Has anyone had problems with their thyroid & what kind of questions should I ask my doctor?

Question

I'm going to see a specialist soon regarding my thyroid. My OB/GYN has been monitoring the gland for a year now. My youngest child (I have 3) is 19 mo and I'm 40 yrs old. Menopause comes somewhat early in my family as well. I've been having problems w/ my period for a while & feeling tired all the time. My GYN said that tests showed that my thyroid is producing what my body needs but is working too hard to do it. My sister had 1/2 of hers removed in 2005. What should I make sure I discuss w/ my doctor? Please share your experiences with me.

Answer 1

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are pretty much the same symptoms one has going through menopause. That's why its important to test the thyroid to rule it out. Chances are if your GYN has been monitoring your thyroid levels you are either borderline or are hypothyroid. The reason I say are hypothyroid is because your GYN may be going by outdated lab ranges because most doctors are. In 2002, AACE changed the range for TSH to 0.3 to 3.0, yet most labs will still have the range at 0.3 to 5.5. If your TSH is a 4.5, your GYN may think its normal, but high normal so he/she is watching it. Whenever you test thyroid, test in the morning only. Testing in the afternoon could stop a diagnosis because TSH is at its lowest in the afternoon. Next time you test, ask for a morning TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and an antibody test. For some reason, (probably because of the TSH) it is difficult getting a thyroid diagnosis. You have to read up on hypothyroidism and know what your levels are and what they should be. Basically a TSH over 2.0 will present symptoms. I have put links below for you to read before you see the doctor again. Your regular family doctor can probably treat you. The only reason you'd need to see a specialist was if you had nodules on your thyroid, cancer, or hyperthyroidism.

Answer 2

I'm sorry but I dissagree strongly with the other people answering this question. Thyroid problems DO NOT cause menopausal problems. I am wondering why your OB is monitoring your thyroid function. Did you have problems with your last pregnancy? Heavy bloodloss? The reason I ask is that your symptoms could be caused by pituitary issues and the pituitary is often damaged when there is heavy bloodloss during delivery. It also could be menopause mixed with hypothyroid, but there is no reason for your OB to be watching your thyroid. He should have sent you to an Endocrinologist. Most Drs don't know how to read thyroid tests....low normal could be a problem but they wouldn't see it as a problem. Look at your symptoms on this chart http://www.goodhormonehealth.com/symptoms/gland_hormone_symptom_table.html and see where yours fall in. Good luck!

Answer 3

Thyroid problems are particularly uncomplicated, tremendously in women human beings. the main uncomplicated is to have hypothyroidism meaning the thyroid gland in the neck isn't making adequate thyroid hormone. The hormone is significant in common cellular metabolism, so no longer having adequate might have various consequences. maximum often hypothyroid will reason chilly intolerance, constipation, hair and dermis grow to be extra dry, weight income, and voice differences. it relatively is actual dealt with with guy made thyroid hormone to refill the tiers. Thyroid problems are clinically determined via common blood tests which examine for TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone- produced via the pituitary gland) and serum T3 and T4 (circulating thyroid hormone tiers) Hypothyroidism isn't life threatening. besides the undeniable fact that, hyperthyroidism it incredibly is basically too lots thyroid could be risky because it could reason weird and wonderful coronary heart rhythms which enhance the probabilities of stroke. the regularly occurring drugs for hypothyroid is thyroxine, the therapy for hyperthyroid is carbimazole, iodine radiation removing of thyroid or surgical removing of thyroid. Thyroid problems shouldn't impact your ability to have toddlers. usually, thyroid problems are actual dealt with and reason no long term harm or problems if precise controlled. communicate it extra jointly with your physician.

Answer 4

Do not opt for surgery to fix this problem. There are dozens of medications that can fix whatever your thyroid is doing. Ask the doctor what the negative reprecussions of your problem are and ask him for the simplest possible treatment to treat it. You may have to watch your diet a little more with a thyroid problem, but you should not be in any real danger.

Answer 5

Making dietary changes is your first line of defense in treating hypothyroidism. Learn here https://tr.im/RIr7O

Many people with hypothyroidism experience crippling fatigue and brain fog, which prompts reaching for non-nutritional forms of energy like sugar and caffeine. I’ve dubbed these rascals the terrible twosome, as they can burn out your thyroid (and destabilize blood sugar).

1. Just say no to the dietary bungee cord. Greatly reduce or eliminate caffeine and sugar, including refined carbohydrates like flour, which the body treats like sugar. Make grain-based carbohydrates lesser of a focus, eating non-starchy vegetables to your heart’s content.

2. Up the protein. Protein transports thyroid hormone to all your tissues and enjoying it at each meal can help normalize thyroid function. Proteins include nuts and nut butters; quinoa; hormone- and antibiotic-free animal products (organic, grass-fed meats, eggs, and sustainably-farmed fish); and legumes.

Answer 6

My sister has thyroid problems. Your period was probably messed up because thyroid problems mess with your hormones. Just go to your doctor and ask what you can do to straighten out your hormones, medicines etc. Feel comfortable walking in the room and saying what should i do about my thyroid.