251 Comments

1. Great work Dana. Thank you for bravely going forward with this incredibly, and most important of all medical issues! I am absolutely on the same page, and frustrated with the enormity of reaching so many sick women (and a few men), of whom I can only manage a few a day. I am perhaps more “hard core” than any medical provider, because of my years of research in medical publications. That said, I wonder if you are aware that recent (2019?) published research confirms that the anterior pituitary (TSH source) is “relatively insensitive to T4, compared to somatic cells”! This finding underscores the danger of using TSH as a screening tool for hypothyroidism. I have all but stopped looking at it in my clinical practice. Further, Dr. John Midgely, MD (creator of the FT3 and FT4 tests) told me in a recent e-mail that ultimately it would be best to ignore the lab values altogether, and merely look at the patients’ symptom picture. I whole heartedly agree. “If it aint broke, don’t fix it”. I tell my patients that any symptom could be thyroid related, then refer them to your site. This is not just your fight, it is mine too, so be encouraged, and keep going…please. Sincerest regards, Dr.Allen S. Tyler (BSc, ND).

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2. Hi,
   recently diagnosed and came across your site from someone’s YouTube video.
   I am cautious about seeing info about this, and I am therefore curious where you got your source from with the possible 300 symptoms.
   thank you.

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3. Dana, You are a breath of fresh air and a light of wisdom in the darkness. You have taken on a monster of a problem. I know because I have devoted my career to helping thyroid sufferers. I am encouraged by your work. please never stop. As I approach retirement, my biggest concern is that my patients will lose their greatest advocate for helping them maintain a euthyroid state. I do tell them to check out your website. Lets stick together and help as many as we can. I’m still planning to publish my book about hypothyroidism, but I’m stuck on the title. I will forward a copy to you when its done. I hope your book is under way?
   Keep up the amazing work. B well.

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4. Hi! I was diagnosed as having Hypothyroidism about 25 years ago. I now have arthritis, osteoporosis, recently was diagnosed with Lupus. As well as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and my gallbladder was removed 10 years ago as well as currently having anxiety attacks so severe we thought it was my heart, an abnormal EKG and had to have a heart cath that showed mild blockage in my main artery (widow maker) I also was diagnosed as bipolar, PTSD and severe depression. Also have had a breast reduction due to severe back pain. I had to have a total hysterectomy at the age of 29 because I kept getting cyst so large they would wrap around my ovaries and the last one ruptured. I have had to have several lumps removed not only from my breast but different areas of my body, thankfully they were all benign. So tired daily, no energy and lately just do not want to be around anyone. I have lost about 60 lbs in the last year. I recently had to go on disability because of all the health issues which means I went from 75k a year to 22k making it difficult to support myself and I am only 49 and feel 80. But they have not said any of these things are related to the other. Maybe I should ask my Drs I had no ideal they could all be linked.

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   1. I just read your comment on 300 Hypo Symptoms and have this to say. In reality the majority of doctors do not know how nor care how to treat hypothyroidism.

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      1. where can I get tested im on tablets at the moment for Hypothyroidism

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   2. Melinda. If you go back to the same “doctors” who misdiagnosed the cause of your ill health, you are compounding the crime. Start taking some iodine every day. Somewhere between 5 and 10 milligrams (mg). NOT MICROGRAMS. Its not too late to have the remaining years of life in good health. Dana is telegraphing to the world the symptoms that we physicians see regularly. Most have no idea what they are looking at. The few that do understand, are too afraid to upset the system. medical care is a crap shoot today. Do your own homework and talk to others with the same problems. THERE ARE 100’s OF MILLIONS of you! Sad but true.

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5. Does anyone have a personal recommendation for a doctor in western Iowa?

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   1. i am being treated for hypo thyroid disease . instructions are to alternate100mcg with 75mcg synthroid. on 100mcg days i sleep alot. there are improvements in TSH and T4..white noise is silently simmering in head now. dizziness subsiding.

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      1. TSH and T4 are really not relevant to treating thyroid.

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         1. I agree. That book is fantastic!!! I learned so much. I am not happy that so many of the NDTs have been taken off the market. I am taking NP Thyroid (generic) because Medicare won’t cover Armor. I still can’t get my T3 optimal so it must be time to check cortisol. TSH is suppressed and T4 is mid range so that’s good.

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            1. I have been on NP thyroid for 5 years and my numbers keep getting worse. I am starting to doubt the effectiveness of the medication. Actually, had severe fatigue-took myself off and that day felt so much better. I am not sure where to go from here. My doc kept raising the dosage and my numbers keep going down.

      2. Perhaps you are not aware that Synthroid (levothyroxine) is NOT A THYROID HORMONE! That is confirmed by the American College of Biochemists. LT4 is a synthetic analogue of T4, that can alter T^SDH values (in most cases), and props up the misguided thinking of doctors who still believe that outdated paradigm. STOP LT4 immediately, and switch to NP thyroid (desiccated thyroid) in which there is REASL T4 and T3 (active). 100’s of millions of Americans (10X more women :-/) are being mistreated with levothyroxine, to their detriment. There is NO published medical data proving that LT4 can be converted to active T3. NONE! It is nothing short of murder to be prescribed this fake thyroxine. B well.

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6. My daughter has portal vein thrombosis from the age of 8 and when she turned 18 she got her period after that she started to carry a lot of fluid and so the kidney specialist put her on fluid tablets to keep the fluid down but it’s funny because the fluid goes up before her period starts then it drops down once started but the specialist said it’s got nothing to do with her hormones. I’m not sure what to do as I’d like her to come off the fluid tablets if it’s not the kidneys that’s causing the excess fluid as her Gfr is normal. I know it all stems from her liver but she wasn’t carry extra fluid until her menses came at 18yrs old. Any advice would be great if possible. Thanks.

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   1. Hi Rachel, I’m sorry to hear this is happening to your daughter. Here is an article about fluid retention that happens in a low thyroid state. Good to have you at Hypothyroid Mom.
      https://hypothyroidmom.com/my-darn-hypothyroid-legs/

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7. I have so many of these symptoms and had asked several Dr’s to test my thyroid. They say it is normal and one told me I definitely have fibromyalgia. Also, Reynaud’s. The older I get, the worse I get. Also, about 2 years ago, my hair became crackly and started falling out by the handfuls. I had thin hair, and it was down to my hiney. Now it is so thin I have to use wigs and other things to cover it. My blood work came back as only a point or two off on my thyroid, but Dr wasn’t worried. My stepdaughter has Hashimoto’s and was only 1 point off. Her thyroid medicine made her feel better. I don’t have a Dr. I can see that is an expert in this. Can you advise me where to look? Thank you for posting this and making me feel like I am not crazy.

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   1. Hi Donna, I’ve been compiling lists of good thyroid doctors based on recommendations from my Hypothyroid Mom followers for the last ten years. It’s hard to find a good thyroid doctor but they are out there. Here is where to book a virtual consult with me. I provide every person that I meet with a list of thyroid doctors for their region. I look forward to speaking with you
      https://ny786.infusionsoft.app/app/orderForms/Talk-with-Dana-Trentini-30min

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8. I am extremely happy to find this group and realize that it’s not just me, but it makes me sad to see so many people struggling with the same problems as me. I never realized the THYROID had so much control of our bodies. Why can’t a solution be found? My problems started after I had my son in 2004 and have been downhill since. I have had 4 miscarriages due to not ovulating. I recently had an endometrial ablation due to my periods being so heavy and constant. I’ve been on Armour for years and when my levels would change so would the dosage amount of my prescription. I recently went to the doctor, and these were the results of my bloodwork: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone was 0.03 and my Thyroxine, Free (FT4) was 0.49. Also, my Anti-Thyroglobulin Thyroid Ab was Positive. So, my doctor is now referring me to an Endocrinologist who doesn’t have an opening until October 24th. I am so tired of feeling tired, having no energy, feeling guilty for everything I put in my mouth, feeling depressed, not wanting to leave my house…I just want to feel like my old self again! So, to all of the hypothyroidism moms out there I UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FEEL!

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   1. Hi Wendy, It is good to have you at Hypothyroid Mom. It is a hard journey as a thyroid patient. I’m very sorry to hear about your miscarriages. I had a miscarriage due to severe hypothyroidism which is the reason I created this website. Please know there is hope to be well. Be sure your thyroid testing includes Free T3 and Reverse T3 as well. Here in this article there is a description of each lab test so that you are informed before you see your doctor: https://hypothyroidmom.com/top-5-reasons-doctors-fail-to-diagnose-hypothyroidism/

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      1. Love what you are doing for the MILLIONS of women suffering from untreated hypothyroidism. I cannot ever hope to reach as many as you can through your excellent site. PLEASE remind women (and the few men) with hypothyroidism that they got there from generations of iodine deficiency. `Dr. Broda Barnes and others have been speaking about his for decades, and in fact the US Congress passed legislation over 100 years ago to have salt iodized! Too bad it was so small a dose, that would sublimate almost entirely from shelf to home. Keep pressing towards the goal. B well.

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9. I have been struggling for decades, literally decades with a laundry list of symptoms, most on the list above. My biggest complaint has been life altering heat intolerance, the others are pretty sever, but, over 70 degrees and I am literally done. Finally in 2020 my new gynecologist said the heat issue is not ok, she told my PCP that I needed a referral to an endocrinologist. I sat in his office for literally 15 minutes (two weeks after my PCP offered me a referral to a psychiatrist because she stated my symptoms were all in my head) he looked at my labs as far back as I have them which is 2006 and he diagnosed me with hyperPARAthyroidism, and stated I should have been diagnosed at lease as far back as 2006 possibly sooner. So, I went through all the scans and low and behold my 2 US both showed an US diagnosis of Hashimoto. I was scheduled for surgery and this is where it get’s interesting these are direct excerpts from my surgical notes: We began the exploration on the left side. We dissected the strap muscles off the left thyroid. There were extensive adhesions of the strap muscles to the left thyroid lobe, obliterating the usual tissue planes and landmarks. The left thyroid was atrophic, very fibrotic and inflamed. The middle thyroid vein was ligated and divided. We placed a retraction suture in the left thyroid to help with exposure and retraction. We identified the left recurrent laryngeal nerve low in the neck, confirming it with the nerve stimulator. As we explored the left neck, mobilization of the thyroid was difficult because of its firm fibrotic nature./We dissected the strap muscles off the right thyroid. The middle thyroid vein was ligated and divided. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified. Once again, the thyroid had quite a bit of fibrosis and inflammatory changes surrounding it, making it difficult to dissect away from surrounding structures. Retraction suture was placed in the lateral aspect of the right thyroid to help with retraction and exposure./ The patient tolerated the procedure well and all counts were correct. Please note that the patient’s operation was much more technically difficult, time consuming, and had higher potential risk associated with it than does usual parathyroidectomy. This was because of the patient’s parathyroid glands were extremely difficult to find. The patient’s thyroid was very fibrotic, inflamed, and firm making exposure and dissection more difficult. In addition, bilateral thymectomy was performed, which is not usually required for parathyroidectomy. The operation took over twice as long as it would normally take and there was increased risk of injuring parathyroid glands with temporary or permanent hypoparathyroidism, injuring both recurrent laryngeal nerves and other surrounding structures. Since this surgery, my endocrinologist tested on one occasion: TSH, FT4, TPO, and a second time TSH only. This endo left his practice which is ok because he was great with diagnosing my HPT but, absolutely s*cks there on out. I am struggling for help from anyone, I am told there is nothing wrong with my thyroid, OK so, what? It got the way it is magically? These thyroid tests stated above are literally only the 4th time in my life that my thyroid has “somewhat” been tested. The only info I can find is that Atrophic Thyroid is NOT the end stage of Hashimoto like it is thought of now, and testing my TPO which was negative is not the proper antibodies to test for Atrophic Thyroid as Atrophic has more of a Graves Profile, and you tend to swing between hypo and hyper, and alot of other complicated stuff and unfortunately no one knows much about this. I am just discouraged and sick of doctors who can’t admit they don’t know, instead they tell you there is nothing wrong with you so that you think you belong in the nut house. I am beyond discouraged and have no idea where on earth to turn now.

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   1. I order my own thyroid tests from Ulta labs, the STTM thyroid test for FREE T3, FREE T4 is a good place to start. FT3 should be at top of range, FT4 should be midrange. If these are off you can test antibodies. Once you know what you’re dealing with you need a thyroid literate doctor. Apparently, if you book a call with the founder of this website, she provides a list of doctors who can help. Good luck!

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   2. Turn to Jesus! – He loves you, and He heals! 🙂

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10. Hot flashes that come out of nowhere, last for several minutes and then end in a slower cold flash for more minutes. I once stood outside in 50 below zero sweating for 2-3 minutes in order to try to expedite. It felt good for that time but followed with the normal cold spell later on. After years of nearly all the symptoms mentioned in the article, I finally found a retired doctor who told me that if my normal temperature was less than 98.6, then I was not taking enough thyroid hormone. All my doctors prior to that actually tried to starve me of the amount I needed. My temps were ranging from 97 down to hypothermic 95. I was on 125MG (synthetic) thyroid but now have been on 180MG (natural) for years and my normal temp runs around 197.4 up to around 198.2. I studied this for many years and it seems I have forgotten more than most doctors ever learned about hypothyroidism, such as half-lives of T3 and T4, etc. Mine is caused by Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam, but I also have many other conditions that are somewhat related like peripheral neuropathy, stomach ulcers and GERD, osteoarthritis in every joint, and around 15-16 other things, some related to injuries from over there.

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    1. Thank you for sharing your story. I can only imagine what Agent Orange would have the power to do to your body. I’m sorry you went through all this but happy you’re doing better now. Sadly, it is up to us the patients to learn everything we can about thyroid disease. Being our own advocates is the main message of my entire website. Happy to have you at Hypothyroid Mom. Regards, Dana Trentini

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11. Trying to figure out what to do. had the other half of my thyroid removed, am on Levothyroxine, have many of the symptoms listed in your 300+ thyroid symptoms, am losing hair like crazy, plus brittle and break9ng off if I try to comb, even with the wide teeth. Firstsurgery was back in 2005, they took out half, then told me I’d likely have to get the rest removed later. The part they removed was the size of my fist. The other half was as large, but was closing my airway, and growing toward my lungs instead of sticking out like anadams apple, but about 4” long, and BIG. Have skin tags all over, and nothing helps. My Dr. cut my levothyroxine inhalf, so my hair loss got worse. She says it’s because I’m getting old. My mother and sister had thyroid probs too, but not as bad as mine have been. I’m freezing all the time,until it gets to 90 or so. Thanks for your site, at least I now know what’s happening, even if the Dr. doesn’t.

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    1. Hi Katrina, You mention levothyroxine. This is a synthetic T4 thyroid hormone. While some people do well on T4 medication, not everyone does including myself. Our bodies must convert that T4 to the active T3 thyroid hormone our cells require and, for many of us, our bodies just don’t do that conversion process well. This is why many of us do better on a combination of T4 and T3. Here is more about this: https://hypothyroidmom.com/which-is-the-best-thyroid-drug-for-hypothyroidism/

       Regards, Dana Trentini (Hypothyroid Mom)

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12. Dana and all,
    Thank you so very much for this list – my son has had quite the journey (still in the middle of it). 19 year old college freshman 100% functional and active athlete and A student in 2019, strange symptoms in Fall 2018, all labs “in range” until they weren’t (with the exception of AbTg (2100! range >1), Spring 2019 covid hit and TSH finally bottomed out and he received RAI tx, treated with Levo, fully recovered; all symptoms returned in Fall 2020, had total thyroidectomy Dec 2020, biopsy found papillary thyroid cancer which had spread to lymph nodes, ANOTHER round of RAI, TSH as high as 354 – struggling with major symptoms (seemingly of HYPERthyroidism but now I see your list so I know its HYPOthyroidism). Struggling horribly with weight loss, night sweats, severe bilateral foot neuropathy – took medical leave of absence from college. Searching for doc that will believe his symptoms…thyroid cancer doc now say8ing symptoms are unrelated as TSH is finally “in range” so she is punting us to undiagnosed disease center…..currently taking Levo and Cytomel (which we had to fight for). Incredibly frustrating – as his mom I am at a complete loss for how to help him; his father (my husband) is an MD in US and distraught he cannot help him…thank you for refocusing me and sharing your list….All – remain steadfast and strong in your search for help and validation!

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    1. Also – Cancer is gone! Thank you God, Mom-mom Fitz, or whomever is helping us navigate this journey!

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       1. So glad whenever I hear two phrases together . Cancer is gone! and Thank you God! May he continue to bless your family with good outcomes.

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    2. I’m so very sorry to hear all that has happened to your son. It is a hard journey when we see our children are unwell and struggle to find answers for them. Get multiple medical opinions for him even if it means traveling to good doctors. All the best, Dana Trentini (aka Hypothyroid Mom)

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13. My husband was diagnosed with Hoshimotos several years ago. In 2019 he started having chronic upper respiratory infections that doctors prescribed antibiotics and steroids time after time. In the beginning of 2021 he began having double vision. Doctor diagnosed him with Myasthenia Gravis. That has not improved. Now he has been diagnosed with ALS even though the episode of double vision is not a common characteristics of ALS. I don’t know where to turn next. He has so many of the symptoms on your list.

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    1. Hi Hazel, I’m very sorry to read what is happening to your husband. I wonder if he has had full thyroid testing including thyroid antibodies. I ask because MG may be autoimmune in nature where the body mistakenly attacks its own body parts and autoimmune diseases tend to cluster together as the immune system can make the mistake of attacking other body parts too, say the thyroid for example in the case of thyroid autoimmune disease. Here in this article you will find a chart of the 6 key hypothyroidism lab tests with optimal ranges.

       https://hypothyroidmom.com/top-5-reasons-doctors-fail-to-diagnose-hypothyroidism/

       All the best,
       Dana Trentini (aka Hypothyroid Mom)

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    2. Probiotics might really help your husband, particularly Soil-Based Organisms (SBOs). Research shows they really improve other auto-immune conditions such as Crohn’s and colitis. You could do a Google search for “SBOs and thyroid” for different health protocols, and “SBO and thyroid NCBI” for research articles. These are pretty dense, but the important info is contained in the summary and conclusions. All the best!

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14. I used to have fabulous success with Armour. Haven’t been on it for years. Naturethroid last year was like poison snd the FDA shut RLC LABS down. I’ve been on Synthroid an T3 and doing ok. Not great. I was told Armour was working again so 3 weeks ago I switched. Slowly hypo symptoms have returned. Today the worst is burning tongue. Back to synthroid and T3 tomorrow. So depressing but I probably have 20 symptoms returning. Thanks for reminding me! Carole

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15. I’ve got so many of these symptoms.. I was told twice I had hypo early stages and I didn’t treat it.. now it’s full blown.. can you really heal from it..

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16. I have many of these symptoms but also my legs have gone bald on the outer side only, both of them! I’ve seen this before on men over 60, I’m female and I my 30s. Is this caused by thyroid? Can thyroid cause adrenals to make too much cortisol? I was near Chernobyl when it happened & I also have a goitre but the endocrinologist I saw in Brighton , UK is a sadistic demented woman and denied it.

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17. I have worse case ever hypothyroidism.levothriod never worked.I have over half the symptoms, maybe even bipolar.whatto take???

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    1. Cyonide

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    2. Having taken Synthroid, plus Cytomel (the lowest dose) for almost 20 years, and gained 100 lbs, am now on Armour and feeling so much better. It takes a special prescribing professional to address all of the lab work that needs to be done, and prescribe NDT (natural dessicated thyroid). Most just
       do a TSH, and that is not enough.

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18. Hello,
    I find your post here on Pinterest very helpful. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in August of 2015. I have learned so much about this disease and how everything I have gone through is connected with Hashimoto’s.

    The one thing that my Endocrinologist can not figure out is how I can not take the heat and humidity during the late Spring through the Summertime. It is draining to me. I sweat really bad. If I am out side, I know I am hot but don’t know how hot I get until I go inside or if I am outside with my husband or son they will tell me that I am starting to get pale and to go inside. My hands swell but they swell more during this time of the year. I get fatigued more easily and my moods are not the best because I feel just drained and hot all the time during this part of the year.
    During the fall and winter time, I am a different person.
    My endocrinologist have ran a lot of blood work on me but everything comes back in range except my hormone levels but there is breast cancer in my family and I can’t take hormones. My mother is a 45 year cancer free survivor. My sisters have had lumps removed in the past.
    I had a total hysterectomy in 2006.

    Thank you for all your information.
    Blessings.

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    1. I’m exactly the same as you. Cannot take the heat at all. Always too warm

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    2. Have you heard of Wilson’s temperature syndrome? My mom was just like you’re saying and it was getting worse, and she went through his protocol and is so much better it’s almost unbelievable.

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19. I got a blood test back with abnormally high TSH levels right before leaving for school, and over the course of being here I’ve really felt the effects of a lot of the symptoms: depression, chronic fatigue, and a lack of stamina being some of the major ones. So I’m really happy to know that once I manage to get treatment that’ll improve. I think I’m lucky to get diagnosed so early, but it’s hard to know there’s a way to help these symptoms subside and not be able to do it. At least I know I’ll be getting better soon.

    Thanks for this!

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    1. Discovering a thyroid issue early can save a person years of struggle with symptoms that often seem unconnected. All the best and happy to have you on my site Hypothyroid Mom.

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       1. Dana, I’ve been following this on and off for several years for myself. I’ve had to put myself aside for my 19 year old daughter. She has suffered from mild cognitive impairment and generalized epilepsy since early childhood. The issue now is that over the past 2 years she has just become completely a different person. Horrible acne we can’t control. Always cold, thinning hair, bumpy and dry skin. One test in 2018 showed she had at some point had epstein barr. I keep begging doctors to try her on some kind of hormone therapy but same old story..normal range tests.. I keep beggging doctors to run a full panel but they think of course that I’m crazy but she has SOOOOOOOOO many of these symptoms, can barely function everyday, exercise makes it worse….trying to keep her gluten free….Help in Kansas City please!

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          1. Hi Cindy, I am very sorry to hear all your daughter is going through. I can only imagine the heartache watching your child struggle this way. I have been working behind the scenes over the last year on several resources that will be helpful for thyroid patients struggling to be well. Stay tuned. All the best, Dana Trentini (aka Hypothyroid Mom)

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             1. I can wait hopefully they will do telemed calls with us!

20. I’m getting super super small pin dots of petechiae like super small, size of a tip of a pencil. I have had Hashimotos since I was 8, could the petechia be something from Hashimotos? I’m making a doctors appointment tomorrow but I just want to have a peace of mind 🙁

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    1. Hi Lexie, This is Dana Trentini from Hypothyroid Mom. Thyroid dysfunction can disrupt every part of the body including the skink however it is always important to remember that not all symptoms are necessarily thyroid related and may be completely independent. I’m happy to hear you will be visiting your doctor because you should always let your doctor know when knew symptoms arise. The connection between our skin and thyroid disease is a new hot topic in the scientific world. While not specifically mentioneing petechiae, in this study here, researchers wrote: “Occasionally, purpura may be noted in hypothyroid patients as a result of diminished levels of clothing factors and the loss of vascular support secondary to the dermal mucin.”

       https://austinpublishinggroup.com/thyroid-research/fulltext/thyroids-v1-id1008.php

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    2. I have had bouts of petechiae. One time it was so bad, that after sitting in a metal lawn chair (with a cross-criss pattern) I had pools of blood where the holes would have been. I thought I had something ominous. I’m still here 9 years later, so I don’t know what it was. Very scary, but clearly not lethal. Hoping the same for you!

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21. If my thyroid medication isn’t working what can I do? I don’t want to live like this anymore

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    1. Talk to your doctor. But also try a nutritionist. Hashimotos is a metabolic disorder and food is what we metabolise. I know from experience that dietary change is not a quick fix but you get there. Personally I went pescetarian and cut all processed foods. I also discovered I felt better without gluten because its similarity to thyroid protein triggers antibody production. But diet is individual. You are the only one living in your body. Yoga also helped me. I wish you well

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       1. Has anyone dealt with muscle fasciculations? In May I began having random twitching randomly throughout my body. Face, upper back, arms, thighs,calves, even my abdomen. I had my thyroid med adjusted and it has improved but still happening at times. I also deal with feeling short of breath with chest heaviness, and tingling and numbness in my face, back, arms and left leg as well as being achy and muscle discomfort. The tingling has been off and on for 3 years but the twitching is.newer. I am on 100mcg Levo 4 x weekly and 50 mcg 3.x weekly. I was diagnosed.with Hashimotos in 2019.

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22. Thank you Dana for sharing with us & highlighting the seriousness of our condition/s; many people are misinformed therefore are unsympathetic and unsupportive of us. In reading your article, I realise all the other symptoms I had, (eg: my hands are very ugly now – the cuticles are dry/receding, the crescents on the nails gone, and darkened skin under cuticles) and some still persist. I do have ongoing blood tests, ultrasound tests etc as part of my treatment. I’m most grateful to my GP, Endocrinologist/ Physician, ENT and Gastrologist – this condition is so complex, therefore I believe treatment depends largely on the doctor/s whom u consult with. Time is a factor, and there’s no tailor-made treatment for all as cases differ. Making sensible lifestyle changes and having a good support system help greatly. Thanks to everyone for sharing and I wish you all well.

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23. My lonely thyroid journey:
    I’m 43 and have a history of allergies/ sinusitis (and a family history of other respiratory illnesses/thyroiditis /cancers/diabetes) . After my second child at age 30 my immune system went into overdrive: nonstop allergic reactions incl to toiletries, unusual hyperactivity, anxiety, and getting ill often. Eight years later (2015), I was very ill, mostly with these symptoms:
    severe fatigue & no energy, burning and painful all over (ironic since I usually have a high threshold for pain???) , burning feet, severe sweating in summer esp from face???, constant allergies and rhinitis/sinusitis like colds lasting 6-7wks at a time, sore sensitive itchy eyes, hair loss, severe mucous build-up even with no ‘cold’ causing me to ‘sleep’ bolt upright, insomnia (ha ah) day and night, lack of concentration, focus and bad memory, gastric symptoms ( burning painful gums, mouth and throat, seemingly excessive acid esp at night, lots of painful ‘growling and biting’ sensations, burning pains on taking any meds, indigestion, diahorrea a while after every meal, lots of bloating as the day progresses ending with looking like a baby whale by bedtime), slow weight gain, anxiety and depression; all this with seemingly no outward symptoms, and others telling me it’s in my mind & I’m a complainer. On taking my daughter for iron check I implored my doc to help. After a continuum of visits to Gp, ENT, Endocrinologist and Gastroligist I was finally putting together the puzzle: I have a Deviated Septum, Hashimotos Thyroiditis (started off Hyper first, and Thyroid and Parathyroid Nodules), Fibromyalgia, Coeliac Disease (and Lactose Intolerant, recurring Duodenal Ulcers, Gastritis, Chronic Inflammation of Oesophagus & Duodenum ), more ongoing tests leaning towards Zollinger Ellison Syndrome, and adding to the already present varicose veins is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.
    Daily treatment: Levothyroxine 75mg (suitable as I’m Muslim), Nexium 40mg & a daily Probiotic (for gastric issues), Loratadine at night (for Allegies/Rhinitis), Amitriptilene at night (for Fibromyalgia).
    I follow a low sugar diet, have gluten free foods, no caffeine – only water and Rooibos, a daily dose of Multi-Vit, Calcium & Omega3 supplements, a small amount of plain Yoghurt a few times a week, a small amount of Lactose-free Milk daily, addition of seeds and nuts (the 2Brazil nuts a day do give a boost), well balanced meals (always incl vegetables – cooked & salad) and minimal ‘nightshades’. I do some low-impact exercises like yoga daily. I’ve had acupuncture and physiotherapy for pain, mostly musculoskeletal due to improper sleeping postures, now I keep up with the exercises myself. I’m in better shape than before thanks to an improved diet, however still have bad (slow and painful) days. I’m a full time mum, ideally I’d like to while away the days mostly eating, sleeping and reading books, throw in some moderate (unhurried) physical exercise, which would all be most conducive to my health; realistically I just have to get on with it!
    I’m not 100% ‘cured’ – my conditions are manageable, often fluctuating due to life’s daily stresses and routines. Side-effects of meds are non-negotiable and vary; by weighing the pros and cons I’ve tailored my present treatments to suit me. Mostly I’ve changed my mind-set; constantly coaching myself, shutting out negativity and focusing on myself. I hope this can be useful to somebody.

    Reply

24. So I just happened upon this site. The decline of my health that really opened my eyes started back in 2015 after I had my son. I suffered from horrible postpartum depression and anxiety but other symptoms I had prior to getting pregnant began to get worse too. I’m ALWAYS exhausted, I tried shrugging it off and blaming it on being a full time stay at home mom to a 5yr old and 3yr old. But at some point something had to give. I have a terrible time trying to lose weight and it usually ends with me being more upset and quitting whatever regime I started. I had my daughter in 2017 and two days before she would’ve been 1 month old I had my gallbladder removed. Those are just scratching the surface of my issues. I’ve always known that at some point I would probably have thyroid issues because it runs in my family. My Mom, her mom and every single one of her 7 brothers and sisters all have thyroid problems and now I have cousins on the same side who have the same issues.

    Some of my symptoms include:

    Extreme Fatigue
    Recurring headaches/migraines
    Weight gain
    High cholesterol
    Vitamin D deficiency
    Gallstones that led to gallbladder removal
    Thinning hair
    Horrible brain fog
    Forgetfulness
    Numbness and tingling in my hands
    Numbness in my feet
    Dry skin
    Flaky skin
    Acne
    Thickening of my nails
    Constant sinus issues
    Floaters in my vision
    Light sensitivity
    Heat and cold intolerance
    Heartburn
    Itchy inner ears/excessive earwax
    Difficulty swallowing
    Feeling like a lump is in my throat
    Muscle weakness/fatigue
    Muscle soreness
    Difficulty breathing or catching a “good” breath
    Depression
    Anxiety
    Ovarian cysts that led to the removal of my right ovary and left Fallopian tube
    Painful periods
    Painful ovulation
    Short periods
    Then long periods after children
    Intense menstrual cramping
    Irritability
    Extreme clumsiness
    Frequent UTI’s
    Bruise easily
    Dizzy spells

    And honestly the list could go on. I read the 300+ symptoms and there were so many on there that I saw and instantly said “that’s me” but had no idea it could be from having thyroid issues. I’ve had mine tested maybe 2-3 times over the last 8 years and the numbers have gone down each time but are still in their “normal” range so they will not do anything and just tell me I need to lose weight, manage my cholesterol and vitamin D and take my anti depression meds. None of which have really helped at all. I’m at the point in my life where I NEED to be healthy and I’m so desperate to feel good again. I want to be able to do things with my kids without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted even by the thought of trying to play with them. I want my life back and I so wish I could find a Dr that actually cared and took my health seriously.

    Thank you for this blog post! I ordered one of the at home thyroid test kits and I’m hoping it will help me open my Dr’s eyes

    Reply

    1. I identify with so many of ur symptoms, keep on going, u will find good healthcare professionals to help u. I initially took my diagnosis badly, having been quite active and disciplined all my life. My doc indulged me by waiting for me to try alternate treatments: I researched Chronic Inflammation and so cut out sugar, soy and some other foods in my diet, stopped the pill after 11yrs, and bought a whole lot of health foods to add to my diet – tho most were gd choices, all in aid of trying to bring down the pain and maintain a gd ph balance. It worked a very little bit and after a few months I went back to my doc. I did alot of my own research and together with all my doctors’ help, just started working on it from there. I wish u the very best.

       Reply

25. oh!
    forgot to tell you what brought me here
    was googling what could be wrong with my fingernails
    came across a blog by dana t

    Do you have hypothyroidism? Look at your hands

    found image/description of my nail symptom there, which led me here, to
    300+ hypothyroidism symptoms….
    that sneaky, misbehaving, often overlooked, thyroid!

    the (imaginary fake cartoon) light bulb above my head got brighter and brighter as i continued to read
    then came the AH-HA moment of realizing ive been dealing with this for decades, it was always hiding behind something else

    THANK YOU DANA T
    for all your hard work, offering resources, and a forum for all of us
    YOU ARE APPRECIATED
    p.s.
    your home page/website is awesome also!

    Reply

    1. This means so much to me, Kari. That Hypothyroid Mom has been helpful to you reminds me why I started it. All the best, Dana Trentini

       Reply

    2. Thank you Kari. It is wonderful to have you at Hypothyroid Mom. All the best, Dana

       Reply

       1. I have had Hypothyroidism since I gave birth to my daughter in 1996. At first they over medicated me and I went into a coma. I’ve been on Synthroid since 1996. I work out daily and cannot lose the 15 pounds I’d like to. I’m doing a gut protocol diet now with Beachbody. I suffer from constant Candida and nothing works. I’ve asked my doctor to send me to an endocrinologist and the wait is 12 months. I have several!!! Of the 300 symptoms. I’m so frustrated. Where do you get natural synthroid supplements?

          Reply

          1. Hi Vicki, Natural desiccated thyroid is a type of thyroid hormone replacement medication that is prescribed by a doctor. Here is information about NDT and how it differs from traditional thyroid medicine:
             https://hypothyroidmom.com/which-is-the-best-thyroid-drug-for-hypothyroidism/

             In case you struggle to find a doctor open to prescribing NDT in your area, I’ve been compiling lists of doctors based on recommendations from my Hypothyroid Mom readers for the past ten years. I have lists for every US state as well as the UK, Canada, and Australia. I provide a list of doctors in a person’s region for every person that I meet for an individual virtual consult in case it is of interest:
             https://ny786.infusionsoft.app/app/orderForms/Talk-with-Dana-Trentini-30min

             Great to have you at Hypothyroid Mom.

             Reply

26. hello all,
    good grief!
    after reading the list and hearing everyone’s story/experience
    i have compiled my own list of 70 (current) symptoms that is most probably
    thyroid related.
    i too have had several ‘normal’ thyroid test results, but my instinct tells me their normal is not my normal
    and i realize the doctor i choose to see, WORKS for me.
    he should not only listen to me, but HEAR me and trust me when i tell him its my thyroid
    ( i will then expect him to run the proper tests, correctly diagnose and prescribe correct meds, all within reason, i understand there are variables…)
    and guess what im going to do if i feel patronized or told to watch what i eat, exercise and get plenty of sleep?
    yep, you know it… ill fire him and hire another
    nobody knows my body the way i do and the way it should be performing at its best
    i dont have the time to waste or the desire to pay for expensive band aids
    (diet aids, sleep aids, antacids. etc.)
    i think i should seek somebody that specializes hormone imbalance, or a clinic that specifically treats thyroid imbalance.
    thank you to those that have mentioned their resources such as the facebook page, the tyhroid meds by name and some of the levels that we should be at
    i wont expect much help, if any from my insurance, because they dont pay for anything or anybody that will FIX us….

    thanks ladies for sharing
    you have opened my 3rd eye
    (i been woke! lol)

    Reply

    1. oh!
       i forgot to tell you what brought me here, to this blog and thyroid realization…
       my nail, i was googling to see if i could figure out what was going on with my nails… and i happened onto another of Dana T. blogs

       Do you have hypothyroidism? Look at your hands

       and there they were.. my fingernails… and a few reasons for the cause of onycholysis
       one of them being a sneaky little, hidden, often ignored,
       underlying issue of hypothyroidism…
       which led me to this page and all 300 symptoms of hypothyroidism
       that most probably has been an underlying issue of mine for decades

       THANK YOU DANA
       for all your research, your time, your balls to put pen to paper, and a forum for us
       YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!

       Reply

27. My tsh was 6.49 last july 2019 now i don’t know i don’t take medicines,
    Problems aur my whole right body is swollen mildly like righr supraclavicular swelling my right face is swollen right arm right thigh, i have got bladder problem, urinary incontinence…

    Don’t know whts going on

    Reply

28. My thyroid test is normal but I have minimum 200 symptoms of hypoth. Doctor prescribed thyronorm 25 mg. I feel better after 8-10 days treatment and all the symptoms gone. To ensure whether I am really hypothy, I stopped the medicine. However, all the symptoms appeared and I again started the medicine and I feel better now. I am of the opinion that every doctor should advise hypo/hyperthy test.

    Reply

    1. what were your symptoms? my worse ones are hot flashes and extreme anxiety/adrenaline feeling in my body. sometimes i feel lightheaded when i get this adrenaline

       Reply

29. I am a female in my 30s, haven’t technically been diagnosed with hypothyroidism but a few years ago I started developing symptoms which wouldn’t go away. Since then I’ve gone down hill and not recovered, like when you are poorly and you expect to get better by the end of the week or fortnight but you never do. Depressing. I was not looking for a hypothyroidism connection but an alternative health Dr connected the dots for me as a possible and I think she my be on the right track. I think it’s very probable that I have Hypothyroidism but testing via normal NHS tends to be pretty vague considering that you can be within the spectrum of ‘fine’ but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s fine for you personally. Anyone who’s from the UK will also know that the NHS are great for some things but they do not treat you as a whole person, but compartmentalised, almost as if body parts are entirely separate unless we’re talking pain relief. Here you get five minutes max with the Dr and then they seek to solve things with an easy prescription or maybe an operation here or there. I don’t tend to bother my Dr unless I really can’t manage at home myself, there’s no point unless you want a pile of side effects with your new medication! How can they tell what’s going on in 5 minutes anyway, unless you can tell them yourself? My health troubles, almost non existent before, had a HUGE flair after I gave birth to my baby: hair loss falling everywhere where I was nursing, extreme sensitivity to cold, and most disturbing of all was a terrible weakness in all of my major muscles which happened over the course of 6-9 weeks and left me barely able to stand, and I had to walk while shuffling, holding onto the wall because my knees were so stiff and my feet were so sore! I didn’t know what was going on, or that post-pregnancy women could develop hypothyroid symptoms but I thought if I HAD indeed hypothyroidism that it would go away in time- I later found out that apparently most women recover from this, but I didn’t. I got gallbladder issues that came & went, I couldn’t lose any weight (I still can’t!), had terrible dry skin, poor circulation, was diagnosed with large spleen, I have puffy neck, funny nodules etc, low waking body temp and general fatigue. It has been a few years now since problems first occurred but on the whole my health hasn’t improved. I DID utilise the NHS for whatever blood tests they wanted to give me (by this point I was almost ready to accept that I might have some form of a cancer) but nothing came back as any concern apart from raised inflammation levels. There is so much conflicting diet advice about what might solve inflammation, which I suffer from, so I generally eat ‘clean’ although I follow nothing too seriously otherwise I’d go insane. I’m not known to be allergic to anything, I don’t know how to get over this hypothyroidism thing, so I would love to hear other people’s experiences, particularly if they have had health change due to pregnancy or hypothyroidism connection.

    Reply

    1. Hi Megan, I’m in UK too & newly diagnosed with Hashimotos thyroidism, not had faith in conventional docs for a number of years, could never quite understand why they don’t look into the cause of whatever complaint a family member may be presenting, they just send you away with more scripts. The truth is they are general practitioners and only really know which synthetic chemical medication treats which symptoms, but would never cure it.
       After both parents passed away, (my Mother had many problems after 60 the main one Rhumatoid Arthritis) I read everything I could to see if I could prevent any of what they suffered from happening to me, so ate very healthy food watched my weight etc etc. During my reluctance of any thing to do with NHS and researching any symptoms of niggles here and there, I came across the “Root Cause Protocol” and founder Morley Robbins, (also known as Magnesium man) and to cut story short started following, first thing I noticed was my anxiety and heart flutters vanished, my incredibly dry skin improved dramatically, nails and hair got stronger and grew nicely, this was only after about 7-8 months with no meds, my recent blood test shows I still have raised antibodies and high TSH levels, however not doing full protocol as yet, just about to introduce Iodine and DE. However I’m feeling I’m defo on right path and feeling good.
       rcp123.org

       Reply

    2. I’m also inthe UK. In fact I am going in to the GPs tomorrow because I suspect my thyroid isn’t right and all the symptoms i am having now relate to my thyroid. My meds were lowered about 8 months ago. I was pretty annoyed when this happened because i felt great but since the lowering I have put on weight, anxiety is up, tingling in face, TMJ (I think though not official) and lots more. It is super frustrating. The Dr spoke to today was actually pretty sympathetic and did say that sometimes the numbers can say one thing but in fact you might still be symptomatic. She also said that they hardly study hypothyroidism at medical school, it is a few lines in a book. No wonder we can be so misunderstood and brushed off for something else. It would be nice to have a dr who looked at the bigger picture. I was diagnosed 20 years ago and have felt worse in the last 6months than at any other time.

       Reply

    3. Very interested in your Thyroid post in 2020.
       Can you PM me with the name of your Alternative Doctor?

       Many thanks, Jane

       Reply

30. I am 58 years old, and was diagnosed with heart failure over a year ago. My main symptoms was fatigue, shortness of breath, and a general sense that these symptoms will keep me out of normal life activities, my symptom was not being able to breathe when lying down basically . I’ve kind of resigned to the fact that this is how life will be for me back until I found herbs that stop this CHF easily and relief all the airways. My wife and her caregiver assume I can’t be as active, and thus I was excused from normal life responsibilities but natural herbs from www. totalcureherbsfoundation. com really helped a but sometimes I think is God prodigy that I was able to treat my congestive heart failure but total cure herbs foundation herbal formula has a big impact on my recovery because my heart condition has been fully eliminate. They do things for me, and was too happy to comply with their service. This is a equitable of a way to get of your heart failure.

    Reply

31. My symptoms started at the age of 47. My fingers on my left hand were stiff and were difficult to move. People noticed that my walk was not normal. I was often asked did I hurt.I noticed nothing different about my walk. It was difficult getting up from a chair and getting out of a car. I was diagnosed a year later, it was the onset of tremors starting in my right hand that caused my other symptoms to be recognized as Parkinson’s.I am now 59. With the new herbal medicine i purchase from totalcureherbalfoundation.blogspot.com was my only way to get fast relief from this PD,their herbal supplement effectively reverse my Parkinson’s disease condition and alleviate all my symptoms. 

    Reply

32. I have the majority of these and I just recently got over pneumonia and I was shaking my heart was racing I went to the ER and they said it was just nerves, I kept having shortness of breathe chest tightness and it was hard to swallow and eat went to my PCP and she took some blood fond something off with my thyroid now I’m waiting for my Endocrinologist to get back to me, I stopped working because of this my heart is beating so fast I’m always out of breathe. It’s strange because I feel my best early in the morning but once night time hits my throat closes and I can’t breathe. I’m 19 and I wish those doctors at the ER did more testing, my PCP said I was too young to have anything wrong with my thyroid I think its time I switch doctors I’m just glad I didn’t let them convince me it was anxiety I’m glad I kept pushing for answers. Still am.

    Reply

    1. Been trying to tell my Drs for yrs that I had hypothyroidism, but blood tests were always normal, to which you cannot ever go on just blood results w/thyroid. You always have to look at symptoms in addition, because thyroid takes all hormones out of balance which leads to all kinds of dangerous conditions, & folks need to take more control of their health, or end up on script after script. I saw this list, which is the most extensive I have seen even after yrs of college education in holistic, & alternative health. And this list makes sense after seeing my own siblings and niece with cancer, my dad, my mom died from massive heart attack, my sister had tumors on parathyroid. I have a disabled daughter, my son is autistic, and now myself with numerous issues. Happy others are seeing this info, and I’m going to find more updated books, because thyroid cancer, is very prevalent in MI in particular where my siblings are, but I’m not. My 17 yr old daughter has had numerous scripts, for so many issues, that I know now, stem from thyroid. Only hope she listens! Blessings to you!

       Reply

33. I’m fed up with this I’ got my thyroid removed in 1995 I’ve not been the same I’m on 175mcg and doctors been saying your thyroid fine I know when somethings up I get cold and feel shakey eyes water cant be bothered with anything feel down want to hit people for no reason feel sick and got alcohol intolerance went to another doctor got my bloods took and got a phone call from doctor said have you been taking your meds cause thyroid is to low been complaining for years hopefully get to the bottom of this

    Reply

    1. Don’t let doctors tell you otherwise, you know how you feel. I had to learn that the hard way, we’ll all figure this out.

       Reply

    2. I hope you have you doctor listen, as I have much the same as you, but severe chronic pain, severe panic attacks, sweat every night, wake with panic and pain, heart beating too fast, and I eat healthy, exercise, take supplements, but supplements will not work unless they specify they are bio available to the body, so I’ve tossed thousands of dollars down the toilet. Bring a list to your doctor, try to get bio identical thyroid instead of synthetic man made chemicals. Bio identical will match the human body. Many blessings to you, & prayers go to all who are suffering with this which now is about a billion people who dont even know in 2020. Take care.

       Reply

    3. I have been hypothyroid out of nowhere for about thirty years now. Plus have Epilesy as well which has been under investigation since the 80’s but only confirmed in 2000, due to being rate type of what used to be known as petite mal. Really shocked 😮 at how much of this list is applicable to me, currently on 150mg levothyroxine. Only see my GP (very fortunate to be UK) who has a fair knowledge, but not specialised. But not sure that she has put 2 and 2 together and thought perhaps that everything deteriorating could be to do with thyroid, brain and epilepsy always get the blame cause of so much being neurological

       Reply

34. Many GPs or FPS only know of three thyroid tests-T3, T4, and TSH.
    They always appeared low but in normal range.
    My endocrinologist did many more than that and found the problem.

    Reply

    1. What else did your doctor test??

       Reply

35. I have hd to seek alternative help as the Western medicine Dr’s are so not on board. They generally speaking are not trained to deal with Thyroid and Auto Immune diseases. Its hard to get a good Dr that doesn’t tell you to just go on a diet etc… frustrating,

    Reply

36. everythings normal for me when i got lab test which i feel not realistic…I have nodule in my left neck that is very visible.and then its normal?Is nuclear medicine advisable for this to shrink the nodule.I am very conscious with this.I am always wearing close neck blouses.

    Reply

    1. Which tests did they do? A scan on the nodule should have been done. Though I had mine scan several times over many years before someone said hey guess what You have Papillary Thyroid cancer (which is VERY SLOW GROWING) why didn’t anyone see this before? Because it was always the same doctor who was contracted to read the labs no matter what lab I went to. I no longer have any thyroid it was removed in September of 2018, told me I needed to do a radioactive pill that would just target thyroid tissue (because that was the only tissue the papillary cancer would attack)to make sure we got it all. Went through that and at my six month check up low and behold they said at a year I would need to due a x-ray of my lungs to be sure it did not travel to there as it was rare but could happen. (again they said it would only attack thyroid tissue). I am taking .112 Levothyroxine and still loosing my hair in bunches, dry skin, and orange skin. Been diagnosed with Reynaud’s syndrome told me to quit smoking. Haven’t smoked in over 20 years. I am so fed up with all this. It is good to find a site with some answers. Thanks

       Reply

37. I have so many of these but whenever I get tested my TSH is normal and they have tested my T3 and T4. My T3 was below normal then they changed the parameters and mine feel in the low normal range. I swear I have hypothyroidism but how do I get my dr to rest and what else can he test. I have so many of these symptoms.

    Reply

    1. Find an endocrinologist who will do an ultrasound or other type of imaging/scan of your thyroid. Even an MRI of that region (like one for neck pain) can show if you have an adenoma (tumor like growth) on your thyroid. Labs may be normal, but an adenoma can cause thyroid issues similar to hypo or hyperthyroidism. Also, check other endocrine glands: the pituitary and parathyroid glands in particular. Pituitary controls thyroid in a way, and you may need a brain MRI to see if you have an adenoma on your pituitary (almost always benign). Your parathyroid glands sit behind your thyroid and are very tiny, and labs for related disorders are hardly ever done, even by endocrinologists and ENTs. I had half of my thyroid gland removed, and still no one thought to check my parathyroid glands (as they can be damaged in surgery). A naturopath suggested it, and my PTH (parathyroid hormone) levels were over triple the highest level in the normal range. Afterwards I read about the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism, they explained everything I had been experiencing for years. Other endocrine glands influence or interact with your thyroid. Find a doctor who will take a holistic approach and knows how everything is interconnected. If one thing is off in your body, it can cause a domino affect. It took me over a decade to be diagnosed and successfully treated. Don’t give up! Good luck.

       Reply

       1. Thank you. Just got new bloodwork back and TSH, free T3 and Free T4 in normal range. Thyroglobulin antibodies are flagged high and vitamin D is flagged low. Hashimotos?

          Reply

       2. How were you treated successfully for parathyroid issues

          Reply

38. I’ve been saying this to my Dr for a while now.
    I have bad tingling of my leg. Bad knee hair etc etc. Weight gain… No. Idea.

    Nothings done just left to suffer to a point of dispair when you know Somethings not right and told to have physio. Or diet. Untrue.

    Now what will happen to me at my age 59
    Feel 89…!!!

    Reply

    1. Hi maam!we feel the same way because of this illness i feel like 30 years older…though im still 36 i feel 60 because of this.

       Reply

    2. Look into Convencare or the Optimal Thyroid Program. I found them on FB of all things. They will do more extensive tastings. The first lab work is free. I have Hypo with Hoshamotos. My antibodies were 2500 and they should be in double digits. I pay 75 a month for all labs and consults. I take the Nature Thyroid meds.

       Reply

       1. I’m dealing with the situation right now where they say my thyroid biopsy came back benign but I have all the symptoms they save my blood work is normal I need to get tested to figure out what’s going on because I can’t handle this any longer could you give me the information please

          Reply

39. Best to have your blood work done by your primary. Dont assume some of those symptoms can be caused by other things.

    Reply

40. I’m absolutely Appalled by all this as I’m now convinced as before I suspected all this also I know why It’s going on to keep other People in Jobs example- Doctors and Big Pharma . So what do We do about this problem as focusing on the solution sounds good to Me .
    Everyone with Anything mental or physical needs a complete Thyroid work up period🦋

    Reply

41. My tsh was 6.49 in july.. m not taking any medicines from August till now.. theres swelling above my right collarbone which fluid like when I lie its not there only when I stand even when m sitting not there. Then right arm is swollen not swollen kinda became little bit big in half inches puffy.. now theres urinary incontinence while m sitting while m sleeping I have no control it’s like urge to urinate and dripping decreased urine output.. but dripping.. chest tightness sometimes.

    Reply

    1. 6.49 tsh means that you are extremely hypo
       The higher the number the more hypo.
       The lower the number is hyper.
       It is reversed. You need to increase meds not decrease. Talk to dr. Have him explain.
       Good luck.

       Reply

42. I have been having issues here lately . Decided I would try thyrozavan cow thyroid was on it about a week . Had to quit heart was doing weird stuff . Normally take NP thyroid . But was trying to find something other than NP because of the issues they are having. Any way I have quit taking meds for a couple of days because I was shaky and heart racing and panicky. So hopefully in a few days I’ll be back to normal . Also have been doing a heavy medal detox . I may be needing less meds

    Reply

    1. Samantha, I feel we are in a similar position. I, too, am working on a detox ( lightweight as my adrenals are weak). My number one problem is brain fog/mental cloudiness/confusion. I have sky high RT3, do you? What’s been helping you?

       Reply

43. I have over 240 of these symptoms. I have been diagnosed as hypothyroid for the last three years, but have been tested repeatedly for years prior, but I always get told that I am within “normal” range. Typically, I am right on the cusp of T4 being considered low (.8 is low normal, I am .9), TSH is usually high, T3 is low. I get put on medications (Naturethroid, Armor Thyroid and Levothyroxine) and after a couple months, when my levels are checked again, I am taken off of the medication because my levels now say I am hyperthyroid. Levothyroxine did absolutely nothing for me. With Naturethroid and Armor Thyroid, I am at least able to finally lose weight. I have been diagnosed with narcolepsy most recently, so I am still tired all of the time, which was what I was most looking for help with.

    Reply

    1. I have been on thyroid meds for eleven days. Other than feeling headachy a couple times my acid reflux is better,constipation better, not so tired.I am overweight and have fluid retention.while lot of other symptoms. How long for other symptoms to go away?

       Reply

    2. Make sure you stop taking your meds before any bloodwork is done

       Reply

44. I have another one to add to the list – changes in body fat percentage. More and more people have access to scales which measure body fat nowadays. Over a 2 year period, before diagnosis, my body fat % gradually changed, increasing by 8%. I only gained a little weight in that time, a few pounds, but lost strength and muscle, and gained fat. I was doing strength training 3 times a week but was finding it increasingly hard work, and was regularly having to reduce the amount of weight I was lifting. After 3 months on NDT I have reversed about half of the change so far.

    Reply

45. I was diagnosed with under active thyroid 3 years ago. Was given levothyroxine but didn’t get on with it.
    Use a natural supplement.
    I,m tired mainly by evening and have frequent joint and muscle pain.
    Theses things don’t bother me too much, but for a while now I wake early morning, heart racing , hot and feeling nauseas, is this related to hypothyroidism?

    Reply

    1. Yes it is .

       Reply

46. I know this is an older post, but I want to say it seems many of the doctors dont agree on symptoms of hypothyroidism. I’m talking about Carpal tunnel specifically right now. I have read numerous articles on Carpal tunnel and hypothyroidism and my own Dr has told me the same. It’s due to inflammation on the nerves. Not only can it happen with hypothyroidism it also happens during pregnancy for basically the same type of reasoning…out of whack hormones. If you think about it, it makes sense. If your thyroid controls everything going on in your body, why wouldn’t it mess with carpal tunnel and all of the symptoms listed? It makes more sense than not. If that was my Endocrinologist, I’d go find another. I hope this makes sense. My hands, wrist,fingers and even my foot is really bothering me right now and it’s hard to concentrate and type. I hope you got your problem resolved

    Reply

    1. Remember the very propensity for those with autoimmune disease to get other autoimmune diseases like RA which could explain pain.
       However, sticking with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroid, I can’t overemphasize the importance of strict adherence to the autoimmune protocol. It’s not that difficult to get started if you start with high quality fats like MCT oil, avacado, etc. to overcome hunger and the cravings natural from depriving your body of all the things currently doing you in.
       I can eliminate pain entirely If on this way of eating. Search aip to see many lists. If I slip I wake up in terrible pain the next day.

       Reply

       1. Hi Cynthia,
          Been trying to start AIP while pregnant (all the cravings!) and it’s definitely not easy. Any tips? Can’t have avocados as they are high in histamine….

          Reply

       2. Hi Cynthia,
          Been trying to start AIP while pregnant (all the cravings!) and it’s definitely not easy. Any tips? Can’t have avocados as they are high in histamine….

          Reply

47. I have been hypothyroid for a few years and had been taking Naturethroid. I was switched to WP thyroid from Jan 2019 thru May 2019 and back to Naturethroid in June 2019 when it became available again. Since then, my hair is excessively shedding, extremely fatigued with joint pain. My latest test is showing me moving to hyperthyroid. I was also taking big doses of biotin at test time which I later read can affect the test. My doctor thinks it is menopause and not connected to thyroid and won’t let me go back to WP. I read somewhere that the Naturethroid has been reformulated and has been causing challenges. Anyone else have a problem?

    Reply

    1. I’m in the Facebook group Hashimoto’s 411 and since the reformulation, numerous people with Hashimoto’s have “crashed,” as they say, and had all types of issues, so Naturethroid is no longer a recommended med for us. I was on it years ago and did fine; switched to WP Thyroid when it became unavailable and been on it since.

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48. I suffer a good majority of this list. To the point I have been told not to work anymore and just live on benefits.
    I have never done so because I want more for my life than to live on benefits just because of this horrible nightmare. Every day is a struggle but I keep going with a smile on my face while I do it.

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    1. I have had hypo for 11yrs. I have many of these symptoms. I’m really over people who tell me hypothyroidism is just an excuse to be fat. Why would I ever choose to look like this lol. My own family have no understanding. Luckily my bf is very understanding if the housework doesn’t get done. I’m on levothyroxine and I’m just pretty much used to feeling like crap

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49. This is incredible….but to be VERY clear, these are all hypo symptoms? I have mostly hypo symptoms, but am hot all the time and it makes me confused as that’s usually a hyperthyroidism symptom.

    But according to this, it could be a hypo symptom too?

    Reply

    1. These can be both hypo and hyper symptoms. I am hypo but often find I have symptoms that would “classify” as hyper. Also Rachel not sure how old you are but perhaps you are peri or menopausal

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       1. Do you have heart palpitations . It seems like mine get worse the more hypo I am

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50. I have 2 others for your list that we have discovered from our online group. 1. is a pulsing in the abdomen. Many of us have it. 2. is a pain in the middle of the chest, sternum area.

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    1. I am hypo and I have both of these

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    2. Hi. I am so incredibly happy that I stumbled upon this site!! I am having MAJOR joint/muscle pains, tingling hands and feet, muscle weakness, air hunger omg my list is endless. My Endocrinologist says my TSH is in the “normal range” and cannot do a thing to help me. I have had thyroid issues for the nearly 16 years and have never felt like this when I was under the care of another doctor. This all started once I started seeing this doctor. What in the world should I do next? I would greatly appreciate it if you could give me some advice. I just don’t know how to convince this doctor that it’s Hypothyroidism 100%.

       Reply

       1. Summer,
          Join Thyroid Advocates on Facebook. Not doctors but a wealth of info from years of people with thyroid problems. Testing just T-SHIRT does not give you accurate info. You can ask questions and get feedback from these people. Wishing you the best.

          Reply

       2. Summer,
          TSH not t-shirt, dang autocorrect.

          Reply

       3. Hi Summer! You may also want to rule out B12 deficiency and/or Pernicious Anemia (PA) as the symptoms overlap with hypothyroid and many individuals, myself included, have both Hashi’s/hypo thyroid and PA. Serum B12 levels are not always accurate and MMA (methylmalonic acid) is often used in addition to serum B12 testing. Turns out that this is yet another forgotten disease and overlooked by many healthcare providers.

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       4. I had the same problem till I told my doctor to STOP generalizing. I told just increase my dose and see what happens. He finally did and my symptoms improve. He decided to increase it one more time. I didn’t see him till three months later. When he saw me he said, WOW you look like a different person. I felt good for the first time in along time. I went from .88 to .125 dose. My number were coming out normal at .88 and now at .125 they are still coming out normal at .125.

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    3. I have that sternum pain. It actually hurts to the touch at times.

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51. A

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52. I am 66. Diagnosed with Hypo/Hashimotos when I was 10. Have had many of these symptoms all my life. 3 years ago I “forgot how to walk”. Turned out to be very very low B12. Shots fixed it. But my primary doc suggested I go DF and GF, just to see if it helped me keep my B12 levels up without the B12 shot. It worked. But also!, my 10 yrs of fibromyalgia symptoms mostly went away and my thyroid antibodies dropped from 900 to 200. They had been in the 800-1100 range my entire life. Go figure. Even my doc was surprised. Also have your selenium and zinc levels analyzed. Changing your Levo (ie) level isn’t going to have much impact if either of these are low. I am definitely not “cured”, but definitely feel a lot better with a DF/GF, lots of greens and veggies, good quality grass fed beef , non caged chicken, wild fish, no veg oil, and no junk food diet. My T S H levels don’t fluctuate as much now either. It’s the standard American diet that is keeping us all sick.

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53. After finding a egg sized goiter on my neck I called my doctor immediately. He had me come in and sent me to an endocrinologist immediately. After an ultrasound they discovered multiple goiters and nodules in my thyroid. The whole thing was covered. For fear of cancer they did a needle biopsy. Good god that hurt!!! Even with the numbing spray it hurt. But I guess thats what happenes when they use 14 needles. Anyway it was benign but because of how fast it coupd change they scheduled me for a complete thyroidectaomy. Put me on 224mcg of Levo. I was fine for a while after surgery. 3 years? Then all of a sudden i had hyperthyroidism again. A month after a “normal” test. It was just odd. I don’t know what caused it to change. But my skin on my hands started peeling, they became red and sensitive. And then my blood pressure went crazy. My doctor told me to stop taking my thyroid medicine for 7 days to retest me. Which i thought was odd but at the time trusted them. The day my results came in my symptoms had gotten to the point my heart was literally hurting, blood pressure and pulse where at heart attack levels. The nurse called and told me my thyroid levels had stabilized and I did not need to take any thyroid medication anymore. Now if you have read this so far, I do not have a thyroid!!! So i was concerned and asked for a referral to my endocrinologist as it had been over 2 years since I had seen them. I was told no. So I found another doctor that sent me asap. All the while I was in the er with my heart. It has been 4 months now since that night of the er visit. My doctor could have killed me. I was pissed. Still am to a point. I have not been back to them and found another doctor. 🙂 a good doctor at that. But anyway. My levels seem to be fine now at 200mcgs of levo. But I’m still gainimg weight and have edema in my legs and feet. I don’t sleep very well anymore either. So something isn’t right. But I’m not aure what it could be. As soon as I see my test results Tuesday I will be able to, hopefully, pinpoint the issue. And my endocrinologist is getting the results as well. So I will also call them next week.

    I told you all my story for one reason, if you feel something is wrong and your doctor is an idiot, please seek council from another doctor!!! Or even the er! I could have died because my doctor was too busy to notice something was wrong. Always get a second opinion!!!

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    1. So many times just taking Levo leaves many of us still feeling ill. With Levothyroxine this is a t 4 drug that is inactive and must be converted to T3 the active hormone. For so many reasons many of us can’t convert very well or at all. Adding some t3(cytomel) or compounded t3 makes a big difference. Ask your doc about it but I can tell you endocrinologist are still so far behind.

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54. Hi my name is Jill Richardson from Victoria Point Queensland Australia. I was diagnosed with Sheehans syndrome about 3 years after the premature birth of our daughter, she was born at 26 weeks gestation, (and is a healthy beautiful young 22 year old woman) I went onto a trial for human growth hormone. And found the difference it made was so good that after the trial my husband and I decided to keep taking it (at quite an expense) I also take thyroxine and so does my son who has Williams Syndrome he is 25 I still get a lot of the symptoms you often describe I eat a good diet and exercise daily, which helps a lot. The human growth hormone has made an enormous difference I am able to get on and enjoy my life so I hope my story may help someone else out there.

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55. Please study and write about Thyroid Virus brought to the public by Anthony William in his new book, Thyroid Healing. There may be a cure. Would love to get your opinion Hypothryoid Mom.

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56. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at the age of 10. I am now 55. Twenty plus years ago I was diagnosed with Graves Disease. I had a complete thyroidectomy. (Complete removal of my thyroid). Which put my Graves Disease in remission. Then about 12 maybe 13 years ago the right side of my thyroid rejuvenated causing my Graves Disease to come out of remission. I took a daily therapy pill (don’t remember the name of it) for several months trying to put my Graves Disease back in remission. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. So, I had to take a radiation iodine pill to destroy the right part of my thyroid (resulting in a week long complete isolation of myself in my house). I continue to have problems with my thyroid levels. At times they come back as being hypothyroid. Other times my levels show that I’m hypothyroid. I’ve been told by internal medicine and endocrinologist doctors that my case is rare. There have been times even while on medication for my condition that my thyroid levels were so high, doctors couldn’t figure out why I was even still alive or at the very least in a coma. I need a good doctor that knows how to treat my condition and keep it controlled.

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57. I’ve been dedicated thyroid for 4+ years now. I feel pretty good! I found taking half the dose in the morning and half in the evening has kept me consistent all day. Then my levels never dip.

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58. Just had my blood drawn today. I’m currently on 75mcg levo and feel like it just barely helps. I have symptoms in each of those categories except cancer (knock on wood)…I have a new doc and am curious how she interprets my results…she’s on me about the weight gain, HBP etc…but insists it’s my diet and exercise.

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59. Amanda,
    Don’t believe when your doctor tells you that your blood tests are fine. I’ve heard that so many times from primary MDs. When my endocrinologist would say that’s too high. Most people with treated hypothyroidism feel best when their TSH is between 0.75 and 1.25. Sometimes that range is slightly higher or lower. The main goal is a TSH around 1.0.

    My brother was around 2 + and he felt terrible. I told him that was too high. He’s since got his dose increased and feels better with a TSH of near 1.0.

    The lesson in all of this is know your thyroid levels and the ranges and understand what they mean. Your FT4 needs to be in the upper 2/3 to 3/4 of the range in order for you to feel at your best. Thyroid tests can be done every 8 weeks until stabilized. It takes about 1 year to be stabilized on thyroid medicine.

    Also make certain your iron, B12, and vitamin D levels are at their optimums. All of those are problematic with hypothyroidism and usually low.

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60. I am so glad to see this post. I have been feeling like so much of this must be in my head and that people must think I am crazy.
    I have the same question as Amanda. I have been taking levothyroxine since February. I had my numbers retested in April and the endocrinologist upped my dosage and confirmed Hashimoto’s. Even with the higher dosage, I don’t feel like there has been any improvement in my symptoms. The doctor had my switch and take the meds at night before bed and this only seemed to help with my sleep and the other symptoms still have not improved. Any advice?

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    1. Hi. Unfortunately with thyroid issues it take months for the medicine to take effect. You may have symptoms that go away but others do not. I have been dealing with it for over 12 years. I take my meds every morning same time, and do not eat or drink anything for an hour. I also take biotin and a Vitamin D supplement too each day. I watch what I eat, I exercise, and try and keep a schedule. I have found it helps. Lots of water. I use a sauna to detox and it feel good on joints and overall well being. I heard inferred sauna is better. It something I may invest in. I do 2 to 3 days a week, 20 mins.
       I do have days it not good. I work thru it best I can. I find a simple hobby or something I enjoy to do when those days come along. Find what work for you. Hope that helps. M~

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61. Good read.. any advice if I’m already taking levothyroxine but don’t feel any better ?? Thanks in advance!

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    1. If you’re already taking levothyroxine and don’t feel any better, check into using Armour Thyroid or the actual brand Synthroid. The Armoir Thyroid has made a big difference for me.

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    2. Levothyroxine is generic and some people do not respond to it. I am one of those. My edrcronologist says that 10% of people do not respond or experience side effects. I take the brand name Sythyroid ONLY. Makes a huge difference for me.

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    3. Add t3 to your levo

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62. With Tsh of 16 you are putting your life in danger.. Danger

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63. I’ve always had thyroid issues sometimes hyper sometimes hypo sometimes my bloodwork says I am not having any thyroid issues, yet my body doesn’t agree with what the bloodwork says. I have yet found anyone to actually help. I have two thyroid nodules bit my bloodwork reads normal yet I have gained 30 lbs in 6 months amongst many other symptoms. I just wish I could find releaf

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64. All of this looks good but what about treatment?

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    1. I had the same question after reviewing all these symptoms.

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    2. I was diagnosed with Hypothyoroism in 2006 but started developing all the symptoms starting in my teens. I’m of course at the advanced stages of the disease..been and still receiving little to no medical help. I was prescribed the thyroid med lovoxithyroid, I took it for over two years somewhere in the middle I guess when it decided to kick in and do something I started getting at the time it felt like shock pains in my brain. I had to figure it out myself that it was giving me seizures. I know according to the instructions that one is not suppose to just up and stop taking it…but I did, I didn’t care it was hurting me. Now…here in 2019 my symptoms have gotten relatively worse as I have been looking for a more natural approach and cure….and the doctors I’ve been dealing with seem to give not a rats behind, it was just oops the med gave you seizure, blank stare who cares. I can count at least 40 of the symptoms off of the list that I’ve been experiencing on going from my teens up to my age now which is 53. SMH

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65. I have Hashimoto’s and am on a low dose Synthroid. It made such a huge difference in how I feel. But finding a doctor that was willing to do that? Pfffttt. It was always “Your T3 and T4 looks fine. You’re fine.” Oh yeah? Tell my body that. Finally a fantastic family medical doctor was like “You can have Hashimoto’s without having Hypothyroidism right off – but you will most likely eventually have Hypothyroidism because of the Hashimoto’s.”

    And when that doctor stop practicing medicine, my new doctor wouldn’t refill my Synthroid, and so I went years without it before switching doctors (twice) and finally finding one that listened to me.

    If you feel that something isn’t right, always ALWAYS get a second or third opinion.

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66. Just diagnosed and I am blown away at how many symptoms I have on this list! Well done! Very informative.

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67. Dana
    You Have done a Wonderful Job with your article, but it does none of us any good If we
    can’t get our personal doctor to pay attention

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68. I have been diagnosed hypothyroidism and am on medication and checked yearly, but I still have tons of symptoms. What can I do?

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    1. What symptoms are you having

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    2. Yearly is 1st problem-You should be checked every three months until you are feeling optimal and then every six months at the very longest.

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69. Can Hashimotos mimic Rheumatoid Arthritis? I ask this because I’m being treated for RA, with powerful drugs; BUT NONE ARE WORKING!!!

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    1. Hi Susie, When you you have one autoimmune condition, like Hashimoto’s, you are more vulnerable to develop other autoimmune conditions like RA. I hear from many Hypothyroid Mom readers with Hashimoto’s that have a cluster of autoimmune diseases. Here is more about this: https://hypothyroidmom.com/autoimmune-diseases-brew-in-your-body-for-years-before-diagnosis/

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70. I think everyone has at least 1 or probably more of these symptoms listed. Are we all walking around with thyroid issues? How severe and how many of these symptoms indicate a thyroid issue?

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    1. Stefanie Mayer, I felt the same way when I read all these symptoms. Probably everybody on earth has more than a few of these symptoms but only a small proportion of people are hypothyroid. What I get out of it though is that I have a collection of these symtoms and when I go to the doctor they can’t seem to find anything wrong. They look at my tsh and it comes up normal with the amount of thyroid medication I am taking so they say I am fine. When I saw this website it is the first time I have heard that even if you are diagnosed and take your meds like clock work, you can continue to have many of the same symptoms. So I think there is more to hypothyroid treatment than taking meds. Unfortunately though I think modern medicine hasn’t caught up to the disease or condition yet. But this website helped me see that I am not a hypochondriac.

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71. I am desperate for help…I am a 47-year-old female suffering from Hashimoto’s since my early 20s. I took levothyroxine for several years with no problems until my doctor tried to get my TSH down to 2. That’s when all my troubles began. Since that day, any form of thyroid hormone at any dose gave me heart palpitations. Therefore, I took myself off meds and maintained a TSH of 8 with few problems. However, this past year my stress has skyrocketed and I have developed severe palpitations without taking thyroid meds. My TSH is now over 16. I’ve been to a cardiologist and he says my palpitations are benign. My endo says it’s stress. The palpitations are getting so bad that I can barely function. I have severe insomnia, anxiety, night sweats and periods of tachycardia. My endo has tested me for Graves and cortisol issues. Everything comes back normal. I’m trying to sort through all the symptoms of hypothyroidism, perimenopause and stress. The symptoms are all a blur and overlap. I’m at my breaking point and need some relief. My insomnia is so bad with my palpitations that I’ve resorted to beta blockers (which do not help) and Xanax (which only makes me tired). Thank you in advance for any advice you may have.

    Reply

    1. Your under medicated .You need to find the right Levo to take what your body is happy with I take Warwick and I only take that brand has the other brands do not agree with I use to get paptation, brain fog Anxiety and it you have Hashimotos you need to go gluten free witch will help you a lot.

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    2. tammy c.. you may want to read the book by anthony william. thyroid healing, he also has a video that you can listen to. it’s called soundcloud, it is very important, i think you will be surprised with the information that you will get out of listening to him!

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       1. sorry, i meant to say informative, not important.. sorry

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    3. Tammy C. I have the exact same problem as you and I was wondering how you are doing and if you’ve found any relief or have any advice? Thank you

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    4. Well it’s been 6 months since you posted, and I pray you have found answers. If not here you go. Most people do not respond well to level thyroxine. Your thyroid consist of more than Than t4..NP thyroid is NDT with mostly non reactive fillers.. I have stabled my numbers brought the weight off thick hair and has completely changed my quality-of-life and a myriad of symptoms that I cannot even remember but most have subsided. You have to cut gluten because if you have Hashimoto’s you’re highly likely to have a sensitivity to gluten. Which in turn will make it almost impossible for you to digest and pull nutrients from food , without these nutrients even if your levels are optimal you will still not feel well because these are vitamins that your body needs to work on a daily basis.
       as soon as I cut out gluten I was able to maintain normal levels of vitamin D B iron magnesium. Not because I supplemented but because my gut was not inflamed and was working properly so I could absorb fully the nutrients from food with the gluten it caused inflammation and with inflammation it’s hard to absorb anything. You can get on a good regimen of all of these vitamins take a natural thyroid cut out gluten and try some form of light exercise at best. And I could almost guarantee you will feel at least 50% better but you have to completely change your lifestyle from food to meds to exercise and meditation because again thyroid controls everything from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.. This in a nutshell with plenty of research gave me my life back

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72. What about Hypothyroid causing Tremors?? Not hyper o am talking about HYPO. I have had tremors before I was diagnosed with Hypothryoid disorder. Also stiffness in back and neck.

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73. Also, recommendations for a good thyroid dr would be helpful. I have been to two separate practices and they look at me like i am crazy with all my symptoms and say is must be overlapping conditions. I would really love to find a doctor that believes me and doesn’t tell me that i have 15 seprate illnesses. It of which they say have anything to do with Hashimotos

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74. Where do you get your findings with these symptoms because i have presented my symptoms to my Endo and she says that these are not indicitive of Hashimotos. I have also had a Neurologist say that Hashimotos does not exist. Would love to hear your feedback. Thank you

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75. oh my what an interesting subject. Evidently I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in my early puberty years. Took my months supply and my mother saw that i wad better. No more meds for me. After a very deppressing puberty I became pregnant and all my symptons came rushing back and very extreme. I was so depressed and tiref all the time and Drs are telling me its in my head. I got so tired and depressed that i attempted suicide. I was sent to a therapist and more Drs for 11 years at which time my husband and I went to a marriage counselor who questioned me about my health tonsils, swollen glands, irregular periods, carpultunnel, tendonitus, chronic fatigue, and deppression. He sent me to a endocronoligist in San Francisco who didn’t even do blood work but rather gave me a radioactive scan and started me on levothyroxine before I left the building and after 4-6 days of taking this medicine I was and have remained the person God intended me to be. I moved and was unable to stay with that Dr so since 1980. Told my new Dr about it and he just had me come in once a year for the famous, worthless bloid work and actually lowered my dose even though I felt I needed more. No one evered mentioned the long term effects of levothyroxine so now at the age of 66 I have severe osteoporosous and severe never issues but more than my own condition I concern myself with people both male and female that have very similar symptoms being denied further testing because the blood test came back close enough to normal and being sent on told it is in their head or diagnosed as hypocondreacts. let me mention as well that my son committed suicide at the age of 42 because he was exhausted and couldnt find any answers. What can be done to save the lives of these young people who are suffering and not receiving proper testing? Please helo me get them some answers. Thank you

    Reply

    1. Gail, I am sad reading your comment. I am sorry to read about your son. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain of losing your child. I agree with you that change is needed in the way thyroid disease is diagnosed and treated. My own tough experience getting optimal treatment drove me to create this site. Good to have you here.

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    2. So sorry….I too am 66 and have severe osteoporosis…I keep waiting for some bone to break…I have been hypo 3 years and have a great thorough Endo that is all natural and has me on nature throid…I deal with terrible back pain which I get injections for and I have no energy and I still work at time in health care….it’s hard and sounds like your son had thyroid issues…my grandma died from it cuz they were treating her for heart problems and it was her thyroid all along…

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76. You’re a peach. Why are you trolling, when the rest of us are simply looking for answers.

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77. Hi Dana,

    I took your beautiful list with me to my Endocrinologist to discuss the fact that I’ve been suffering from almost every single symptom on this list for 35 years! His response was that most of the symptoms found on your list can be attributed to other illnesses as well and aren’t always an indicator of hypothyroidism, esp. when the hormone numbers aren’t supported in a blood draw.

    Help! What can I offer to combat his opinion? My numbers aren’t bad enough that he’s even concerned, but they are not normal (sadly, I forgot to write them down, so I don’t have them right now.) Thanks so much for your guidance.

    Reply

    1. Hi Dina, I know it can be a real challenge to get doctors to hear you about your thyroid symptoms but please know there are doctors that get it. Of course there are many possible reasons for our different symptoms but if we have many of them then the thyroid should get a closer look. I wrote this article here and included studies at the bottom for the symptoms.

       https://hypothyroidmom.com/300-hypothyroidism-symptoms-count-how-many-you-have/

       Get a second medical opinion. Here are resources to help.

       https://hypothyroidmom.com/30-online-resources-to-find-a-good-thyroid-doctor/

       Reply

    2. I am trying to sign up for youe site, put my email and name and hit signed up but nothing happens?

       Reply

78. Hi, 2Questions. what are some unusual serum test done to diagnose Hashimoto’s thyroiditis/encephalopathy, referring to inflammatory markers, ferrintin, anemia, etc.,
    Re: autoimmune antibody, is tpo-ab needed to make a diagnoses of Hashimoto’s.

    Reply

79. What is the source that associates scoliosis with this condition? I’d like to share details and reference this on my blog.

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80. Can I ask how hypothyroidism contributes to irritable bladder and incontinence? Just wondering because my doctor doesn’t believe it is, despite my thoughts, and I don’t know how to go about treating it!!!

    Reply

    1. Hi Jodie, Here are a few studies about the connections. Good to have you at Hypothyroid Mom.

       Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Thyroid
       http://ucms.com.np/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/PREVALENCE-OF-THYROID-DYSFUNCTION-IN-IRRITABLE-BOWEL.pdf

       Thyroid & The Bladder
       https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3724379/

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    2. I ve had sheehan s syndrome for many yrs along with hypothyroidism and CKD.so far I ve been lucky and only have a few of the symptoms I looked at the list and it s very frightening. that being said I ve worked closely with my Dr who is very careful with my doses of medication if he increases it it s only by a small amt because of arrhythmia I already have a heart mu mur so we are careful in what I take.many of the symptoms I just deal with and just enjoy life as much as possible I ve had this condition for over 30 yrs,so just having a good relationship with my Dr and get all the info I can

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81. Hi Dana
    I am a 62 old Hypothyroid Male and have had thyroid disease probably from the age of 10, I like this article and have tried to encourage several of my doctors to examine your
    information and while I am on 4.5 grains of desiccated thyroid and some symptom have gotten better example Sleep Apnea from 102 episodes an hour to 70 episodes an hour
    my current doctor refuses to increase my dose but my heartbeat again is in a nromal
    rhythm. I have around 80 to 85 of these symptom. I was wondering if you could give specifics about this article another words references. I am not having luck finding a doctor to give your article much credence..

    Reply

    1. Hi Robert, It is a real challenge to find a doctor who listens to you and your symptoms. Here in this article I include a comprehensive list of scientific studies at the end to back of the many symptoms of hypothyroidism.
       https://hypothyroidmom.com/300-hypothyroidism-symptoms-count-how-many-you-have/

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82. I am pretty new to all of this as I was just diagnosed 3 months ago and it was found on accident. A year ago I asked to be tested due to feeling severely cold all the time, painful cold. The doctor came back in 15 mins later and said my levels were fine. Then proceeded to tell me it was in my head and I should talk to someone. My symptoms were all over the place and she said that made it to hard to know what to test for. So mad I gave up on doctors! A year later I was seen at the E.R. For impaction after years of chronic diarrhea. They sent me for a colonoscopy which turned up nothing. Fortunately during my times there they were testing my blood and found high tsh levels. Next visit they retested and found extremely high levels and sent me to an endocrinologist. He told me my thyroid was producing no hormone. Well he says almost none, not enough to be significant. So here I am 3 months later on .075mg of synthroid and nothing has changed. I actually have some symptoms that have worsened also. And i am getting herpetic-like blisters that turn into lesions on the bottom of my foot and on my mouth and in fold of my leg and my gynocologist assures me I do not have herpes. I just don’t know what to do. I don’t trust doctors much but I feel so bad mentally and physically I would like to lay down and just not wake up most days. I hate this because I am still supporting two children and a 3 yr old granddaughter who I love more than my life. They never told me any test result numbers so I am blind to that part of my disease. I just want to feel better .

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83. I apologize for typos, I have vision isdues due to diabetes.

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84. On Fri, 4/20/17, my primary care Dr put me through some routine tests with an annual checkup. My TSH level was 8.4, she said more than twice what it should be. In previous years my levels were either slightly elevated or within normal ranges. I have been having greasy hair, weight gain, heat and cold intolerances, exhaustion, muscle and joint aches and pains, I have had other symptoms as well, these are the more prominent ones. I have been a type I diabetic (dx’d in Nov 1995) for 23 years and was told by physician when dianosed that it was a result of having chronic Epstein Barr virus (a bad initial bout of it in 1987) along with an IGGC gene that would predidpose one to autoimmune disorders. . In reading all thse comments, I have little hope that I will get the care I need at the VA. For yesrs now I have been complaining of underative thyroid symptoms and theur cure was to up my insulin levels. I have been measuring everything I eat, have been eating less than usual for fear if more weight gain, and yet my BGLs are always high, prompting more insulin and thus even more weight gain.I have put on 20 lbs in the last 2 months I am 5’2″ and now weigh 180lbs and am miserable. My primary care doc saud thatcthe endicrinologist (I see her tomorrow) will put me in some meds that will make me feel better and help me lose the weight over time. I am an Holistic Practioner and every cell in my body is telling me that it is a nutritional defucit, buildup of toxins, paricitic or “D” All of the above situation. Mynprimary care foc did send me back to the lab for mire thyroid tests and results should be back by tomorrow. I am nit sure how many ir which tests were done. Not sure about calcium levels either. At any rate, I do not want to be labled as non compluabt and they will probably prescribe Levothyroxine as it is cheaper. My best frien says it does her no goid and she must take brand name Synthroud for it to make a difference. Should I go the distance to see a spevialust outside the VA in order to get better care? I live in Indianapolis if anyone has had better luck with ine fic over others in this area I would appreciate the info.

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    1. My thyroid symptoms started after a bout of chronic Epstein Barr in 1987 as well. I to can only take Synthroid. I have at times not taken my meds regularly and I can’t tell a difference between taking and not taking them. I have a lot of the symptoms on the list. My biggest concern is the obesity. The most recent success in losing weight was on medically supervised diet of 700 calories a day. I lost 110 lbs. , but unable to maintain the loss once I went back to normal food.

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85. I have about 15 of the symptoms listed. My primary care doctor only tested my TSH, which was within normal range. I then went online and ordered my own lab tests for Free T4, Free T3, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies. So far, the results show dangerously low levels of Free T3 and somewhat low Free T4; no elevated antibodies. I found out recently, from a genetic test, that I have a hereditary gene that causes poor ability to convert T4 to T3. It just upsets me so much that most M.D./doctors are so clueless about how to treat hypothyroidism. So much unnecessary misery that we thyroid patients suffer, because most doctors (yes, even endocrinologists) have no clue about thyroid disorders!

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    1. Hi Jeanne, It is sad how full thyroid testing is not routine for people with thyroid issues. Ordering your own thyroid lab tests is an invaluable tool and I’m happy you had the testing done so that you have a clearer picture. I feel awful when my Free T3 is low or even middle of the normal range. I feel my best with my Free T3 at the top quarter of the normal range. Here in this article I’ve included a chart of optimal ranges.

       https://hypothyroidmom.com/top-5-reasons-doctors-fail-to-diagnose-hypothyroidism/

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86. The list covers just about every symptom you can imagine making everyone a potential suffer. So I am not convinced even though I am a suffer of hypothyroidism.

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87. I have no digestive problems. But a FB friend suggested I do the elimination diet. Not sure what the diets purpose is if I have no digestive problems. And an iron stomach to boot. I eat no gluten or dairy. When I did eat gluten or organic dairy it does not effect my stomach whatsoever.

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88. I have been on levothyroxine for several years. The first symptoms were extreme exhaustion and very tingling feet. The first dr would not listen to my symptoms and adjust the levothyroxine so I changed drs. The last dr kept lowering my dosage even though I was feeling good. Then, if I felt bad on the lower dosage, she’d lower it again according to blood tests. She refused to treat me due to my complaining and referred me to an endocrinologist. I started having carpal tunnel and blurry vision. The endocrinologist will not increase my dosage due to blood tests. It’s ridiculous that they dismiss your symptoms. What are you supposed to do? Do they not care if you feel good or not? I worry about further damage and now think I need to try to find a FOURTH Dr. And hope I have the strength and willpower to do so and that they can actually HELP.

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    1. Oh, by the way, the endocrinologists office said that carpal tunnel was not a symptom of hypothyroidism even though I’ve read several articles that it is, and also wondered why I thought the medicine could be the cause. The most they said they would do is switch my meds to non-generic, which I had tried in the past and did not work. Then, they never called in the prescription for the non-generic!!!

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       1. I know this is an older post, but I want to say it seems many of the doctors dont agree on symptoms of hypothyroidism. I’m talking about Carpal tunnel specifically right now. I have read numerous articles on Carpal tunnel and hypothyroidism and my own Dr has told me the same. It’s due to inflammation on the nerves. Not only can it happen with hypothyroidism it also happens during pregnancy for basically the same type of reasoning…out of whack hormones. If you think about it, it makes sense. If your thyroid controls everything going on in your body, why wouldn’t it mess with carpal tunnel and all of the symptoms listed? It makes more sense than not. If that was my Endocrinologist, I’d go find another. I hope this makes sense. My hands, wrist,fingers and even my foot is really bothering me right now and it’s hard to concentrate and type. I hope you got your problem resolved

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89. i have many many of these symptoms. I never knew it could all be linked together. The latest symptoms are cloudy thoughts, eyelid tremors, weight loss, and a lump on the right side of my throat with pain and sometimes i choke on drinks. Also today i noticed what looks like lactation but i am not pregnant. There are also many other symptoms. Is that enough to seek medical attention? Because this could explain alot about the changes iv been experiancing, expecially in mentaL status.

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    1. Many people lack what the thyroid needs, which is iodine, zinc, selenium, copper (lots of combo formula thyroid supplements and even multi vits have these ingredients, check online, Whole Foods, or Sprouts etc.). They may be trace amounts, but pack powerful support to the thyroid.
       Also, stay away from cruciferous vegetables if your throat feels weird. If tgat helps, you have a problem with leaky gut.
       Problem is Doctors wait for tests to show problems and by then, you’re in deep doo doo!

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90. I have alot of symptoms for an inactive thyroid, my levels were recently tested and doctor said it was normal:
    T4+Free T4 7.3
    Free T4 .76 (Low)
    TSH 0.561
    T3 Uptake 30
    Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Ab 14
    Triiodothyronine, Free, Serum 3.5

    Should I get a second opinion. Hate feeling no energy, always fatigued, and the list goes on.

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91. Thank you so much! I’ve been searching for answers for so long!! Now to convince my doctor! Thank you! Keep up the awareness! I’ve shared this article on my Facebook hoping others will get answers too!

    Machela Rasmussen

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92. Holy shit!!
    I have 36+ symptoms! My mother and brother have hypothyroidism but I’ve checked last year and they said I didn’t have any thyroid issues. They even did a Thyroid Ultrasound.
    What the hell?!!!

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93. This hypothyroidism is wearing me out. My blood work is good TSH but I have high levels in sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, and BUN/Creatinine. Two years ago I had a full hysterectomy and I had to basically do it all over again. Last year my migraines got so bad I wasn’t able to see. I started having tremors on right side I wasn’t able to write my name or get words out. I went to every doctor they didn’t understand. I now have high blood pressure and dealing with pain in both hands I can’t make a fist. My doctor puts me on several different medication. I’m very sensitive to smells. I break out in hives and every time I start new medication my Armour Thyroid doesn’t like it. I just turned 47 and I feel older because I always know when my thyroid is out of whack. I don’t know what to do

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    1. That’s because you have to take your meds at least 4 hours apart from your amour thyroid as I was told.

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94. I had been on Synthroid for a few years. I went back in for my blood work when it was time and my Dr. took me off of it and said I didn’t need it anymore. I thought once your thyroid was bad you had to be on meds the rest of your life. I come from a family of a history of thyroid problems. I don’t know who to go to now. I have several of these symptoms. Any advice would be appreciated.

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95. Does taking T3 cause breast enlargement and tenderness?…………I am in my late 60’s and my bust is increasing in size and tenderness plus of course my weight is racking up!!

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    1. Iodine helps with that symptom. Look up fibrocystic breast disease and iodine. Also, iodine helps prevent cancer.

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96. This resonates with my experiences so much it makes me wince as I think about the years of suffering I endured with the doctor I finally had to fire after 30 years of complaints about many of these symptoms. My doctor was sweet but only put me on thyroid pills when another doctor told her I had hypothyroidism… and then she placed me on the lowest possible pill because as she put it “I want somewhere to go” lol I fired her… I want someone to listen when I tell them I am so tired I can hardly stay awake to drive to their office.

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97. I have had a lot of these symptoms for most of my life….mental and physical symptoms. Out of 7 children in the family I was always the only fat one. No matter what I did I couldn’t lose weight. My mother and grandmother had hypothyroidism, my daughter was diagnosed with hypo when she was in high school, I have had half of my thyroid removed because of a goiter….but still they say my thyroid is fine….or what’s left of it is. Despite a stomach staple surgery in my thirties I’m still obese, tired all the time, sore all the time and anxious and depressed ALL the time. I don’t understand why they say I’m fine and they can’t help me. It’s hopeless. I’m glad my daughter got her diagnosis though. I’m not glad she has it, but at least she isn’t being told to eat less and excercise more and it’s all in her head….like me. I couldn’t possibly eat less. My husband says he doesn’t know how I survive on what I eat. But the doctors are always right and I can’t have the Meds and support unless they say so.

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    1. Ask your Dr. about your b12 levels and the possibility of pernicious anemia!!

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98. Hi I’m on levothyroxine 100mg for 9 years now and still suffer lots of symptoms from aching body, tiredness, coldness, digestive problems, anxiety, hoarseness, Ibs, low ferritin, dizziness, and lots more but my blood results are always normal. Does anyone else feel like this?

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99. Hi I’m on levothyroxine 100mg now for 9 years now and still have a lot of thyroid symptoms from aching body, tiredness, digestive problems, hoarse throat in the mornings, anxiety, Ibs, dizziness, low iron and many more but yet my blood results always come back normal. Does anyone else feel like this?

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    1. Hey look up the ingredients on your med. U need lymph cleaners i listed above in comments. You med is complete shit, right now supplement with nascent iodine, you med only converts t4 to t3, what about t1 t2? They are clueless, and do not care if u live or die., The blood tsh test is a fucking joke and lie. Why, thats all your dishonest insirance will cover. There s actually 7 to 9 more they don’t cover. Look up michael johnson, and brad shook vids on youtube. I care. Truth is knowledgeable

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       1. Just thought that I’d share that I have been reading a book titled “Medical Medium” – the book is definitely unconventional; the author believes that there is a link between thyroid issues and the Epstein Barr virus (which is why thyroid hormone replacement does not work) I wonder how many of the people experiencing thyroid issues have been checked for the Epstein Barr virus – I know that I tested positive for Epstein Barr – could this guy be on to something?

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    2. Yes I feel the same way low iron,low b 12,anxiety,insomnia,low libido,aching body,tired,fluctuating blood pressure,type 2 diabetes,coronary artery disease, etc. normal thyroid test. Crazy! But I told my doctor there is definately something off and she told me to take my temperature under the arm for a week before you get up out of bed and my temperature all three weeks were under 97 f so she put me on a low dose of amour thyroid
       Haven’t tried it yet just received it today . So we’ll see if that improves my symptoms the doctors really need to treat the symptoms and do additional testing for thyroid problems.

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100. Oh my, where do I begin, my endocrinologist has been monitoring my thyroid levels for the past year now. he’s only testing for T3 Free, T4 Free, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies, and TSH Ultra Sensitive, my levels last month were T3 Free (5.0), T4 Free (2.4), Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (546), and TSH Ultra Sensitive (4.84) I am so confused because I’ve been told I am a medical mystery as I appear to have both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Is it really possible to be both? I have a cluster of non-cancerous thyroid nodules and they are causing me to have a deviated trachea, thankfully I do not have a problem with my pulse ox they range in the high 90’s. I have several of the symptoms on your list, including scoliosis. I appreciate you and your research. I am looking forward to getting clearer answers in 2018 to move on with my life. Many thanks,
     Jen in Vegas

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     1. If you believe in anything, believe this, this asshole isn’t knowledgeable enough because the way he was taught, immediately look at youtube vids, of brad shook, and michael johnson, just so you know insurance won’t cover these at least 10 tests, we agree your doctor is a medical idiot. Get knowledgeable. You can contact me, in the meantime buy yousrlf nascent iodine to supplement your iodine, 2nd your iodide deficient and, various other minerals

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        1. Hi, I read what you have written and I would like to know how one can find out what test are covered, and why nascent iodine over others. If you have time I would appreciate your response. Thank you

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     2. Jennifer, please read Isabella Wentz’s book Hashimoto’s Protocol. With thyroid antibodies as high as yours are you definitely have Hashimoto’s. That is why it seems that you are both hypo and hyperthyroid. When you have Hashimoto’s you should not take iodine. It can make it worse. Isabella Wentz has a Facebook page and has written many best seller books.

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101. Thank you for all your time and research on this worthy project! I will be keeping the info for future reference as I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years ago. And now have been told that I have Hoshimoto’s! The problem is no one, including, the Doctors told me how to treat It! So, what am I supposed to do?..
     This sounds like it could be something serious!!! I will continue to do my own research like you did and be pro-active in my health care! Sadly, as you already know, you cannot always rely on the medical profession!!! Thanks, Debbie

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102. I had a non malignant tumor on my parathyroid gland. It was causing my blood calcium levels to be very high. The symptoms were pretty bad so I had it removed. They damaged my thyroid during the surgery so I am on Armour and Levothyroxine (they keep switching because of my stupid insurance). Lately I am having a lot of symptoms. I had no idea that my night time nausea could be related. I know that our levels can change from day to day and it is difficult to tell what is going on. I also started suffering from fatigue and dizziness. Does this mean I need my levels checked again? I feel like I’m losing my mind.

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     1. Take gymnema sylvestre ,chromium picolinate, and half a teaspoon of Cinnamon, for sugar problems, you have lactic acidosis, your lymphatic system is clogged,the above lymphatic cleaners in top comments are very viable for you ,youtube videos of doc. Darrin schmidt about what lactic acidosis is, and brad shook youtube vids, on the real way to test a thyroid which insurance won’t pay for., And also sweetheart, youtube vids of dr. Michael johnson .a very good man .i care ,contact anytime, for any advice

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        1. Ron could I get some advice? I have questions and not sure where to turn.. was diagnosed low thyroid and on various thyroid meds for over 8 yrs . At one time on 3 different ones.. synthroid, cytomel and armour! These were ” wellness ” docs too .. naturopathic doc .. with PA’s seeing me when she couldnt.. mann i was a fucking mess.. gaining weight , feeling like crap. I stopped going and made an appt with an endocrinologist.. she looks at labs and said.. i dont believe you are low thyroid at all. You are either insulin resistant or adrenal insificient.. she stripped me off of thyroid meds entirely.. been off them for well over a year now.. still feel like crap.. have not had blood work since either.. I am just so untrustwothy of the whole medical industry.. as well as naturopaths at this point.. i eat fairly clean.. watch my carbs.. but basically still feel like crap and have many of the issues listed above under hypothyroid, except I am a fat mess.. not underweight at all. Btw.. went to an accupucturist and she played doctor .. sent off for saliva test for adrenals .. and they are wacked..practically no cortisol from the time I get up all day.. and it spikes at bed time.. yay!.. any ideas? Thanks Ron!

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           1. For Martha, For over 30 years I have struggled with thyroid issues. A benign tumor was discovered in my thyroid gland when I was 34, I am now 73. Was not given any thyroid hormone, Dr. wanted to see if I could man age without it, 8 years later, I could see a lump the size of a golf ball in my neck, obviously it was a goiter. I went to my dr. He did tests and they came back “normal” I said to my idiot Dr. “then what is this lump in my neck, he said he did not know and gave me no thyroid pills> I went to a DR. in Mexico, he took one look at me and said you need thyroid hormone. I was put on armour thyroid meds and was so much better, then I found another idiot DR. (I,m good at this) he said the armour was old fashioned and put me in synthroid . Ok for a few months and then my periods started being very heavy and lasting for two weeks. For 3 and one half years I suffered with this, then I read a report from a Dr. Whitaker in N ewport beach ( he just retired) he said Synthroid did not have T3 the activator only T4 the storage hormone. I could not store T3 and got sicker and sicker, Got back on Armour 2 grains and recovered for years, Now however I have developed severe IBS. Dr. thought it was my thyroid hormone being too high, I cut it to 1 grain and still was having IBS symptoms. Now I just read online that parasites can affect the gland, just two weeks I actually saw these parasites in the toilet, I never saw them before or since, they develop in cycles so are seldom caught by tests. Am taking parasite cleanse herbs. Se online great info about this connection to thyroid problems. I googled this question ” Can parasites affect the thyroid gland”? The information was amazing. Often Doctors knee jerk answer to digestive misery is IBS when actually Parasites can often cause a host of problems.

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103. If the symptoms are for hypothyroidism then why do you list opposites within the list when some of the opposites would actually be for hyperthyroidism? Sorry, that is confusing.

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104. hi l am struggling so much with my weight have for years, l have had thyroid problems for about 5 years, also type 2 diabetic for 3 yrs now, and l am now post menopause, and to top it all off l have P.T.S.D. l need help,PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

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105. Thanks for this great article. I have a number of this symptoms and have checked before with my doctor and he said my thyroid level was fine. Yet he couldn’t figure out what the problem was but I have always suspected hypothyroidism. I’m planning to start with a Lower dose of levothyroxine since they left me to my fate. I don’t want it to worsen before they realise it. Especially that of the sudden salty and bad breath(so poignant, embarrassing & annoying ) is driving me crazy with a couple of other symptoms listed above. I wished these doctors were more flexible than they are. God help us

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106. I’ve just been diagnosed with sub-clinical hypothyroidism. My mother had MEN1 pituitary tumour that started this way. I’m not getting the help I need. Cold sweats every night from 3-5am and in the day too. Soaking wet hair. Soaking my clothes. Fatigue. Insomnia. Aching and painful joints. Always feeling like there’s something stuck in my throat, recurrent mouth ulcers, over the past 6 months this started, and right after stomach flu that had me hospitalized — took me ages to recover from that. Low mood, which has now become bouts of depression and feeling like I can’t cope. Awful, awful memory and trouble pronouncing words. Cold Feet. Intolerance for heat, especially in the shower. I’m really not myself. I was set up for a sleep study, which has been declined by our insurance who’ve told us we need to do the home sleep study. The Sleep Specialist said they’re usually always inconclusive and require the lab study afterwards. I’m so frustrated by this. My mother died in her sleep from sleep apnea, and I’m just so annoyed that my suffering will have to go on for longer. I do not trust the process right now and wonder if I’ll ever feel normal again. It’s very hard having to fight for your health when you’re unwell.

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     1. I am so sorry for your struggle. I can totally relate to your last line, “It’s very hard to fight for your health when you’re unwell.” I am praying that you will get the help, attention, wisdom, compassion you need – the right diagnosis and treatment. May you be blessed, healed, strengthened, and cared for. I think I’m on the verge of getting some treatment after 10+ years of symptoms. Yes, there were other things causing some of my symptoms, but I did mention thyroid early on since both my parents had been on low doses of thyroid medicine since their late 20’s. Mom could not get pregnant with me because of thyroid. It finally showed up in my blood work at an annual ob/gyn visit in Sept, going for an annual physical with a new doctor on Thursday and am hoping for help. Take care. God is good and He loves you.

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     2. Did u know 70% of your seratonin and dopamine are made in your stomach which regulates your mood. Your liver and gallbladder and pancreas are congested, buy one pound of each make your own capsules, dandelion, milk thistle, burdock root,oregon grape root, sarsparilla root, dioscorea root, shizandra berries root powder, fill 00 empty gel caps, eeach one i named take 4 each, 28 caps daily, 1 gal. R/o water only just do it the way i tell you, fruits and vegetables, no meat or wheat, and a good capsule probiotic with vegetable enzymes, as you eat this way your lymphatic system and bacteria will change, the night sweats are from your progesterone/ estrogen not being balanced, and being clogged everywhere here on this earth they do no tests for lymphatic, take this 7 days a week.

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107. I will be seeing my doctor in 2 weeks. I have a ridiculous amount of these symptoms. Weight gain for me has really scared me. Fatigue, but at bedtime, insomnia. Anxiety, dizziness, aches and pains, and really sore feet. I started checking symptoms and came upon this site in my search for answers to all my my issues. What really realky scared me was becoming short of breath while out on a walk. This had never happened to me before. At my last checkup my blood tests didn’t show any thyroid issues. So what do I do with all these issues. I have had anxiety and depression issues in the past and now they seem to have returned. I am a 67 year old female. Any suggestions?

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     1. I’m going to the doctor on 10/27/16. My blood level is finally indicating an issue. I’m going to type up my symptoms, perhaps print off this article, and try not to overwhelm the doctor since I’ve been looking for answers for 10 years. Actually I stopped looking in 2009 when an adrenal gland test came back fine. There were other issues causing my symptoms – some physical and some emotional/spiritual, but yes, I believe thyroid is in the mix since my cholesterol became elevated for no apparent reason about the time the other thyroid symptoms started. I had to advocate for myself a year ago when I had recurrent c diff, a bacterial infection of the colon that wouldn’t resolve. I did eventually get to doctors who helped me, but I had to be my own advocate despite how sick I was. The Internet was a godsend in doing research and helping me find the right place to go, but I consider the source and seek out hard science at times. I hope you get the help you need. May you be blessed and healed.

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108. I have a couple to add that I have only experienced in the last 6 months or so (only got my hypothyroid diagnosis this week) one is greasy hair I have never had a problem with greasy hair but in the past 6 months I have suffered from one extremely greasy part at the back of my head no matter what I do. The other is a symptom I’ve always had but used to happen rarely (a few times a year) but recently I have noticed it happening much more frequently (at least once or twice a week) which is sleep paralysis. As well as many of the symptoms on the list.

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109. i’d like to add; voulnerable and cry easy, to the list.
     and shouldnt vasomotoric rhintis be on it?
     and coma and death.
     chelsea if your blod leavels are good its difficult.
     i have hypotyreose and many symptoms on the list i dont/didnt have.
     maybe you have some other deasease like b12 deficciency,might be a lot of things the doctor hav’net checked

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     1. Omg I have so many of these symptoms. Docs won’t listen, just getting worse. I have vasomotor rhinitis too. New melasma starting. Getting warm sensations in my ankles…losing weight, hungry all the time. Dark circles, circulation problems. Carpal tunnel.

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110. Ive been diagnosed and yaking medication for over 10yrs now. Initially the hormones kept fluctuating n the dosage was altered several times but after pregnancy it apoears to be normal. However the symptoms that started long before diagnosis is still gragging me down. I have not cone across a list as such before and am really thankful for this compliation. Though tingly legs doesnt sound like much its kept me awake more nights than not, i never linked it to hypothyroidism. I noticed u mentioned leading a healthy life thank the Lord above, but since im still struggling mainly with severe cramps, palpitations, fatigue, insomnia n the tingly leg thing just wanted your advice.

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     1. You need to take some naturethroid, also nascent iodine, 10 drops daily. Why? The synthetics synthroid is actually bad for you do a pdf on it.

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        1. Would that work for someone who has had thyroid surgery?

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111. I have so many of these symptoms and even though I have had my thyroid checked they say they are normal. But what is normal? Have anyone else had these problems with the doctors?

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     1. The day I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s my labs were normal. The only reason they found the Hashimoto’s was because of the ultrasound they also did that day. I also have many of the symptoms on the list. It seems my symptoms pile up as time goes by. And I’m taking Armor. But the Dr. won’t increase it or do anything else because of the lab numbers. Despite my symptoms. In one book that I read the writer said “Dr.s should treat according to how the patient feels, not what the labs say”. I agree.

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        1. I have the same problem. I m on 60 mg od Armor and my Dr. wants to cut me back to 1/2 tab on day and 1 the next day because of my labs. My hair is falling out and I am bone tired most of the time and can’t sleep. Half of my thyroid has been removed. When will they begin to listen to us?

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           1. Everyone, please check out Raw Thyroid by Natural Sources. It has been a Godsend. I had so many of these symptoms, but most are gone now. They removed it from Amazon for some reason — go to iherb.com. Wish you all better health.

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              1. FYI, I take one in the morning on an empty stomach, then wait 60 min. before having my coffee.

              2. Ck out having a hair analysis done! Tells you a lot ! I’m going the natural way no synthetic drugs for me!! Consulting a nutritionalist, on my way to recovery!! It’s a mineral deficiency on so many levels for me

           2. Please request a consultation with an endocrinologist if you haven’t seen one already, and if your endocrinologist won’t listen to you find a new one. my PCP would not increase my dosage of medication after my labs were “normal” but the endocrinologist wants to adjust medication based on symptoms and how you are feeling and not lab levels. She said you might feel best with a higher level of medication and that is okay!

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        2. In 10 months tsh went from3.5 to 8.3. I also had my first major Erythromelalgia acute episode during that time and now walk a fine line between cold feet from Raynauds or red hot feet on fire. The question I have is this. I have had many many symptoms of thyroid disease since I was a child but did not seem to have hypothyroid problems until now. Have been dealing with severe fatigue weakness sob severe back pain due to car accident had severe Central sleep apnea and insomnia all my life depression anxiety panic prod endometriosis hysterectomy bilateral oopherectomy hair loss thinning dry brittle weak nails weak muscles memory issues. Oh and last year had 2 parathyroid adenomas removed
           I probably had hyperparathyroidism for over 10 years by the time they decided to do surgery I had already had five kidney stones and had at least four or five major stress fractures that did not involve trauma and my short-term memory was so bad I couldn’t remember what I was saying in the middle of a sentence that weakness and muscle fatigue and pain but unbearable and I ended up having to get Social Security Disability so I wonder how much of all the symptoms are linked to the thyroid gland because the thyroid stimulating hormone levels in 2014 was 0.55 then instead then in February 2017 it’s suddenly went up to over three and now it’s 8.3 and next week I will meet with the physician to discuss treatment do you have any recommendations for me aside from the usual diet information that’s out there

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           1. It could be Hashimoto’s. i had problems for years before they diagnosed it with me. my Thyroid levels were up and down.

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        3. I too have “normal” levels (15 to be exact), test results even surprised the doctor. He was 99% sure it would be positive for Hashimoto’s. Tons of symptoms (including goiter & nodule), have family history, etc. What kind of ultrasound did they do, that was able to be seen & diagnose you w/Hashimoto’s? I have had a Carotid US (found the goiter & nodule) & Thyroid US, so far.

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           1. See

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     2. Chelsea, I recommend checking out Mary Showman thyroid advocate at thyroid.about.com like Dana recommends. She has great info on her site that may help you understand what other tests you need besides TSH. I also follow Dr Amy Myers who is a functional thyroid Doctor. Following a clean diet is helpful too. Hope this helps you.

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     3. I have jad a lot of these symptoms for a number of years and after lots of trips to my doctors they found nothing wrong. I knew something was wrong but with doctors not findibg anuthing I was left. Until I came across a post on facebook about thyroid issues. I noticed I had a lump in my throat. I contacted the doctors again after this and was sent straight to a specialist. Turns out I had a cancerous nodule in my thyroid. I have had thos removed now but still have the same symptoms.. I have had weeks on and off where I feel loads better but then I dont. So I have decided to have the remeinder of my thyroid removed later this month. Im hoping I can control my thyroxine levels more accurately. If you feel like somethings not right and your doctors dont pay attention get a second opinion. This post is spot on. Im tryibg to share it on fb but Cant seem to find how. Everyone needs to be aware x

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        1. Hi i just read your post. I have had this for about 13 years and no cure; doctors dont find anything wrong, they beliebe I have some sort of trauma or something called syncope. I am beyond overwhemled and pissed because no doctor has veen able to help me at all. Help me.

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     4. Yes… just was diagnosed. Go to Mayo Clinic… keep several blood work over time for TSH/ cholesterol/ calcium levels! Took my 15 years

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     5. Normal is anything below 3, 4 is considered high. Mine was 55.74

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     6. Please do not listen to the test doctors give the blood tsh , thats all piece of shit insurance covers, there are at least 10 tests to do, pieceof shit insurance covers none. Brad shook youtube videos will help you to understand completely.

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     7. Yes, I have. Been battling this for years and all the while being treated as if my mind was making it all up. Breakthrough came when I took charge and made an appointment with endocrinologist. My TSH levels couldn’t be confirmed as problematic, but reoccurring depletion at calcium tells the story. Go to endocrinologist or nephrologist immediately. Prolonged disregard of symptoms is life threatening!

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     8. I’m the same as u I have been told mine is now under control so why do I still feel I can relate to loads of these symptoms I feel generally rubbish

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     9. I get that all the time. The new rule her is if your tsh is normal the rest of the testing is dismissed. Also an Endo won’t see you unless your tsh is abnormal.. I guess we have to leave our regular doctor and find some that know what they re doing

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        1. Exactly Linda. Here are resources that I put together to help my readers locate open-minded thyroid doctors in their area.

           https://hypothyroidmom.com/30-online-resources-to-find-a-good-thyroid-doctor/

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