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Hypothyroidism. On Armour Thyroid And Hormone Cream. Family History Of Cancer. Possible To Remove Adrenal Gland?
Question: I have been seeing a hormone and thyroid doctor since October. He put me on Armour thyroid and hormone cream. He said I had hypothyroidism.He had only checked my blood one time.It runs in my family. One of my aunts and many of my cousins have had their thyroids removed due to cancer and recurrent goiters. Beginning in XXXXXXX I began having the sensation of someone choking or holding my neck. It makes it difficult to swallow especially when looking down. The last time he checked my blood was the end of XXXXXXX He said my levels were up but within the normal/high range. He said this was probably what was normal for me. For the past two weeks I have not been taking my thyroid medicine. The choking sensation was just too much. My Pharmacist told me to discontinue use till I was seen by my doctor. I have an appointment tomorrow. My Question is, is it possible that me taking the armour and possibly not really needing it has caused a nodule? Or if I did need it could the armour cause the nodule? I do have the symptoms of hypothyroidism, but what if my problem is adrenal? Is it possible for the thyroid symptoms and adrenal symptoms to mimic each other? Is it possible that both are not functioning right? Will both have to be fixed to receive help for my symptoms? I just want to feel like a normal human being, how long can it take to get your thyroid or adrenal gland straightened out?
Hi XXXXXXX,
Hypothyroidism is a condition that can easily be treated using medicine. All you have to do is to take the prescribed dose regularly.
If you are thyroid hormone deficient & stop taking medicine without consulting your doctor then it may lead to enlargement of the thyroid gland ( goitre). This may cause choking problem ( difficulty in swallowing). In addition fatigue & feeling sleepy are other common symptoms of thyroid deficiency.
Some of the symptoms of thyroid & adrenal deficiency do overlap but both conditions are distinct entities. You have already been diagnosed by your endocrinologist & you should not make your self confused by thinking in another directions. If you still have doubts you may discuss your concerns with your doctor tomorrow & request him/ her to evaluate your adrenal glands as well.
Your doctor must have put you on thyroid drugs only after checking your levels. So, it is unlikely that you have been over treated. I don't thing this is the cause your thyroid enlargement ( if it is really there!).
Doctors usually check thyroid levels monthly when you start treatment. Once they are within normal limits, 6 monthly follow up is enough. But, you must stick to treatment & have regular follow up to feel normal & healthy.
You must discuss your chocking problem with your doctor as this needs urgent evaluation.
Wish you good health & a quick recovery.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that can easily be treated using medicine. All you have to do is to take the prescribed dose regularly.
If you are thyroid hormone deficient & stop taking medicine without consulting your doctor then it may lead to enlargement of the thyroid gland ( goitre). This may cause choking problem ( difficulty in swallowing). In addition fatigue & feeling sleepy are other common symptoms of thyroid deficiency.
Some of the symptoms of thyroid & adrenal deficiency do overlap but both conditions are distinct entities. You have already been diagnosed by your endocrinologist & you should not make your self confused by thinking in another directions. If you still have doubts you may discuss your concerns with your doctor tomorrow & request him/ her to evaluate your adrenal glands as well.
Your doctor must have put you on thyroid drugs only after checking your levels. So, it is unlikely that you have been over treated. I don't thing this is the cause your thyroid enlargement ( if it is really there!).
Doctors usually check thyroid levels monthly when you start treatment. Once they are within normal limits, 6 monthly follow up is enough. But, you must stick to treatment & have regular follow up to feel normal & healthy.
You must discuss your chocking problem with your doctor as this needs urgent evaluation.
Wish you good health & a quick recovery.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My Dr. informed me today that I have three mutations of the mthfr gene. What does this mean? He put me on a cream containing 5-mthf, hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin, pyridoxal 5-phosphate, and natural vitamin d. He also scheduled an x-ray on my thyroid. He said that my mutation was why I haven't seen symptom relief with my thyroid medicine and hormones. He said the cream should help. Is it just a bunch of hooplah? Is mthfr mutation real? He used my labwork to determine this, he tested my blood. I have seen some sights that link the mutations to cancer and cardiovascular disease. I am skeptical. Do I have increased risk for cancer because of have these mutations?
Hi XXXXXXX,
Welcome back.
I will try my best to simplify it for you & not to increase your confusion.
The MTHFR gene is a part of our genetic make up that provide instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme plays a role in processing amino acids which are in simple terms the building blocks of proteins.
Specifically, this enzyme converts 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This reaction is required for the process that converts the amino acid homocysteine to another amino acid, methionine. The body uses methionine to make proteins and other important compounds.
At least 40 mutations ( changes) in the MTHFR gene have been identified. People with this gene mutations may or may not have abnormal function of this enzyme depending upon the extent of expression of their gene mutations. Some changes impair the function of the enzyme, and some cause the enzyme to be inactivated. Other mutations lead to the production of an abnormally small amount of the enzyme. Without functional & adequate methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, homocysteine cannot be converted to methionine. As a result, homocysteine builds up in the bloodstream, and the amount of methionine is reduced.
Researchers have not determined for sure, how altered levels of homocysteine and methionine lead to the health problems.
Some associated problems include increase risk of neural tube defects, cleft lip and palate, atherosclerosis, which can in turn lead to coronary artery disease,
heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, glaucoma, certain types of cancer ( there may be an increase risk of esophageal cancer, increased risk for postmenopausal breast cancer & there is a reduced risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, acute lymphocytic leukemia & colorectal cancer), increased risk of having a blood clot in the veins, psychiatric disorders, dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, migraines are more common, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Non Insulin Dependant Diabetes also are more prevalent. Certain pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (elevated blood pressure), placental abruption (where the placenta detaches from the uterus), recurrent pregnancy loss, and giving birth to a small baby (called intrauterine growth restriction).
In short you cannot change your genetic make up but lifestyle you may change. Luckily increasing your intake of folic acid and B vitamins ( particularly B6 & B12 ) may lower your homocysteine level. A good source of folate can be found in fruits and vegetables (especially XXXXXXX leafy vegetables). Other good sources of folate include fortified breads and cereals, lentils, chickpeas, asparagus, spinach, and most beans. You may take folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 supplements.
I think you should stick to your doctors advice as he/ she has more insight of your problem & also take dietary supplements.
Wish you best of luck & good health.
Take care.
Welcome back.
I will try my best to simplify it for you & not to increase your confusion.
The MTHFR gene is a part of our genetic make up that provide instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme plays a role in processing amino acids which are in simple terms the building blocks of proteins.
Specifically, this enzyme converts 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This reaction is required for the process that converts the amino acid homocysteine to another amino acid, methionine. The body uses methionine to make proteins and other important compounds.
At least 40 mutations ( changes) in the MTHFR gene have been identified. People with this gene mutations may or may not have abnormal function of this enzyme depending upon the extent of expression of their gene mutations. Some changes impair the function of the enzyme, and some cause the enzyme to be inactivated. Other mutations lead to the production of an abnormally small amount of the enzyme. Without functional & adequate methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, homocysteine cannot be converted to methionine. As a result, homocysteine builds up in the bloodstream, and the amount of methionine is reduced.
Researchers have not determined for sure, how altered levels of homocysteine and methionine lead to the health problems.
Some associated problems include increase risk of neural tube defects, cleft lip and palate, atherosclerosis, which can in turn lead to coronary artery disease,
heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, glaucoma, certain types of cancer ( there may be an increase risk of esophageal cancer, increased risk for postmenopausal breast cancer & there is a reduced risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, acute lymphocytic leukemia & colorectal cancer), increased risk of having a blood clot in the veins, psychiatric disorders, dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, migraines are more common, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Non Insulin Dependant Diabetes also are more prevalent. Certain pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (elevated blood pressure), placental abruption (where the placenta detaches from the uterus), recurrent pregnancy loss, and giving birth to a small baby (called intrauterine growth restriction).
In short you cannot change your genetic make up but lifestyle you may change. Luckily increasing your intake of folic acid and B vitamins ( particularly B6 & B12 ) may lower your homocysteine level. A good source of folate can be found in fruits and vegetables (especially XXXXXXX leafy vegetables). Other good sources of folate include fortified breads and cereals, lentils, chickpeas, asparagus, spinach, and most beans. You may take folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 supplements.
I think you should stick to your doctors advice as he/ she has more insight of your problem & also take dietary supplements.
Wish you best of luck & good health.
Take care.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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