I thought I'd share this some interesting observations I've gleaned over the last two weeks.
I had my thyroid completely removed in 2004 and have been dependent on medication to provide me the appropriate amount of hormone. Sometimes the docs have gotten the dosage right (had lots of energy last year!), sometimes they haven't (tried a generic natural version and gained 40+ pounds I've yet to lose).
Anyway, every year I get to go off of Armour for 2 1/2 weeks for a thyroid cancer scan. My TSH typically goes from 0.1 to 100.0+. My doctor points out- to our shared amusement- that at least my pititutary (producer of TSH) functions just fine, unlike most other parts of my body.
Every year I go through this, it gets harder. This time around is so difficult, I've made plans to take the time completely off work next year!
But what really caught me off guard was the blatant increase of PCOS symptoms. It's like someone turned up the volume on the effects of this disorder in the past several days! Facial hair that had come in substantially thinner and slower since my ovarian drilling in May now shoots out to form a prickly five o'clock shadow. I've had natural periods for the first time in my adult life this year- but, of course, I'm over a week late now. My breasts have become flacid, and there's a noticeable pooch of flab in my lower middle that simply wasn't there two weeks ago.
All of the physical manifestations of PCOS have reared themeselves over the past bit, and it's interesting to see just how quickly our bodies respond to hormone changes.
Just wanted to let all the hypo cysters out there know that they're not alone- and more importantly, thyroid replacement/supplement therapy really can help!
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"Women are meant to be loved, not understood" - Oscar Wilde
~ We are never given more than we can't handle! ~
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I too have PCOS and thryroid cancer. I also must under go the cancer scans. An I completely agree with you, my PCOS sympotms worsen when I go off my medication in preparation of the scan. Have you heard about the shot which you can get to trick your body and drive your TSH up before you have your cancer scan? I am going to get it this spring, you can stay on your medication and aviod all the withdrawl effects.
I have hypothyroid and PCOS and when I was at the doctor to check my thyroid levels (we are still adjusting my meds- I was just diagnosed with hypothyroid 7 months ago) I told her I was having horrible PCOS symptoms. She put me back on metformin (which had taken in the past to increase my fertility and went off it as soon as I got pregnant) to see if that would help regulate my hormones. (this we just last week-too early to tell if it's working) I never thought of a link between PCOS and hypothyroid, but apparently there is! If your PCOS symptoms get out of control, maybe you should ask your doctor about metformin?
Chand- Met didn't do anything for me, unfortunately.
Happy- Whether or not you're hypothyroid for life depends on why you're hypo. In my case, because I don't have a thyroid at all, yes I am hypo forever (and will die without my thyroid medication). However, hypothyroidism simply caused by a malfunctioning thyroid can often be easily treated, and some cases can be completely reversed.
__________________
"Women are meant to be loved, not understood" - Oscar Wilde
~ We are never given more than we can't handle! ~
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PCOS symptoms are far worse when I'm hypo 
