Question about genetics and the thyroid

Julius · 12-28-2006, 05:47 PM

Hi all,

I have to admit that I don't know much about hypothyroidism. I've done some research and the symptoms all seem to match me!

I finally found a doctor who will run bloodwork (after years of trying to get other docs to do the same.) When I told my mom that this new doc is running bloodwork, she said that three of her siblings have thyroid issues: two have Grave's (hyperthyroid) and one has hypothyroidism.

Are thyroid issues genetic? If two of my mom's siblings have hyperthyroidism, would it increase my chances at having hypothyroidism?

I won't get my own bloodwork results back until April... so I'm left here to stew and research - which isn't always a good thing!

llamaluver · 01-01-2007, 07:10 PM

Why is your bloodwork taking months?? Mine comes back within a week (including all full panels). Is this normal in canada?
Thyroid problems can run in families. My granny had thyroid cancer and my other granny went hypo. I also have family members that have PCOS as well.

Julius · 01-02-2007, 10:17 AM

Thanks llamaluver - it will take that long to get results back since the only time I am able to go see that doc again is in April - she's booked 'til then. I don't want to turn this into me ranting about the Canadian health care system, because I could easily fill pages!

(For example, I don't have a GP and have been looking for one for 3 years.)

Anyway, it's interesting that thyroid issues can run in families. While no one on either side of my family has PCOS, there are undoubtedly thyroid issues. Hmm.

vicandla · 01-05-2007, 12:42 AM

Yes it is genetic, My 4 yr old DD has it, I wasn't DX with it until 1999 when I was 29 yrs old, My Mom (rest her soul) was skinny, and she wasn't DX until she was 73 yr old but I believe she had this her whole life, and then one of my sisters has it also.

All I have to say is do ton's of research!!!!

Julius · 01-05-2007, 10:15 AM

Hmm, interesting! Thanks for replying.

I'm going to be seeing my mom next week, so I'll probably be able to get more info on the family history. In the meantime, I'll definitely be doing as much research as I can.

ETA: What I have found really surprising in the little research I've done is that "sparse eyebrows" keeps coming up as a symptom. I barely have eyebrows while the rest of my face is hairy. If a picture is taken of me without my 'drawn on' brows, it looks like I don't have any. I know that could be a coincidence, but what a surprising symptom!

vicandla · 01-05-2007, 10:41 PM

If you need any help with information let me know, I have tons.

mommavia · 01-09-2007, 04:27 PM

Check out the sticky in this section about good thyroid sites for more info. Glad you are doing research while waiting to see your doc! And feel free to rant about your healthcare system, ours is pretty stinky too!

Cynthia