Could my thyroid state have exacerbated my fear, anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts, making normal life difficult ?

[Nmaezi]

My last TSH result done on 29th March was 6.9 where the normal range is 0.4 to 4.0. T3 and T4 were within normal range. I was off carbimazole 8 days before the test and am still off it. I had an experience that triggered fear of having exposed myself to a disease. Doctors have dismissed my fears but for 18days I have been gripped with fear and anxiety with uncontrollable thoughts and self-recrimination that has affected my normal life and habits . Could it be related to my thyroid condition?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Yes it could be related to thyroid.

What was FT4 result & range 

Was FT3 tested? 

With a TSH of 6.9 after being hyper & on carbimazole there’s a good chance your levels are low & you are more of a hypothyroid state than you hyper / euthyroid norm. 

Many report severe anxiety common with low FT3. 

[Nmaezi in reply to PurpleNails]

Ft4 13.0; normal range 12.0 to 22.0Ft3 3.7 - normal range 3.1 -6.8

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Also need to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Increased anxiety for me signals that my thyroid meds are not optimal or key vitamins (folate, ferritin, B12 or VitD) may need adjusting. Have you had these tested recently?

It would be helpful to know your actual FT3 as well as FT4 levels for a complete picture of your thyroid health. As  PurpleNails outlined, low FT3 definitely heightens anxiety levels. This has been the hardest thyroid symptom for me to deal with, but hang in there; things will massively improve with optimal thyroid medication & key vitamin levels.

I initially presented as hyperthyroid & was diagnosed as Graves by my endocrinologist . This was largely on symptoms (weight loss, palpitations, tremor, anxiety & TED) but (following advice on this forum) I tested my antibody levels privately and was found to be hypothyroid with Hashimotos. I was definitely mis-diagnosed. I think the TED symptoms made medics assume Graves in my case, but it is possible to have this with hypothyroidism (or even no thyroid symptoms). I did not have the correct anybody tests to fully support my original diagnosis.

Do you have copies of any antibody tests? Do ask for copies and share with us.

Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) needs to be confirmed via positive TRab or TSI:

 TRab TSH receptor antibodies

 TSI Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin

TPO & TG antibodies may be Graves or Hashimotos:

TPOab Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies

TGab Thyroglobulin antibodies

[Nmaezi in reply to Buddy195]

Ft4 13.0; normal range 12.0 to 22.0Ft3 3.7 - normal range 3.1 -6.8

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Nmaezi]

As PurpleNails indicated, your results show that you are now showing signs of hypothyroidism. TSH needs to be under 2, with most members reporting they feel best when levels significantly under 1. Your FT3 and FT4 need to be much higher in the range. My anxiety subsides when FT4 is at least half way in range and FT3 near the top of the range. We all have a different ‘sweet spot’ where we feel best.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Nmaezi]

Ft4 13.0; (normal range 12.0 to 22.0) 10%

Ft3 3.7 - (normal range 3.1 -6.8) 16.22%

So your levels are low in range.  With FT4 at 10% and FT3 at 16%. 

Most feel best when FT4 is top 3rd of range & FT3 Is at least 50%. But the are individuals that naturally feel better lower in range.  Any psyical symptoms along your anxiety symptoms?  

Carbimazole lowers levels so it’s likely been lower and still coming up from ceasing it. Give it another 6 weeks and hopefully this will be better but if it continues to show high TSH & low FT4 & FT3 you may need a replacement.  

[Nmaezi in reply to PurpleNails]

Thank you

[Nmaezi]

Thank you very much.I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism in 1997; had subtotal thyroidectomy done 2003 and went back on carbimazole in 2004 and has been on low dose since then except for a few time when TFT indicates hypothyroidism. Then my Endo would stop it to resume again after a test that indicates Hyperthyroidism has set in again.

[pennyannie]

Hello again Nmaezi:

Yes that can all be thyroid related as the thyroid is responsible for full synchronisation of your body which includes your mental, emotional, psychological well being as well as your physical power and controls all your bodily functions, your inner central heating system and your metabolism.

Do you have any blood tests there you can hare with forum members like a T3 and T4 result and range?

The TSH is not a reliable measure of anything especially if I have remember your situation correct in that you have Graves and post surgery.

Did you find the Elaine Moore Foundation website of any help ?

elaine-moore.com

[Naples21]

Hi Nmaezi, I have been off cabimazole about two months. It has taken me over two years to come off half a 5mg tablet every 2 or three months. In my view your experience is very plausible but people strggled to believe me. The reason why is that every time I reduced the cab I got terrible anxiety and brain fog. The same happened when increasing it. It impaired my day to day functioning. Everuone is different amd tbey are called side effects for a reaon. I know it passes when things settle down. It is a side effect in my persnal experience. Go well

[Nmaezi]

Thank you very much, Naples21