hypothyroidism

[winfong]

Just diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, probably from the prednisone. Anybody else have that? How do you manage it? What sort of symptoms do you have? My main one seems to be fatigue. Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I don't think it is necessarily due to the pred - I've not come across many with both in 14 years but for most the thyroid problem turned out to be a different autoimmune disorder. I know there are a lot of links on Dr Google about pred "causing" hypothyroid problems but in most cases the problems arise when the patient had undiagnosed thyroid problems beforehand. Pred CAN suppress TSH but most endos say it is rare.

[winfong in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. Don't recall this ever being an issue before (after coming up to 3 years on pred). Knowing me, I'm probably that rare case. 😄

[SheffieldJane]

Graves Disease was my first autoimmune disease causing an over active thyroid gland, exopthalmic goitre and eventually Thyrotoxicosis. My thyroid function was knocked out completely with radio-iodine treatment. I am now on Levothyroxine for life 125 microgrammes. I can honestly say that 40 years on, I am not aware of any symptoms from the disease at all. I did experience fatigue and lethargy with hypothyroidism , following the treatment, this was sorted out with the artificial thyroid hormone Levothyroxine. I haven’t noticed any impact on my thyroid condition following PMR, GCA and LVV. Subclinical is a concern, does this mean that they are not treating you?

[Suet3942 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hello Jane. I too have Graves’ disease but it went into remission after a 6 month dose of meds. It has happened twice. After I had my daughter and then again about 12 years ago. I’ve been warned I may have to have radio iodine treatment if I get it again. Fingers crossed I don’t.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Suet3942]

Mine followed a daughter too. Finger’s crossed for you. I spent 10 days in isolation because of the radiation ☢️. No noticeable symptoms as I recall.

[Suet3942 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Mine went undiagnosed for 10 months after I gave birth. I felt so Ill and my gp was treating me for PND. My husband arranged a relaxing holiday abroad and while we were there he had an accident and died. It was an awful time obviously, and my mothers gp diagnosed the thyroid problem when I arrived back in the uk. I lost my soulmate and my daughter lost her daddy. All because of a misdiagnosis. That was 50 years ago and I miss him to this day.

[winfong in reply to Suet3942]

Oh my gosh, that's awful. I'm so sorry for you.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Suet3942]

Oh Sue! How dreadful. However do we survive these things?

Sending love and admiration for your strength. 🌺

[powerwalk in reply to Suet3942]

Oh no Suet. How very tragic. 💐 hugs.

[winfong in reply to SheffieldJane]

Correct. Normal THS range is under 5. Clinical is over 10. I'm in the 7's.

[SheffieldJane in reply to winfong]

It will be difficult to identify the source of the fatigue. Ensure that they keep a close eye on you. I think that because it is treatable doctors can be a little complacent. Although they do worry about the effect of Levothyroxine on the heart and can tend to under treat.

[whitefishbay]

I have it and I had it years before PMR. I take 75 mg of Levothyroxine once a day. No biggie. I know loads of mostly women on it too.

[hib61]

Hello.. I am currently being treated for hypothyroidism and was diagnosed with PMR in March '22. Now diagnosed with Lyme disease and stopped prednisolone Oct '22. Now more confused than ever! 😂

[Body_bonkers]

Afraid it's a bit like PMR/GCA/Steroids - you have to learn how your body reacts and then tell the doctors what to do ! I've had underachieve thyroid for many years and found the blood tests unreliable plus they usually only check TSH levels which is only part of the story