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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 🙂
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.
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! 🤞
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