Question:

I have probably had thyroid problems for years and years.  However, I had no clue what was happening to me, when even in the throes of bulimia, and near starvation, my weight went *absolutely_nowhere*.  I talked to doctors about it, and they just told me I was eating too much, and here is a good idea for a diet (rolls eyes).  They did NOT believe me when I said I went for days, sometimes weeks, without food, followed by bulimic behaviors.  They assumed, big girl, probably lives at fast food joints – end of story. I never even *heard* the word "thyroid" until a few years ago, when a doctor decided to actually *hear* me.  I was unaware that there even WAS a thyroid gland which controlled so many essential functions of my body. I am so damned angry, the assumptions people make about heavier people. We are taught by default that it’s because they sit around on their ass every day eating some high calorie food every hour on the hour.  While it may be the case for some, It certainly is not true for everyone, because I lived the total opposite of the stereotype. For *years* I had metabolic problems, energy problems, dry skin, irregular menstrual cycles, tingly sensations… NO doctor had ever asked me about any of those symptoms.  except for the one that diagnosed me and put me on synthroid, which has now made a WORLD of difference to me. I am still a heavy gal, but not eating disordered, not gaining more weight, (well except for now for the pregnancy, but before getting pregnant, my weight had pretty much stayed the same), and now everyday things are not such a horrendous effort.  I am making sure that throughout my pregnancy my thyroid levels are monitored closely. Not that it matters now, or is any constructive being angry about the past, but I am sure I could have had a lot better 20’s decade if I had someone actually take me seriously. Cheers, Adagio

Response:

switch the T4 and thyroxine and you’ve got it =)   diagnosing thyroid problems in people with eating disorders-especially anorexia-is very hard.  when you’ve been anorexic for awhile you get a high level of something called reverse T3.  your thyroid is stimulated by TSH to produce T4 (the most active form of thyroid hormone) and T3.  in anorexia, you get a high level of reverse T3 so if you only test for T4-the tests come back looking like the person is hypothyroid when in actually he/she is euthyroid. being on synthroid if you dont’ need it is awful.  learned that the hard way. so to answer the original question-don’t just get your T4 level tested.  you need TSH, free T4, free T3 and reverse T3 if your hospital can get it done. if not, just the TSH, T3 and T4 will give you a general idea.

Response:

Bottom line, though, as ever, is to see your dr, and get your bloods

tested. That’s the only way of knowing for sure. If by chance your doc isn’t willing/informed regarding thyroid blood tests, request a referral to an endocrinologist (medical specialist for ductless glands, of which the thyroid is one). I’ve been hypothyroid all my life and have been on Synthroid since 18 months of age. signman

Response:

Ooops!  Thanks Lea ) Love fi

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – switch the T4 and thyroxine and you’ve got it =) diagnosing thyroid problems in people with eating disorders-especially anorexia-is very hard.  when you’ve been anorexic for awhile you get a high level of something called reverse T3.  your thyroid is stimulated by TSH to produce T4 (the most active form of thyroid hormone) and T3.  in anorexia, you get a high level of reverse T3 so if you only test for T4-the tests come back looking like the person is hypothyroid when in actually he/she is euthyroid. being on synthroid if you dont’ need it is awful.  learned that the hard way. so to answer the original question-don’t just get your T4 level tested. you need TSH, free T4, free T3 and reverse T3 if your hospital can get it done. if not, just the TSH, T3 and T4 will give you a general idea.

Response:

Hi Salamandra I don’t know if you meant _generally_ how does one go about finding out if there is a problem with your thyroid, or specifically trying to detect whether medication might be causing it.  If you mean the latter, forgive me for explaining all the general stuff! Basically you have some blood taken for biochemistry.  They’ll measure the levels of stuff called Free T4 and Thyroxine and see if they’re within normal limits or not.  Free T4 is a hormone which stimulates the T gland to produce Thyroxine.  Therefore if there are high levels of T4, but normal levels of Thyroxine, it means your T gland is not as efficient as it might be, and although no active treatment may be needed, it would still be worth keeping a check on, say annually or more often, just to make sure enough Thyroxine keeps being produced. If there’s high levels of Free T4 _and_ abnormally low levels of Thyroxine, they will probably give you Thyroxine itself to take daily, since even though your T gland is being stimulated to the hilt, it’s still not capable of producing enough, and oral drugs will make up the shortfall. Re: meds and effects.  Some meds are well documented as sometimes having an effect on the Thyroid gland (eg Lithium).  Other newer ones of course may also have an effect, but it might not be as clearly recognised as with some older more well-known drugs.  If your dr is in any doubt (or you could maybe do this yourself), he or you could ask your local pharmacist to check whether any drugs you’re on have a ‘history’ of interfering with the Thyroid gland. Bottom line, though, as ever, is to see your dr, and get your bloods tested. That’s the only way of knowing for sure. _And_ – it’s also important for drs to take note of any unexpected side-effects – they report it to the drug manufacturer and if a pattern develops, the manufacturer has to take action.  Of course, people are so individual that who knows _what_ side effects we may get!  It’s worth checking out, for your own peace of mind, and also for any benefits it might have for people who may take the same meds (or combo – now that’s another potential can of worms!) in the future. Good luck, and i hope you can sort this all out soon! With love, Fi — O that I had wings like a dove: for then would I flee away, and be at rest. Prayer Book, 1662

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i have a question regarding all this thyroid talk. after reading most of these posts and doing my own research, i wonder how does one get diagnosed as having an under-active or over-active thyroid? when i found out i had ecxema, i was tested for thyroid problems. they came back negative. however, i still have just about every symptom related to having an under-active thyroid. so, my question is: how does one make sure that one has/doesn’t have a problem with his/her thyroid? i ask this because i found out from one of the web searches that the medications one takes can often affect thyroid test readings. any input? and yes, i know you are not all doctors, and none of you should play one on ased. sorry. i couldn’t resist…. salamandra

Response:

i wonder how does one get diagnosed as having an under-active or over-active thyroid?

I would go back to the doctor, and if you’ve been seeing just your regular GP or internist, you may need a referral to a specialist who would be able to do more extensive testing.  If you think that you’re experiencing thyroid malfunction, it would be a good idea to check this out as thoroughly as you can! –Connie — "Starving the flesh wastes the spirit." –Kandis Elliot

Response:

i have a question regarding all this thyroid talk. after reading most of these posts and doing my own research, i wonder how does one get diagnosed as having an under-active or over-active thyroid? when i found out i had ecxema, i was tested for thyroid problems. they came back negative. however, i still have just about every symptom related to having an under-active thyroid. so, my question is: how does one make sure that one has/doesn’t have a problem with his/her thyroid? i ask this because i found out from one of the web searches that the medications one takes can often affect thyroid test readings. any input? and yes, i know you are not all doctors, and none of you should play one on ased. sorry. i couldn’t resist…. salamandra

Response:

Question:

Susan, Sorry that you are feeling sick and depressed, but PLEASE don’t complain about how losing only 10 lbs in 4 weeks – that is an extremely good loss and nothing to whine about.  Hope you feel better soon. — Lila

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, like most, I’m sick.  I run a daycare in my home… and 7 kids showed up with snotty noses last monday, and now I’m HORRIBLY sick.  I’m not willing to blow it  on throat lozenges, or orange juice.  I’ve been taking some cold meds tho. So… here I am, 4 weeks later, and only a 10 lb. loss to my credit. (barely any loss of measurement either)  I know.. I KNOW.. I shouldn’t compare my loss to others, kinda like comparing the development of your children.  But I’ve been totally on track. Am aware of hidden carbs.  No caffine, very little cheese, the ocassional bit of processed ham (ie luncheon meats) and not going crazy with the fat.  I keep a food log. and I think I will start tracking calories as well as carbs. Under 20 carbs/day. I’m going to go see  my dr. tonite, to have him have a listen to my chest, and take a peek at my throat.  Make sure there’s nothing growin in there.  I’m going to talk to him about my thyroid.  (this is the man who told me In order for YOU to lose weight you  would have to starve yourself. If you did that, you would have a whole other pile of problems" << nawwwwwwwww… geeesh.. some DR.’s!! I want him to test my T4 as well as my T3.  I read in the thyroid help pages that some ppl feel better with a ‘not so  "" normal""’ T4 reading.  Well see how he responds.  Some Dr. hate it when you ‘might’ know something about yourself that they didn’t consider. If that is the case.. I won’t hesitate to find a different physician. Just feeling kind of low right now.  I’m sticking with it, cuz it’s the right thing to do. Susan PPP since 03/06/01 213/203/133

Response:

Well, like most, I’m sick.  I run a daycare in my home… and 7 kids showed up with snotty noses last monday, and now I’m HORRIBLY sick.  I’m not willing to blow it  on throat lozenges, or orange juice.  I’ve been taking some cold meds tho. So… here I am, 4 weeks later, and only a 10 lb. loss to my credit. (barely any loss of measurement either)  I know.. I KNOW.. I shouldn’t compare my loss to others, kinda like comparing the development of your children.  But I’ve been totally on track. Am aware of hidden carbs.  No caffine, very little cheese, the ocassional bit of processed ham (ie luncheon meats) and not going crazy with the fat.  I keep a food log. and I think I will start tracking calories as well as carbs. Under 20 carbs/day. I’m going to go see  my dr. tonite, to have him have a listen to my chest, and take a peek at my throat.  Make sure there’s nothing growin in there.  I’m going to talk to him about my thyroid.  (this is the man who told me In order for YOU to lose weight you  would have to starve yourself. If you did that, you would have a whole other pile of problems" << nawwwwwwwww… geeesh.. some DR.’s!! I want him to test my T4 as well as my T3.  I read in the thyroid help pages that some ppl feel better with a ‘not so  "" normal""’ T4 reading.  Well see how he responds.  Some Dr. hate it when you ‘might’ know something about yourself that they didn’t consider. If that is the case.. I won’t hesitate to find a different physician. Just feeling kind of low right now.  I’m sticking with it, cuz it’s the right thing to do. Susan PPP since 03/06/01 213/203/133

Response:

<snip So… here I am, 4 weeks later, and only a 10 lb. loss to my credit. (barely any loss of measurement either)  I know.. I KNOW.. I shouldn’t compare my loss to others, kinda like comparing the development of your children.  But I’ve been totally on track. Am aware of hidden carbs.  No caffine, very little cheese, the ocassional bit of processed ham (ie luncheon meats) and not going crazy with the fat.  I keep a food log. and I think I will start tracking calories as well as carbs. Under 20 carbs/day. Susan PPP since 03/06/01 213/203/133

On the other hand, I’m relaxed about my diet, only count carbs, eat between 30 and 50 gms of those a day, do light exercise, do eat a lot of fat, and…have lost 37 pounds in two and a half months. What DOES make the difference? I don’t think it’s just metabolism. I think maybe a lot of it has to do with confidence in the diet. And relaxing with it. Not concentrating on it. Concentrating on living. Maybe a watched potbelly never shrinks. I know I can’t quite keep from watching my potbelly and it’s the last thing shrinking on me! Don’t give up. Just keep going. And relax. Sandra – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Suzanne, From my own experience with medications I have found that certain prescription anti inflammatory such as lodine(which I currently take) did increase my numbers initially but after a while they returned to normal. The best thing that I can say is to read the insert about side effects that comes with your prescription and report any to your doctor. Good luck with you test. Joe T. type2 1198 Iodine is an anti-inflammatory? thought it was just a thyroid help. Iodine needs to be radioactive to help a thyroid condition too. Beav nope  Iodized salt ( small amount of sodium iodide)at least in the US is used to offset people not getting enough iodine for their thyroid. We dont eat enough seafood or other iodine sources. Radioactive iodine is given to see if the thyroid is working properly and it should end up there.

Radioactive iodine isn’t given to see IF the thyroid is working or not, it’s given to STOP the thyroid from producing too much of what it does produce (Thyroxine IIRC). It’s an alternative to removing 7/8 of the actual thyroid by surgery. Beav (Married to an iodine treated thyroid dysfunctional babe)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Suzanne, From my own experience with medications I have found that certain prescription anti inflammatory such as lodine(which I currently take) did increase my numbers initially but after a while they returned to normal. The best thing that I can say is to read the insert about side effects that comes with your prescription and report any to your doctor. Good luck with you test. Joe T. type2 1198 Iodine is an anti-inflammatory? thought it was just a thyroid help. Iodine needs to be radioactive to help a thyroid condition too. Beav

nope  Iodized salt ( small amount of sodium iodide)at least in the US is used to offset people not getting enough iodine for their thyroid. We dont eat enough seafood or other iodine sources. Radioactive iodine is given to see if the thyroid is working properly and it should end up there.

Response:

Lodine is an anti inflammatory – iodine is in most salts. the generic is edolac.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Suzanne, From my own experience with medications I have found that certain prescription anti inflammatory such as lodine(which I currently take) did increase my numbers initially but after a while they returned to normal. The best thing that I can say is to read the insert about side effects that comes with your prescription and report any to your doctor. Good luck with you test. Joe T. type2 1198 Iodine is an anti-inflammatory? thought it was just a thyroid help. Iodine needs to be radioactive to help a thyroid condition too. Beav

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Suzanne, From my own experience with medications I have found that certain prescription anti inflammatory such as lodine(which I currently take) did increase my numbers initially but after a while they returned to normal. The best thing that I can say is to read the insert about side effects that comes with your prescription and report any to your doctor. Good luck with you test. Joe T. type2 1198 Iodine is an anti-inflammatory? thought it was just a thyroid help.

Iodine needs to be radioactive to help a thyroid condition too. Beav

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Suzanne, From my own experience with medications I have found that certain prescription anti inflammatory such as lodine(which I currently take) did increase my numbers initially but after a while they returned to normal. The best thing that I can say is to read the insert about side effects that comes with your prescription and report any to your doctor. Good luck with you test. Joe T. type2 1198

Iodine is an anti-inflammatory? thought it was just a thyroid help.

Response:

Suzanne, From my own experience with medications I have found that certain prescription anti inflammatory such as lodine(which I currently take) did increase my numbers initially but after a while they returned to normal. The best thing that I can say is to read the insert about side effects that comes with your prescription and report any to your doctor. Good luck with you test. Joe T. type2 1198

Response:

I’m still waiting to see if I am diabetic or not (A1c test on Jan.4th)…..but one of the things that had me concerned was a sore on my foot that was taking a very long time to heal. (Itchy spot from wearing sandals in summer without socks.) I have had hand eczema for years and years, dermatologist kept giving me prescriptions. I was sick of this approach and changed drs. Made it clear to this new guy that I don’t want to use a "bandaid" approach of just giving me prescriptions, I want to know what in the heck is *causing* it. I do mention that I am having tests done to see if I was hypoglycemic. He says the foot sore is also eczema, that is a genetic condition, totally unrelated to the hypo concern. Gave me an oral and a topical antibiotic, Claritin to stop the itch/scratch/itch cycle and a new ointment to use. So, two questions: are there certain types of foot sores to look for that are not related to the slow-healing eczema deal? And can being on any type of oral or topical meds throw off your bg numbers? Thanks, Suzanne  

Response:

Question:

My friend had a lump in her neck close to her thyroid gland, her surgeon thought that because of the position of the lump, her healthy thyroid should also be removed. Now she is on a drug called Thyroxin for the rest of her life [she is 32]. She still does not feel right, always tired, no energy, weight loss etc Her blood samples look good and doctors think she is taking the right dose of Thyroxin, Is there a FAQ on Thyroid or any alternative/herbal treatment anyone can recommend to her? Perhaps someone other thyroidless person can offer her advice. Her name is Carolyn,  

Response:

: My friend had a lump in her neck close to her thyroid gland, her : surgeon thought that because of the position of the lump, her : healthy  thyroid should also be removed. Now she is on a drug called : Thyroxin for the rest of her life [she is 32]. She still does not : feel right, always tired, no energy, weight loss etc Her blood : samples look good and doctors think she is taking the right  dose of : Thyroxin,  Is there a FAQ on Thyroid or any alternative/herbal : treatment anyone can recommend to her? : Perhaps someone other thyroidless person can offer her advice. : Her name is Carolyn,   : : — Lorna Buchan   See an acupuncturist for some Cooling, Moistening herbs. I’m sure she complains of both Heat and Dryness. – sent via an evaluation copy of BulkRate (unregistered). —

Response:

Dear Lorna, I have experienced the same problem as your friend this past year and would also be interested in your findings.   At the moment I am searching for alternatives and am not being successful.  If I locate any information I will share it. Thank you, Elaine Scarmoutzos

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : My friend had a lump in her neck close to her thyroid gland, her : surgeon thought that because of the position of the lump, her : healthy  thyroid should also be removed. Now she is on a drug called : Thyroxin for the rest of her life [she is 32]. She still does not : feel right, always tired, no energy, weight loss etc Her blood : samples look good and doctors think she is taking the right  dose of : Thyroxin,  Is there a FAQ on Thyroid or any alternative/herbal : treatment anyone can recommend to her? : Perhaps someone other thyroidless person can offer her advice. : Her name is Carolyn,   : : — Lorna Buchan   See an acupuncturist for some Cooling, Moistening herbs. I’m sure she complains of both Heat and Dryness. – sent via an evaluation copy of BulkRate (unregistered). —

Paul – I too have no thyroid and just went through a stage exactly like the one described above, caused by the trauma of an auto accident. Specifically what herbs do you recomend and how should they be applied or ingested? Does the sufferer need acupuncture also??? Please be more definitive in your recommendation. Thanks.                                                 Ralph Burr

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