Suggest Treatment For Hypothyroidism

Posted on Mon, 8 Dec 2014

Question: Hi, I am 35 years & have hypothyroidism siince 1997 & been on Eltroxin/Thyronorm 100 mcg siince then. I have 2 kids & my family is complete. My thyroid profile is normal but fluctuates sometimes. Depending on that my doctor increases/decresses my medicine dosage. As of now I am taking Thyronorm 100 mcg. My question is, since I have this problem from almost 17 years, are there any other medical tests that I should undergo? Can prolonged underactive thyroid glands lead to any other health issues? These days I get frequent cold & cough. Once I get cough, it persists for minimum 3 weeks. I think I also have dust/pollution allergy as I suddenly break into several sneezes. Early morning I have running nose & sneezes atleast for an hour & I become normal after that. Is this anyway related to thyroid? I have body pains all the time especially pain in shoulders & feel very sleepy and lethargic. Please help me.

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
1.Tests-Ultrasound neck after seeing doctor,2. No

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

1. Regarding hypothyroidism

Since you are having long standing hypothyroidism, you probably have to continue thyroid hormone replacement life long.

Additional tests that we commonly do for hypothyroidism are thyroid antibodies and ultrasound of neck. Thyroid antibodies (anti thyroid peroxidase and anti thyroglobulin antibodies) will tell you the cause of hypothyroidism. But any way it will not affect your treatment. This can predict the chance of development of hypothyroidism in your kids as auto immune hypothyroidism is familial.

Ultrasound neck once in 2-3 years is recommended in hypothyroidism if you have a goiter (thyroid swelling in neck). In hypothyroidism you are at increased risk of developing nodules in neck. If there are nodules - your doctor may suggest an FNAC (Needle test).

Periodic lipid profile to check your cholesterol status is recommended as if hypothyroidism is not controlled your cholesterol can go up.

2. Regarding other ailments
Frequent cold and cough are usually unrelated to hypothyroidism You can see an allergy specialist if you are having persistent symptoms.

Generalized aches and pains can be associated with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is usually associated with vitamin D deficiency and fibromyalgia which could be reasons for body pains. Please consult your doctor and get evaluated for the same

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help
With warm regards,
Dr Ajish TP (MD,DM)
Consultant Endocrinologist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (43 hours later)

Thank you for your detailed response. This was helpful.

Cuuld you please suggest any general medicine for body pains, I tried DOLO 650 but it did not work. Just an fyi - I am not allergic to any medicine.

Thanks,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Analgesics + muscle relaxants with prescription

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Great to know that the information was helpful.

Responds to analgesics may vary. Unfortunately these drugs are associated with serious side effects and we can't make a prescription in this forum.
In my practice I treat this type of body pains with analgesics like paracetamol, diclofenac or tramadol with a muscle relaxant for few days according to case to case basis. Again this can be done only on supervision looking for side effects.

I suggest you to meet a doctor immediately and get some help. These drugs have to used only till your symptoms are better. Please avoid analgesic purchase over the counter.

Regards
Dr Ajish TP
Consultant Endocrinologist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju