Thyroid Question

I've had a thyroid issue for years, there is a basic test they run[TSH] if that appears to be normal they let it go. But there are other tests they can run on you. Look at a lab slip next time you need lab work and good luck

I just went through (and am comtinuing to) this thyroid stuff. I wound up in the emergency room with the accelerated heart beat. After a simple blood test, I was told I was hyperthyroid. I was fortunate that meds could solve it. But, my anxiety was high as well. My doc did some research on past tests I had had and noticed that I had been hyperthyroid for 3 years with no symptoms. It does take a while for the symptoms to show when you are hyperthyroid. If the meds fixed the anxiety, I wouldn't worry about being hyperthyroid until you get some of the other symptoms.

Hi A., I had the same problems your friend is having during my pregnancy with twins and after. I got so thin and had heart palpitations and trouble breathing...They didn't figure it out till 2 months after the babies were born. You think doctors would think of this? I would still demand a thyroid test, you are your own advocate. They went by a thyroid test they did on me early in the pregnancy and said it wasn't thyroid. Now my thyroid is so damaged I'm on meds for good...Good luck and go with your instinct.

A.

Hi Amy,

Yes, a specialist (endocrinologist) will check for different thyroid hormone levels than a PC and it certainly can't hurt to have them checked out! I was diagnosed years ago for panic disorder because I would faint within 30 minutes of eating, but not every single time I would eat. It was assumed that I could not be having a drop in sugar levels since I had just eaten. Eventually I saw a reputable endocrinologist for both this issue and another one and he diagnosed me completely differently, prescribed different medication and I have felt so much better--and have stopped fainting. He also is able to do a thorough physical exam of the thyroid gland. My blood levels are still within the normal range, but the physical exam indicates to him that I do have thyroid issues and he monitors it VERY closely--this is not something that your PC would ever do on a regular basis.

If you want to have it checked, it certainly can't hurt to ask for the more in-depth tests to be run. If your PC refuses, ask for a referral to a reputable endocrinologist, or find one on your own (and maybe think about changing PC). The thyroid gland controls all of the hormones running through your body and can run amok without warning--better safe than sorry.

Hi Amy,
I too had hyperthyroid. I was referred to an Endocrinologist and they did a whole battery of tests on me to confirm. I did not have to have surgery but I did have to have the iodine drink to shrink my thyroid, and then had to go on thyroid hormone (synthroid). I feel so much better and here it is 5 years later. I still have to go once a year to get my levels checked and have had to have adjustments to my medication. I went to UMass Medical in Worcester to the Endocrinology Department.
Good Luck.
S.

Hi,

I am a RN. There are several tests for thyroid function. The type of test that is ordered depends on the presenting symptoms.
When you have an annual physical, there are a routine battery of tests ordered. If they don't indicate a problem and the person has symptoms, then usually additional tests are ordered.

Hope this is helpful.

I've had issues with my thyroid since I had my first son 3 years ago. I went on thyroid meds and had the levels checked annually. All was fine until I had my second son about 6 months ago. During pregnancy, I had a thyroid test every trimester and the levels were fine. Since giving birth, my doctor has changed my prescription 3 times and I've gotten a blood test every 6 weeks. So to answer your question, I would ask to have another test because from what I understand, the levels can change. I have to add though, that I didn't know there is any kind of association of panic attacks to the thyroid. Good luck.

Most docs will just test your TSH - you should see an endocrinologist and have your T3 and T4 checked, and maybe other things - thyroid is complicated and deserves a specialist!

Hi Amy,
My sister just found out that she has a thyroid problem as well. It took the doctors about 3yrs to figure this out becuase the test kept coming back normal. Even after they realized what the problem was they gave her another test that still came back normal. I would recommend taking the test every couple of months, and to see if there is more then one type that you could take. But also don't just asume you have a problem. Sometimes the test can be right. Good luck!

Amy,

I have had thyroid problems when I was a teenager and young adult, and had not just blood tests done, but also a test where I had to drink a slighly radioactive solution and they did a test about 1 hour later. Forget what it is called.
With my pregnancies I had a few check-ups with an endicronolgist, but luckily all is fine.
There are a bunch of different tests.
Instead of taking anti-anxiety medication, I certainly would go for more in depth testing. Or at least ask your doctor what she exactly tested for and you can do some online research before going further.

H.

Demand the test
it took my doctor 1 and 1/2 years to order my test and my thyroid was not working
i have graves disease and damage to my eyes due to the neglect
please have the test right away

Hi Amy!
My guess is this: There is more than one type of thyroid hormone that you can test for. I'm not sure of the specifics, but different tests can measure how much hormone your thyroid is producing; or the amount of a different hormone that tells your thyroid how much to produce.
I developed a thyroid problem within six months of my son being born. My problem was the opposite of your friend's: my thyroid just burned out, and stopped producing enough hormone to satisfy my body. It was scary at first, not knowing what was wrong with me and why I was so tired/moody all the time, but with the right treatment it's no problem. Just a pill a day to provide my body with the right amount of synthetic hormone.
My advice to you is to tell your doctor that you know thyroid problems are common among women who were recently pregnant/gave birth, and that you want to be sure your thyroid is healthy. Explain that you have a friend who just went through this, and they might be more sympathetic about ordering additional tests. Good luck!

not a comment but request. Could you find out the name of that other test as I am also very thin and eat like a horse at times and if i now the name of that test I can ask my docter about it. Thanks in advance Debbie

Hi, I had my thyroid out b/c it was over active. I had graves disease with the thyroid disease (it is the eye disease as well). As for the symptoms, it is not only anxiety, it is high heart rate, losing a lot of weight in a small amount of time, being cold all the time, shakey hands, active - unable to just relax and sit still, losing hair.....
I think if your doc checked you in Nov. then it is probably fine, and he'll probably just check you at next years check up. Unless you have any other symptoms, I wouldn't worry about it.
Good luck!!

There are a number of blood tests that screen for thyroid problems. Primary care doctors routinely order the basics unless they have reason to suspect thyroid disease. My family has HYPOthyroidism, the opposite from what your friend has - HYPERthyroidism, however I just wanted to share with you the name of the best book I have ever read on thyroid disease. It's focus is on HYPO, but you will learn a lot about both problems if you read it. It's called "Living Well With Hypothyroidism (What Your Doctor Won't Tell You...)" by Mary J. Shomon. She has a website with excerpts from the book. Check it out. Perhaps the most valuable piece of advice in the entire book is that if you have a thyroid problem (or suspect that you may) you would be wise to consult an endocrinologist. I was fortunate to find one who is also a primary care doctor and have been very happy with the care I have received ever since. Thyroid disease can affect people in ways you'd never imagine - depression or anxiety, weight issues, heart palpitations, even miscarriages and/or infertility. This is valuable information whether it turns out that you have thyroid disease or not. Chances are you know someone who DOES and hasn't yet been diagnosed. By the way, kudos to the nurse who suggested testing to your friend. Nice catch!

Thyroid disease and anxiety/depression go hand and hand. I found out I had an under active thyroid 7 years ago after my second child when physical symptoms over took me and I thought I was dying.
After a blood test we found out and I have been put on thyroid meds and have felt much better since then but never 100 percent. I dont think I will ever feel 100 percent but I do know that I have been told that seeing an endorologist (sp?) can really help understand thyroid function much better.

I would make an apoitment
Good luck

Amy-
When you have an overactive thyroid, you don't have anxiety felings, you have more of the "shakes". You might feel them inside--but your hands will also shake. There are all quite a few symptoms for graves disease. If it is overactive, you are extremely tired all the time, are hot, or can wear next to nothing in the middle of winter--you might have problems with your eyes--etc. Your thyroid is like the brain of your organs, if it is off----you can have problems with your eyes, sugar, & heart. You would know that something is definately wrong.
If you are on anti-anxiety meds, and you are doing fine--be happy. These meds would not fix a thyroid problem. Good luck with your friend.

Hey Amy,
Just wanted to share my own experience with hypothyrodism. After I had my last son I put on a TON of weight. I gained 25lb pregnant lost it completley then after a few months put on 30+ lbs. After a year of complaining to my PC she finally decided to check my thyroid. It came back innormal so she put me on meds and scheduled an appt with and endocronologist. The appt was made but it was 6 months away so my PC kept checking my blood levels every couple of weeks. When I finally got to the endocronologist she decided to do blood work, I told her tha my PC had just done some 2 weeks earlier and the endocronologist explained this to me.
Your PC will check thyroid levels in your blood.Your endocronologist checks the blood count levels in the thyroid levels in your blood. Make sense? Hard to understand and maybe I misunderstood but I am certain of this. Your PC only checks for a "problem" but does not actually check the specifics.So thats is what I have been told with regards to why my PCs test where not useful. I have blood work done every 6 wks and am on meds that change reularly. So GOOD LUCK! It is a pain in the bacside BUT worth checking out.

Hi Amy,

I am not sure if there are different test but I was diagnosed with an underactive thyrous when I was 29. I think it really depends on how your thyroid is acting when you have the test done. I would also do some research online.

Good Luck

Hi Amy,
I also had an overactive thyroid gland(also called Grave's disease). The thyroid controls metabolism and the fight or flight response. So you usually get the weight loss showing up first then the racing heart rate etc. It took a while for mine to get diagnosed. You should have a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and thyroid profile done. These will check things pretty thoroghly. The tyroid can start overacting or underacting at any time.
I was on a thyroid hormone blocker for a year or so then weaned off and worry free till after the birth of my first child when it came back. I then had radioactive iodine to destroy my thyroid and am now on thyroid hormone suppliment for life....but it is no problem.
Hope all comes out well for you.
K.