Thyroid to kidney connection

[Momofson]

My 45 year old son has had proteinuria for over 20 years that we know of. The nephrologist he has been to over the years could not figure out why he was spilling protein because he doesn’t have kidney disease. He does only have one kidney because when he was a baby, he had a benign tumor on one kidney and had to have it taken out. They just assumed that his filter grew large on the kidney that was left, and that’s why he lost protein. I was never satisfied with that answer and started reading about it. I found out 20 years ago that thyroid hormones could hitch a ride with the protein out thru the kidneys and I assumed that’s why he was tired much of the time but no doctors acted like it was a big deal even thought the amount of protein was 2+/3+ He has also always had thyroid nodules and now possibly thyroid cancer. I started looking up to see if there is a connection and I’m finding lots of info on the connection between the thyroid and the kidneys. I have yet to have a doctor think this is a big deal, evenat Mayo I have sent the article to his endocrinologist and she doesn’t think they are connected. The connection is all over the internet! I have also read that when the thyroid gets fixed, the proteinuria usually stops. Does anyone else have the thyroid to kidney connection with losing protein? I’m very interested in hearing from you if you do.

[Hidden]

I have read about this. Has your son had the thyroid tests or is he anemic?

Although thyroid problems are common in kidney patients there is nothing that can be done except to treat the thyroid dysfunction and that probably won't affect the kidney disease in any way.

Thyroid nodules are quite common and it doesn't necessarily mean that thyroid function will be impaired. 95%of thyroid nodules are benign but they can be removed if they are large enough to cause problems.

I've been spilling protein for 30 years. No known cause. I recently went through a bout of kidney failure although some function is returning. I've been too exhausted to do much of anything.

Kidney disease really sucks. I wish there were better answers.

[rabbit01]

Hello, I am 52 now and for all of my adult life I have been overtired and overweight compared to my peers despite sensible eating and leading a reasonably active lifestyle. In 2003 long before I knew I had kidney problems my thyroid gland swelled up so that I could feel it just under my skin and it was making it difficult for me to swallow. I went to the doctor and was sent for an ultra sound scan and it diagnosed it as a benign goiter. I was not given any treatment for it and eventually the swelling reduced on its own although I can still feel it in my neck. Since about 2012 I was visibly leaking protein in to the urine and in 2014 I was diagnosed with stage 4 CKD which has now progressed to stage 5 (10% eGFR). I too am convinced that there is a connection between the thyroid problems I have and my kidneys failing. I suspect that both my thyroid problem and my kidney problems are due to an underlying autoimmune condition. My experience of trying to point out a possible connection between the two to my doctors has been met with complete lack of interest. All they seem interested in is plotting my course to dialysis nothing else. I have not had any attempt from the medical profession to slow down the progression such as trying to reduce the proteinuria which leads to even more kidney damage.

[Momofson in reply to rabbit01]

That's very sad to hear. I know what you are talking about because I've had the doctors give me the same deaf ear when I talk to them about things they have not studied up on. Very frustrating!

I think when you have tumors all over your thyroid, it is a definate problem, it is the body reacting.

You should have your iodine level checked, 24 hour urine check is the best one and you can have it done when they check your proteinuria. My son has had goiters too and after insisting they check his iodine, it was found to be very low. It is well known that the leading cause of goiter is low iodine. Make sure your salt has added iodine! The doctors never believe that's a cause but it is common knowledge! Google it! Sad that most doctors dont know that simply info. Also, they dont know that most restaurants, though very salty, do not use iodized salt! You cant believe how many doctors assume that its impossible to be iodine deficient, even as they hold the test in their hand. Every one of them said that iodine is in a the salt we consume...not true! Also chlorine in our water and floride also cause iodine to be low.

Also selenium and zinc are very helpful to your thyroid.

[Trill]

Quite so: I have Stage 3 CKD and also hypothyroidism, and was surprised to discover the link as well, but I do not have your medical knowledge to consider this any further. I also found out another known thing: CKD can be caused by intractable insomnia (which I have). That was a shock.

[Momofson in reply to Trill]

You need to have your thyroid checked with full panel thyroid blood test, iodine test and make sure they also check your antibodies against the thyroid (TPO and TG) those are extremely important to show hashimoto's, that is the most common cause of thyroid problems.

[Trill in reply to Momofson]

THank you Momofson: had all the tests for thyroid, paying privately. It was just the connection I was commenting on, with CKD.

[Momofson in reply to Trill]

Since you are paying privately, I hope you are using online blood testing labs. I used to use them before getting insurance and they are half the price. You can still go to the regular labs in your town.

[Trill in reply to Momofson]

Well I didn't know that. I am in the UK so am not sure if such a service exists here, but next time I need to use it, I will certainly look online. Thanks.