Hypothyroid muscle aches

[Philogden6]

I have been sub-clinically hypothyroid for at least 14 years, based on my medical records, and was was treated for hypothyroid when my T4 dipped below range for a short while. Stopped when back into bottom of range and T4 always remained low. My TSH was normally around 4.5 - 5. When I asked for treatment doctors and endo said no.

Problem with strong aching around loins and thighs, and unable to stand up for any length of time. However (surprisingly) I am very physically active with both rowing and cycling and some (painful) walking. Also was getting muscle cramps most nights in legs and feet.

Now receiving private treatment and more or less able to choose what medicine to take providing correctly monitored with blood tests. So currently taking 3.5 grains of NDT. T3 at top of range T4 above middle range TSH almost completely suppressed. No apparent ill effects. Just where I think I should be. Have not once had cramp since starting NDT.

Now I am still exercising hard, and using a massage gun on my leg muscles most days. However after maybe 6 months of treatment I still have the muscle aches and problems standing and walking. In the morning I have to stretch my thighs and groin muscles before I can stand up straight.

I believe its a combination of quite vigorous exercise and low thyroid hormones that has made me ache so much.

So am I being too impatient in hoping that my thyroid treatment might produce results already, and does anybody have any experience of this situation of trying to combat what I believe is thyroid induced muscle myopathy.

[greygoose]

Hi Philogden6, welcome to the forum.

Have you had your nutrients tested: vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin? When we've been untreated hypo for a long time - and don't fall for that sub-clinical malarky, that's just an excuse not to diagnose and treat you! - our stomach acid level drops and we have difficulty digesting food and absorbing the nutrients. So, it wouldn't be surprising if you had some nutritional deficiencies. And one of the symptoms could be aching muscles.

I would also suggest getting zinc and copper tested. One of the symptoms of low zinc is muscle aches - and I speak from experience, here.

[Philogden6 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for the reply. I possibly take too many supplements due to having aches for so long and looking for a solution. So for zinc I have zinc/selenium tablets and also zinc/magnesium. I also take a vit D and a multi vit b. These along with ferritin were tested when I started NDT. My foliate was a little low at that time, ferritin mid range. My next appointment is already scheduled to be proceeded by a blood test for many vits and minerals and I will ensure that zinc and copper levels are included.

[greygoose in reply to Philogden6]

Good. Could even be that you're over-dosing on zinc which would make your copper too low. I don't know what the symptoms of copper deficiency are because I was zinc deficient, but they have to be balanced. And the problem with hypos is that they usually have one too low, and therefore the other too high. So good idea to get them both tested.

[FallingInReverse]

Although there is debate on the forum from people who do exercise… or don’t… and everything in between... I think you answered your own question in your own post above- aching, painful walking, can’t stand up straight.

Even when not hypo, we know that pushing through injury just creates more injury and slower recovery.

If this were me, I’d take that as a sign to take it easy, and for the reasons you have already shared in previous post replies.

There are a ton of articles, and many of us on this forum, who are all about the walking/yoga/light stretching vs working out hard. It sucks, yes, but with our hypo body chemistry those aches and pains are a sign.

I am always amazed at anyone with hashi/hypo who still works out hard. My guess is that maybe their hashi damage was short lived by the time they started treatment, or maybe the boomerang just hasn’t hit them yet.

Whether it’s my muscles (like frozen lower back, achy joints) or extreme fatigue that comes post exercise… I’m not sure I will ever work out hard again.

But one day I dream that maybe when my free Ts are optimal, I’ll change my tune. But I think that’s wishful thinking.

Until then, my marathon days are over and I pat myself on the back for daily walks and even rigorous house cleaning, which now feels like a workout anyway.

[Obsdian in reply to FallingInReverse]

I was actually thinking this yesterday while laying in bed. I hate exercise but I really wish I was able to exercise now.

[FallingInReverse in reply to Obsdian]

Yes!!!!!!! So well said. I spent a lifetime mastering that discipline… now I can’t even try. Sad.

[Obsdian]

I can only say what helped in my case. I was able to find the food that was causing me inflammation and eliminated it. Took a month to feel the effect but it vastly improved my general muscle aches and more intense muscle pains.

I still get the odd aches but it is immensely better.

So anyway, inflammation is one area you could explore.

[Philogden6]

Thank you for your comments. Before I went on to NDT I did a lot of research into my aches and pains. Also the doctors sent me for all sorts of tests for circulation, bone density, blood tests and the like. However the location of my aches around the central area of loins and upper thighs seemed to correspond to known hypothyroid symptoms and my TSH had been highish for many years. I also have hairless legs, shortened eyebrows and feel the cold much more than the rest of my family. I was on Amiodarone for a while and this may have damaged my thyroid function.

I don't know the rules for references but all the following are in the public domain and are the reason why I am on NDT and still exercising quite vigorously. (I haven't been able to run, play squash or tennis for many years so I feel for the people who miss it).

I think I am on path to feeling better, but it would be good to hear from someone who has succeeded in getting better using my path. I think Ms Bowthorpe of STTM might be such a person.

In the first link figure 2 is especially indicative.

Clinical and Biochemical Features of Muscle Dysfunction in Subclinical Hypothyroidism

academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...

Muscle Metabolism and Exercise Tolerance in Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Controlled Trial of Levothyroxine

academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...

Hypothyroidism CAUSES Chronic Pain (How to Stop it)

youtube.com/watch?v=q4BwTLZ...(Not working as expected?)

This latter video I feel is likely to be correct in most respects. Its unlikely that you can fix muscle problems without exercising them I believe.