Do I have hypothyroidism?

Tk · 04-12-2007, 08:24 PM

Hi all,

Okay, gonna try to do a long story-short! I was diagnosed with PCOS at aged 14 but received no treatment at all until 16, when I was prescribed Dianette (treats the symptoms quite well). In Jan 2005 (aged 22), when I hit somewhere significantly over 17st, I started losing weight through diet & exercise alone. At first the weight fell off, but after a few months losing weight became harder and harder.

In the middle of last year I went back to my doctor and requested I try Metformin - at this point she did some blood tests, including a thyroid test, and referred me to an endocrinologist for the Met. She said at the time that my thyroid was fine.

I've been on Met since December last year and have only two weeks ago upped the dose to 1500mg per day. However, recently I've been feeling extremely cold when ordinarily I would be fine (I used to always be the warm one, in fact!). I am also tired all the time (yes I get up early for work and I go to the gym after work most days but falling asleep almost straight after dinner doesn't seem right to me) and I never seem to have any energy to do anything. The other thing worrying me is the amount of hair I lose every morning. Everyone loses a bit, I know, and my hair is very thick, but I have to pull a big ball of hair off my hair brush every few days. (also my hair is naturally a dark brown, but I have a lot of white hair - has anybody else experienced this or is this a whole other medical problem I should treat separately?)

Given the above, does it sound like I have hypothyroidism? My endocrinologist sent me for a blood test at my last appt because I mentioned always being cold, but I'm not going back there for another 6mths so I'd like a general opinion from you!

Thanks in advance!

brown092901 · 04-12-2007, 09:52 PM

Wow. You and I are in the same boat! I am also on 1500mg of Met (since October). I recently (about 6 weeks ago) started losing so much hair that I panicked and ran to the doctor. Although I'm only 31, my hair is mostly grey, too (but I color it)

I also have similar symptoms of being cold a lot, especially my hands and feet. When I first started Met, it did wonders for my energy level, but lately, I am exhausted all day, but especially in the afternoon. I also have a lot of trouble concentrating. In meetings at work, people are talking and I suddenly realize I haven't been listening at all. Very frustrating!

Anyway, my doctor did a thyroid test, and initally said it was "fine". But, he changed his tune and called me back, and said he wants me on a six week trial of thyroid medication to give my thyroid function a "boost". I actually posted about this in another section to get some opinions on this treatment.

Even though you don't go back to the doctor for six months, you should call them and ask them to fax your results to you. I've found it very helpful to keep copies of my "PCOS" bloodwork, so I can monitor my progess.

So, sorry I don't have an answer for you, but just wanted to let you know that my doctor is treating me for slight hypothyroid based on symptoms that are similar to what you described.

Good luck!
Amanda

CeeShore · 04-21-2007, 03:10 PM

Hi TK - It's amazing how similar our symptoms are - My symptoms didn't begin though until I was 31 and I'm now approaching 40.

First symptom was fatique - One doctor said it was chronic fatique symptom.

Second symptom was hair loss and graying - and for someone with a big thick mop of hair that was really freaking me out - seeing it go down the drain in the shower and coming off in my hands as I shampooed I knew something was wrong - My hair began to gray rapidly - I figured from worry.

Third symptom - rapid weight gain. Within a 3 month period I gained 40 pounds - I looked bloated, puffy, not healthy - not like the former me. I exercised and nothing would happen..my self esteem was plummeting.

Finally and most hurtful to my ego - The hair showing up "everywhere" and having the coarse hair show up on my face - waxing didn't cure, tweezing was painful, creams burnt my fair skin so shaving was my last resort - it made me feel like a man and I felt I had a freakish secret.

Blood tests finally revealed the hypothyroidism - I began Levoxyl right away - The hair loss stopped, but the weight gain remained.

I went to my obgyn - and she diagnosed the PCOS - She said I was insulin resistent and that explained the weight gain and the non effective exercising.
I began taking Glucophage (a diabetic drug - even though I'm not)

Gradually the weight started to melt away - very gradually - Exercise is still not very effective - but I do walk to keep my energy level up.

I've take off most of the almost 30 pounds - still have that stubborn last 10 lbs to go!

After 8 years I am off the levoxyl now that my thyroid has completely stabilized.

The "everywhere" hair will always be a self esteem issue...Having investigated laser treatment and electrolysis - I'm not a candidate because the hair is so blonde. So being Blonde isn't "more fun"

Maybe you can check out Levoxyl and Glucophage - Who knows - it may help you too. I haven't heard or seen many other people on this board discuss this, but there are a lot of great threads on here.

I hope you are able to find some answers

Warmest Regards

CeeShore "Hair Today - Gone Tomorrow" - I wish it was that simple