Help with PCOS and Thyroid

[wannabeathlete]

So I'm 99% sure there is something wrong with my thryoid, but whenever doctors check it it comes back normal and all they tell me is that I have an "enlarged thyroid" but its nothing to be concerned with. . .I have researched all the symptoms of thyroid disorders and I can pretty much check off every single symptom yet that doesn't seem to be enough to convince my doctors. My brother also has thyroid problems, but his goes in the opposite direction of being overactive. I have been on Metformin for a year now and the full dose of 2000mg for about six months. I did well at first and lost 19lbs., but now I'm starting to gain it back and nothing I do seems to stop it. My periods are still irregular and the hair growth hasn't stopped. I'm miserable between the fatigue and pain in my muscles and joints I feel like I'm 100 yrs. old. I have had to give up most of the physical activities that I used to enjoy like kickboxing and running because there is just nothing left over if I do them. Today I broke down and sent a 2 page letter to my endocrinologist trying to get him to look at my symptoms and not the test results to see that something is really wrong. I just want my life back.

I don't know what else to do. . .any suggestions?

[wildflower]

Sorry to hear that the docs aren't taking your symptoms seriously as it seems to be drastically effecting your life. My thyroid results fall within the range of "normal" as well, but in the subclinical level (on the border). I was not having any severe symptoms though, but my doc prescribed 30mg of Armor Thyroid anyway. Possibly you could seek a 2nd opinion if this RE won't help you. Thyroid issues and PCOS are often interlinked due to elevated estrogen levels. Hope you are able to find help soon!

[wannabeathlete]

Thank you. I'm hoping he will take me seriously after reading my letter. I have not had good experiences in the past with Doctors so I'm always leary of going somewhere new. . .

I appreciate the support. Makes a world of difference.

p.s. Love the picture. Cracks me up.

[Rainbow Brite]

Do you have a copy of your thyroid blood tests? I'd be interested in seeing your numbers. The "normal" range that most labs use for TSH is outdated. Also, did they test your thyroid antibodies (TPO Ab or TG Ab)?

[wannabeathlete]

The last TSH test I had back in June had my TSH at 1.5 which is within the normal range. They won't do any further testing because the TSH comes back normal even though they have told me my thyroid is enlarged. Are those tests the same as the Free T4 and Free T3 test?

[jennyandkev1020]

Are you under the care of an endocrinologist or a regular physician? I had to look for a good endocrinologist before I was taken seriously about my thyroid. My endocrinologist is great, he tests my thyroid every 5 weeks during my pregnancy and was the first one to realize I am running on the low side. I also credit him for diagnosing my PCOS and helping me get pregnant. All I can say is if your doctor won't listen, go elsewhere. Goodluck to you! :)

[wannabeathlete]

He is an endocrinologist, but he specializes in Diabetes related endocrinology. I wonder if I shouldn't try to find a reproductive endocrinologist? My gynecologist referred to me this guy last year because she wouldn't increase my metformin dose past 1500mg. He put me on 2000mg. Ultimately, I would like to have children someday, but I need to get a point where I feel healthy. I worry that I wouldn't be able to have healthy children with all the issues that I have. . .I'm pretty sure right now I couldn't keep up with a child if I wanted to. . .

[wannabeathlete]

Ok, so I went into the endocrinologists on Tue. for my blood tests. He didn't even order the blood tests that I requested, the Free T4 and T3 and the antibody tests. Luckily the nurse who drew my blood didn't have any problem ordering them from me and changed the lab form. I don't know why there is such a roadblock with ordering those tests. It's not like they have to pay for them. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, but at least I have done everything I can to rule it out. Tue. I find out the blood test results. I'm really hoping I can turn things around soon. I feel like life is passing me by right now. I'm too young to give up now!

[cduval07]

I am having the exact same damn problem and it is really pissing me off! with levels every where from 2.7 to almost 8 over the last year...all drs I have seen have over looked it. I liked my pediatritian and have had her since I was 2 but this is the one thing I am getting really pissed at her for. her brillian quote is as follows " Finally, medicating with thyroid hormone when it is not chemically indicated is unsafe and poor medical practice. We could put anyone on "speed" and see them lose weight. It would be sloppy medicine and unethical."

ya well hun, why dont you read up on the lastest normal ranges!!!! uuuggghhhh...It seems like every dr (endo and gyn) besides my primary take 3+ months to get an appointment with.....what the hell good does that do me?? I could be 300 pounds by then lol. the good news is I HAVE to change drs when I turn 23 (6 months) b/c I am still in pedi and that it the age limit. if she keeps feeding me this bull though I may just change drs sooner!

please keep me updated on your case as I will do the same...we pcos'ers stick together!! others just dont understand!

by the way...there have been studies that show met can supress tsh levels..google it...that maybe part of your issue. pretty sure it was part of mine..we will see on the next blood test (If I ever get one lol) now that I am off it!

[wannabeathlete]

Thank you for making me feel like I'm not crazy!! I find it hard to believe that you and I could be the only two people in the world with these issues. I had a horrible time with Met. and they couldn't give me any reason why. . .My A1C tests actually dropped to the below normal range meaning I was having low blood sugars which I think is what kept waking me up in the middle of the night. I had to stop taking the Met. because I was like you and needed the sugar to function again and then the Met. would upset my stomach and I would be sick. I was so exhausted from being sick all the time and the low blood sugars that I didn't want to do anything.

I decided after my last round with the endo. that I needed a break from Doctors since taking "crack" (my Dr. told me that the only thing he knew that helped people lose weight)to lose weight was not an option for me. My Dr. prescribed the thyroid pills but I have been a bit hesitant to take them until I was off the Met. I started seeing an Acupuncturist to see if that would help and it has to some degree or maybe its just being off the Met. I am able to sleep again and do normal activities. I don't really have strong sugar cravings since I have been off the Met. Occassionally I do, but if I get the right amoutn of protein I'm usually ok. I gained most of the weight back that I lost while on Met. which I'm not pleased with, but I'm trying to deal. Losing weight is definitely an uphill battle. My metabolism does not exist. I could eat nothing and still not lose weight.

Let me know how it goes on your end. You are certainly not alone that's for sure.

[ralphlaureen]

www.emedicinehealth.com

[sweetsunshine72]

Hey, Wannabe..

Just wanted to see how you were doing.

If nothing else works, try seeing a Naturopathic Doctor - they are TRAINED to listen to whole-body symptoms, not just look at you one piece at a time!

Hang in there!!!! (((HUGS)))