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Thyroid Issues

Old 03-18-11, 06:43 PM
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Thyroid Issues

So, after a recent physical, I am now on cholesterol medication, simvistatin. As concerning if not more so, my doctor is concerned about an out of range thyroid result. While reading up on it I found that sometimes the two are linked. Also found that I exhibit many of the symptoms linked to hypothyroidism. Fatigue, muscle aches, constipation followed by bouts of diarhea, trouble getting back to sleep when I wake up during the night etc,etc.

Anyone with experience with thyroid issues? Especially hypothyroid? Treatment, effect on bike riding etc.? Appreciate any comments.
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Old 03-18-11, 06:54 PM
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Check your body temp each morning. Mine was down to 96.5* Never 98*
Dry Skin?
Brain Fog?
Weight gain or impossible to loose weight?

Had mine remove because of a hard growth.
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Old 03-18-11, 09:56 PM
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I have been posting in the past about my issues with trying to get my levels under control. I have been low and then high and now I am not sure my doctor knows diddly about thyroid issues. One problem I had was with my HR. HR would not rev up past 123 for over a year and only recently have I been able to get it to rev a little more. Not any where near in the 160's yet but it's improving. My advice is to not mess around with a GP and go to a specialist. Good luck.
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Old 03-18-11, 10:08 PM
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Second the motion to see an endocrinologist. Thyroid problems are pretty well understood, but you're better off with a specialist. Can't give any specific advice beyond that because I'm must beginning to deal with a recent diagnosis, but the pace really picked up when I saw a doc who does glands every day.
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Old 03-18-11, 10:10 PM
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See an endocrinologist
3rd
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Old 03-19-11, 06:57 AM
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Originally Posted by 10 Wheels
Check your body temp each morning. Mine was down to 96.5* Never 98*
Dry Skin?
Brain Fog?
Weight gain or impossible to loose weight?

Had mine remove because of a hard growth.
all three of those symptoms as well. Due to have another blood test in a couple of weeks after being on the cholesterol med............will go from there I guess.
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Old 03-19-11, 12:02 PM
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For the past few weeks, my body temperature has hung right around 35.5C, which is a bit low for me. (I have never been a textbook normal 37.0C sort of person, but I have hovered just above 36.5C most of my life, as did my mother.) I have not been gaining weight, but this is attributable to my diet and lifestlye, in which speedwalk commuting and bicycling play vital roles. I have become increasingly sensitive to cold. I find that taking daily kelp supplements alleviates the symptoms of hypothyroidism pretty effectively, although my body temperature remains in the "bargain basement."
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Old 03-25-14, 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Velo Dog
Second the motion to see an endocrinologist. Thyroid problems are pretty well understood, but you're better off with a specialist. Can't give any specific advice beyond that because I'm must beginning to deal with a recent diagnosis, but the pace really picked up when I saw a doc who does glands every day.
I was just alerted by the doc after seeing my thyroid levels being low. And here I have thought being 56 was to blame. I have lost 5Lbs this past 5mos but not easy as it should be. Anyways...has your correcting of the hypo levels had a good effect on your riding?

Edited: I meant to say 5 weeks, not 5 months. Normally I can drop 2Lbs per week but the past two years it has been much more difficult.

Last edited by OldsCOOL; 03-25-14 at 05:37 PM.
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Old 03-25-14, 05:01 PM
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I have hypothyroidism. My primary physician diagnosed it after routine blood tests about 7 years ago. I had no symptoms other than being tired, but I thought that was normal for a mother of three teenagers. He prescribed medication. I went back for another TSH test, was in the normal range, the fatigue went away, and I have remained within normal range for about 7 years with no adjustments to the medication. I have no side effects from the medication.
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Old 03-25-14, 05:15 PM
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Originally Posted by miss kenton
I have hypothyroidism. My primary physician diagnosed it after routine blood tests about 7 years ago. I had no symptoms other than being tired, but I thought that was normal for a mother of three teenagers. He prescribed medication. I went back for another TSH test, was in the normal range, the fatigue went away, and I have remained within normal range for about 7 years with no adjustments to the medication. I have no side effects from the medication.
That's great news! So I'm wondering if getting levels back into normal will get me another 2mph on my TT routes.
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Old 03-25-14, 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by OldsCOOL
That's great news! So I'm wondering if getting levels back into normal will get me another 2mph on my TT routes.
Well, as a matter of fact, my diagnosis was close to the time I returned to cycling and I lost 35 lbs. within a year. I was literally pedaling my butt off!
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Old 03-25-14, 05:55 PM
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My wife has not had a thyroid for 22 years... she knows a great deal and has a long list of resources.

Send me a PM and I can connect you.
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Old 03-25-14, 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by miss kenton
Well, as a matter of fact, my diagnosis was close to the time I returned to cycling and I lost 35 lbs. within a year. I was literally pedaling my butt off!
That's good work.

Looking at this season I am wanting to lose 15 or even 20 like I did 3yrs ago. That puts me in the sweet spot for hard riding. I'm at 180 and doing a bike build for a lighter, faster ride. It doesnt make sense to cut bike weight when I could lose 20 myself.
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Old 03-25-14, 06:43 PM
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I have hypothyroidism - diagnosed about 15 years ago after a routine blood test. I hadn't exhibited any symptoms at that time, and it was never explained to me exactly what it all meant. Went on synthroid and generally have not had problems - until just recently. My TSH was in the high range (but still within acceptable limits) about 9 months ago, so my GP raised my dosage. Then, suddenly over the past 6-8 weeks, I have been experiencing anxiety, muscle weakness and tremors. I learned that Synthroid CAN indeed cause these types of side-effects. Had my TSH re-tested and found that it was lower than it's ever been. (Note that a high number means you're approaching Hypo-thryroidism, wheras a low number means you're approaching Hyper-thryroidism. So, I was nearing HYPO. During those 9 months I also lost about 20 pounds - surprisingly easily as well. That should have been an indication that perhaps I was being over-medicated, but I wasn't concerned because I could stand to lose some weight, and I hadn't exhibited the anxiety symptoms yet. But, looking back on it now, I was pumping a higher dose of medicine into a "smaller" (20 lbs lighter) body, which probably made the severity of the over-medication worse. So after that latest TSH test with the low reading, and the observation that I'm experiencing anxiety (sometimes severe), which seems to spike about 2-3 hours taking the synthroid, my GP lowered my dosage about 10 days ago.

I'm hoping that that the anxiety will gradually abate (it already has - somewhat), but I don't know how long it will take for the right level of medication to be determined. "Right" meaning getting the TSH level within the target zone, but with no side-effects.

Just pointing out that thyroid medicine CAN have side effects, and that once you're on it, you're on it for life. I'm not as avid a bike rider as most here, so can't really say how it affects your riding. Suffice it to say that, until the recent anxiety symptoms, I've been to do whatever activities I've wanted. In other words, it had no effect on my lifestyle. But, not so much anymore.....
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Old 03-25-14, 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Timtruro
So, after a recent physical, I am now on cholesterol medication, simvistatin. As concerning if not more so, my doctor is concerned about an out of range thyroid result. While reading up on it I found that sometimes the two are linked.
In addition to synthroid (which I take in the morning), I also take simvastatin before going to bed. I was unaware of any link between the two. Could you provide a link (no pun intended) of where you read this information?

Thanks!
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Old 03-25-14, 07:20 PM
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The doctor upped my dose of levothyroxin (still low) per blood test. I then started iodine and d3 supplement. Doctor lowered dosage... Blood test came back fine.

Can't tell if that was the only factor, but seems to make sense...
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Old 03-25-14, 07:32 PM
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My thyroid was pretty much wiped out by radiation for throat cancer in 2008. Since then I have been taking Synthroid. After a few months of experimenting, my doctor (an internist, not an endocrinologist) put me at 112 mcg/day and that has held, but I understand that I may need an adjustment later if the levels change. He checks the level at my semiannual checkups.
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Old 03-25-14, 08:27 PM
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Ive had Hypothyroidism since I was 35 turning 51 in two days. 1st take your pills every day and I mean every day.2nd start to listen to your body if things do not feel right talk to your Doc. 3rd if Doc tells you your in range and you still don't feel right tell them again. If they don't listen you might try anther Doc.4th give meds time to work when and if you change dosage. Also check in to Armour thyroid (pig thyroid) this really helped me along with the synthroid.
Talk to pharmacist about this (I Never take Generic) you want this to be consistent generics tend to fluctuate. This isn't something you want to mess with your thyroid controls allot of your body functions as you will learn. For me exercise really helps and a good diet.
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Old 03-25-14, 09:40 PM
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With mediation it is easily controlled. A blood test is required every 3 to 6 months to start, then yearly once you are in the zone.

I have been on medication for about 10 years.

I can miss a day without too much concern, 2 days, I will basically shut down and fall on my face..

Basically I get lethargic and do not feel motivated to do anything, let alone ride a bike.
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Old 03-25-14, 10:05 PM
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I've been on synthroid for 16 years. I competed before medication and after starting medication. It took about 6 months to get the medication level close, adjustment were made every couple months. After about 6 months I started to feel close to like I did before. It took about a year before I felt I was back to the performance level I was at. Fine tuning of medication for about a year.

It took me awhile, with alot of adjustments to the levels of medication for a year (maybe alittle longer)

I feel really good now.

I think it really helped that my doctor is an athelete (marathon runner) and understood athletes and i really felt he was concerned about be getting well and returning to my past performance levels.

I do feel there is a difference in getting back to normal health for majority of the population and getting back to normal health for an athelete and getting back to higher level of fitness.

Good luck.
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Old 03-26-14, 12:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Preco
Ive had Hypothyroidism since I was 35 turning 51 in two days. 1st take your pills every day and I mean every day.2nd start to listen to your body if things do not feel right talk to your Doc. 3rd if Doc tells you your in range and you still don't feel right tell them again. If they don't listen you might try anther Doc.4th give meds time to work when and if you change dosage. Also check in to Armour thyroid (pig thyroid) this really helped me along with the synthroid.
Talk to pharmacist about this (I Never take Generic) you want this to be consistent generics tend to fluctuate. This isn't something you want to mess with your thyroid controls allot of your body functions as you will learn. For me exercise really helps and a good diet.
My wife is presently transitioning to ERFA (desiccated thyroid) as the synthroid and generic equivalent in Canada contain acacia which she is allergic to... when she was in the US she did not have this issue as the availability of levothyroxine is broader and there are generics that do not contain this cheap filler.

Generics in the US must be the same as the name brand (Synthroid) by law but regulations in Canada are more lax so dosages can vary by as much as 20%.

She had thyroid cancer when she was 18 and will soon be 41 so she is a long ways out from surgery and also had a rarer form of cancer that could not be treated with radiation... many endocrinologists and doctors on this coast are not familiar with Hurthle Cell Carcinoma. At the time she was the youngest person in the US to have experienced this type of cancer and counsels others on this, some years later a young girl developed this cancer at 16 and this is a cancer that usually afflicts older adults.

Tirosint is also available in the US and many report better outcomes with this additive and dye free levothyroxine, it is not yet available in Canada.

Paying close attention to your diet is really important as there are many deficiencies that come when you have no thyroid and rely on a synthetic, only desiccated thyroid has thyrocalcitonin which regulates calcium in the body and vitamin D deficiencies are also common.

The new generic she was taking here was not being absorbed properly and this was probably due to the allergic reaction she was experiencing and perhaps due to some dosage variance, this is now fading and in a few weeks her dosage will be increased as you cannot start on a full dosage until absorption rates and reactions are measured.

Our family physician is much better at managing her condition than her endocrinologist, he is scheduling far more tests and looking at other factors to determine how well the new medication is working and my wife's background in cellular biology, biochemistry, and 22 years without a thyroid give her the ability to examine test results and explain them.

Our physician is getting a good education and is a good partner in that he listens well and understands that he does not know everything.

We are amazed at cancer patients who question whether or not they should take levothyroxine... you can't get this any other way and not taking it leads to serious complications like death.

My wife is fortunate in that her parathyroids were retained and are functioning properly... this is a hell of a disease to deal with and this only makes it worse when it comes to management.
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Old 03-26-14, 02:01 AM
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My issues were resolved with the removal of one parathyroid gland and left lobe of thyroid due to goiter. Started to feel better the night after removal of parathyroid tumor and currently take liquid iodine. Really weird feelings before surgery.

Good luck to all with thyroid issues. I feel very fortunate that my problems were very minor.
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Old 03-26-14, 02:07 AM
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I've been on a thyroid supplement since I was about 50 yrs old or so. Levothyroxin I believe it is (the container is at the drugstore waiting for my doctor to answer her fax so I can't remember the dosage). If I go without for very long I get a little lethargic.
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Old 03-26-14, 07:27 AM
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I'm really not sure where The numbers are for me until tomorrow. I did read one article/study showing that low thyroid can be detected when the subject has been training and cutting weight via diet. That's me right there. Seriously, I had no clue this was going on. I love the outdoors, cold doesnt bother me, nothing out of the ordinary so it seems. Labs dont lie so here we go.
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Old 03-26-14, 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Preco
Ive had Hypothyroidism since I was 35 turning 51 in two days. 1st take your pills every day and I mean every day.2nd start to listen to your body if things do not feel right talk to your Doc. 3rd if Doc tells you your in range and you still don't feel right tell them again. If they don't listen you might try anther Doc.4th give meds time to work when and if you change dosage. Also check in to Armour thyroid (pig thyroid) this really helped me along with the synthroid.
Talk to pharmacist about this (I Never take Generic) you want this to be consistent generics tend to fluctuate. This isn't something you want to mess with your thyroid controls allot of your body functions as you will learn. For me exercise really helps and a good diet.
Preco - I would PM you, but don't have enough posts yet.....But I have some questions about what you posted here:

Like you, I have been on Synthroid (not generic) for about 16 years and take my medicine EVERY day religiously. Never had a problem until recently when I suddenly began experiencing moderate to severe anxiety starting about 8-10 months after a dosage increase. Now, I'm trying to educate myself about synthroid and its side effects every chance I get.
You said that "Armour thyroid (pig thyroid) this really helped me along with the synthroid". Could you elaborate on how this has helped you, how often you take it, where is it available, etc? Has it made you feel better overall? Or, has it allowed you to lower your dose of synthroid, etc? (This is just to discuss options with my doctor...I'm not going to run out and start self-medicating....)
And when you mention to "give meds time to work when and if you change dosage.", how long are you talking about in your experience? I was feeling fine at the time, but my GP decided on increasing my dosage from 112 to 125mcg due to a single high-ish TSH reading at that time (4.116). After that dosage increase in April 2013 my latest TSH (2 weeks ago) is 0.42 now - quite a swing, and all from a small dosage increase from 112 to 125mcg. Coincidentally, I've also lost 20 lbs during that time, which has probably increased the effectiveness (and side effect) of the increased dose. After seeing my GP about the anxiety (and the most recent TSH reading of 0.42), my dosage was reduced back to 112mcg 10 days ago because of the anxiety side effect. While I'm feeling a BIT better, I'm still far from feeling normal and am wondering how long it takes for a change in dosage to be "right".

Thanks for sharing your experiences, and I hope that you're doing well.

Since I can't communicate here via PM (yet), if you prefer, you can reach me at my email instead: bhoenigmann@nycap.rr.com
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