The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) is the most widely circulated medical journal in the world. In an article titled The Thyroid And The Nose all the way back in 1952, researchers wrote this:[1,2]
For several decades rhinologists and endocrinologists have been aware of a relation between thyroid deficiency and nasal disease. That the connection between the thyroid gland and the nasal cavity is real and not merely fortuitous has been confirmed on a number of occasions by various investigators.
Nasal Cavity & Paranasal Sinuses
Every breath is precious. Without oxygen we cannot live. Humans have evolved with a series of defense mechanisms to protect and filter the airways in order to keep the lungs in a nearly sterile condition. The nose, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinuses are all designed to protect the delicate respiratory tract from unwanted particles that we inhale including dust, pollen, microbes, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, and mold. They are like bouncers at the front doors of a club. Keeping toxins from reaching the lungs is their obsession.
There are four pairs of hollow air-filled spaces known as the paranasal sinuses. “Paranasal” means “near” or “adjacent” to the “nose”.
Nose Hairs Sweep Away Toxins
Some people don’t like the look of nose hairs, others might even think them gross, but they actually have a very important job to do. The long stiff hairs right near the entrance of the nostrils are called vibrissae. They trap the larger-size particles until we get the chance to blow them out into a tissue or sneeze them out.
Then there is a set of microscopic hairs called cilia that are the second line of defense against the smaller-size particles that manage to sneak their way in. The sticky mucus produced by the lining of our nasal cavity and sinuses traps the small size unwanted particles and the cilia sweep the globs of mucus toward the back of the throat where we cough them out of our bodies ideally or swallow them to be killed off by the stomach acid and excreted out into the toilet Yuk, I know, but so important.
MUCUS + CILIA = MUCOCILIARY CLEARANCE
Mucociliary clearance MCC is a primary innate defense mechanism of the lungs. It’s an incredible self-cleaning process. If only my house could clean itself like that!
Those tiny cilia constantly wave back and forth. I literally mean constantly. That’s how important it is to protect our respiratory system for human survival. They keep waving even after we die, in fact. The motility (movement) rate of cilia slows down at a predictable rate starting at the moment of death. It has become a new tool for forensic scientists to determine the time of death. According to researchers at the University of Bari in Italy, “Motility was observed as long as 20 hours after death.”[3]
Thyroid, Nasal Cavity, Sinuses
The association between the thyroid gland and nasal problems is one that gets little attention and I could write an essay here but I won’t. I’ll give you the short version. Are all cases of chronic nasal and sinus problems a sign of a thyroid problem? No, absolutely not. However, chronic sinus infections, sinus headaches, post-nasal drip, nasal congestion and even impaired hearing from that congestion are all common hypothyroidism symptoms but few people would think to look at their thyroid as a potential culprit.
I wrote an article about the swollen legs and feet of severe hypothyroidism and how it relates to the abnormal accumulation of mucin (GAGs or glycosaminoglycans). In a low thyroid state, there is a deficiency in the enzymes that normally break down and degrade mucin. The mucin acts like a sponge pulling fluid in. Unlike normal skin that you can pinch, this swollen thick hypothyroid skin is hard to pinch. It gives the skin an unhealthy pale, cold, waxy appearance.
This same mucin can build up anywhere in the body including the belly, face, eyes, lips, and even our nose (yes, our nose can enlarge from hypothyroidism!) and sinuses.
In 2018 researchers found thyroid hormone receptors right in the nasal mucosa.[4] When our nasal passages and sinuses are inflamed and swollen from the buildup of mucin in hypothyroidism, it can cause them to get blocked and filled with fluid. If the mucus is too thick then the rate of MCC mucociliary clearance decreases because the cilia hairs are not able to beat properly to clear out the debris including the microbial pathogens.[5]
The constant runny nose, postnasal drip, cough, congestion, loss of smell, chronic sinus infections, and sinus headaches of hypothyroidism all make perfect sense.
What’s New At Hypothyroid Mom?
I put together a list of the most popular Hypothyroid Mom articles of all time, right here. Then, when you are ready to find a great thyroid doctor in your area, book a virtual consult with me here and let’s talk. I have extensive lists of good thyroid doctors by region around the world.
References:
[1] Proetz, A.W. The thyroid gland and the nose. Arch Otolaryngol. 1947 Oct;46(4):565.
[2] The Thyroid And The Nose. JAMA. 1952;149(7):665.
[3] Romanelli, et al. Nasal ciliary motility: a new tool in estimating the time of death. Int J Legal Med. 2012 May;126(3):427-33.
[4] BAŞAL, Y., et al. The effect of experimental hypothyroidism on nasal mucosa. The Turkish Journal of Ear, Nose and Throat. 2018;28(1):21-25.
[5] Bustamante-Marin, X.M., et al. Cilia and Mucociliary Clearance. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology. 2017 Apr;9(4):a028241.
Born without thyroid, found out at 3 months old. been on thyroxine all my life, now 44 and sinus pain is ridiculous…I have sinus infections every month it feels.
I am at my wits end. I have Been on Levothyroxine for about 30 years.
Reading your articles : I need to stop drinking coffee, eating eggs and gluten.
then I saw peppers and tomatoes on the list sugar and dairy . I am not sure what I am supposed to eat.
I am dairy free. but now there is nothing i can think of to eat that is high in protein
Hi Anne, When it comes to thyroid, it’s about finding your body’s particular food sensitivities. Gluten and dairy sensitivity are very real conditions with hypothyroidism but some people do fine on them. Same goes with night shades like tomatoes and peppers as well as with sugar and even nuts. For example, I do well on gluten but dairy, eggs, and corn are the major sensitivities for me. I found this out by doing a food inflammation lab test that I ordered myself. Here are food inflammation tests you can order. They vary by the number of foods that you would like to test for yourself. I did the one that tests 176 different foods: https://hypothyroidmom.fdnstores.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=food+inflammation
Good to have you at Hypothyroid Mom.
Try Medical Medium protocols. He has a book called Thyroid Healing. Lists all food to avoid but also specific foods to help heal the thyroid
Was on thyroid medication for years levthyroxine, NP did countless labs, scans, have had nodules, ordered radioactive uptake and showed I should stop my meds. Been suffering for years with ear, nose,face,eye, migraines and pains. Deviated septum done on right side years ago. Two different ENT’s confirmed no polyps,clear sinuses with camera.Last ENT discovered I have nerve damage behind neck that runs through to the eyes face area that causes migraines and I have what’s called silent acid reflux that causes post nasal drip and the clearing of my throat. Told him I also grind my teeth at night and need a new mouth guard. Was tested for sleep apnea and don’t have it.So with the nerve damage he injected two steroid shots in the back of my head/neck helped for 2 days, back to the same, feeling full and pain in my right side of nose, headaches around eye and above, still lots of ringing in the ears, fullness in ears, and he prescribed Imetrex for migraines for when needed. Been on topiramate for years by my neurologist and will see him end of May
and last brain scan was 2 yrs ago, normal. At a total loss and depression is awful and also on meds for that too. How do we get help? Is it a Gluten inflammation problem?
Levi is trash- demand a compound- Aynthroid is name brand of Levo and also is not widely successful for a lot of us who still suffer. I was able to get my doc to give me Armour Thyroid (T-4 & T-3) and the management of my Hashimotos is finally feeling possible. After finding my maintenance dosage I began felling g better, enough so I tackled Cross-fit exercise and paired with a Keto diet I was able to fu allocated 140 lbs over a 2 yr span. I strongly encourage you to drop Levo/Synthroid and have the discussion with your provider about desiccated option
Does your insurance cover Desiccated ? I have Aetna Medicare, and I’m 77 years old. My primary care physician has never mentioned getting off of Levothyroxin to try Dessicated .
I have been on levothyroxine for about 15 years. I was on Wellbutrin for depression. It helped a lot and also helped me loose a little weight. I had to get off it after about 6 years here I became allergic to it. Terrible rancid taste in my mouth and heavily coated tongue. Now I gained weight. I’m so miserable. I’m so sick of this your thyroid is fine from my endocrinologist and my reg Dr. I know there is something wrong. My hair thinning , gaining weight and other symptoms pertaining to my thyroid. I don’t know what else to do.
Have your antibodies in your thyroid checked. This was how the found I have Hashimoto’s.
Do you have High calcium? If so have doctor run PTH levels. Parathyroid issues can mimic thyroid issues and cause symptoms your describing.
Try Dupixent shots (get the syringe – not the pen it hurts.) It has improved my quality of life by 95%…it is a true life saver. I can breathe again!🫶
Hashimoto’s here – Gluten free and mostly dairy free diet here – cough/post nasal drip is constant… what can I do to ease this?
Jen
Hi Jen, Here are a couple of great articles that dive into the natural interventions for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Good to have you here at Hypothyroid Mom.
https://hypothyroidmom.com/understanding-the-true-cause-of-autoimmune-disease/
https://hypothyroidmom.com/hashimotos-thyroiditis-a-case-of-immunological-mistaken-identity/
https://hypothyroidmom.com/the-secret-poison-that-drives-hashimotos/
https://hypothyroidmom.com/leaky-gut-the-missing-piece-in-many-autoimmune-diseases-like-hashimotos-thyroiditis/
Wow! I have Hashimoto’s since I was in my 20 ‘s and I am now in my 40’s. I’ve had chronic sinus problems and even had a procedure to open up a sinus cavity because it was extremely swollen & narrow. My sinuses still get very swollen, infections & bad headaches that sometimes trigger a migraine. How can can all this be alleviated?
U should do research on your condition being more easily treated with avoideding dairy…gluten and other food allergies… I just read this recently…they give u thyroid meds but the disease u have still attacks organs in the body by marking proteins from the food sources I just named that penetrate your digestive tract…find them selves in the blood stream and then settle in organs…your T cells then attack these marked proteins from food allergies in the blood… it’s confusing but crazy
Dana can you pleae email me?
Looking for a good thyroid doctor in my area. Woodbury NJ 08093. Recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s put on love with Roxene 25 mg took three pills thyroid swelled up neck sore and tender. Ended up in the ED all meds prescribed from family doctor ED labs are back in normal range. Stop taking the meds and now looking for an endocrinologist, had two previously, bad labs diagnosing Hashimoto’s do you have sinus issues and a deviated septum was very surprised to find that they were linked. Can you help me find a doctor?
I have Hashimoto’s too. Am working with Dr Pompa’s group. 5 month program. Look into it if it’s a fit for you. Teresa
So I have hypothyroid since chemo treatments 2 seperate times in Mt life. I am on Levothyroid rx. Now the Dr. says I am hyperthyroid. I also take Phentermine for my weight. Have been on that for 3yrs. These last 6mo or so my nose is running constantly all day long. so does that me and what can I do? Allergy meds don’t help. I do get sinus headaches frequently. please help.
Lynee, Consider booking an individual consult with me. As a bonus, I give every person a list of thyroid doctors for their area collected from recommendations from my many Hypothyroid Mom followers. I have long lists for every state including New Jersey. My lists include doctors that take insurance and Medicare too. Here’s my booking page: https://ny786.infusionsoft.app/app/orderForms/Talk-with-Dana-Trentini-30min
Could hypothyroidism be causing me to snore? I do take levothyroxine but I still Snore…
I’ve had sinus issues since I was a kid. including surgery to correct a deviated septum. and enlarge sinus cavity openings.. I’ve had chronic sinusitis and ended up with abcessed teeth on both sides of my upper mouth. I was told the sinus cavity was low enough that the roots of some of my teeth went into the cavity. we tried to save all of them but ended up over time having to pull several. I now have all of the back teeth pulled and I wear a partial. After almost 2 decades of thyroid symptoms with a “normal” TSH, I finally was able to convince my doctor to send me to an endocrinologist. If they said nothing was wrong, I agreed to see a shrink. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. I’m on 75 mg of levothroxine. I have since changed PCPs and my current one is great. I have developed fibromyalgia along with the Hashimoto’s plus arthritis. I’m in constant pain but take Gabapentin which helps., I also taken 2 antidepressants plus meds to help me sleep.
For my nose, I use Musinex (generic) to thin the mucus and rinse my nose several times a week. I just got a waterpik type device for the nose and it does help. NosePik??🤣🤣
It’s all parasites – cleanse your body often!
Can you elaborate on the parasites?
Change your diet! I was diagnosed with Celiac disease. I also have Hashimoto. Before changing the diet, read about Celiac & Gluten sensitivity. I too was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it wasn’t that at all. Please look into this!!
My friend and I were both on Gabapentin for a year or so for neuropathy and stopped taking it after finding out that our ability to remember things or even finish a sentence was impaired. We still have issues with short term memory but we are usually able to finish each other’s stories. Do some research on Gabapentin if you find you are having issues. I am currently taking Alpha Lipoic Acid which works well for me. I am also considering changing my endocrinologist to my daughter’s new doctor. My daughter is happy with her.
I forgot to add that I also have thyroid issues and have been on Levothoxin for years. All my thyroid labs have been way above normal forever. My doctor just lowered my dose from 137mg to 75mg but then raised it to 100mg after the 75mg lowered my labs to almost the highest normal reading.
I am so thankful I found your link! Since July 2023, I have had so many symptoms I believe are related to my Hypothyroidism. I saw my PC a couple weeks ago and requested a Thyroid panel to determine if my dose needed adjustment or if I needed a different medication. When my labs came back, the only thing he had checked was TSH. I know from when I was seeing an endocrinologist that TSH is not a truly reliable test to determine function. My TSH was 1.5 . Years ago my Endocrinologist told me my Pituitary and adrenal gland did not function well due to years of being on low doses of Prednisone for PCO having “burned “ both . Some of my symptoms are extremely dry skin, mouth, eyes and nasal passage. Neuropathy with discoloration and numbness and tingling of lower extremities and hands . My most recent Cardiogram showed low voltage in the pre-cordial lead. I have had worsening of IBS with constipation and diarrhea. There are other symptoms but I know you get the picture. I go for an Echocardiogram on Friday and see a Cardiologist 11/01. A lot of this started after I had COVID in 2022. I am 73 and have had Hypothyroidism since my 30s. Initially I was on Synthroid but was change to Levothyroxine because of reactive hypoglycemia. A few years ago I was changed to the generic. I stay so fatigued some days I can hardly get out of bed. On my on I started taking R-Alphalapoic acid with B vitamins. I have taken D3K2 , Magnesium and B12 for years. I wish I could find a doctor who would not only listen but hear what I am saying. Thanks, I will be following you and would love to receive you newsletter.
Have you been tested for Sjogren’s Syndrome? Your extreme dryness in all the areas you mentioned are symptoms of Sjogrens. Good luck!
I am so thankful I found your link! Since July 2023, I have had so many symptoms I believe are related to my Hypothyroidism. I saw my PC a couple weeks ago and requested a Thyroid panel to determine if my dose needed adjustment or if I needed a different medication. When my labs came back, the only thing he had checked was TSH. I know from when I was seeing an endocrinologist that TSH is not a truly reliable test to determine function. My TSH was 1.5 . Years ago my Endocrinologist told me my Pituitary and adrenal gland did not function well due to years of being on low doses of Prednisone for PCO having “burned “ both . Some of my symptoms are extremely dry skin, mouth, eyes and nasal passage. Neuropathy with discoloration and numbness and tingling of lower extremities and hands . My most recent Cardiogram showed low voltage in the pre-cordial lead. I have had worsening of IBS with constipation and diarrhea. There are other symptoms but I know you get the picture. I go for an Echocardiogram on Friday and see a Cardiologist 11/01. A lot of this started after I had COVID in 2022. I am 73 and have had Hypothyroidism since my 30s. Initially I was on Synthroid but was change to Levothyroxine because of reactive hypoglycemia. A few years ago I was changed to the generic. I stay so fatigued some days I can hardly get out of bed. On my on I started taking R-Alphalapoic acid with B vitamins. I have taken D3K2 , Magnesium and B12 for years. I wish I could find a doctor who would not only listen but hear what I am saying. Thanks, I will be following you and would love to receive you newsletter.
Happy to read everyone’s comments. Didn’t know nasal problems had anything to do with Thyroid. I’ve had nasal problems for years and only 2years with my thyroid.
Please sign me up to follow your info. Thankyou
Hi! Thank you so much for all your hard work helping all of us with this! I have a question, I have tried NP Thyroid and Armour Thyroid and both make my ears ring, full feeling and some ear pain. It’s odd because it will go from one ear to the other and sometimes at the same time. I also have ringing in my ears but I’m starting to think that might be caused from starting HRT. I really wish someone had an answer on this. I felt great on the medication other then the ear things.
Thanks! Look forward to hearing back.
Hi Shannon, I too have been cursed with ear issues. Both of my ears feel as the inside has swollen and the doctors just don’t get it.
Just this last week I found information on the ear’s being connected to thyroid disorders. Can’t wait to talk to my doctor!
I take NP Thyroid and have ringing in the right ear…how did you figure out that the NP Thyroid was causing it?
Wow! I’ve had constant sinusitis since I was a small child. It was horrible. Finally diagnosed with Hashimotos at about 32 years old. I’m now 64, take synthroid, and have constant nasal issues and snore. I never realized it but my sinusitis went away when I started taking synthroid.
This is crazy! I went to doctor upon doctor for my post nasal drip no one ever made the connection to my thyroid which I’ve been hypo since I was ten years old and always struggled with congestion, which caused me to be a mouth breather and now cpap for apnea! I always have so much mucus. Dairy makes it worse.
I’m a55 year old woman that has been on np thyroid 60 for 8 years and HRT PELLET therapy. I started having insomnia and anxiety in June after I stopped taking my np thyroid thinking it was the cause of my insomnia. I’m now on buspirone , low dose Ativan until the busoirine starts to get into my system. Thinking about switching to Prozac because buspirone is causing heightened anxiety. After reading your article I’m wondering if it’d not my lack of thyroid medication. I have seen a holistic doctor that has ordered labs for all this just hoping I don’t get addicted to Ativan and Prozac before she figures it out. My evening anxiety is extereme. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.
use lavender essential oil. smell it right from the bottle or get a diffuser. lavender is proven to work for anxiety- NOW, ITS NOT AS GOOD as xanax, but will give you short periods of relief. I’ve used it and I’ve got severe anxiety w panic attack.
L-theanine helps with anxiety. I’m generally not one of those people that thinks a vitamin or oil can solve all of life’s problems, but another friend turned me on to L-the anime and I tried it because I didn’t have anything to lose. It helps a lot, but not in the immediate sense like Xanax, more like your daily preventative anxiety meds.
Try saffron. A few threads in your tea! Great for anxiety!
Constant drainage and stuffy nose.
Also have sleep apnea and am on a C-pap.
I also have issues with my thyroid and pituitary gland.
It sounds like its all tied together.
I have had sinus problems for over six years. Dr ran all the lung and COPD tests, all were negative. I have been diagnosed with para hypothyroidism, which they said has no effect on my thyroid. They run T3 and T4 and tell me I’m within range, and dismiss me. My weight fluctuates, I’m tired all the time, all my joints hurt, I don’t sleep well, have no appetite, and have awful constipation problems. They pass me from Dr to Dr, . I’ve been told it’s allergy to milk, stopped drinking it, went to Coconut milk, still have constipation. Now they said it must be chronic cough from sinus drainage. Help me find a Dr in my area that will help me please. I’m miserable.
Tammie- I had hyperparathyroidism and I had a tumor on my parathyroid. I am 70 yrs old and I had a calcium level of 10.6 which is not normal for someone over the age of 50. Check out website http://www.parathyroid.com This has extremely good information, and you may find the answers you are looking for.
Go on an elimination diet, check out carnivore diet. That will give you a baseline with minimal to no inflammation in the body. Our bodies never evolved to consume the foods we do nowadays, throwing us into a chronic inflammatory state 24/7. 6 sinus surgeries and 31 year survivor of chronic sinusitis, 100% cured now. Also check out Dr Brownsteins work on iodine (the rda for iodine is totally inadequate for optimal thyroid function.
I was wondering if anyone would mention The carnivore diet and iodine You are the first.
Check your blood work. No adult should have calcium readings over the nines. If so it’s probably Parathyroid. Come to Florida and get cured. My husband had the operation. I could go on but check out http://www.parathyroid.com where you will learn all about it. Everyone should check this out as doctors are not up on how easy this is to cure now.
I have constipation from my medicine and a frien told me to eat a few prunes everyday. I eat a couple in the morning and 3 at night and it really helps me have a normal bowel movement. My constipation was like little hard rocks before if I could go at all.
I sure hope this helps you.
This is me to a T! I have at least 1-2 sinus infections a year. I am struggling with losing weight so I am on a thyroid pill but also a weight loss pill. I don’t like it because it causes my shakes to go again. I have essential tremors and it causes me all sorts of issues like TMJ which I’m dealing with now.
Melissa, If you are on levothyroxine, it is important to learn about the other types of thyroid medicine. Here is my article about this: https://hypothyroidmom.com/which-is-the-best-thyroid-drug-for-hypothyroidism/
I am on desiccated thyroid – made from a cow or pig thyroid – natural – works for me
I don’t have a thyroid I take Levothyroxine 114mg a day now I’m experiencing a lot of sneezing and left side of nostrils always runny then my left side starts and yes my face would be tender eyes watery just three weeks ago had both eyes were red and stuff in them went to the med station I had to take a antibiotic to clear in five days but now my eyelids are still itchy still sneezing so now doctor wants me to look up a eye doctor.
I Same, no thyroid-since it had to be removed (cancer) and I also lost a baby due to the disease -undiagnosed at the time. The dry eyes have been a constant for me and it comes down to using a humidifier at night and if home during the day. The only relief is taking a hot shower and avoiding dry climates. I discovered some Aloe gel by Ayr I believe…you can place a drop right under your nose and barely inside. Helps reduce the chronic sinus headaches! I stay phlegmy though so it’s my normal, glad my body is flushing out the toxins that’s all
I have the same thing which I was diagnosed with graves disease.
I’ve had hypothyroidism for 26 yrs and haven’t had a sinus infection in all that time. So obviously it’s not a given.
Absolutely Brooke. Hypothyroidism presents so differently in each person which is part of the reason why our symptoms can be easily overlooked. Here is a list of 300 symptoms and every person can have a different combination and the more severe the more symptoms will present: https://hypothyroidmom.com/300-hypothyroidism-symptoms-count-how-many-you-have/ Good to have you at Hypothyroid Mom.
I wonder if a deviated septum can cause thyroid problems due to causing inflammation?
No. A deviated septum cannot cause thyroid problems.
Amy BSN, RN (and thyroid cancer survivor of 25 years)
I have a question for you.
Do you take any blood pressure medication?
If yes what kind ?
I’ve always thought my puffy eyes were from my thyroid but once the levels were good and still have puffy eyes, i figured that it is due to thyroid somehow. Both this articule and the one on swelling make so much sense. I’ve started taking a supplement for sinus care, Terry Naturally brand. And lymphatic massages help too. Thank you for well written articles.
I’m happy you’ve found my Hypothyroid Mom articles helpful, Ginger. That means a lot to me. I often hear from people visiting my website that they have residual symptoms even when their levels are “normal” and the one thing that is clear is that normal doesn’t make them optimal. Here in this article you’ll read about the 6 key lab tests you need to request from your doctor and why each one is important: https://hypothyroidmom.com/top-5-reasons-doctors-fail-to-diagnose-hypothyroidism/
If your doctor won’t run the full panel, you also have the option to order it yourself: https://www.ultalabtests.com/partners/hypothyroidmom/test/ft3-ft4-tsh-tpo-tgab-and-rt3-panel?ac=undefined
Good to have you at Hypothyroid Mom.
Question…had my first TPO level run and it is a 13. Should this be looked into further? The endocrinologist doctor said no. But he also said I need to lower my calorie intake to 800-1200 since I was not losing weight at 1500-1800 cal per day. He said “800 calories never killed anybody, so try it!”
Worst advice ever!
That is the worst advice ever. Get a second opinion. Also look into your gut, there is a big correlation between the two. Hope you are doing well!
I always have ear infection.Hoarse voice in the morning.l am not smelling good.l can’t expectorant the phlegm in my throat. WHAT should l do, Thank you.
This is all good information. However, most doctors don’t want to discuss or prescribe other thyroid medicine options. I am so frustrated with this and when I insist that I want to try something other than synthroid they get really snarky.
Hi Stacy,
y, Finding a thyroid doctor open to prescribing T3 and natural desiccated thyroid can be like finding a needle in a haystack. In this day and age it shouldn’t be so hard but it continues to be a struggle. I’ve been compiling lists of good thyroid doctors open to the alternative medications over the ten years of my website Hypothyroid Mom. If you are interested, I provide a list of doctors for a person’s region for every person that books an individual consult with me. I have doctor lists for every U.S. state as well as the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Here’s where to book time on my calendar: https://ny786.infusionsoft.app/app/orderForms/Talk-with-Dana-Trentini-30min
Do you have a list for Saskatchewan, Canada. In the cities of Moose Jaw, Regina or Saskatoon.
Then I would find a new Dr!! I take a natural hormone called Armor Thyroid, from day one, I was VERY INSISTENT that I ONLY wanted a natural hormone nothing synthetic and I have not one Dr that I’ve had over the years ever Argue with me luckily!!
Is the Armor Thyroid working well for you? I want to try it because it’s a natural hormone. From where do you get your supply, and does your insurance cover it. I’m a 76 year old female, and I’ve been on Levothyroxine for 20 years. I use my Medicare as my insurance, and I’m not sure Medicare would pay for Armor Thyroid. I went to an Endocrinologist 2 times, and he only prescribes synthetic – he didn’t mention anything natural. So I dropped him. I still get my labs done twice a year with my primary care physician, but she doesn’t know anything about thyroid issues – just runs the TSH 3 and TSH4 lab.
Thank you.
I’m joining your newsletter! My daughter had a septoplasty and turbinate reduction. Her nose is still a mess. Meanwhile, all her thyroid labs are normal despite her “thick” neck, weight problem, and every female in the family being hypothyroid. They can’t figure out what dose I should be on either. I went to an endocrinologist and all he would focus on was my “pre-diabetes” levels without any other symptoms of that disease. Help!!!
Hi Lesley, That’s wonderful that you are joining my Hypothyroid Mom Newsletter. I love writing each Thursday’s email full of the scientific research that I’ve found along my Hypothyroid Mom journey. Be sure your daughter receives full thyroid testing. Here is an article with the 6 lab tests to have run and optimal ranges. Get a copy of her lab results and check that each one is in the optimal range: https://hypothyroidmom.com/hypothyroid-testing-what-you-need-to-know-and-ask-for/
Doctor is dumbass. Fire doc n try few others.
Thy sx shld be treated- many stupid docts wznt to trest a peice of paper that has test redults ptinted on it – let that damned peice of paper pay! Tx the Sx. Treat patient.
Doc who, invented tsh test, said it was *ONLY* to let doc know he was on right path thinking thyroud was issue BUT DOCTORS SHOULD NOT USE TSH TEST AS GUIDE FOR RX DOSAGE. HE SAID FOR DOCS TO TREAT THR PATIENTS SYMPTOMS INDEPENDENT OF MEDS.
I take levothyroxine also in the morning. Within an hour my nose is stopped up and i have a headache and difficulity breathing. My doctor says there is nothing else i can take.
Paul, Each brand of thyroid medication contains different inactive ingredients. Time and time again I hear from my Hypothyroid Mom readers that react to one or more of the ingredients. I share this type of content in my Hypothyroid Mom Newsletter to be sure everyone is aware about all their various options: https://hypothyroidmom.memberful.com/join Let your doctor know that you are reacting this way so that you can be prescribed a different brand. Generics all have different inactive fillers as well so it is about finding what’s right for your body.
Eat foods and suppliments high in Iodine!
Do your Own Research!
Do Not just depend on doctors today!
Agree entirely ….though I just wish I could find something for sinus problems….
where do you find a list of these?
You really have to do your own research!
Dr.’s today are not what they used to be!!
Very frustrating!
But if you look, you will find proper help!
Hi I’ve had my thyroid removed twice. First time the goiters were so large I would wake choking, about 10 years later the thyroid tissue and goiter had regrow another surgery. This time my parathyroid were damaged and now I struggle with keeping my calcium levels normal. I couldn’t tolerate the calcitrol make my kidneys ache. I’ve had chronic sinusitis that gets really bad 2 to 3 times a year with antibiotics and prednisone to calm back. I’ve used netti pot to little help. Sinus surgery was supposed to fix. It didn’t. Does anyone else have this and what have you tried
Laura, One step to take is to request a copy of all your thyroid lab tests over the past year and check that you’ve had all 6 hypothyroidism lab tests that I list out in this article here: https://hypothyroidmom.com/top-5-reasons-doctors-fail-to-diagnose-hypothyroidism/
Yes, please let us know if there is a solution to these sinus issues???!!
My thought too!
Hi Jen, There is much to say to answer your question. One of the hard parts about the mucin accumulation in our nasal passages and sinuses is the inflammation and mucus that increases our vulnerability to infections including sinus infections. Of course addressing the root of the problem is always the key solution but if you are looking for temporary relief while you are addressing that underlying cause say it be the thyroid, then it has long been a tradition in cultures around the world to use neti pots to flush the nasal passages. Using a small amount of himalayan sea salt in room temperature filtered water in a neti pot is one strategy, another is that these days there are sea salt nasal sprays available in local pharmacies and large chain stores even like Walmart and Target.
However these solutions are the quick fixes when really figuring out if the thyroid might be a contributor to the problem is the most important step. If you are a hypothyroidism patient on thyroid hormone replacement medication, it is important to know that an unusually large proportion of the thyroid community is dissatisfied with their thyroid treatment. It is the whole reason I created Hypothyroid Mom. The treatment of thyroid disease in mainstream medicine is not working with the one size fits all approach that heavily relies on the TSH lab test which is not sufficient to give a full picture of thyroid health. The first step above all is to be sure you’ve all 6 hypothyroidism lab tests done for you: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb), and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb). Here is an article about this: https://hypothyroidmom.com/top-5-reasons-doctors-fail-to-diagnose-hypothyroidism/
I put together a list of the most popular articles at Hypothyroid Mom here: https://hypothyroidmom.com/10-helpful-thyroid-posts/
Then if you are interested in learning even more, I started the new Hypothyroid Mom Newsletter: https://hypothyroidmom.memberful.com/join
Wishing you great health,
Dana Trentini
Hi, I just wanted to add a bit of information. My husband was chronically ill will sinus and upper respiratory illness for almost two years. He continued to get weaker and sicker without any improvement. I had to fight to get the doctors to look further into his health issues, it got ugly. It turned out he was at stage four thyroid cancer. He had his thyroid removed and radio-active iodine, and he is feeling good. Better than he has for several years. So right for yourself and those you love. You may save a life.
Jeanne, I’m happy to hear you were a great health advocate for your husband and that he is well now. It is a necessity even in this day and age to push for deeper testing and investigation. We know in our gut when something is wrong with our bodies and I believe we also know in our gut when something is not right with a close loved one. Good to have you at Hypothyroid Mom.
I boil half a gallon of filteredfor 20 minutes.pour a little of sterilized water in my half gallon jug to sterilize it. Put water back on stove and add 1 1/2 Tablespoons of Kosher salt. Let come to a boil and boil for 3-4 minutes. Let cool completely and pour in jug and cap. This lasts me for about 7 days depending on how much I use daily. Then I pour the the salt water in a NerlMed Sinus Rinse container. Purchase air drug store or Walmart. Rinse out my sinuses daily , every morning! Stopped my sinus infections.
I’m happy to learn of this condition.
PLEASE! Tell us the solution or treatment.
My nose runs all the time, all year round.
Help!
Hi Debra, If thyroid dysfunction is the underlying cause of the nose and sinus problems (of course there are other possible reasons for these types of symptoms besides thyroid) then optimal thyroid treatment is the key. I could write volumes on the topic of optimal thyroid treatment. I’ve written the articles at Hypothyroid Mom for 10 years and I still never run out of fascinating information to share with my readers.
If I had to say what first step to take is to ensure you’ve had all 6 hypothyroidism lab tests run for you. Get a copy of your lab results and check that each one has been done and that each is “optimal” not just normal. There is a chart of the 6 labs in this article here with optimal ranges:
https://hypothyroidmom.com/top-5-reasons-doctors-fail-to-diagnose-hypothyroidism/
The second step is to learn about all the various thyroid hormone replacement medications to understand that while T4 levothyroxine medications like Synthroid are the main medications prescribed, they don’t work for us all. Our bodies must convert the inactive T4 in those medications to the active T3 the cells of the body can utilize but our bodies may struggle to do that conversion. Here is more about this:
https://hypothyroidmom.com/which-is-the-best-thyroid-drug-for-hypothyroidism/
Here is a list of the most popular articles at Hypothyroid Mom: https://hypothyroidmom.com/10-helpful-thyroid-posts/
Then when you are ready to dive deeper into the topic, I welcome you to join the new Hypothyroid Mom Newsletter: https://hypothyroidmom.memberful.com/join
Mine does also irs annoying for sure. Plus my right is clogged all the time. Dr can’t find anything wrong with it. Relief would be great.
I very much appreciate your article but what is the solution to this irritating condition?
Hi Wanda, When we are in a low thyroid state, the body builds up an abnormal accumulation of a spongey water-filled substance called “mucin” in the skin, most commonly in the extremities which explains the swollen feet, legs, ankles, hands and arms that often happen in a severe hypothyroidism state. This mucin can accumulate all over the body including the areas of the face including the nasal passages and sinuses. Here is an article that explains mucin buildup: https://hypothyroidmom.com/my-darn-hypothyroid-legs/
If you are taking a levothyroxine thyroid hormone replacement medication then it is important to know the other medication options because not everyone does well on these medications. Levothyroxine is the generic name but there are a a number of brand names of levothyrosine: Synthroid, Levothyroid, Levoxyl, Unithyroid, Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Thyroxine, etc. Here is information about the other options including T3 and natural desiccated thyroid: https://hypothyroidmom.com/which-is-the-best-thyroid-drug-for-hypothyroidism/
If you would like to learn more detail about thyroid disease, I started the Hypothyroid Mom Newsletter and would love to have everyone join: https://hypothyroidmom.com/which-is-the-best-thyroid-drug-for-hypothyroidism/
Can this be remedied? I started having chronic cough when I got pregnant with my first back in 2007. After she was born I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Starting out I only had the cough while pregnant in 2007 and 2010. Then after I had my second it steadily got worse.
So what’s the solution to the “constant runny nose, postnasal drip, cough, congestion, loss of smell, chronic sinus infections, and sinus headaches”?? Anti-inflammatories or antihistamines?
OMGOSH! This article was written for me and shown to me by God today! I can’t tell you what hell this last month has been from “allergies” that no one could truly help me with! And, my “thyroid” doctor’s office just didn’t get my cytomel refilled for me for last 4 weeks and so just been in the Levothyroxin and so Thyroid messed up!!! You describe EXACTLY what my life has been this last month!! I now have my cytomel and can’t wait to see how this ends!!! Thank you sooooo much!!!
Me too 🙏🙏🙏🙏 they did a ultrasound on my thyroid and said it was abnormally enlarged and I have lost All my hair over 90%of my body and the endocrinologist is not going to put me back on cytomel. My neck hurt extremely bad especially around thyroid and cordial artery 🤔😢
Hi Marlene, That cytomel that you take contains the active T3 thyroid hormone needed by the cells of the body. I’m happy to hear you have a doctor open to this type of combination treatment of T4 and T3. Sadly many doctors refuse to consider the alternatives and it is why I have so many Hypothyroid Mom readers struggling to be well. It is a shame. There are a number of things to know. It is wonderful to find a doctor open to T3 but it is key to get that dosage to a point where your Free T3 is optimal not just “normal”. Some doctors will only give a small enough amount to get your Free T3 to the bottom or middle of the normal range. From all the hundreds of doctors that I’ve met through Hypothyroid Mom and experts that I’ve invited to write guest posts for Hypothyroid Mom. Most of us feel our best when our Free T3 is in the top quarter of the normal range. Should you be interested in diving deeper into the advanced information about thyroid disease, I’ve started a Hypothyroid Mom newsletter, that’s like my version of Hypothyroid Mom 2.0 to turn thyroid information into action: https://hypothyroidmom.memberful.com/join