Is it hypothyroidism and not ADHD?

[HeartWoman]

I had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism several years ago and was on Synthroid. I am not sure how it happened, but then I was told my thyroid "corrected" itself and no longer needed to be on it. At the time, I trusted my doctors and didn't know what I know now. I was not doing well at all, but had no idea it may have been hormone related.

I was then diagnosed with anxiety and depression and tried on about every antidepressant with no success. They either did nothing or made me worse. I was sent to a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with adult onset of ADHD after a 20 minute conversation. I was then put on stimulants. The stimulants at least helped me get my feet under me so that I could semi function, but I had to take extremely high doses for it to do anything and I still felt unwell, but could at least pretend I felt okay. People who I know that have ADHD say they don't feel anything, they can just concentrate and focus better. I feel drugged!

I had a hysterectomy several years ago and had been on estradiol since. No one monitored my levels the entire time. I asked for them to be checked and even though I faithfully took my estrogen pill every day, my levels were extremely low and my dose was increased. I have been on the increased dose about 9 weeks. Finally, I thought I found the answer to all my mental and physical symptoms in the low estrogen level. The increase helped with a few things, but I still had a lot of symptoms. Still the foggy brain, moodiness, insomnia, no zest for life feeling.

I remembered that I had a previous thyroid issue, but I knew a conventional/Western Medicine doctor was going to be of no use, so I found a Functional Medicine doctor. I took previous labs for him to review. He instantly said I have been hypothyroid all this time. My TSH was 3, but my T4 was at the very bottom of the range and I had no T3 labs. I have since started on a tiny dose of NP Thyroid while we are waiting for labs, most of which have been recommendedby knowledgeable thyroid people. He doubts very much I have ADHD, but hypothyroidism instead with possibly some deficiencies.

Sorry this is so long! Anyway, I know many people with thyroid issues are diagnosed with mental health issues and once treated for the thyroid issue, those symptoms either go away or are greatly reduced.

Has anyone actually been diagnosed with late onset ADHD and given stimulants? I I just hope that when my thyroid is optimal, I can stop taking the stimulants. I feel no euphoria from them at all. They just keep me from falling through the cracks. I am for the first time in a long time HOPEFUL that I will begin to be my fun, energetic, outgoing person that has been hiding for many years now.

[Hidden]

I’ve done studies on links between Hypothyroidism and the ADHD spectrum. There are mistakes in diagnoses, overlaps and failure to diagnose anything.

Every case is different. There is a ‘push’ to put thyroid disease onto the spectrum. Some adults are treated with psychotropic drugs, others with strategies such as CBT.

Yours is a very familiar story. I hope they find the best treatment and you have a great life ahead to make up for all you’ve lost. 😉

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

I thought ADHD was a hypo symptom, no? If it even exists, that is. I believe there's some doubt about that...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu......

[HeartWoman in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for sharing the link. I would definitely say hypo mimics ADHD at the very least. Since medicine is practiced in silos, one is going to get the diagnosis in that specialist area of expertise. Psychiatry can easily do this because it is all very subjective. The scary thing is, people are placed on very serious drugs based solely on an opinion of one person. I don't want to completely poo-poo psychiatry and I am definitely not discounting people who truly have mental health issues, so I don't want anyone to misunderstand.

I believe (and could be wrong) that most mental health issues are probably rooted in something biological/hormonal/chemical etc. If we would focus on that instead of creating the latest and greatest psychiatric drug, more people would be living instead of existing. Oh, I forgot, that isn't very profitable!

[greygoose in reply to HeartWoman]

I believe (and could be wrong) that most mental health issues are probably rooted in something biological/hormonal/chemical etc. If we would focus on that instead of creating the latest and greatest psychiatric drug, more people would be living instead of existing.

Totally and utterly agree with you!

[radd]

Heartwoman,

Welcome to our forum,

Oh, this is so awful. I agree with the theory you were most likely hypo the whole time possibly with fluctuating antibodies causing fluctuating thyroid hormones. Has anyone ever tested thyroid antibodies TPOAb & TGAb?

When thyroid hormones become low the adrenal glands secrete stress hormones to compensate and this is when we can suffer anxiety, low mood and feelings of being over-whelmed, wired but tired. On top of this thyroid hormones are good regulators of the neurotransmitters that make us feel happiness, and grounded and these become deficient.

Then low thyroid hormone levels effects digestion resulting in gut absorption issues so we suffer nutrients deficiencies in vitamins known to regulate the immune system (Vit D) and enhance the nervous systems and cognitive function (Vit B12).

Ensure to get TSH, FT4 & FT3 tested, and thyroid antibodies TPOAb & TGAb. Also Vit B12, folate, Vit D and ferritin. Post results complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment.

[HeartWoman in reply to radd]

Thanks Radd,

My new doctor did order almost all of those test and we are waiting on results. He also is looking at estrogen, testesterone, liver and kidney function, A1c, lipids, iron, plus the typical CBC to get a good picture of a lot of other systems. In addition, he is looking at prolactin because it can tell him something about the pituitary.

I recently had my Vitamin D ran and it was pretty low, so I have been taking 4000 IU daily for the last several weeks.

I just hope that as the thyroid function improves, I can start coming off the stimulants. I don't feel addicted to them, they just keep my brain from calm and the anxiousness down. They don't give me a lift or happy feeling at all. They just make me functional. Since stimulants affect dopamine, I am guessing the low thyroid isn't meeting that neurotransmitters needs.

[radd in reply to HeartWoman]

Heartwoman,

Inadequate thyroid hormones cause the body/mind immense stress from compensatory elevated adrenal (stress) hormones to neuro change resulting in abnormal cognition and experience. Thyroid hormones have been shown to regulate the levels of dopamine receptors and as constantly elevated stress reduces nerve endings that release dopamine, & its receptors, a vicious circle is formed until thyroid hormone issues are rectified should they be (or contributing to) the cause.

Good dopamine levels have a narrow margin and stimulants can be difficult to dose as too much dopamine may mimic the symptoms of too little, ie loss of focus/concentration., impulsiveness, etc. It is a myth that physical hyperactivity is always present in ADHA.

There have been forum members suffering/(misdiagnosed ?) with many psychiatric and affective disorders from bi-polar, chronic depression, psychotic, chronic anxiety, dissociative disorders, etc. Your doctor sounds informed, investigating all angles as both elevated prolactin & oestrogen can not only have effects on autoimmunity (possibly driving thyroid issues) but dopamine is one of the main regulators of prolactin by inversely correlating, as to a lesser extent is oestrogen.

[Hidden]

I don't know about ADHD but when I got up onto a decent level of levo my OCD vanished.

[HeartWoman in reply to Hidden]

That's great! I do have some OCD, especially in the mornings. My brain is very "chatty". It isn't negative stuff, but like it is searching for something to grap onto. It runs a loop, generally numbers. I have only been on a small dose of NP Thyroid for 4 days, but this morning I commented to a friend that it seemed a little less chatty. 😊 I hope that is a good sign.

[redhead41]

Not sure if this is helpful but my late husband was diagnosed hypothyroid in 1989. Never did well- fatigue, insomnia, moody - started Ritalin prescribed by a psychiatrist in 2006 with increase in energy, able to function at work and far less moody but still not great. T3 not tested till 2016 where it was found to be really low. At this stage was diagnosed with lymphoma. Could not get a doctor in NZ to treat the hypothyroidism as they blamed all his symptoms on the cancer. When he passed away last year, his T3 was 2.2 (4.0-6.0) so very undermedicated but still taking the ritalin.If we can learn anything from this, we need to advocate for ourselves and seek a doctor who would be willing to work with us. This is very difficult in NZ because T3 is not funded and we have very limited choice of T4.

[NIKEGIRL in reply to redhead41]

Hi. I have graves and also live in NZ. The system here is absolutely shit to be blunt. Zero tolerance and pure arrogance is what I have experienced. Gas lit at each appt. Told I need a psychiatrist evaluation. Have passed two of them. Honestly how far backwards is this country. I don’t even think we have hit the Stone Age yet. Sorry. My rant.

[HashiFedUp]

Why don’t you just get your thyroid bloods done? I was untreated (like so many people) for a decade and had anxiety and depression. Cost me my career. Just get all the bloods done and report back! As far as I know, thyroid disease does not cure its self !! If only it did…

[HeartWoman in reply to HashiFedUp]

I did get them done. I am waiting on results. My doctor has already started me on a low dose do NP Thyroid.

[redhead41 in reply to HashiFedUp]

You can get all the bloods done but you still have to find a doctor who can interpret them and then be able to action them. As I have said very difficult in NZ but also doesn't seem that easy in the UK either.

[HeartWoman in reply to redhead41]

Fortunately I found one that understands the tests and treats hypo even if the numbers say you are "normal".

[Jodypody]

That’s horrendous. Barbaric almost.

[Anja83]

I was… turned out to be low T3, low ferritin and a zinc deficiency.

[Alanna012]

I always score high on the ADHD tests, and when I look back I have always struggled and think I have been undiagnosed hypo since my teens at least. Before the pandemic I had booked a private test. But then cancelled as I needed every penny once pandemic started.

I honestly think it is hypothyroidism and much misunderstood and trivialised Brain fog.

I did a little test and discovered something by accident.

I increased my levo until my T4 level was fairly high above the top of the range. (I think range was 22 and I reached 28 or something) I felt awful physically, terrible. BUT I noticed I became incredibly organised and efficient. I am never organised. I find tasks like washing clothes, drying them then sorting them mentally confusing (so called ADHD) suddenly it was easy. I got exercise books and put together lists of tasks, shopping lists and dinner menus. The house ran like a clock. I understood stuff much more easily. It was a different side.

Strangely my t3 level was still on the floor and didn't budge above 4 as always whether I take meds or not. Eventually I had to stop. And I quickly lost focus again and became scatty. But it was interesting as T4 is said to just function as storage hormone. It had a particular effect on my brain though, seemingly in isolation.

In any case I satisfied myself that I don't have ADHD, although I'm sure I would get a diagnosis.

I find the brain functioning part of hypothyroidism very interesting. I did a cognitive psychology at uni and hated it and now I am wishing I paid proper attention as I notice things mentioned have real correlation.

Perception, attention, motivation, volition it appears that ratios of meds can alter different cognitive outputs. You might find that ndt gives you more motivation, but your attention might be off, and adding a bit more T3 or T4 can improve attention. But your motivation might diminish. It's interesting stuff.

[HeartWoman in reply to Alanna012]

Thanks for the insight! Fortunately, I don't have issues with motivation. My main problem is my brain just runs to fast and I get overwhelmed.

[Batty1]

Definitely a link between hysterectomy and thyroid disease and plenty of articles talking about it.

[HeartWoman in reply to Batty1]

I am guessing. It is definitely a chicken/egg thing. Did I have an undiagnosed thyroid condition that caused me to need a hysterectomy or visa versa.

[Batty1 in reply to HeartWoman]

You had a hysterectomy for a thyroid problem?

[HeartWoman in reply to Batty1]

Yes, I had a hysterectomy and then a few years later I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I had a large number of big fibroid tumors.

I suspect I have been hypo most of my life, but of course conventional doctors aren't going to pick up on it. I felt like a hypochondriac! I have had on and off asthma issues, been hospitalized and Manu test for irregular heartbeat, fibromyalgia diagnosis, anxiety/depression dx, ADHD dx, hair falling out, weight gain, years of insomnia, etc.

[Batty1 in reply to HeartWoman]

Women who have had a Hysterectomy seem to develop thyroid according to my research it makes me wonder about my thyroid cancer.

[Hidden in reply to Batty1]

Total hysterectomy, breast cancer, thyroid cancer.

[Batty1 in reply to Hidden]

We are a lot a like in the bad luck department…. Ovarian cancer, Thyroid cancer ….. sucks bad to depend on pills to feel half human.

[Hidden in reply to Batty1]

I have recurring dreams about there being an apocalypse and I’ve run out of pills. Don’t suppose it would matter much would it ? 🤣🤣

[Batty1 in reply to Hidden]

Lol…. I talk about this to my husband all the time not that it would matter to run out of pills because those zombies would eat my slow fat butt before the lack of hormones would kill me .. 😆

[Hidden in reply to Batty1]

🤣🤣

[HeartWoman in reply to Hidden]

That's funny! Here in the U.S., I am more concerned about big pharmaceutical company lobbyist getting the attention of politicians and trying to stop allowing people NDT!

If we would have an apocalypse, I would be mistaken as a Zombie. 😬

[Alanna012 in reply to HeartWoman]

Yeah I have the asthma and the fibro. Had the depression, no energy, pmt, pms, always at the doctors, given the patronising 'poor you, take anti Ds' constant heavy bleeds, told I had a too thick endometrial lining etc.

When I look back, like you, I was probably undiagnosed for decades and where I am now, is, as far as I'm concerned, the natural conclusion of things. Anyone untreated long enough will end up with the same problems. If I could prove it and sue somebody I would.

Are you taking any progesterone or estrogen only?

[HeartWoman in reply to Alanna012]

I am only on estrogen. I tried progesterone and it made me so anxious and I felt drunk. I tried creams and pills in different amounts. I know some women swear by it. I tried it while I was still hypo, so maybe it was just making me more hormonally off balanced. 🤷‍♀️

[Alanna012 in reply to HeartWoman]

Yes, maybe you could try after being optimally treated on ndt. You may be struggling with symptoms of estrogen dominance and a bit of progesterone can help. But ndt also helps to balance hormones.

[Lovecake in reply to HeartWoman]

Similar to me on the hysterectomy. I do think I had thyroid issues before that too. And my migraines are linked to low thyroid levels, although not one doctor has said this. But I have a diary and it all links together. I don’t have ADHD, but I did have anxiety when I was aged 10. I developed a cough and missed a bit of school (luckily I was very bright back then - it’s worn off over the years 😂). Was sent to a specialist (Australian fella) who said that if I coughed in his consulting room he’d put a peg on my nose. I stifled the cough, was sent back to school and it gradually disappeared. Never forgotten that man though, even 46 years later!

[HeartWoman in reply to Lovecake]

Talk about bad health care! His job was to help figure out why you had the cough in the first place.

[Lovecake in reply to HeartWoman]

Obviously not the thing in 1975/6

[HeartWoman]

I was on 15mg NP Thyroid for two days and since my body handled it fine, I was allowed go to 30mg. I have taken 4 doses at 30mg now. I slept about 7 1/2 hours straight last night. I haven't done that in years. I am also lowering the ADHD meds. I know I have a long ways to go, but I hope this is just the beginning of a beautiful relationship between NP Thyroid and myself. I know it will take weeks and maybe months to work itself out, but these subtle signs are encouraging.

[Alanna012 in reply to HeartWoman]

So glad you're taking well to the NP! I hope it works out for you. The good sleep is a very good sign.