(member)

13/05/2008 09:29

Women with thyroid problems - HELP

I know we have covered this post before, but how do you women with thyroid problems feel in yourself. My last blood test was quite high so have had to drop 25mg (only started today) but recently have been feeling so depressed, irritable and anxious and sweating more than usual (how nice), i was wondering how you other ladies feel, up until now I havn't felt too bad, what symptoms do you have and how do you control it. Hope you can help, x

(member)

13/05/2008 10:07

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi Denzy,

Do you have an under or over active thyroid, cos I think the symptons and treatment are fairly different.

(member)

13/05/2008 10:14

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

I think the symptoms you describe sound very like the menopause. Do you think you could be menopausal?

(member)

13/05/2008 10:28

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi Denzy,I'm Hypothyroid and am taking Thyroxine.I'm convinced that a higher doseage would be better for me than the one I'm taking.My blood is showing low "normal" but I still feel quite tired and my weight is still too heavy for me.Unlike you I'm feeling the cold. Still putting the fire on in the evenings and wrapping a throw round my feet to warm them up! My doctor will only consider the blood results and ignores how I'm feeling .It makes me so annoyed because I'm convinced that a bit more Thyroxine could make a huge difference to how I'm feeling. Your symptoms would seem to suggest that perhaps you doseage may still be on the high side,if your problem is Hypo and not hyper thyroidism.Whichever it is it is a nuisance and I do hope you get it sorted out and your Doctor is sympathetic towards you

(member)

13/05/2008 10:36

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

H, i am underactive but possibly now slightly overactive due to the last blood test being higher than normal so have dropped 25 mg unlike you I love the cold, I cannot tolerate the heat that well at the moment so continually sticky, I am menopausal but have had the mirena coil in for the past year, not on hrt have suffered night sweats but just lately they are worse so could be a bit of both, the moood swings are the worst one minute fine the next minute its completely changed, would love to feel normal again. Decorator have you been referred to a specialist i'm sure he would be more sympathetic to your condition, I am seeing a specialist this evening because I have a digestive problem he said it could be a result of taking to higher a dose, who knows.

(member)

13/05/2008 10:51

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

I also take Thyroxine. Have taken it for about 12 years. Dose varies alot, used to take 200mg now down to 100mg. I too dont believe the blood test results and did quite a lo of research on this, just because we fall in between 2 numbers on a scale does not necessarily mean we feel OK in ourselves! I get quite tired, dont sleep very much at all, and well the mood swings. Yes, Jane 2008 the symptons of thyroid probs and menopause are roughly the same - very confusing!!! Will be interested to hear what your specialist says Denzy, I too have a mirena coil - we must chat more!!!!

(member)

13/05/2008 11:23

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

thanks shellseeker, would love to chat perhaps via pm or I may be at bluewater next time although we don't want to waste time talking about health issues, its nice to know i am not the only one feeling this way, have looked on the internet apart from agreeing with the symptons they show, not much use otherwise. Would be interested to know on how you cope with the mood swings. x

(member)

13/05/2008 11:23

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

My last results were on the low side of normal so no thyroxine for me. Sometimes I go for weeks feeling totally exhausted despite not sleeping too well, other times I feel hyperactive and full of energy. When I asked I was told that my nodules could cause my levels to fluctuate a bit. I'm in for a blood pressure check on Thursday so must remember to ask if I need another blood test for my thyroid.

(member)

13/05/2008 14:18

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Have to ask - do more ladies suffer with under active rather than over active thyroids? I have posted a couple of times about an over active thyroid, but had very few answers back, certainly nowhere near as many as when someone posts about an under active one.

I was diagnosed last year with an over active thyroid and lost loads of weight (which was absolutely great!!!)

, but since being put on medication have now put it all back on and more besides. I was asking what other ladies had found regarding this problem and the tablets, but not many seemed to reply. Was I just unlucky with my post, or are there not as many of us?

(member)

13/05/2008 15:45

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi snoopy2, I have noticed this with posts re thyroid problems, so maybe it is more common to have under active thyroid. The internet is a good source of information but I have purchased a couple of books about thyroid probs too.

(member)

13/05/2008 17:53

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi Denzy
My last blood test showed me to be at the top end of the normal scale and I also had my dosage reduced by 25mg to 150. But yesterday I was at the GP for a review of my tablets - I take lots - and he said to come back if I feel thats not working as some people function better at the top end of the scale. I would dicuss it again with your doc - and maybe ask for a blood test for menopause test as well.
Hope you feel better soon.
BB

(member)

13/05/2008 20:33

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi Snoopy 2,yes under active thyroids are much more common than over active.You must be one of the elite set,aren't you glad about that? There is a useful booklet that is sold in most chemists about thyroid problems and it's functions which might be good for you to get.

(member)

13/05/2008 20:33

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi ladies, my thyroid packed up years ago, doctor reckons pregnancy can be one of the causes, I had twins so I'm grateful that was the only thing that packed up. I put the weight gain down to post pregnacy tummy. 12 years on it's still there. It's a pain but there are many illnesses that are worse. Mood swings I put down to menopause, teenage children and the stress of everyday life.
Keep pestering your doctor to send you to a specialist.
Cheers
Fiona

(member)

13/05/2008 22:19

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi Denzy
I had half my thyroid removed 12 years ago due to suspicious cysts, before the op the blood tests returned normal and after I was told that half a thyroid can easily do the job of a whole one. Over the years I have had odd symptoms but blood results have always come back "normal". As others have said, there is a huge "normal" range but GP's have to stick to it and there seems to be no room to consider other symptoms specific to the person.
My worst problem, apart from aching in the thyroid which is due to more cysts, is mood swings - I can become quite irrational for about a month at a time, full of gloom and doom and tearful, then gradually (thank heavens) I begin to feel more optimistic and my normal cheerful self. My monthly cycle is also becoming unpredictable, although that may be the M-word...

(member)

13/05/2008 22:49

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

I have an under active one "common" but I always know when i need my dose upping as my joints ache as if i have flu and I need an afternoon nap!!! going for a blood test this week!!

Need to go to bed now
Cerys x

(member)

13/05/2008 23:20

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi Snoopy 2 I also had an overactive thyroid. I had mine after I had a heart valve replacement and bacterial infection in the lining of my heart. I couldn't believe how much energy it gave me especially as it happened after 4 months in hospital I was getting up in the middle of the night to do the housework (which if you knew me would have been a dead give away that I wasn't well), was eating bagels dunked into hot chocolate constantly while still losing weight and to crown it all I was driving all over England to work as a Management Consultant - long, long stressful days which were a piece of cake with an over active thyroid. Couldn't last. Because of my previous medical history it was putting my heart in danger so I had radioactive iodine - wierd drinking something that is radioative - colourless, tasteless but I wasn't allowed to go into public places or near children for about a week in case they picked up the radioactivity. Anyway what it did was plunge me right down to the bottom, as it kills the thyroid function - instant weight gain (3 stones in 3 months) and constant pain in my feet. Now take thyroxine 150 and it seems to have stabilised although I do occasionally have wobbly days - can't be menopause as I'm past that. I blame my thyroid problems on the very strong intravenous antibiotics I had for 4 months to get rid of the bacterial infection. Honestly cure one thing, get another!

All I would recommend is to be very wary if you're offered radioactive iodine.

while it did sort me out It was hellish while it stablised.

Good luck

Petroushka aka Pat

(member)

14/05/2008 09:57

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi Petroushka,

Yes, My consultant has mentioned the drink already, and I have to admit, I was less than enthusiastic! Told him I'd rather stay on the tablets. He's ok'd that for the moment, but he said we'll have to wait and see how things go!

If I'm honest, I do feel better in myself since I started the tablets - sleeping better, no palpitations or trembles. Still get hot flushes but put that down to my age - 58!! My main bug bear is the weight gain - really depressing me not being able to get into my clothes and have to wonder how much more I'll put on

As I said in my earlier post, I can't seem to find many people with an over-active thyroid to ask their advice and opinions. Everyone seems to be under-active. Have looked on various web sites, but all they do is tell you the facts - nothing from people personally about their experiences or results of medication.

This is why I added to this post - hoping someone might be able to help (like you have), so thanks for you info about the iodine drink - think I'll give it a miss!!

(member)

14/05/2008 13:56

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Glad it helped. Funnily enough I was about 58 when I had the dreaded drink. Keep going it will stablise. I'm just glad that as I got fatter manufacturers recognised that we're all getting fatter and provided nicer clothes. I can't however convince myself that I look good as an 18/20 despite the fact that last week my doctor said, "i never think of you as fat' - yes she did have her specs on. Must be my inner 12 struggling to get out!

(member)

15/05/2008 22:31

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi girls, I know that this is not exactly what you were asking about Denzy but my OH has got underactive thyroid and it must be driving him mad. He tries so hard bless him, but the weight will not shift. His doctor just dishes out the old repeat prescriptions but I made him ask for a blood test the other day and the doc has now upped the dose. I hope he starts feeling better soon (sooo tired).

He also suffers from high blood pressure - which they have only managed to get down to 'dangerous' from 'life threatening' so I s'pose thats better than nothing - and high colesterol so he's not in good shape poor old fella.

But does he complain? Never. I often forget that he has any conditions or has to take tablets every day and evening he just gets on with it - no fuss. not a typical man at all! It makes me feel bad for whinging on about my hot flushes etc! I've heard that thyroid can take a bit of time to get right so take heart ladies - you'll get there in the end!

(member)

15/05/2008 23:33

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

I've been for the results of my latest tests and once again fobbed off with everythings fine although it certainly doesn't feel like it.I was more persistant this time and asked did that mean there had been no change since the last test.I was then told it had dropped about 3 points in 6 months and about 6 points in last 2 years so I'm gradually sliding towards low normal.When I was first diagnosed I was just under normal and my symptoms were severe so I'm worried I'll go like that again before anything is done.The plus side is she will retest in a couple of months to see how it is.In the meantime I'm sitting here with the fire on wrapped up in a throw but at least it matches the decor!

(member)

16/05/2008 08:55

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Morning all, sorry havn't been on before had a endoscopy yesterday due to the indigestion I have had, my doctor thought that possibly it was to do with my thyroid, but no, its a hiatus hernia. ChelseaMorning sorry to hear about hubby don't think I've heard of a man with underactive thyroid thought it was just another thing us women get, hope he feels better soon it can't be very pleasant for him. When I go to the doctors for my thyroid they never mention things like low normal, high normal perhaps I'm not asking the right questions. Excessive sweating seems to be easing though now that I have cut the dose down, have great weekends whatever your doing, Denzy xx

(member)

17/05/2008 19:47

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi I was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid about 3 years ago. I was losing loads of weight, sweating, rapid heart beat, hair loss and shaky. I also didnt sleep much and had mood swings. At first I thought maybe it was the menopause but I was only 40. As soon as I saw my GP she said I had an overe active thyroid and referred me to a consultant. My consultant was really nice and you could talk to him!!!!! He referred me for the radio iodine drink which was a bit scary but I was told I could not stay on the medication I was on as it would do long term damage to me.
Well two years on from the Radio Iodine drink, I have gained weight but it is gradually coming down now as for some time it kept going up and up. I think that was mainly due to when I was very overactive I could eat and eat and lose weight without trying.
I now dont take any medication at all. I have blood tests every 3 months to check my levels are ok. I would reccommend the radio iodine as it has really helped me.
The sad thing is that my 20 year old daughter has been diagnosed with an over active thyroid and they dont really know what to do as she is too young to take the meds and have the radio iodine in case she wants kids in the future.
So now we have to cope with her mood swings etc.
Does anyone else have family memebers who have the same thing?
Mellykay

(member)

17/05/2008 21:43

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

I also have an over active thyroid and lost nearly 2 stone before diagnosis and medication. Now put wieght back on sadly! I'm tired and lacking in energy so I don't have the normal symptoms, but can also have aching muscles.My doctor is monitoring my progress and can say after 6 months I do feel better. More blood tests due in a couple of months. I wish I could get rid of the weight though as I felt soooo much better without the extra weight. Does anyone have any tips on getting rid of the excess weight?

(member)

17/05/2008 22:13

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi J22, I have been sort of following the Ian Marber food doctor diet. I did not do the two week kick start as it was to drastic. I lost a stone in about 5 weeks.
I try and stay with the principles of the diet now and have not put the weight back on. I do sometimes put on a few pounds when I am naughty(on holiday)but generally within a week or so lose it again. I want to lose about another half stone to get back to what I was before the dreaded thyroid.

(member)

18/05/2008 03:55

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi decorator - is there any way you can push back on your doctor? It seems like you know your own body pretty well and can tell what's going on. I had an underactive thyroid and was taking pills for a few years, but I started getting palpatations recently and the doctor had no clue what was causing them. I just had a feeling that it was my thyroid medicine and he didn't think that was possible because it was such a low dose. I stopped taking it and the palpatations stopped. He did some blood tests and found that my thyroid was normal. I really believe we need to work together with our doctors as a team - and they need to start listening to us more!

(member)

18/05/2008 21:20

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi all,
Interested in this thyroid stuff. I was moody, exhausted, cold all the time, not sleeping, depressed, etc. and menopausal. I see a homeopath before I go to the doctor, and she was treating me for menopausal symptoms. However, the tiredness was not responding so she advised me to get a blood test done. As far as the doctor was concerned my thyroid levels did not warrant treatment - a bit low, but not low enough. So the homeopath treated me to improve thyroid function. It worked. I know some people think it is mind over matter and placebo effect. Possibly it is. But does that matter if it works? It may help if the doctor says you don't need treatment and you can find a good homeopath.

(member)

19/05/2008 20:15

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

I am underactive and have taken thyroxine for the last 13 years. My was unusually quite rapid and I was quite ill in a short space of time. I have always felt better on a higher dose but my GP did reduce my perscription last year.
Your blood levels can be normal but if your body is not converting the T4 into the active T3 form you could still have symptoms. I also take a T3 tablet.
I never know if how I feel is thyroid related or just symptoms of everyday life!!
Though I struggle to lose any weight!! No trouble putting it on though!!LoL! Will be a bundle of laughs when I hit the menopause!!!
It is normally hereditry through the female line, though I got it from my dad! I have 2 girls. My consultant said if they are ever ill think thyroid!!
Rambler, I would be interested to know what the homeopathic treatment involves.

(member)

21/05/2008 14:07

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

I saw my GP last night and asked if I ought to be having regular thyroid checks (multi-nodular goitre). She was quite surprised as she'd had a letter from the consultant (who'd told me he wouldn't need to see me in his clinic again unless anything changed) saying that he'd be seeing me in his regular clinic. The letter was dated last June... My GP's arranged for a blood test (can't get an appointment until the 30th as it has to be before work) and another ultra sound scan as she agrees it's growing. Once we've got the results she'll be speaking to the consultant (who I felt thought I was fussing over nothing) again.

I'm going to try to put it to the back of my mind for now but am worried (my mum had the same but in her case mistook the early symptoms of oesophagus cancer for her goitre starting to grow again until it was too late hence I'm keen to get answers asap and be reassured that it's just my thyroid that's making me cough a bit and giving me neck ache).

(member)

21/05/2008 15:28

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

I, too have an underactive thyroid. Have been on thyroxine for about 10 years - started low and then steadily increased to 225mg - been on this dose for about 5 years - had blood test last month and Dr has reduced the dose down to 100mg - have to go for blood test in July but am worried that Dr has reduced it by so much. I struggle to lose weight as it is without this as well
Anne xx

(member)

21/05/2008 15:42

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

I agree Anne that seems a very rapid and big decrease in doseage.How are you feeling on it? I'd go back before July if you start to feel unwell if I were you.Good Luck. Dec

(member)

21/05/2008 16:22

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Hi ChristinaB, I too have a goitre - noticed it about 18 months agao. Went to the hospital and had a biopsy done. They said it was fine and nothing to worry about. Since then, its been getter bigger and painful at times. I went back to my GP and said I wanted it checked again.
So on Monday I went back to the hospital and had another biopsy done. Now they are not happy with what they have found. Possible cancer cells - but not sure? So I have to have it removed. Only the left side at the moment. They will test it fully when it's been removed.

So now I am just waiting for the date - apparently it will be in the next couple of weeks.

Keep pushing for a referral to get it checked. Hopefully, mine will be fine. Fingers crossed

xx

(member)

21/05/2008 16:44

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

Beachbabe,
fingers and toes crossed for you! I had a biopsy about 18 months ago and also a radio active scan but as my GP says things can change.
Let me know how you get on...

Chrissi

(member)

30/05/2008 18:37

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

I was diagnosed twelve years ago and have never really felt 'normal ' since. I wish I had been to a homeopath intially, because homeopathic treatment is very effective in the early stages, but once you start thyroxine it is more difficult. Stress, nutritional deficiencies and dieting can all be responsible, as well as a genetic tendency to auto immune disase (my mother has pernicious anaemia, and my sister had maternal diabetes, both in the same auto immune deficiency family). Mine started after drastic dieting following childbirth.

It's difficult to tell sometimes what is attributable to the thyroid deficiency and what to just ageing and hormonal changes . I was told to reduce my about 18 months ago, but three months on I felt dreadful, and went back on the original dose.

I do know that many doctors have a somewhat cavalier attitude to treatment. Even a small deficiency in thyroid function can have significant effects in terms of well being but many doctors won't treat unless blood tests show a marked deficiency. I would go to a homeopath in this situation, or change your doctor. It's not worth feeling awful like this because of a doctor's ignorance.

(member)

30/05/2008 21:18

Re: Women with thyroid problems - HELP

HI beachbabe, I had my thyroid removed in March, now taking thyroxine and feeling much better now Goitre has gone. They to said that their was 10% chance it could be cancerous, but within a day found out that it was OK. I was told that treatment for cancerous thyroid is very quick and involves radiation treatment only over 5 days. So good luck and hope the results are good.

Sara

Contact Us | Privacy statement

Woman and Home homepage