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What Causes Weight Gain, Fatigue, Joint And Muscular Pain And Dry Hair?
Question: Hi, I am a 38 year old female with clinical presentation of extreme weight gain, fatigue, joint and muscular pain, dry hair and nails, dry eyes, bloatness and gas. I was tested for Thyroid disease and both Anti TPO and Anti TG came back very positive, however my TSH was normal and Free T4 was borderline low. My Sedimentation Rate was pretty high at 49 and the endo referred me to a Rheumatologist. CBC is normal and so are my liver and kidney function tests. My red blood cells are a bit big because I'm a life long vegetarian. I will be seeing the Rheumatologist in two weeks but I am terrified that a high sedimentation rate means that I have some sort of cancer. What would you think?
Brief Answer:
ESR
Detailed Answer:
ESR is a very non specific test and as such, in and of itself has no direct diagnostic value i.e. it does not indicate the presence of cancer or otherwise.
It has been historically over the decades to suggest some underlying disease. Often the cause is just anemia (low haemoglobin).
Regarding your symptoms, they are indeed highly suggestive of 'hypothyroidism' i.e. an under active thyroid. However, given that your TSH is normal it is extremely unlikely that you have a thyroid problem. The borderline Free T4 does not seem to be an issue. If it were low, we would be concerned
ESR
Detailed Answer:
ESR is a very non specific test and as such, in and of itself has no direct diagnostic value i.e. it does not indicate the presence of cancer or otherwise.
It has been historically over the decades to suggest some underlying disease. Often the cause is just anemia (low haemoglobin).
Regarding your symptoms, they are indeed highly suggestive of 'hypothyroidism' i.e. an under active thyroid. However, given that your TSH is normal it is extremely unlikely that you have a thyroid problem. The borderline Free T4 does not seem to be an issue. If it were low, we would be concerned
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am not anemic though. My hemoglobin is perfectly fine and so are all my other blood counts.
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I have noted that.
ESR is also used to screen for the possibility of 'Collagen Vascular Diseases' , also known as Rheumatic diseases such as Lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis for example.
Your symptoms do suggest a likelihood of these. But there are several other tests such as
RA factor
ANA
which help make this diagnosis, in addition to a comprehensive physical examination. ESR is an indirect marker of 'inflammation' in these conditions.
Rheumatologists are best qualified to manage these disorders, so hopefully you should get some answers soon.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I have noted that.
ESR is also used to screen for the possibility of 'Collagen Vascular Diseases' , also known as Rheumatic diseases such as Lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis for example.
Your symptoms do suggest a likelihood of these. But there are several other tests such as
RA factor
ANA
which help make this diagnosis, in addition to a comprehensive physical examination. ESR is an indirect marker of 'inflammation' in these conditions.
Rheumatologists are best qualified to manage these disorders, so hopefully you should get some answers soon.
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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