Is there a link between hypothyroidism and POTS?

[ShonaGreen]

Hi, I had a tilt table test last week for suspected POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). When I was raised into a standing position, my heart rate went from 75 to 117 immediately, and I felt very dizzy with blurry vision, felt like I was going to pass out. Heart rate stayed around 110 for the 20 mins I was standing. Blood pressure increased slightly but was then normal. When I was laid down everything went back to normal. The consultant doing the test said I fulfilled all the criteria for POTS and I'm waiting to hear back on what happens next.

I seem to go through periods of feeling OK (where I can exercise and do every day activities but get very tired by the evening) then feeling rubbish for a while (where it's a struggle to do anything). Apart from the usual symptoms (headaches, constipation, fatigue, dizziness when standing, sensitivity to bright light and loud noise) I'm also experiencing some new symptoms like swollen, red & sore feet (and hands to a lesser extent), hot flushes (face and neck turns red and burns up), increased heart rate (when doing relatively normal things like climbing stairs or mild cardio exercise).

I used to think it was mainly thyroid related but the POTS symptoms are pretty similar so hard to know what's causing what? But I'm wondering if there's a link between hypothyroidism and POTS? I've done some research on the internet, can see there's some link with adrenal problems but not much info on thyroid.

I'm seeing the endocrinologist today and would like to go armed with some info so anything you have would be much appreciated!

Latest blood tests are below. I'm currently on 45mg Erfa and 25mg Levo. Thanks for your help!

TSH - 0.47 (0.27 - 4.20)

Free T3 - 4.23 (3.1 - 6.8) Highest level since starting testing in April 19

Free T4 - 11.0 (12.0 - 22.0) Lowest level, but know that NDT has an impact

Total T4 - 56.9 (66 - 181) Lowest level, but know that NDT has an impact

TgAb antibodies - 271 (<115) Highest level

TPO antibodies - 21 (<34) Highest level

B12 Active - 130 (>37.5)

Serum Folate - 16 (8.83 - 60.8)

Vitamin D - 70 (>50)

Ferritin - 194 (13 - 150) Highest level

DHEA Sulphate - 1.7 (1.65 - 9.15) Same level

Cortisol - 221 (166 - 507) Same level

FSH - 4.44 (no range as no periods from being on the coil)

LH - 4.09 (no range as no periods from being on the coil)

Oestradiol - 2,135 (no range as no periods from being on the coil) Very high level.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Sorry you didn't get any replies, this is an extremely busy forum

Here's some info

standinguptopots.org/learni...

cardiologyonline.com/wchd20...

[ShonaGreen in reply to SlowDragon]

Many thanks SlowDragon , this is very useful info and I appreciate you taking the time to respond, From what I've been reading, it seems there could be some link between hypothyroidism and POTS but there needs to be some more research done on this.

I've been referred back to the Rheumatologist that first suspected I had POTS, and guess she'll refer me to some other specialist now. I think I'm one of the fortunate few that don't have continual POTS symptoms, and I'm feeling good at the moment, long may it last!