Suggest Treatment For Nausea, Constipation, Diarrhea And Abdominal Cramping

Posted on Sat, 25 Apr 2015

Question: Hello...I have been having numerous health issues following a complicated D&C for fetal demise in December of 2011. My issues include frequent GI issues (nausea, constipation, diarrhea, horrible abdominal cramping, etc) along with weight gain of 50+ lbs in 6-8 months, excrutiating abdominal pain probably due to numerous adhesions, significant & noticeable hair loss, feeling hot at all times with diaphoresis even while sleeping. I had a TSH drawn and the result waa 2.521miU/mL...drawn 8/22/14. Should I have requested a T4, T3, Free T4 or any other labs or testing? I've been unwell for nearly 3.5 years and it is not improving. Should I see a specialist? If so, what kind? I have GI issues, pain issues, possible endocrine issues, etc. so I am not sure where to go past my family provider. Thank you for your assistance.
Sue Patton, RN

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Internal Medicine consultation first

Detailed Answer:
Good day,

Noted your concern and i am sorry to hear about your health issues. Eventhough the TSH is 2.52, sometimes it is not enough to diagnose certan type of hypothyroidism and a free T4 ( Ft4) is recommended. However, i must say that all of the abominal symptoms may not be due to hypothyroidism.

How are your periods? Are they regular? Do you use any kind of hormone pills or birth control pills? Nausea/diarrhea may be causing vitamin deficiencies which can also cause hair loss.
You must first see an internist first who can examine you and direct you to an appropriate specialist based on the clinical signs . That is the best option rather than going to a specialist directly.

Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (4 minutes later)

I have normal periods and was recently started on a low-dose BCP hoping if there were ovarian cysts popping up during my cycle the pill would decrease such things. The pill has actually made fir irregular periods and no decrease in pain. I have a f/u with my OBGYN next month. I also have an appt scheduled with an internist next Friday. I appreciate the answer.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hot flushes excluded

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the reply. Normal periods excludes hot flushes as a cause of the diaphoresis. I hope a thorough medical history and a focused physical examination would reveal the cause of your symptoms. This is most important than doing numerous tests. However your PCP could do basic blood works like fasting blood glucose, FreeT4 and TSH, electrolytes , CBC and a urine profile so that your gynecologist and internist would get to see them during consultation. Endocrine evaluation is only required if there are clues of endocrine dysfunction revealed during internal medicine consultation.

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar