a year. I've gained 20 pounds in that time frame and my triglycerides were 450, but that is down to 281, which is still too high. My lab results came in last night and I had an "A" for abnormal next to my thyroid function. I had to make an appointment, which is Monday morning. My mom and my grandma have thyroid problems. I am really hoping this is the root cause of all my problems I've been having for a year. I suffer from insomnia, fatigue, moodiness, heat flashes and low sex drive (I'm only 30). Not too mention the weight gain and high cholesterol that will not go away! Does anyone else on the forum have thyroid problems that can confirm some of the above symtoms? Thanks to all!

7 replies

chemgoddess1 · 4/9/2010
The thyronines act on nearly every cell in the body. They act to increase the basal metabolic rate, affect protein synthesis, help regulate long bone growth (synergy with growth hormone), neuronal maturation and increase the body's sensitivity to catecholamines (such as adrenaline) by permissiveness. The thyroid hormones are essential to proper development and differentiation of all cells of the human body. These hormones also regulate protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism, affecting how human cells use energetic compounds. They also stimulate vitamin metabolism. Numerous physiological and pathological stimuli influence thyroid hormone synthesis. Thyroid hormone leads to heat generation in humans. However, the thyronamines function via some unknown mechanism to inhibit neuronal activity; this plays an important role in the hibernation cycles of mammals and the moulting behaviour of birds. One effect of administering the thyronamines is a severe drop in body temperature. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.Early symptoms: * Being more sensitive to cold * Constipation * Depression * Fatigue or feeling slowed down * Heavier menstrual periods * Joint or muscle pain * Paleness or dry skin * Thin, brittle hair or fingernails * Weakness * Weight gain (unintentional) Late symptoms, if left untreated: * Decreased taste and smell * Hoarseness * Puffy face, hands, and feet * Slow speech * Thickening of the skin * Thinning of eyebrows Basically everything you said with the exception of high triglycerides is a symptom of hypothyroidism (although they can be attributed to slow metabolism, weight gain and inactivity).
Kristen PoleMonkey · 4/9/2010
Wow sweetie, sorry to hear. I have had severe thyroid problems for several years now. I used to have hypo thyroid, and I was basically exhausted all the time, cranky, losing hair, gaining lots of weight, and felt too tired to do anything. I just recently went to the hospital for severe abdominal cramps and it ended up being hyper thyroid. Hyper thyroid is basically the opposite. I lost copious amounts of weight, feel hyper and energetic all the time and then I'd crash. Both of these cases aren't life threatening but are very serious. The doctor usually prescribes medicine for hypo thyroid which seems to be what you have. If you have any questions let me know!
Runemist34 · 4/10/2010
Wow, I feel for you! My friend has Hyperthyroidism, and she rarely sleeps, eats, stops...it's really hard on her, and considering all her other issues (you name it, she's had it, practically!) it's just another stone on the pile. I can understand, too, that you're hoping this is the thing...I've had problems that I've struggled with a long time that I didn't think were related...turns out they're totally related! 🙄 Oh doctors. I have a question, on the topic of abnormal thyroid, for all those medical types out there... Once per year, usually later into the summer (around July/August) I've been having metabolism problems. It has been getting worse every year it happens, and I've had it three times. First, it was slow and only lasted a couple of days. The last time was just...all high, for a whole week. And, what I mean by "high" is a HIGH need to EAT. 😈 I'm not adversed to food in any way, and I don't starve! However, last time, if I didn't eat something (like, a sandwich, bowl of soup...nothing huge, but nothing small) within two hours I was pasty, cold sweat, shaking and feeling like I hadn't eaten in Days! Aside from that...if I tried to eat a bunch, say before work, it was all gone so fast, and I was back to the two hour time limit! Nothing I seem to do works. 🤔 Eat, don't eat, move around a lot or not. I just needed food, all the time and just in little bits. It makes it really hard to work, since I generally don't get a break for a good 4 hours per shift, and even that is one break in the middle of my shift, and nothing more. An 8 hour shift was impossible. (Sigh) Sorry, I've just been frustrated. Why should I go for blood tests and take medication if it's not going to do anything for me for a month or more? It doesn't usually last longer than a week! That, and phobia of needles. I can't even see them on the computer or TV without getting freaked out. Let us know your test results CBR!
x Sakura x · 4/10/2010
Oh sweety! Just to say my thoughts are with you and I hope it all gets sorted out x
khallstrom · 4/10/2010
I went through the same things for 2 years, the sleeplessness and weight gain (15 pounds in 2 years, despite running marathons!), before being diagnosed as borderline hypothyroid. My primary care doctor wanted to hold off treatment at that level and just take blood level readings every 6 months to monitor. That continued for another year until I wanted to get pregnant. I was able to easily conceive as I had previously years before but suffered 3 miscarriages--I thought they were related to the thyroid condition. I finally self-referred to a reproductive endocrinologist who is a specialist in both of my problems. The specialist definitely thought that even being slightly off in my TSH and TS4 (the hormones measured for thyroid function) could not only cause miscarriage but birth defects. I was put on daily synthetic TS4 hormone treatment (generic name of med is synthroid). I am happy to report that I am now 3 months pregnant with a healthy, energetic baby! I too have a strong family history of hypothyroidism (both grandmother and aunt have it). Follow your instints and keep seeking medical advise. The hormone levels fluctuate constantly as they do for all others due to cycle. Be tested more than once if you think there might be a problem. Lastly, the symptoms of hypothyroidism are also common to many other illnesses, which is why it is difficult to diagnose. It can be a long and frustrating road. Good luck to you! Kim
cbr600girl · 4/12/2010
Thanks to all of you for your support and for sharing your experiences. I had my dr. appt today. I do have Hypothyroidism, so my thyroid is not producing enough hormone. The doctor says I will start feeling better in a week or two. He gave me a 3 month prescription for Levoxyl. I have to go back in 3 months and get additional lab work to check the levels and doseage. He did not prescribe cholesterol meds since he feels the underactive thyroid is to blame. I am a little bummed about that because I can't see the dermatologist for 3 months since I will not get labs done for that time period. I was really hoping on starting accutane before summer so I will feel better about myself. Oh well my thyroid problems are more important. I am sure if I feel better the acne won't make me feel so bad! I will keep you updated on if all of my uncomfortable symptoms start to go away.
cbr600girl · 4/20/2010
I have been taking my thyroid medication since last week. I have been eating better and doing more physical activity. I have so far lost 5 pounds! I feel alot better and I seem to have more energy. I am not sure if its the medication or in my head the the medication is working already. Either way I am feeling so much better!