Suggest Treatment For Weight Gain And Depression When Having Thyroid Problems

Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015

Question: Hi I am a 45 year old women. I have been having issues with my thyroid since 2001 when I had nodules and half my thyroid removed. Last year the doctor noticed several new nodules and the word goitre is now being used. I just finished another ultra sound scan that shows that the nodules as well as my thyroid has gotten bigger. This last year health wise has been bad for me I feel tired all the time I am gaining weight about 30 pounds in two years. I feel overall a lot of anxiety and have even had panic attacks. The doctor says my level is 99.9 which she says is perfect. She is referring me to a surgeon. At this point in my life is it just better to have my thyroid removed? The weight gain and depression is really affecting my lifestyle. Will the surgery help with these symptoms? If the levels are fine is this something I can overcome on my own without surgery?

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Multi nodular goiter

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
From your description, You seems to have multi nodular goiter. The treatment decision ( including surgery) is based on the size and character of the nodules. Could you please attach the thyroid ultrasound and blood reports if you have that?.
If you have significantly bigger thyroid nodules with abnormal features, then you may need surgery.
Regards
Binu

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

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (10 minutes later)

Will the surgery help my weight gain and anxiety? I do no have a copy of the ultra sounds. I did mention my levels were 99.9 will the surgery cause me to gain more weight? You can see the nodules in my neck and they are getting bigger as well as my thyroid was bigger on the last ultrasound.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
To keep TSH until normal range,

Detailed Answer:
Yes, you did mention the levels were 99.9. But what levels? TSH ? FT4?

If the thyroid nodules are significantly bigger compared to last scan, you may need surgery. After surgery, you will have to take Thyroxine ( synthroid) tablet life long and keep the TSH levels in normal range. In that case, you will not have any weight gain.

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