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Susan Star Paddock, Gettysburg Times 24 March 2001. Selena had been diagnosed with Major Depression and was put on an anti-depressant. The medication helped her mood somewhat, but not as much as expected. Worse, the physical symptoms that caused her to seek out the medical consult were still not resolved. She seemed to feel cold all the time, her skin was dry, her hands and feet ached, and she was constipated. Eventually the MD ordered a thyroid function test and this time Selena was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Treating the underlying medical condition cleared her depression and gave her more energy than she’d felt in years. The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland at the base of the throat. When the thyroid is working normally it sets the pace for the rest of the body’s metabolism. When it is producing too much thyroid hormone the heart rate, blood pressure and metabolism all speed up. On the other hand, when the thyroid moves too slowly the heart rate and body temperature lowers, and the metabolism slows so much that hardly any calories are burned. That is called hypothyroidism and researchers estimate that it effects 13 million Americans. Mary J. Shomon, a thyroid patient, has written a heavily researched book called “Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You That You Need to Know” (Whole Care-Avon, 2000, $14). Symptoms of hypothyroid seem so vague and disconnected that it is frequently mis-diagnosed. The symptoms can include depression and common symptoms of depression such as lack of motivation, “brain fog”, low energy, trouble concentrating, feelings of sadness, forgetfulness, restlessness, mood changes and weight gain. That is why depression is often the first diagnosis. All people being treated for depression should have a thyroid test. Other symptoms lead to other wrong diagnoses. For example, some patients only report unexplained weight gain and inability to lose no matter how carefully they diet or exercise. Their metabolism has slowed to a crawl. Other thyroid symptoms such as digestive problems and constipation can lead to expensive testing for stomach problems. Thyroid-related problems can include high cholesterol and dry skin. It can is also a factor in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or fibromyalgia. Hypothyroid symptoms can include lowered sex drive and fertility problems. New allergies or a worsening of additional allergies, breathing difficulties, recurrent sinus infections and asthma-like feelings can lead to a diagnosis of an upper respiratory problem. Other symptoms can include dizziness or vertigo, puffiness or swelling, and even snoring. Eyes may feel gritty and dry or feel sensitive to light, and there may be a ringing in the ears. Hypothyroidism can cause irregular menstrual cycles, trouble conceiving a baby, the development of ovarian cysts and even miscarriages. People sometimes feel a lump in their throat, or other strange feelings in their neck and throat. Thyroid disease is ruled out through a simple blood test, the TSH. However, some people have thyroid symptoms even though their blood test falls into the normal range, because what is normal to one person is not to another. More sensitive tests can be given. It is important that if people think they may have hypothyroidism that they educate themselves and ask for what they want from their doctors. On the Internet there are some great web sites such as thyroid-info.com and thyroid.about.com, both managed by Mary Shomon. If hypothyroidism is diagnosed, there are several thyroid medications that can be used and diet changes can also help. Soy foods may need to be avoided as they have been implicated in the development of thyroid problems in infants and adults. Susan Star Paddock, MSW, is family counselor and family business consultant in Gettysburg, PA. This is a weekly column to which Susan retains all rights. It was originally printed in The Gettysburg Times on Saturday, 3/24/01. |