Does sore throat come with hypothyroidism and Hashi?

[Juliet_22]

Hi All,

I've had hypo for over 2 decades and manage it with thyroxine, diet, supplements and lifestyle.

Never had any long-term sore throat issues, however it all started this February, when I went through a lot of stress, my thyroid went out of balance and I was struggling with increasing my meds. Actually, the increase in meds has caused it as well ... I was on thyroixine 75 for eons with no throat problems before!

Thankfully, my TSH is coming down nicely now and was 3.1 on the last test, still a bit rased, but down from where it was at 6.6. T4 was mid-range and T3 was at 4.3, could be higher, but not too bad.

Normal anti-TG, but raised anti-TPO at 150, though it's been hovering at 100-150 for years and has never caused problems with a sore throat (and I lowered it from 600 originally through a GF diet, supplementation, etc)

I supplement with vit D, B12, iron, Betaine, zinc, etc and test regularly to make sure my levels are optimum.

I also take black cumin seeds. Basically, doing all the right things.

However, this sore throat has been a challenge!

It comes and goes, and has been the same for months now. I have not had any colds, etc.

Sometimes I wake up at night and my throat is really sore. I gargle with herbs as well, tried a lot of things, but it continues to come and go.

Sometimes everything feels fine, other times - again sore throat and swollen upper jaw glands.

It comes and goes, comes and goes ...

I saw a GP, they did a strep test (negative), examined me (looked fine), run a series of tests. All was fine. The thyroid ultrasound was fine too.

I am going to see the ENT specialist just to look at it as well, but as I'm waiting I would like to see if other people have had challenges with hypo/Hashi and sore throats?

From my thyroid blood tests, I should not be having it.

Would love to hear from others and see what worked to help you with it.

Thank you so much for your input!

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Obviousdly get things checked out but with a TSH of over 3 you're still hypo and it could be down to being hypo that this is happening.

If your FT4 is mid range it should really be in the upper quarter so you have a way to go with dose raises.

What dose are you on now and how are you otherwise?

[Juliet_22 in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thank you for the reply, you have been so helpful and supportive! Yes, still room to improve TSH and get it below 1... I have been alternating 88-88-75. Will switch to 88 now every day and retest in 6 weeks. Been doing so much better, more energy, happier, returning to my normal state more thankfully.

Still, is sore throat and feeling their jaw glands something that thyroid folks can experience?

[Nidz6 in reply to Juliet_22]

I can relate to your issue. About 5 years ago I had a very sore throat and difficulty speaking for any length of time. My job at the time involved a great deal of talking and I was finding it difficult to continue with it. Like you I had all the tests and no-one seemed to link the fact that I was hypo with the voice problem. I do think anxiety is also a factor, again an issue for those of us with an underactive thyroid! I was eventually sent to see a speech therapist who gave me about 6 sessions and taught me lots of helpful techniques to alleviate the problem. I suggest you ask to be referred to one to see if this helps.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Juliet_22]

Sore throat was a hypo symptoms for me.

[Juliet_22 in reply to Jaydee1507]

How long did it last for you and at what TSH level did it stop bothering you?

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Juliet_22]

Honestly cant remember was a long time ago. You may need TSH of 1 or less.

[Juliet_22 in reply to Jaydee1507]

Yes, it is usually below 1 for me when we live in the warm climate, my hormones are great when it is always warm. The British winter messed it all up, but we will be moving shortly - sunshine is magic for the thyroid!

[Lolalottie]

I also have a permanent sore throat (It comes and goes like yours) and my glands throb on occasion. I seem to be left with a permanent ache even when not sore. I feel its caused by acid but worry about the long term effects of this.

[klr31]

I used to get sore throat regularly until I was optimally medicated on thyroxine.

Karen

[Juliet_22 in reply to klr31]

Glad you solved it! When you say properly medicated, what did your TSH, T3 and T4 look like when you stopped having throat issues?

[klr31 in reply to Juliet_22]

I really can't remember exact numbers but TSH was definitely under 1 and T4 in upper part of range. I was on too little thyroxine for years and yet told I was fine by my doctors as within range. It's only when my TSH was low and I was taking 150mcg that I began to feel better. Now I'm post menopause and on 75mcg and still ok thankfully. Good luck.

Karen

[Hidden]

Hi Juliet_22

Funnily enough, I've had a sore throat during first month on DTE and again this second month.

Don't know if it is the hypothyroidism or the meds.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Sore throat most likely acid reflux due to low stomach acid when under medicated….especially if it’s happening at night

[Juliet_22 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you so much! Yes, you're exactly right. I will increase to a full grain and start taking Betaine again. But really, it's mostly about taking the right dose!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Juliet_22]

Absolutely

[PurpleChez]

Hi Juliet_22

A sore throat and minor goiter is definitely a symptom for me and one of the first signs my meds need adjusting. My voice goes husky, I sometimes choak on nothing and can wake up choaking in the night. No amount of water or anything will clear it. I'm hypo and have hashimotos. My mum (hypo) also has the same issue but her voice has become so damaged by poor medication management years ago, that hers is always husky now. But again only sore when meds need reviewing.

I'd recommend an increase based on the symptoms and your figures.....there's room to move. Although there are some way more experienced and wonderful people on here than me!!

I hope you manage to resolve it as I know how frustrating it can be.

Take care xx

[Juliet_22 in reply to PurpleChez]

Thank you so much for your reply and input! When you say you get sore throat when meds need adjusting, do you mean they need to be increased? How long does it take you to start feeling a relief from sore throat after the dose increase?

[PurpleChez in reply to Juliet_22]

Yes sorry, I get it when my T4 drops (I need mine at the top of the range) and my TSH increases above 2.7. When they increase my levo it normally takes me 2 months to feel better, but maybe 4 weeks to relieve the throat symptoms. Until then the throat just gets worse. My GP thinks normal bloods mean you don't touch the meds, they have no idea what suits us as individuals, but you'll know when it's right. If your bloods are close to optimal, they can do small increase of 12.5 rather than 25 if the GP is twitchy about overdosing, but trust me you'll know if that happens. Argue the toss with the doctor if you think the increase will help. Its an ongoing battle