Anyone know about Hypothyroidism?

[Simba's Mom]

What are the signs? Is it common in "women our age"(50)? How is it diagnosed? Someone told me there's a possible connection with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. All I know is that I've been completely exhausted for months. Even if I get 9-10 hours sleep a night, that's not enough. Otherwise I feel fine! Just can't lose weight (at first I thought carrying around this extra 20 lbs was the cause). Maybe it's just stress-teaching at a Military boys school can do that (remember-"if you act up one more time, we're sending you to military school"?) But I'm happy there-I honestly enjoy my job-just very high-stress. I'm taking tomorrow off from work though to catch up on my sleep, hopefully, and when a co-worker heard of this she decided it might be Hypothyroidism ("Goes along with Menopause, you know", she whispered). So I'd appreciate anything you can tell me about it.

 

[helenabear]

Bambii just asked about this not too long ago on this thread and the first reply by Buz listed two sites that I've gone to and a bunch of symptoms to go with. Truthfully I have all but about 3 of those listed in that reply and on another list on one of the other websites I had all but one symptom known. So in short next Tuesday I am getting my thyroid checked (with a simple blood test). But a few of what you mentioned are symptoms as well. Good luck

 

[Meriweather]

Yes, it is just a simple blood test. Get it done....better to know.
I have so much more energy since I've been on the medication!

 

[loisg1]

I have hypothyroidism. It's diagnosed by a simple blood test. You are put on a medication called synthroid and have your synthroid level checked via blood work every so often as well. That's pretty much it. I was tired - put DDs on the school bus and would go back to bed... and weight gain. My primary finally realized that I was continuing to have these symptoms and ordered the blood test.

Good luck.
Lois

 

[Beauty]

I have Hypo (underactive thyroid). My main symptoms were not being able to loose weight, tired all the time, my hair falls out really easily and when I do get cold I'm freezing...there is no in between. I'm either super hot or super cold. My doctors still don't have me adjusted to the right amount of synthroid. In fact I'm calling tomorrow to set up an appointment because I have also been having signs of Hypoglacimia......heart palpatations, afternoon headaches, and again tiredness.

I recently went on a very strict diet which could definatly be messing up my body in some ways so I'm going to have it checked out.

Hypothyroids are very common and easily treatable once you have the right meds. I would definatly recommend getting a blood test done with your Dr. There is nothing to it, blood out of your arm.

Good Luck and if you have any questions feel free to pm me!

 

[rbuzzotta]

I had the same blood test done about 8 months ago. I am "borderline" hypothyroid. I am not on medication but experience fatique, dry skin, being cold all the time and weight gain!!

I was told to wait 1 year for retesting. I also had a thyroid scan and do have an enlarged thyroid. My Dad had thryoid cancer and had 1 side and 3/4 of the other side of his thryoid removed. I am proud to say he is a survivor.

I hate being tired and want to sleep all the time!! But I can't...I am a mom of 3 active girls..............

Get your blood tested and I wish you the best of health.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks so much for the info everyone. I think a call to my doctor tomorrow for a blood test is definitely a good idea!

 

[Towncrier]

My wife developed hypothyroidism in her mid-30's. I was in my mid-40's when I was diagnosed. We both take synthroid every evening. Neither of us had any symptoms. The only reason that our doctor discovered it was through routine blood work.

 

[bambii]

and the doctor told me if I dont hear from him it is good news. He did feel my throid and it is swollen. I was so nervous I forgot to ask what that meant. It was a simple test. but it took forever to find a vein.

 

[snels]

Thyroid problems tend to run in families.
I had mine tested five years ago because my mom and all of her family are on Synthroid.
It was a good thing I checked. My thyroid was underactive. A couple of years later my sister had to go on Synthroid after testing.
Sandy

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I just wanted to pop in here... sometimes your thyroid function can be low, actually very low, but within normal ranges as dictated by who???the insurance companies???at any rate they will not do anything for you.. You can be experiencing the symptoms but are within the criteria for "normal range"... Then you have to think holistically how to boost your system...maybe go to a practitioner or a health food store and take supplements..

Also.. I do find this.. menopause raises havoc with your thyroid and the inability to lose weight...so I am an exercise fiend....it is slow but is coming off.. but verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry slowly..

Make sure you have the doctor do a blood test....I have been thinking lately of going to an endocrinologist as I have had someone in my immediate family with thyroid cancer.. We do take this little gland for granted sometimes and it regulates our whole body.. it is our little thermostat.. Good luck.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

I've had a number of Thyroid problems over the years. I found a book which was very helpful:
"The Thyroid Sourcebook" by M. Sara Rosenthal (I believe they are on the 4th edition)
It's very easy to read and explains things in a way that is easy to understand.