Mild Sjogrens? Is that a thing? : I've googled it... - Thyroid UK

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Mild Sjogrens? Is that a thing?

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I've googled it and I still have no idea.

Lots of cross over symptoms with thyroid but I've started pondering on my dry eyes and mouth. Neither are dry to the point of pain but my husband has noticed I've developed an eye 'tic'.

I'm sort of rolling my eyes and opening my eyes wide; I've realised it because my eyes are dry and feel sticky.

I've also got a 750ml water bottle that I'm refilling 3 or 4 times a day; not because I'm thirsty but because my mouth is dry. Mostly between my lips and teeth.

I've got some gum disease and my gums bleed when I brush.

I am still producing saliva though and I cried this morning so I can still produce tears!

My hypothyroidism is autoimmune.

I'm just not sure if it's a thing I should look into or if I'm overthinking it.

Read more about...

Dry eye syndrome

17 Replies

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GlowCoachAdministrator2 years ago

I have blepharitis which can cause that sort of eye dryness. I also get a dry mouth but still have saliva. Was fully checked out for Sjogrens which was negative.

Eye clinic recommended antibacterial eye wipes and warm compresses to help the glands work better. Mine hasn;t flared up for a while but it's random.

Dry mouth for me is often a carbs issue.

nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye...

• in reply toGlowCoach2 years ago

I looked at that link, thank you! It's definitely not blepharitis for me.

The 'sticky' eyes for me feels more like my eyeballs are dry and my lids are stuck rather than an additional substance making them sticky.

Warm compresses though... I can get behind that!

GlowCoachAdministrator• in reply to2 years ago

You can buy padded, microwaveable eye masks which are really helpful. amazon.co.uk/Eye-Microwave-...

TiggerMeAmbassador• in reply toGlowCoach2 years ago

Pop a warm teabag in a bag.... nice 🤗

• in reply toGlowCoach2 years ago

I bought myself a lovely lavender one from the National Trust shop recently... £16! Realised when I got it home I don't have a microwave. 😂

GlowCoachAdministrator• in reply to2 years ago

Aww what a shame. There are now rechargable or USB versions if you really want to try it. Very helpful.

humanbean• in reply toGlowCoach2 years ago

How were you tested for Sjogrens? I have thought I might have it too, but the testing sounds brutal.

GlowCoachAdministrator• in reply tohumanbean2 years ago

My bloods were always negative but my autonomic doc wanted to rule it out so in the end I had the lip biopsy which was fine actually. Bit of a slightly numb lip for a few weeks but I'm glad I had it done and now know for sure I don't have it. I think the lip biopsy sounds worse than it is in reality.

humanbean• in reply toGlowCoach2 years ago

I agree, it does sound bad, that's why I have never pushed to be tested.

Mugs19• in reply tohumanbean2 years ago

me too

ATVMWF• in reply tohumanbean2 years ago

Hi Humanbean,

Just seen this post and apologies for jumping into another persons stream but I have SS (diagnosed) and although the lip biopsy is classed as the 'definitive' test, doctors can perform several others to check if you have Sjogrens. For eyes there is the Schirmers test; dental can do a scan on the parotid glands and a blood test can check for anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies. Having Hasimoto's and other A.I. conditions increases the likelihood of having another A.I. or CTD by about 25-30%, I believe. A lot of the symptoms of thyroid and SS overlap, especially the fatigue and G.I. issues and I suspect many thyroid sufferers have undiagnosed Sjogrens. When doctors do the initial blood tests for TSH, T4 and coeliac etc, they should test for the Ro & La antibodies as well. That would be a step forward, although, I know many SS people can be negative for them especially in the early stages of the disease.

Hope this info helps.

ATVMWF

TiggerMeAmbassador2 years ago

I found I was needing eyedrops for the couple of months when my T4 dropped to 25% better now that it's back up to 70%?

• in reply toTiggerMe2 years ago

I wish I'd kept better (any) notes of my symptoms and doses. My dose is fixed now for 6 months unless I find the money to see a different endo so I'll see if it gets better/worse and compare it to my next lot of bloods. 🙂

TiggerMeAmbassador• in reply to2 years ago

Are you up on your B vits as they are linked to eye health

Love this description 😂

Eye health

• in reply toTiggerMe2 years ago

Folate pretty terrible but B12 is fine.

PurpleNailsAdministrator2 years ago

I had eye twitching & it resolved after trying a magnesium supplement.

I have a number of other conditions suggesting low magnesium a common factor (migraine, diabetes, propranolol use & long term untreated hyperthyroid).

The twitching stopped for ages but recently it started in other eye.

I initially used Bisglycinate magnesium which was good but now use powdered citrate magnesium in a drink before sleep.

Also recommend warming eye mask & preservative free eye wipes / drops.

Some like to use drops in day & gel at night, but I use carbomer gel eg Ocufresh gel which is a lighter gel which melts quickly in eye. *Preservative* free eye drops & wipes. Rotating different brands seem to help.

Very gentle massage toward lash line, you can use fingertips or carefully with roller ball tool or gua sha facial stones. Warmth & message “unclogs” the blocked Meibomian Gland (tiny glands along lash line) and allows lipid oil layer to flow. This protects eye and helps retains the water.

If you like to moisturise near your eye area use water based clear gels not oil / cream, this will lessen any clogging. I did this as developed milia white spots round eye.

BiscuitBaby2 years ago

Hi WitchinghourMy dry eyes improved massively when I started t3. They used to feel gritty and some days it was hard to even see but they ate so much better now! It makes sense that if if skin and hair etc can dry out so can our eyes. Here's hoping you don't have another autoimmune condition! 🤞