When your thyroid is low, bodily functions can slow down. Here are nine signs you may have hypothyroidism, according to David Borenstein, MD, of Manhattan Integrative Medicine.
1. Elevated Cholesterol Many patients with hypothyroidism have elevated cholesterol. In many cases, thyroid medication lowers cholesterol to the point that heart medications like statins aren't needed.
2. Poor Concentration Hypothyroidism patients suffer from brain fog, resulting in poor short-term memory. Thyroid treatment often reduces brain fog and improve memory issues.
3. A horase Voice Low thyroid causes patients to retain water, which can lead to swelling of the vocal chords. Treating the thyroid reduces swelling and horaseness.
4. Muscle or Joint Pain Hypothyroidism often brings on bilateral joint pain, meaning pain in both knees, both elbows, both shoulders, etc. This pain, felt deep in the bone, is not associated with arthritis.
5. Constipation Lack of thyroid hormone in the gastrointestinal tract slows the motility of the colon, leading to constipation, ranging from mild to severe.
6. Menstrual Problems Many hypothyroidism patients' menstrual cycles come to a halt for months at a time. Treating the thyroid can bring periods back within two to three months.
7. Increased Sensitivity to Cold When your thyroid is low, less blood flows to your cells, which causes a feeling of coldness in the body.
8. Dry Skin and Hair Hypothyroidism can result in dry skin in patches or all over the body. Patients may also lose hair from the scalp and eyebrows. Or, their hair may get thinner overall, with minimal or no hair loss.
9. Depression Many people who suffer from depression have low thyroid function and are often lacking a particular hormone called T3.
Ann-OH
Posted by Ann-OH (Member # 2020) on :
Pardon my misspelling of the word for scratchy throat. The real spelling has a British word for donkey in it and I was not allowed to post that.
Got a good laugh out of that.
Ann - OH
Posted by Pocono Lyme (Member # 5939) on :
Thanks for posting this Ann-OH.
It amazes me how the reference ranges for various lab tests have changed.
When the original reference ranges were established, they were obtained by testing healthy people and averaging the results.
Now each lab averages the results they get from sick people, healthy people, and people under treatment.
I've tried to find the "old" reference ranges but haven't been successful.
I'd bet we could find the cause of so many symptoms with more accurate ways to measure.
Thyroid is a prime example. My labs were "normal". I'm hypothyroid! Armour has made a huge difference.
ho****ness had to try it Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
That's hysterical - let me try p**** and ****nic and rehe****.
Ha - giggling can at least raise endorphin levels!
Oh, and by the way, Armour thyroid has caused me to be present again, so thanks for the post. I did test low thyroid.
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
ho****
h-o-a-r-s-e
Oh my, a-r-s-e isn't a bad word!
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
If TSH is 2.5 (in normal range but considered hypothyroid by those in the know), but Free T3 & Free T4 are normal and have only one symptom that could be linked to hypothyroid, what does it mean?
Thanks,
Posted by BuffyFan (Member # 34679) on :
this pdf states that it is subclinical hypothyroidism. In most cases associated with anti TPO antibodies
subclinical hypothyroidism is caused by autoimmune hypothyroidism that hasnot progressed to severe thyroid impairment.anyway, read where it says Raised TSH normal free t4 or free t3.
I consider a TSH over 2 is high. I know I feel awful when mine is over 2. Still don't understand why "they" raised the end of the range to 5.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
My TSH was 1.2 6 months ago, and I've never had positive antibodies to thyroid.
Is it possible that Lyme/coinfections have caused my pituitary to secrete varying amounts of TSH?
Posted by Dogsandcats (Member # 28544) on :
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