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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism?

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Posted on Tue, 21 Feb 2017
Question: Hello,

My TSH is 3.6, and I have many signs of hypothyroidism. I have lost a lot of hair, have acne, weight gain, and many many throat symptoms and allergies the past two years. My gynaecologist prescribed 50mcg synthoid and I really feel like this is the right choice. Is it bad to treat something that isn't clinically hypothyroidism? So confused! And I want my throat craziness, burning, pain, etc. to go away, and no ent can tell me anything other than reflux that makes no sense! please advise
doctor
Answered by Dr. Elona (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You need too talk with a endocrinologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for asking HealthcareMagic for your health problems.
I have gone through your question and understood your concern.

The official reference range for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) blood test runs from approximately 0.5 to 4.5/5.0.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism may be vague and can often mimic other conditions. They may include :

Changes in the menstrual cycle
Constipation
Depression
Dry hair and hair loss
Dry skin
Fatigue
Greater sensitivity to cold
Slow heart rate
Swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter)
Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Carpal tunnel syndrome

Your TSH is normal but my advice is to discuss about this with an endocrinologist

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Thank you


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Elona (43 minutes later)
You are an endocrinologist!

What would you suggest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Elona (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Allergies can be a probable cause for your sore throat.

Detailed Answer:
Dear

If you have the symptoms of hypothyroidism and your TSH test result is normal,i and suggest to repeat the thyroid tests(TSH,freeT4 and freeT4)in another lab.(Let me know your results.)

It is very important for me to know if your pain is sore throat or is pain in the thyroid region.(located in the neck, just above where your collarbones meet in the middle.)

As endocrinologist i can say that hypothyroidism and pain in the thyroid region can be attributed to conditions called subacute or acute thyroiditis.

Subacute thyroiditis often occurs after a viral infection of the ear, sinus, or throat, such as mumps, the flu, or a common cold.The most obvious symptom of subacute thyroiditis is pain in the neck caused by a swollen and inflamed thyroid gland.The inflamed thyroid gland may release too much thyroid hormone, causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism,followed by a transient period of hypothyroidism.

So ,to resume:If you do not feel Tenderness and pain when you gentle press your thyroid gland,Difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and Fever this diagnose can be excluded.

Potential causes of your sore throat can be:
-Viral or bacterial infection
-Alergies(You’re allergic to pollen, dust, trees, dogs pollen and exposure to these allergens can trigger postnasal drip. This is when excess mucus accumulates in the back of your throat. This accumulation can irritate your throat and cause pain or inflammation.
-Dry air can also make your throat feel raw and scratchy.
-Smoking cigarettes or exposure to cigarette smoke can trigger persistent sore throats.
-Yelling or too much talking can trigger throat strain.
-Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Determining the right cause of your sore throat is very important for the right treatement.
i suggest to meet physically an allergist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist. These specialists can determine whether allergens or a throat disorder is the cause of your sore throat.

The treatment for a sore throat depends on the cause.
However my advice is to try first these home treatment options:
-gargling with warm salt water
-drinking plenty of warm fluids, such as teas, soup, and water
-avoiding allergens and irritants, such as smoke and chemicals
-taking throat lozenges
-reducing inflammation with ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Hope my information is helpful for you.
If you have other queries,feel free ans ask.I will be happy to help.
You can contact me at HealthCareMagic at my private link: bit.do/hcm-Dr-Xhardo
Wish you all the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Elona (10 hours later)
Thank you for your response,

I have seen many ENT's with diagnosis of allergies and reflux, but no matter what I do, it doesn't seem to improve. That is what made me look into hormones or thyroid maybe triggering reflux, as I have so many hormone symptoms, such as hair loss acne, weight gain, and heavy periods. I just got lab tests back that said my TSH is now 1.6! It was 3.6 about 6 months ago. I haven't taken any thyroid medication; is this normal for the thyroid to fluctuate like this?

I don't have a fever. I think this is more reflux related but very very difficult to treat, making me point towards other reasons. I have seen so many specialists here in Canada, and I really feel like I am on my own trying to navigate how my life all of a sudden changed when I turned 40! Thank you for all your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Elona (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes,it can be normal.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Acid reflux, also known as GERD or acid indigestion, is extremely common. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) doesn’t close properly.
When the XXXXXXX fails to close completely, stomach contents and digestive juices can come back up into the esophagus.

When the thyroid doesn't produce a sufficient amount of hormones, it can cause XXXXXXX dysfunction. This allows stomach contents and digestive juices to enter the esophagus, which may lead to GERD. Other factors, such as an H. pylori infection, can also contribute to your acid reflux.

Taking estrogen in any form, whether as hormone replacement therapy or in birth control pills, can affect thyroid test results.
Estrogen increases a particular protein that binds thyroid hormone to it, making the thyroid hormone partially inactive. Thyroid tests can end up showing falsely increased total T-4 levels.

At the other side you should know that TSH level, can change along with the seasons. TSH naturally rises somewhat during colder months and drops back down in the warmest months.

In my opinion this is can be the causes of your thyroid tests fluctuation.

For your symptoms as endocrinologist i suggest to do e cortisol and testosteron level to see if it is a endocrine condition that is the culpit.

Don't worry,i'm sure that you will find the right for the reflux and sore throat.Just have patience.

Hope i have clarified your doubts.
If you have other questions,feel free and ask.I will be happy to help.
Or,if you do not have other questions,please close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.
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. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Elona

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 940 Questions

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism?

Brief Answer: You need too talk with a endocrinologist Detailed Answer: Hello Thank you for asking HealthcareMagic for your health problems. I have gone through your question and understood your concern. The official reference range for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) blood test runs from approximately 0.5 to 4.5/5.0. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may be vague and can often mimic other conditions. They may include : Changes in the menstrual cycle Constipation Depression Dry hair and hair loss Dry skin Fatigue Greater sensitivity to cold Slow heart rate Swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter) Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight Carpal tunnel syndrome Your TSH is normal but my advice is to discuss about this with an endocrinologist Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. Thank you