Is hypothyroidism a possibility?
I don't have my doctor's appointment til June 4th, but I want to know if my symptoms fit in with hypothyroidism or if it would be a stretch. I definitely have a suspicion that I have a metabolic problem -- I've been gaining weight at a scary rate (15 pounds just in the last month), even though I'm not pregnant, I exercise, and I don't eat that much. I'm in a brain fog most of the time, I'm always tired and can sleep up to 14 hours in a day on occasion, and the skin on my hands gets painfully dry. I often have somewhat of a headache, too. I know something's wrong, but does hypothyroidism fit the bill?
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- My mother has hypothyroidism and I have to say the symptoms you are listing sound awfully familiar. Does hypothyroidism run in your family? If so, you might want to bump up your appointment. We did not know about her condition until it landed her in the hospital. The doctor told us that had she waited another couple of weeks she could have died. She is now on meds for the rest of her life to keep her thyroid levels balanced. I wouldn't freak out yet, so to speak, but I would definitely see if they could get you in sooner than June 4th. Good luck.
- Yes I think so , thyroid problems are more common in women , often they arise after pregnancy.
The other side of the coin is Hyperthyroidism the overactive , but I think you describe the interactive , at least you want have to have your thyroid operated on just a tablet a day
A further tip lay of the crucifae vegetables , Brussels sprouts and all the cabbage family they contain substance that stops you absorbing iodine , also increase radishes and surprisingly coconut and pineapple in your diet rich iodine sources .
- Possible, as are about 16 other things. Be sure to ask for a T-3 and T-4 test. Your doc ought to be able to clear this up for you with a blood panel. I wouldn't wish to speculate... that's why there are test.
- Also, I'm 18, so there shouldn't be any age-based metabolic slowing going on.
- Yes, your symptoms are consistent with a slowing thyroid. Some of these symptoms could also be attributed to problems other than hypothyroidism. For thyroid performance a simple blood test can be performed. It's not unusual for younger people to develop thyroid problems. If that is the problem you will need your doctor (GP) to recommend you to an endocrine specialist.
If hypothyroidism presents, treatment usually consists of a thyroid supplement that you will take once a day for the rest of your life. It's not a big deal, but the medication can be expensive. It might be a good idea to make sure you have health insurance and a good drug plan in place before you see the doctor. It will be more expensive after you have been diagnosed, because you will have to disclose the condition!
One symptom that you did not describe would be mood swings. For instance people with slowing thyroids often have a problem in their relationships which, untreated, can lead to divorce.
The dry skin is more consistent with simple advancing age. It could be treated with lotions or if extreme cortisone cream. Since you are only 18, you'll need to ask your doctor about that.
I'm not a doctor so this should all be confirmed by a professional. Hopefully this will ease your mind.
If your condition is caught early enough, there maybe some holistic approaches to treatment that are open to you. Immediately try to evaluate your diet and see if there are foods that are better/worse for hypothyroidism. Try Googling the subject and look up all the links.
- Yes, I know from experience they were the same symptoms I went to the doctor for. I also had muscle aches and pains. So tired I felt like I was in a coma. It is a simple blood test, however, get your results. Many doctors will not treat thyroid disorders unless your blood is out of range. Anything above a 3.5 should probably be treated with a thyroid medicine. If you still feel bad and the blood is high and the doctor will not treat you then see and endocrinologist, they are experts in that field. Good Luck.
- Your symptoms could fit with hypothyroidism. However, the symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism are very nonspecific. I work in a clinic that deals extensively with thyroid disease, and many people with hypothyroidism have some classic symptoms, but so do many people in the general population whose thyroid function is normal. Also the weight gain associated with hypothyroidism is often blown out of proportion. Even overt hypothyroidism really only makes a difference in weight of about 7 pounds, and that is mostly water weight. So definately have your thyroid checked, but your symptoms could be due to something else, like taking a medication that could lead to weight gain, etc.
- the only way to know for sure is with blood tests and a full exam by the doctor. relax and wait.
- well...the main things would be diabetes,thyroid,and anemia.... less likely,chronic fatigue syndrome,and yes,possibly cancer.......I would not worry too much....it is a common symptom.....see the doc.good luck...........