Update on Hyperthyroid depression

[ja4ne]

I have seen an endocrinologist who started me on carbimazole on May 22nd for hyperthyroidism, my levels at that time were TSH, T3 5.3 (3.1-6.8), I am wondering if the levels are dropping too quickly as I feel so depressed but anxious at the same time, very cold feeling inside, bad brain fog, my doctor has not said to stop the carbimazole even though the levels have dropped. I see the endo in October and have more blood tests in 4 weeks time. The levels in October last year were TSH <0.02mu/L, T4 26.4 (11-22), T3 11.5 (3.1-6.8). My doctor is saying about antidepressants for the depression but I am wondering if it is wise to take them with thyroid problems, any thoughts welcome.

[helvella Administrator]

It appears possible that you have passed the point of acceptable thyroid hormone levels and you could now be hypothyroid.

I don't think it is so much the rate at which the level of thyroid hormone has dropped, rather how far it has dropped.

In my view, you urgently need a blood test and then an immediate review of your dosing.

I've tried to put together a little information about how Carbimazole works. In there, I highlight the problem that you can shoot right past a point at which you might feel well, and down into hypothyroidism.

helvella - Splitting Carbimazole Doses

A short discussion about Carbimazole primarily focussed on splitting doses but containing some other information.

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

[ja4ne in reply to helvella]

Thank you for your reply helvella and for the information

[SlowDragon Administrator]

BEFORE seeing endo you really need to get FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing done

Sounds like you are now hypo

Trab antibodies test for Autoimmune hyperthyroid was negative

You need TPO and TG antibodies tested as well as thyroid levels and vitamins

Previous post with links to getting tested

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[ja4ne in reply to SlowDragon]

thank you for your reply Slowdragon and for information, I was thinking I was anxious with being hyperthyroid

[RedApple Administrator]

ja4ne, The symptoms you describe sound very much as though your carbimazole dose is too high and you're now in the hypOthyroid zone.

I agree with helvella , don't wait another four weeks to get your levels tested.You've been left far too long already.

And no, don't go down the anti-Ds route (at least not yet). The depression is very likely to be caused by low thyroid hormone levels. Do get in touch with your GP asap and insist on an immediate review.

[ja4ne in reply to RedApple]

thank you for your reply RedApple, I am only on the lowest dose of carbimazole so am surprised how the levels have come down, my doctor cannot seem to realize that you can have depression with thyroid problems, one of the doctors have said how that how I am feeling could be from having covid and vaccines.

[RedApple Administrator in reply to ja4ne]

Indeed, I know from personal experience how ignorant doctors are about the relationship between thyroid and mental health. They will blame anything else rather than accept that it might be a thyroid issue. It's not just thyroid hormones that affect mental health though, sex hormones can be involved too. All our hormones need to be in balance to feel well physically and mentally. The ignorance around all hormones, particularly (but not only) in women is shocking.

'am only on the lowest dose of carbimazole'

Nevertheless, you absolutely should not have been left on this medication for so long without being re-tested.

[ja4ne in reply to RedApple]

I was surprised by how quick the levels have come down on just 5mg within one month, the doctors say that these results are normal now, I am thinking of stopping taking them myself

[RedApple Administrator in reply to ja4ne]

I certainly understand the temptation. But if you do that, you won't know where your levels are whilst you're on the carbimazole. You ideally need to have that info before you stop, for your own and your GPs understanding of the situation. Can you consider doing your own fingerprick test perhaps?

[ja4ne in reply to RedApple]

Thank you for your information not to stop the carbimazole, I have tried fingerprick test but cannot get enough blood, it soon clots, the nurse at the hospital had a struggle to get some out of my arm, I warm hands, drink water so not sure why this is, the nurse could not get any out of my daughters arm at all.

[RedApple Administrator in reply to ja4ne]

Ah, that is a problem then. I strongly suggest a phone call to your surgery tomorrow to request a blood test asap. Explain that you're feeling really, really unwell and simply cannot continue taking anti-thyroid medication for another four weeks. Make much more of an issue over your physical symptoms and leave the depression out of it, so that they don't focus on that and insist on anti-Ds again.

[ja4ne in reply to RedApple]

Thank you RedApple, I can try for another blood test, I will focus more on physical symptoms.

[ja4ne in reply to ja4ne]

I have been getting side effects from taking carbimazole tablets so my GP wrote to the endo dept who wrote back saying because I am getting side effects from the carbimazole the next step will be to consider permament treatment with radioiodine, they are making me an appointment to discuss having this. My latest results are T3 5.3 (3.1-6.8), T4 13.4 (11-22) and TSH< 0.02 (0.30-4.50). These are from taking nearly 5 mg carbimazole tablets , I am wondering with these results do I need to have this done, any thoughts welcome.