Convinced I'm hypothyroid, meeting with a new doctor on Tuesday...any advice??

katrinahhh · 04-23-2005, 11:22 PM

I'm convinced I'm hypothyroid...I have a family history of hypothyroidism, and was dx with thyroid nodules 3 years ago. I'm meeting with my new doctor on Tuesday to go over my medical history, and am wondering if any of you can suggest a way to get her to do all of the important tests without me coming across as a total hypochondriac (which I am not at all!).

Thanks!

Katrina

nobimbo · 04-24-2005, 11:27 AM

Katrina,

Unfortunately many docs are resistant to running a complete thyroid panel. An endo may be more willing to explore your thyroid problem, but there is no guarantee there either (most endos are very good with diabetes, but few of even them are knowledgable about thyroid issues). Just come out and ask for the tests you want (that's what I did). If the doc isn't willing to order them, either find another doc who will (have you checked out the list of Top Thyroid Docs for your area?), or you can have the tests run yourself through Health Check USA. You can get them for under $75 on your own (they run about $400 through a doc). Get the Thyroid Profile II (that's TSH, FT4 and FT3) and use coupon promo code: 12345 (that's from the about.com-thyroid site). You order online, you pay, then they send you to a lab near YOU and report the results to YOU. Here's the link:

https://www.healthcheckusa.com/tests.asp?productid=22

Here's the link for the antibodies test, which will run you less than $60 if you use the coupon promo code 12345:

https://www.healthcheckusa.com/tests.asp?productid=54

Your FT3 and FT4 should be at least at midrange of the lab ranges. Most feel best when they're in the upper quadrant.

So if your doc won't run the tests, you can get them run yourself and then return to that doc or another armed with evidence.

Good luck!
Linda

katrinahhh · 04-24-2005, 04:56 PM

Hi Linda!

Thanks so much for your reply. I live in Canada, so our system is a little different...I have to be referred by my Dr to an endo (last time I had to wait 6 months to get in to see one). The way it usually works for me is the Dr. does some blood work then says something like "Hmmm, it seems you're on the high side of normal. We'll keep an eye on you and see what happens." Then, when I go in a couple months later still feeling poorly, they treat me like I'm totally wasting their time, and that my symptoms are all in my head-GRRRR! I sure hope this new doctor is different!

Thanks again for your information...I'll let you know how things go!

Katrina

jesrs17 · 04-25-2005, 01:17 PM

Hello there.
I was recently diagnosed with "mild" PCOS (no IR), and I am concerned with my hairloss. I don't think that it has to do with the PCOS because I did not have abnormal testosterone?! My TSH was 2.80 and could that be borderline? I am always cold, tired, dry skin/hair, (but no weight issues) etc. Should I ask my Endo about it next week or am I being a hypchondriac? I know that the new level is 3 (and not 5). I am just so distressed about this hair thing!! Thanks

nobimbo · 04-25-2005, 02:47 PM

Since TSH doesn't tell the whole story (and TSH results can vary as much as 3 points throughout the day), I would definitely request a full workup because of your symptoms.

Linda

jesrs17 · 04-25-2005, 02:51 PM

Thank you

. My Endo said the "antibodies were not detected" but whatever - they only tested for TSH. Could I be normal weight (125 lbs) with hypothyroid? The other thing is that I have been on Yasmin BCP for 2 mnths - will that effect blood testing? Thanks so much.

nobimbo · 04-25-2005, 03:17 PM

Yes, you can be of normal weight and be hypothyroid. I know of a woman who had her 19 year old son tested and he was found to be hypothyroid. She was surprised because he had always been skinny. He had also been treated for ADD for years when all along his problem had been hypothyroidism (which can mimic the symptoms of ADD).

Yes, yasmin can interfere with thyroid testing and it says on the yasmin sites that you should notify the lab technician that you are taking it when getting tests run. In fact, some of the symptoms you are experiencing may be the result of yasmin. Check out this discussion board about yasmin side effects:

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:hwDA78Pklt8J:medications.com/go/se/Yasmin+yasmin+side+effects&hl=en&start=1

You should also get a complete iron workup (including ferritin, which is a test for iron stores). Low ferritin can mimic the symptoms of hypothyroidism; it can also make a person not tolerate thyroid meds.

HTH,
Linda

jesrs17 · 04-25-2005, 03:30 PM

Thank you. I wonder if I am reaching for a diagnosis because my hairloss is very troublesome. I am trying to examine every option. I was having these symtpoms before the Yasmin (the doc put me on it to help me hair) so who really knows. It is very frustrating.

dani_bones · 04-28-2005, 04:00 AM

What are the symptoms of hypothyroid? I am always cold, tired, and definitely have problems with depression. I also feel like I have some, ADD symptoms. Trouble organizing,remembering, staying on track and getting things done. I was checked out but my test said thyroid is fine. My grandma and my dad both have thyroid trouble and take medicine for it.

dani_bones · 04-28-2005, 04:19 AM

where do I find the top thyroid docs list?

nobimbo · 04-28-2005, 08:12 AM

Here is a link to the list of top thyroid docs in California:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/california.htm

Basically, however, some of the key risks and symptoms:

A family history of thyroid disease and/or autoimmune diseases
Female
Over 60
Pregnant, recently pregnant, or menopausal
Lump, swelling, discomfort in the neck and throat area
Fatigue, exhaustion
Feeling extremely cold or hot
Particularly high or low pulse rate
High or very low cholesterol levels
High or low blood pressure
Weight changes
Depression and/or anxiety/panic
Hair loss
Fertility problems
Menstrual problems
Constipation or diarrhea
Loss of energy
Loss of sex drive

dani_bones · 05-25-2005, 04:25 AM

what are the exact names of the tests I need to get to check my Thyroid? Is it just the thyroid panel II? I'm going to use Health Check.com.

nobimbo · 05-25-2005, 08:30 AM

Yes, Thyroid Panel II would get you the free T4 and free T3, as well as a TSH, so that is what I would suggest. I'd also suggest the anti-thyroid antibodies screening that is offered there.

You can use the offer code "12345" and get a discount (that is offered to the about.com-thyroid members).

Linda

dani_bones · 05-25-2005, 04:10 PM

what are the exact names of the tests I need to get to check my Thyroid? Is it just the thyroid panel II? I'm going to use Health Check.com.

nobimbo · 05-25-2005, 09:27 PM

Here's the link to where you can order the Comprehensive Thyroid Panel II:

https://www.healthcheckusa.com/tests.asp?productid=22

This panel includes:
Free T3 (Triiodothyronine),Free T4 (Thyroxine), and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).

It says this panel is only available at Lab One locations, so you need to check if the lab you are going to have blood drawn is a "Lab One" (not all are).

Here's the link to where you can order the thyroid antibodies tests:

https://www.healthcheckusa.com/tests.asp?productid=54

The name of the specific tests are:

Thyroglobulin Antibodies and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies.

Linda