Bipolar and Thyroid

[Terence]

Hi i have dianosed Bipolar Type 2 and take Lamotrogine,Quetiapine and Duloxetine. My Partner has Thyroid problems and seems to think i have very similar symptoms. Also just found out in blood tests i have very low white bllod cell count . Thoughts Please

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

It would help members to comment if you can post results of any blood tests you have had (along with reference ranges - the numbers usually in brackets). A low white blood cell count can be caused by a number of things so if other tests have been done also then the results of those will give more clues.

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Terence.

There is a high incidence of undiagnosed hypothyroidism in Bipolar patients and Quetiapine is known to cause hypothyroidism (drug induced hypothyroidism) so as you are symptomatic ask your GP to do a thyroid function test. Drug induced hypothyroidism may be reversed if/when Quetiapine is stopped.

google.co.uk/search?q=does+...

Arrange the blood draw early in the morning and fast (water only) as TSH is highest early in the morning and drops after eating and drinking. If TSH is over range, usually >5-6, hypothyroidism may be diagnosed and Levothyroxine treatment commenced.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

Quetiapine can also lower white blood cell count which increases your risk of developing infection and can make it harder to fight off infection.

google.co.uk/search?q=does+...

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I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Cariad-y-Mor]

Hi Terence. I am quite new to this wonderful forum so there are many members more experienced than me. However , whilst I don't know anything about the three medications you mention.......is it possible they have had an effect on your white blood cell count. I am aware that with some mental health medications you do need to have regular blood tests. Also I don't know how long you have been diagnosed with Bipolar2 but there have been some interesting articles on this site recently about thyroid and bipolar misdagnosis. I also read somewhere that a very high percentage of people with Bipolar are also ( usually subsequently) found to have hypothyroid.

[Terence]

Thanks , i feel very tired and moody most of time and dont want to do anything and am very self destructive in nature

[Hidden in reply to Terence]

Also flu orsimilar virus infections can bring down your white cell count temporarily.

[Josiesmum]

Have you investigated food sensitivities? These are common in thyroid disorders and bipolar, gluten being the most problematic. Well worth doing a gluten free trial for a few weeks to see if your mood improves. If you eat a lot of gluten containing foods it is best to taper off gradually to give your body time to adjust and reduce the negative effects of withdrawal.