What some symptoms mean

[Abbeyelle12]

What is Hashimoto and Graves disease and how do you know you have it? I am hypothyroid and on Levo75 and I also have RA tired all the time but also dizzy spells and blurred vision on occasion. How often do most people have their levels checked? I haven't had mine checked in over a year.

[radd]

Abbeyelle,

Hashimotos and Graves are both autoimmune diseases affecting thyroid function.

Hashimotos is diagnosed by the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and/or thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb). Graves is diagnosed by the presence of thytrophin receptor antibodies (TRAB) and/or thyroid-stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI).

Doctors should test thyroid hormone levels annually and adjust med doses accordingly. You sound under medicated. Do you have recent thyroid hormone test results complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment.

[HLAB35]

I agree with Radd that you sound undermedicated for thyroid and may also be suffering from vitamin or mineral deficiencies as a result. For example, your symptoms of dizziness and blurred vision can often occur with low b12*, but vitamin d and iron must also be checked.

As blurred vision is a serious not-to-be-ignored symptom you should demand an appointment asap with a GP and possibly an optometrist. Low iron can cause bleeds in the eye which an optometrist can check. Cholesterol due to under treated thyroid can also form deposits in the eye. B12 is needed for proper nerve signals in the eye (in the optic nerve) and vitamin d stops the eyes from drying up.

*These are symptoms my mum had with low b12. These same symptoms can also occur in diabetes which is another reason why a GP must ask for a comprehensive blood test to also include full thyroid panel, iron, b12 and folate and vitamin d.