Thanks to a really messed up thyroid, my hair, weight, and almost everything esle is a wreck. Any suggestions?

Question

I have been to countless medical doctors and have tried different medications, vitamins, herbs, diets, but my hair still comes out by the handfuls every day, my weight is going up and up, my eyes are swollen and my ankles are long since buried. Has anyone gone through this mess and found a way out?

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 1998. After trying different dosages of different meds with not much success, a "new" endocrinologist suggested thyroid radiation in January 2005. My latest thyroid test showed that my T4 was still a little high despite the Levothyroxin daily, which does not explain the ongoing weight gain and hair loss since the radiation treatment. As far as I know, this is the first sign of thyroid problems in my family, so it's all new to us. With no history to go by, it's been frustrating to the point of tears at times, and rage. Besides these aggravating outward manifestations, the resultant affects also have me worried and a little stressed. Thanks for your replies!

Answer 1

Yes, you need to go back to the doctors. I am sure they have told you that you need to follow up. You might need an invasive thyroid intervention. Also take your medicine as directed and don't slack off. The medicine is designed to be a therapy and one pill won't do the trick. It takes effect after repetitive usage.

Answer 2

Do you have HYPO or HYPERthyroidism? I guess from the description, it's hypothyroidism. I'm a doctor. Everything you mention is a consequence of your thyroid disorder, but once it is controlled (with thyroid hormone replacement), you shouldn't have those symptoms anymore and everything should go back to normal.

So, in case your thyroid hormone level is not controlled it can be easily known with having a TSH level drawn. If the TSH level is within normal limits, then the treatment is ok and you should continue your thyroid hormone at the same dosage (although it make take some weeks for the symptoms to improve...). Once your thyroid is controlled and you keep on having the same symptoms, then it is pretty sure that your thyroid is not the cause of those symptoms. You should ask your doctor what the cause may be. Don't modify your thyroid treatment 'cause it's gonna make things only worse. Someone else here suggested to go to an endocrinologist, which I think is a very good idea.

My personal experience with patients is that they tend to change treatments and doctors frequently when they don't get the expected results. This is very bad, because everytime you come to a new doctor he has to start all over again. If a treatment doesn't work go back to the same doctor and tell him it didn't work. It is in his best interest to know that a specific treatment didn't work. Sometimes it takes a longer workup than usual to get results or to know what is going on. So be patient, it will work I'm sure.

Answer 3

I take thyroid medication every day myself for hypothyroidism. First you need a regular doctor you are able to talk to and work with and you should have had lab tests run to see what your thyroid is doing. This will give your doctor the info to prescribe the correct dosage to take, if the thyroid is your real problem. Then, that medication must be taken an hour before you eat breakfast with a full cup of water to get the benefit of it, you DO NOT take it with food. Get your blood levels checked every 6 months.

Answer 4

Have you had thyroid function tests? Have you had all that are available? If so, if your thyroid is messed up, you should have been given medicine to regulate it or had a goiter surgically removed or some kind of effective treatment given you. Some of your symptoms sound like some kind of heart failure. Thyroid disease, especially hyperthyroidism can damage the heart. Please go to an endocrinoligist, who is a specialist in all things glandular. Good luck to you and hope I was of some help.

Answer 5

hello i was always dizzy my doctor,did some analysis and my tyroide is in 600 he said i have hypothyriodism so he send me to an endocronolgyst for hormone i gained weight my hair always sleeping tired joints and they told me i had hashimoto thyroiditis and also am anemic am not producing b12. im drinkinkg levothyrioxine keep looking for answer but this is like diabitis they told for the rest of our lifes also this runs in the family.

Answer 6

make your cosmo 100 calories skinnier by mixing a raspberry infused vodka with club soda

Answer 7

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

Have you seen an endocrinologist?
If not, go see one.
I do not know what tests they have bee run an I don't know your age, weight, family background among other information.
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Answer 10

Snap a photo of yourself once a week to know progress that will also increase your confidence level