hypothyroid

My numbers were in normal limits last May. At the start of some very bad symptoms from Lyme. It was 3.86 normal but on the high side. Since then it has gone over 5. My doc says over 3 wasn't normal so who knows if this was Lyme related. I am on synthroid now and the one thing that has improved is me being cold all the time.

I go back for blood work this week to have it checked again and am having my cortisol tested. I am a bit freaked about it. I dont even understsnd all of this. Back to the endo this month and then my LLMD after that.

Do a lot of people with Lyme have the hypothyroid? I just don't fit the picture. I am not overweight, if anything I have lost weight since the start of all of this. I think I weigh 112 and I am 5 4". Just curious if hypo caused by Lyme can present itself a bit differently?

Thanks

Hi Lovelabs.  Lyme disease can affect thyroid and other hormone levels.  I think a TSH of 3.86 is high.  I believe the high end of the new range is 2.5.  Although it may not be typical, some people who have hypothyroidism lose weight.

It is important to get the Free T3, Free T3 (besides the T3 and T4) and thyroid antibodies tested.  Have you had these levels tested?  Treatment should not depend solely on the TSH.  Many doctors do not test these levels and treat only by the TSH result.  If antibodies are present, it can indicate Hashimoto's Thyroiditis which is an auto-immune thyroid disorder.  Some people who have Lyme have this.

Some thyroid meds such as Synthroid is a T4 only med and meds like are Armour are a T3 and T4 med.  Some people do well on one type, some on another.  If Synthroid does not seem to work, you may need a dose increase or you may do better on a T3/T4 med.  A T3 only med such as Cytomel may also be added.

I know it is confusing, but I think it is important to learn as much as you can so you can get the best treatment.  I recommend always getting copies of your test reuslts.  Lyme and hypothyroidism have many similar symptoms.  Getting optimal thyroid treatment will help.

i think everyone who has Lyme should have their thyroid, adrenal and hormone levels tested.  Cortisol testing checks adrenal function.  It is my understanding that saliva testing is more reliable than blood testing.  If you want further information on saliva testing, let tme know.  

Post Edited (ticker) : 6/29/2009 6:38:14 AM (GMT-6)

I found out about my thyroid problem when I was 16. I had gained 30lbs in a year and my doc at the time tested my thyroid. I'm not sure if it was the THS, or the t4/t3.. but whatever one is the range of being under 5ish is normal... I was at a 20. So my thyroid was like not working at all. They put my on levoyxl 125. I also have nodules on my thyroid and had to get a biopsy (not fun) but everything with that was fine. Now I'm on 50mm of the levoyxl 7ys later, and actually have to get my test results back in the next few days on how it is now. I get it tested every 6months or so. I know it runs in my family, and is a pretty common problem. I had mono and then found out about my thyroid at around the same time, and then not far after tested positive for Lyme and only treated with 2 weeks of antibiotics which did nothing and just stayed midiagnosted till now.

There are some great supplements for your thyroid too.. such as "thyroid sense" and pure iodine drops that I get at my job.. Whole Foods Market. Theres quite a bit to choose from. Figure they can't hurt! I'm 5'5 and 7yrs ago I was 150lbs. Now I maintain around 130ish. I have always had a low body temperature.. being in the 97s is normal for me.

I tell everyone who says "i try so hard to loose weight and can't" to get there thyroid tested because it's that common.