Hyperthyroidism Support Group
Hyperthyroidism (or "overactive thyroid gland") is the clinical syndrome featuring weight loss (often accompanied by a ravenous appetite), fatigue, weakness, hyperactivity, irritability, apathy, depression, polyuria, and sweating. Additional symptoms may include palpitations and arrhythmias (notably atrial fibrillation), dyspnea, loss of libido, nausea, vomiting, and...
Hi everyone! I'm new here and was wondering if anyone else has had colloid cysts and how were they treated? The ultrasound shows one on each lobe. They are very small apparently. Will be seeing endocrinologist on November 17. Any info would be greatly appreciated. TY
So I saw the endocrinologist yesterday and was very disappointed!!!! I felt that I went in there prepared to ask my questions and when I started to look over my notes and ask questions, he would always smirk. I told him that i thought all my symptoms were looking like i might have hyperthyroidism. He said that judging by my blood work results, it did not look that i had hyperthyroidism!!! But i told him that when my GP called me at home to give me the results she said that the Free t3 was very high and why would she say that? He says well I dont know why she would say that.. but your numbers are very close to the end of the range which is (4.2-6.4) pmol/L. He said my result was 6.7, but it was in fact 7.6!!!! Im very confused... I asked him why a lot of doctors only check the TSH and not the free t3 and free t4 and he says that thats the best indicator of a thyroid problem!!! So Im not feeling too confident that with this type of reasoning that I am in good hands. He also didnt think that my osteoporosis was related to the thyroid. Im so depressed right now. He never asked me anything about how I am feeling, didnt say anything about the thyroid ultrasound which says i have millemetric coilloid nodules....just looks at the numbers and thats it. This is the blood work that he is now sending me for: Glucose ac, TSH,Free T4, Free T3, Anti TPO, TSH Receptor Ab (TRab) and Cortisol
I dont know where to go from here. still feel awful, was plagued with headaches and in bed for most of last week.
feeling very hopeless right now and down in the dumps. I was hoping that all my problems and health issues would be explained by the elevated free t3 results, but now apparently i dont appear to have a thyroid problem, then why do i have so many of the symptoms and continue to feel like ive been put though a wringer?
Questions, comments, input would be much appreciated! thank you
I am so sorry you had to deal with the man who calls himself a medical professional. Try not to give up hope. This is a glitch in your journey. It will happen, sometimes. Do you have a copy of the blood test results that the doctor was looking at? (These labs were done through your other doctor) What were your T.S.H., Free T3 and Free T4 and their ranges again? When you take the new blood tests, please fast for 10-12 hours prior to giving your blood. It’s makes a difference. This time, contact the lab and request a copy of the results so you don’t have to wait to see the doctor again. When did he say to take the labs? Sorry, I don’t remember if you are on any meds right now. Are you? I believe THIS doctor wanted to get blood tests first, see the results and start from there. If you feel that this doctor is not listening to you - try to get another one. If not, get the lab results and we will go step by step with you with on what to do and say next.
You are not alone in this. Try to stay positive. Speak with your GP and get a physical copy of your lab results. Speak with your GP and let them know what this Endocrinologist said. Tell the GP you are confused and need someone to explain things. Or, recommend a different Endocrinologist.
For me, I don’t ask questions about WHY. I ask a questions about HOW something happened or WHAT can be done to fix the situation.
The first time around with doctors, they told me what I had and what my options were. And, what other tests they needed to take to get better clarification of this disease. I was very distraught after the first visit. Very, very distraught. After I took my RA Uptake Scan, I had a very important conversation with the radiologist. he was ready for me to do RAI because my numbers were high with absorption of iodine in my thyroid. I let him say what he had to say and then I posed a question to him about handling GD another way. He did not take me seriously and said my emotions were high because of the disease. I was not aware of Graves Rage, at that time, and I held back my anger towards him (and boy, I was going to yell at this guy) I said to him in so many words, “YOU DO NOT LIVE IN MY BODY!” And that there are many people out there that have handled this disease without the RAI or surgery.
So, I am telling you in a kind and loving manner, “keep positive,” be proactive by researching the best ways possible to deal with this auto-immune disease, and know there are people here at this forum who will support you.
Don’t give up hope. We’ll figure this out. Much Love.
TSH - 1.5 (dont have the reference range) free t-3 - 7.6( reference range is 4.2 -6.4) free t-4 - 10.6 (reference range is 7.0-16.0). The free t3 abd free t4 are in pmol/L ( I don't know what that is) I have had the thyroid ultrasound and it shows a few millimetric colloid cysts.
Do you want to know if I am anybthroid meds or all my meds that I take in general?
I know I have to have the tests taken before 8am in the morning and after having fasted. I doubt know if the hospital will send rgevresukrs to patients...I think its only to their doctors. But I'll ask.
Next visit my husband said that he would be going with me...hope that helps... in sure it will, because as we've said before, male doctors dont trest makes the same way.
I know that I have to have the blood drawn by the latest, one to two weeks before I see him on December 22.
Good for you for standing up to that doctor. Gosh, why do we have to go through this BS??
Thanks so much.
Sending blessings, love and light...
So sorry about the Endo not doing a good job. This is something I see constantly from the other board I moderate at and here.
Did the Endo put you on any beta blockers to get the high Free T3 to come down?
{{{hugs}}}
MM knows the numbers better than I. Some people have numbers that are ALL in the normal range and they have no clue why they are feeling the way they do. I think there is a name for it subclinical thyroidism. I say this to everyone....WE are all like snowflakes, individuals. We do NOT all function well in the so called NORMAL range. I think it is a good idea to have your blood tested again. Make sure you fast the 10-12 hours to get the best readings. Have you been on any anti-thyroid medications? Am I confused here, did your GP put you on any? What other meds and supplements are you taking?
Also, do you drink alcohol or smoke? These things mess with GD, especially smoking with eyesight.
I wish I could have been there for you - sometimes doctors need to be confronted and be told to take other things into consideration. BTW, having certain deficiencies tested, like zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, copper and selenium. My zinc came in low so I am taking a supplement for it and I am in normal range. (Or as normal as the protocol states :-)
I didn’t see a range for your T.S.H. But the standard range for that is. .50 - 4.50. I started with .001 - I was real HYPER and my heart was beating so fast. I was offered beta blockers but I knew some of the side effects - and I opted out. The MMI helped with it.
I hope you can get some clarity.
BTW, I take a probiotic for women, eat 3 Brazil nuts a day for selenium and soon trying a special magnesium that MM recommended because it shouldnt’ give the laxative effect that my current magnesium citrate does.
If you ever want to talk in private, message me.
I am here for you. Take Care - Much Love. (You’ll get through this)
One other thing - if you have a “racing mind” (which I had) it’s always good meditate and take a nice long lavender bath - and turn off the switch in your head. It helps. Have a lovely Thanksgiving!
The higher Free T3 will give the symptoms for me that you have described with a headache, and other symptoms and the feelings of being put through the wringer. Panic attacks and anxieties were present with the higher FT3 levels for me as well.
Taking a beta blocker stops the conversion of the Free T4 going over to the Free T3 and then the FT3 starts being reduced to lessen the symptoms.
People can get Graves' Disease and hypERthyroidism in different ways according to their thyroid antibodies and lifestyles such as in the case of a hyigher FT4 levels would be treated with just an ATD (antithyroid drug). If is in the case as the higher FT3 to the normal FT4 levels, it is treated with beta blockers and this condition is called a T3 Thyrotoxicosis.
If both Free Ts are high, then both types of meds - the beta blocker and the ATD is taken to lower down the numbers.
{{{hugs}}}
See, I told you, MM can explain the numbers.
The other thing is what is the deal with the cysts on your thyroids? I believe they are called nodules. Those should be looked at more carefully.
There is something that I totally get when dealing with a doctor. If the information they give you does not make sense, where you are thinking YOU are the crazy one - STOP for a moment. Say to that doctor (with pen in hand and ready to write down every word they say) Please explain to me what you are saying - BECAUSE I don’t understand. And, even after they explain it to you one time - and you don’t get it - ASK again! And, again until you understand what is going on. Sometimes, I say, “please explain this to me if I were a 5 year old.” I have no problem doing this because you NEED to understand what is behind your doctor’s decisions. If they refuse to comply, find another doctor. Take a little of the Graves rage and internalize it into nicely demanding the information your brain needs to feel comfortable with your medical issues.
You can do it! Take Care!
So to answer your questions...I dont have the range for the TSH. Yes, the first set of labs were requested by my family doctor. Yes, I do have a copy of the blood test that the endocrinologist was looking at. I had the new bloodwork done today. And yes I did fast for 12 hours. I cannot request a copy results from the Hospital, I can only get a copy of the results from the endocrinologist. He said if there was anything alarming, they would call before December 22. We'll see about that. As for my meds. I am on cymbalta for FM, Vitamin D, Caltrate plus, and I have a PRN (take when needed) for meloxicam for OA esomeprazole ( to protect stomach from the anti inflamatory) and metropolol ( which was prescribed for Afib (not thyroid) about 18 months ago. I do not smoke or drink. I have noted those other things to rule out deficiencies, and will look into taking probiotics, eating Brazil nuts and if I end up taking the special magnesium, I will definitely ask for the name. Dont need any laxative effects...I have IBS. StillLearning,Thanks for your offer of talking in private...may take you up
on that. But is it because my posts are too long? mmtzcass, I have tons of anxiety!! So like I mentioned earlier the beta blocker that I was prescribed by the cardiologist, was not taken every day, only when I would have Afib symptoms that lasted longer than 4 minutes. I have read up on Thyrotoxicosis. It certainly does seem that our could be a possibility. There was also something else that I was reading up on about how sometimes the thyroid hormone is not absorbed into the cells. I forget what its called, and if I check it out now, i will lose everything that I've typed thus far!!! Will send info later. Re the nodules...you know what, after meeting with this doctor, I think I was in a state of shock, my attitude was like what is even the point, he seems to have his mind made up and I just couldnt stand him smirking at me any longer. And thats why I didnt even bother asking about the nodules. He'd probably tell me that they are millemetric, so not a bigdeal!! My own GP told me that my thyroid ultrasound was normal!!! So this is what I'm dealing with!! So I will wait to get the results of this bloodwork.and then I will take it from there. And my husband will be going with me next time. And if he sends us home saying all the results are normal,. I think it'll be the last time I see him. StillLearning , I like your analogy of comparing humans to snowflakes...so true. And also to ask them to explain it to us like we are five years old. Somehow though I dont think this guy will come down off his high horse...but we'll see if he is on his best behaviour if hubby is nearby!!! Both of you... thanks so much for your insight, feedback and words of encouragement.❤
10/30/2017 1 Comment
Treating Thyroid Resistance by David Borenstein
Submitted by Justine W.
Rochester, MI, USA
Patient Question: "I'm currently on T3-only (Cytomel) for thyroid resistance (I also have adrenal issues which my doctor and I are addressing). However, I'm confused about how we will know if I'm ready to introduce NDT or T4-only medication to my T3 medication. Also, I would love more information about Reverse T3 and Free T3/Reverse T3 ratios. Thank you! My questions are below:
1. What indicators tell you that a patient is ready to introduce T4-only medication or natural desiccated thyroid medication to their T3-only medication that he/she might have been on for thyroid resistance?
2. What are optimal values for Reverse T3? How do you evaluate Reverse T3 and Free T3? Is their an optimal ratio between the two labs?"
Response by: David Borenstein, MD
Manhattan Integrative Medicine
"Hi Justine. Thank you for your questions. Let me address your questions in 3 parts:
Thyroid Resistance and T3 Drugs
Thyroid resistance refers to the situation where T3 -- the active thyroid hormone -- is not able to effectively enter cells -- delivering oxygen and energy. This leaves people hypothyroid at the cellular level. They are physiologically hypothyroid, and may experience hypothyroid symptoms, but TSH, and even Free T4 and Free T3 may appear to fall within the "normal" reference range.
There are several causes for this situation. In some cases, there is insufficient Free T3 -- unbound, available T3 -- to sufficiently meet the body's needs. Insufficient Free T3 can be due to the body's ability to convert T4 into T3 - as a result of chronic stress, adrenal dysfunction, genetic factors and/or nutritional deficiencies, among other causes.
I can't stand smirking doctors either. :-(
Nice article above on the hypOthyroidism. :-) Low T3 levels definitely is an issue for many hypOs struggling to get that to come up to the mid level of the normal lab reference ranges and/or to even get their doctors to prescribe a T3 med.
{{{hugs}}}
Continuation of article from previous post....
In other cases, even if conversion is taking place, there is simply not enough Free T3 to "do the job," because there is not enough Free T4 available for conversion or the conversion is imperfect. There is also a situation known as cellular resistance, where cells essentially block the T3 from entering. This can be due to genetic issues, or can result from the presence of thyroid-like substances that mimic thyroid hormone and block the transport ability of the T3 to get into cells. Some of these thyroid-lilke substances include estrogens and phytogestrogens - such as soy.
Your FT3 levels are high to the upper end, not low. I am not sure the article applies to your situation. It means you are hypER, not hypO for the higher T3 levels that your blood work shows.
{{{hugs}}}
No problem. :-) The Endo is probably looking at the normal TSH levels for you and not really looking at the FT3/FT4 levels and checking what drugs you taking and which drugs can lower down the thyroid levels and the side effects of many drugs which can cause problems.
I went back to your older posts and reread the meds you are taking. How long have you been on Cymbalta for your FMS? Taking this drug can mess up thyroid levels to drive the FT4 to the hypO range (yours is lower than it should be) and which is why the FT3 might be driven up higher.
To keep the thyroid as balanced as possible, we need to have the FT3 at the mid range (for you that's 5.3 at your lab reference ranges used). For the Free T4 it should be at the upper third range (for you that's at around 14, at least).
Many drugs causes issues such as lowering the thyroid levels, as well as depleting certain mineral levels, especially that of Magnesium).
This article may be of help:
https://drcarolyndean.com/2014/05/safe-drug-alternatives/
I have had FMS issues when my thyroid levels of the FT4 was lower than it should be. Reading Dr. Carolyn Dean of how she mentioned of certain drugs lowering the vitamins/mineral levels in the body. I thought back over to what I have taken before in the past to help with the Rheumatoid Arthritis pains and realized I set myself up to have problems with certain health conditions (such as the thyroid) at a later time period in life. :-(
I am nearly as drug free as I can be now (except for taking such wee amounts of MMI) and have the organic and non-GMO foods in my diet, along with vitamins, small amounts of herbs, and avoiding and chemicals and toxins from the household and personal products used. What a big difference compared to a mere 7-10 years ago that I was on the RA drugs, taking over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, using household and personal products with a lot of chemicals and such in them, and unhealthy foods that weren't good for me.
{{{hugs}}}