Subclinical Hypothyroidism and RLS

[Little_apple]

“Conclusion: Serum levels of TSH and the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism were higher in RLS patients, indicating the imbalance between thyroid hormones (TH) and the dopaminergic system may contribute to the development of primary RLS. Additionally, the TH axis may influence the quality of sleep in RLS patients.”

frontiersin.org/articles/10...

I’m new here so if I’m reposting, I apologize.

Is it a common thing to have one’s thyroid checked for subclinical hypothyroidism and not just clinically recognized hypothyroidism?

[kygigi3]

good info. I have severe augmentation. Mirapex is only thing that’s ever worked for me but it’s not working as well now. It’s all the way up in my neck right now at 345am. What are these patches?

[SueJohnson in reply to kygigi3]

Since you are augmenting, you need to come off it. To come off mirapex, reduce by .125 mg every 2 weeks or so. You will have increased symptoms. You may need to reduce more slowly or with a smaller amount. Wait until the increased symptoms from each reduction has settled before going to the next one. You will suffer and may need a low dose opioid temporarily to help out with the symptoms especially as you near the end. But in the long run, you will be glad you came off it. Dopamine agonists like mirapex and ropinirole are no longer the first line treatment for RLS. I remember you came off gabapentin or pregabalin too suddenly and experienced bad withdrawal effects. I don't remember why you wanted to come off it. ??? If you haven't had your ferritin checked, ask your doctor for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements 48 hours before the test and fast after midnight. Have your test in the morning. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. You want your ferritin to be over 100 and your transferrin saturation to be between 20 and 45. If your ferritin is less than 100 or your transferrin saturation is not between 20 and 45 post back here and we can give you some advice. Check out the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS which will tell you everything you want to know including about its treatment and refer your doctor to it if needed as many doctors do not know much about RLS or are not uptodate on it as yours obviously isn't or s/he would never have prescribed a dopamine agonist at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

[Little_apple in reply to SueJohnson]

Question regarding this statement: “You will suffer and may need a low dose opioid temporarily to help out with the symptoms especially as you near the end”

I thought it was very hard to use opioids temporarily bc they are addictive ?

[SueJohnson in reply to Little_apple]

Opioids react differently in RLS and unless one has had problems with addiction to drugs or alcohol in the past or has a family member who has, it is unlikely they will be come addicted. Plus it is a low dose that is used.

[Little_apple in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you! I greatly appreciate your information