Not sure if thyroid

[sharon62]

HI not sure if thyroid but do have underactive thyroid. Six weeks ago had total hysterectomy. Started menapause symptoms, hot sweats, can`t sleep at night. started taking sage supplement as not allowed HRT. Last few days developed a sore throat and have become very hoarse and dry cough.Very dry eyes. Any thoughts please.

[Animal7]

Hi Sharon,

I was diagnosed hypo (April) as I started menopause though have had symptoms for absolutely ages. I have had really bad night sweats too & hot flashes in the day, very dry eyes and the hoarse throat too. The heat intolerance, sweats and eye problems have almost totally gone 10 weeks after starting Levo 100mcg. Still have a scratchy voice & saw my GP about it this last week; not totally convinced by his diagnosis (virus) as it's been hoarse for ages but, as all other symptoms gradually improving I'm happy to wait & see. I think all of my symptoms were due to thyroid problems rather than menopause as I've responded well to the medication. Still some symptoms to improve - swollen ankles/feet and stiffness in both elbows. I was told I have high antibodies too but not sure if this is Hashimotos; I still have lots to learn!

Good luck - think it's hard to deal with both at the same time.

Animal

[sharon62 in reply to Animal7]

Thanks for reply Animal.

Think I`m going to have a trip to doctors and ask them to check my levels, no doubt I will get same response as you re virus. I definitely agree with you it is very difficult to deal with both at the same time. Think it`s easier for doctors to blame the menopause.

Sharon

[greygoose in reply to sharon62]

Having an operation will definately have an effect on your thyroid levels. The stress, the anesthetic, etc. It will take a while for you to get back to 'normal'. Plus the fact that your total hysterectomy is going upset your hormones even further. Why can't you take HRT?

Do you have the results of your latest thyroid blood tests? If so, post them here, with ranges, and people will be better able to help you. If you haven't had them done for a while, best to ask for them.

[sharon62 in reply to greygoose]

Hi greygoose

Thyroids were all done prior to operation by hospital, so don`t have results. The gynaecologist who I don`t see again till August said it was not good at 52 starting HRT and he would be reluctant to start me. I was okay until now and everything seems to be hitting me at once, not sure if thyroid, operation or hysterectomy, going to have to go and have a few hours now as exhausted.

[greygoose in reply to sharon62]

I think your gynae might be right Under normal circumstances, but if you've lost your overies, then you are going to be low on essential hormones. Did he mean too Young or too old?

I expect everything is hitting you at once, and it's an accumelation of thyroid, operation and hysterectomy or rolled up in one. I think your next step should be to get your thyroid labs done so that you know where you are.

[sharon62 in reply to greygoose]

Back up couldn`t sleep, he meant to old for HRT, there is more a risk. Will have to make appointment with doctor.

[greygoose in reply to sharon62]

I think you need a second opinion on that!

[sharon62 in reply to greygoose]

Just been doctors had full blood test and been put on Zumenon by lady doctors who says I can`t possible carry on with nothing feeling the way I do.

[greygoose in reply to sharon62]

So, what were your thyroid results?

[sharon62 in reply to greygoose]

Haven`t got results yet, meant just had blood taken.

[greygoose in reply to sharon62]

OK, well if you post your results on here, when you get them, people will be better able to advise.

[Hidden]

After my hysterectomy within weeks I became very ill, night sweats, total exhaustion, body pain in joints and muscles, I got really bad tennis elbow almost non stop, I couldn't sleep at all, now I know it's thyroid, unfortunately this wasn't picked up for many years.

I would describe my walking as through thick porridge after the op. I was diagnosed with ME at the time.

I've read there is a link between losing your ovaries and becoming hypo, as we know, but not endos it seems, is all these glands including ovaries send messages to each other. A hysterectomy is a major disruption of the endocrine system.

If you already have underactive thyroid you could well need an increase in meds. The hoarse voice is often a symptom of low thyroxine.

[sharon62 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply Helcaster, I was fine for first couple of weeks and everything seems to have hit me now, hopefully blood test will show something up. I go from having hot sweats stripping off to usual freezing in minutes. Everybody has noticed my voice change, doctor did check my throat but could see no sign of a sore throat. Funny as well as this week after weeks of being same weight ive started putting on weight and no change in diet.

[Hidden in reply to sharon62]

Hi Sharon, have you tried taking your temperature on waking before getting out of bed? Normal is 37 deg. Take it lunch time and late afternoon and see if there are any changes.

A hoarse voice is just one of many hypo symptoms doctors don't seem to know about. I'm sure it's mentioned on the thyroid UK list of hypo symptoms. My neighbour who is hypo had this, she got sent to hospital for all sorts of investigations and as soon as she had a rise in meds it went. The same with me, like having a very dry throat, hoarse voice, and often choking on my spit all the time, it went on a higher dose. I'm sure this will resolve.

I was very aware a few days after my hysterectomy of a huge drop in mood, like when you've had a baby? I couldn't stop crying, it's definitely the loss of hormones. It will be a bumpy ride I'll warn you, I was very angry that my uterus was healthy. I had a prolapsed uterus, rectum and bladder, and had my arm twisted to have a hysterectomy rather than a repair. I hope you have lots of friends around you who you can chat to. I have my ovaries, but the function is much diminished without the uterus. You will feel horrible some days! Eat really good food and try and sleep as much as you can, I know that part is difficult.

Do you have a Summer duvet on your bed? I find it helps even now to start off "cold" as you know you're going to get overheated. I have the windows and doors open, and a glass of water by my bed, this all seems to help.

Sending you a hug. X

[sharon62 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply Helcaster sounds like you have had it bad as well. What would taking my temperature prove? Thanks for the advice re duvet and water and the hug.

[Hidden in reply to sharon62]

Hi Sharon, when we're hypo there's usually a reduction in temperatures. It was one of the ways of diagnosing hypo before the wretched blood tests! For instance my temperature were in the 35's at diagnosis, they should be around 37deg. It's one of the many symptoms of low thyroid activity.

PM me anytime you want to chat about your hysterectomy, it's a time women should get a lot of support!

[sharon62 in reply to Hidden]

Ah right, I will try looking at my temp over the next few days. Just done now but imagine I will need a few readings (36.5) and thanks for support.

[Hidden in reply to sharon62]

I think the most telling one Sharon is on waking. You should have the thermometer by your bed, and take it the moment you wake up, but don't get out of bed first!

Exercise can push your temp up slightly, so can eating and the obvious hot drinks, and showering. You want your baseline temp. Mine would start off in the 35's, rise to 36.1, then drop as low as 35 around 4 pm, then up again, when I finally had some energy 8pm to 2am, then I couldn't sleep!

Make a note of them over the next five days. I did this and took them to my GP along with other stuff to get diagnosed.

Is your iron OK? You need a good level to get your thyroid meds to work well, same with Vit B12, Folate, Vit D3. Might be an idea to get them tested if you haven't already.

No problem, happy to help.