Hypothyroidism - Ongoing/additional symptoms?
Does anyone else here with hypothyroidism have skin problems? The skin on my face is changing and I cannot figure out what is going on. It’s dry and rough in certain areas. At first it started off as one small patch, but it eventually spread. It doesn’t itch, bleed, flake off or anything like that. But when I examine it closely, it’s almost like little tiny spikes stick up off of it.
Additionally, my fatigue isn’t going away and is still really bad, and I have unexplained muscle spasms (not painful and they even happen in my throat) all over my body, and lately I’ve also had jolts of pain in my hands/arms and feet/legs, almost like the painful part of when a limb wakes up. It’s not lasting and goes away almost immediately. I also have anxiety (medicated), but I feel like it’s been getting worse lately. I’m wondering if it’s all, somehow, related to my hypothyroidism.
I’m not looking for a diagnosis, I’m just looking for information about symptoms those of you with hypo experience/d. There’s something that popped up called hypoparathyroidism which a lot of my stuff matches, but it says it’s really rare, so I have no idea. I don’t know if it becomes more likely for people who have hypo since I don’t know anything about it. Were any of you diagnosed with it?
My doctor seemed hesitant to check my T-levels last time I asked (because they normalized my thyroid levels with meds), so I don’t know how to approach it without being bothersome. I can’t see an endocrinologist without a referral, either, and I’m being a baby about asking. Any tips on how to ask the appropriate questions so I can have more tests done?
Sorry for rambling and thank you for bothering to read the entire thing if you got this far!
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4 Answers
HI,
I also have hypothyroidism – Hashimoto diagnosed last year in April. I probably had this a while now because my THS levels were very high and all the symptoms you describe I had. I have back pains like hell, I have anxiety, my hair falls out, my skin is dry, I gain weight very, very, very, easily – like if I would eat 3 regular meals a day I would be overweight for sure. I also have allergies very easy, and my glucose levels are oscillating most of the time.
If you feel that you should check your T levels again, do not hesitate, it´s better to be bothersome and healthy :) It is YOUR health that is the most important not the doctor´s feelings, so go ahead!
Weight issues, tremendous fatigue and feeling cold easily, specially limbs, sometimes a faster heartbeat.
Skin dryness is extremely common with hypothyroidism. My best advice is get your T4 free, T3, and TSH tested, and obviously stay moisturized. You need to rule the thyroid in or out as an antagonist. Muscle and joint trouble is a complaint with many thyroid patients too.
However, the muscle troubles, as you know, I feel strongly is at least somewhat related to vitamin D deficiency. Also, B12 should be above 500 (the normal range starts at 200 in American labs).
You can get these tests done by your GP and get a referral. Bring the results to the endocrinologist. Although, he will likely run more tests. I think you should see a specialist. At minimum it will give you a new pair of eyes and second opinion.
I will start by saying I know nothing about hypothyroidism but I know a lot about the healing properties of Yoga (Indian science of the physical body) Mediation (Indian science of the breath and mind) and Ayurveda (Indian science of the human diet) The above 3 Indian sciences work in concert to balance the body and mind and help heal and prevent issues of ones health. The yogis believe that all diseases of the mind and body are a reflection of excesses of some sort of another such as certain foods, obviously smoking, alcohol and drugs that are tremendous stressors of the body.
2 years ago I found out I have issues with my esophagus which meant I had to now watch what I eat, when I eat and how much I eat. In comes the science of Ayurveda. I have a type A, high heating disposition of which there are certain foods I should not eat that can contribute and exacerbate this high heat disposition such as spices, tomatoes, beet and many others. And there are certain foods that are cooling that I should eat more of.
What I found interesting here and the real reason I am posting this is because both you and @Sepp mention anxiety issues. I have been doing a bit of reading in Ayurvedic articles and all of them mention issues with hypothyroidism and anxiety as one of the potential stressors involved in the manifestation of skin disorders. Again diet will come under scrutiny and yoga and specifically pranayama can offer help. From what I read on this malady is one of the bodies response hypothyroidism dry skin etc. is caused from reduce circulation of the blood in the skin tissues and there are specific yoga poses and therapies that can target circulation.
Here is one article on hypothyroidism and Ayurveda and this is the Google link I used to search on this topic. I know many people I discuss these yogic sciences with roll their eyes at them and if you are at all curious and have questions feel free to ask. And none of this is meant to side step any medications and therapies you and your doctor are working on. And do be cautious with herbal therapies as then can interact with prescribed medicines.
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