HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Bone Pain In Arms And Legs In A Hypothyroid Patient?

default
Posted on Sat, 13 Sep 2014
Question: I have had low vitamin d for 3 years, now back in normal range, Alkaline Phosphatase serum now 118 Cholesterol total 220 LDL Cholesterol 146 I have had bone pain in arms and legs for about a year and now I have lower back pain and pain under my left rib. Feel nautious all the time, lost 20 pounds in weight over the past 5 months (Never overweight), do not drink, alcohol and eat healthy, no gluten and no nuts due to allergies, no shellfish either, when I do exercise standing up ie Yoga I feel as if will pass out, when on the mat feel fine. Had tests in the past for heart nothing shows up. I do have hypothyroidism with nodule showed negative for cancer on biopsy. Now noticed some sprouting facial hair. This is the second set of high blood work in the areas above in 6 months, what other tests should I be asking my Dr. for, something is just wrong I know it. I am 49 female and beginning to feel like a hypochondriac but I know when my body is way out of sync and this bone pain I thought was my thyroid meds and vitamin D meds but now wondering if it could be something else Adrenal glands perhaps? (Low back pain constant). When I breath in deeply for the last 3 weeks I have pain under my left rib, I have not had an injury there. It is weird, even my teeth feel like they are aching..... Any thoughts and if I should demand any other kind of tests?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Endocrine

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your symptoms.

Your thoughts are all fair suggestions. Here are my inputs:

1 Make sure you are not getting too much thyroid medication. The best way to know is to ensure your TSH is between 0.4 to 2.5
Excessive thyroid medication can cause weight and bone loss. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can rise too if bone is affected significantly.

2 Is your current vitamin D level in the optimal range?
Even if it is, I would like you to know that the ALP can take months to normalize even after normalizing vitamin D levels.

3 It is important to know your blood calcium and phosphorus levels in the context of bone pains and ALP elevations.

4 A blood test for GGT will also give some indirect idea if the source of ALP is bone versus liver, although a blood test for ALP isoenzymes is more definitive

5 Unexplained unintentional weight loss is always a matter if concern and merits thorough investigation.
Adrenal insufficiency is one potential. A simple blood test done strictly at 8 am (fasting not necessary) for Serum Cortisol will be helpful

However, when you see your doctor on Monday you should really expect a comprehensive assessment to get to the bottom of your symptoms.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Bone Pain In Arms And Legs In A Hypothyroid Patient?

Brief Answer: Endocrine Detailed Answer: Sorry to learn about your symptoms. Your thoughts are all fair suggestions. Here are my inputs: 1 Make sure you are not getting too much thyroid medication. The best way to know is to ensure your TSH is between 0.4 to 2.5 Excessive thyroid medication can cause weight and bone loss. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can rise too if bone is affected significantly. 2 Is your current vitamin D level in the optimal range? Even if it is, I would like you to know that the ALP can take months to normalize even after normalizing vitamin D levels. 3 It is important to know your blood calcium and phosphorus levels in the context of bone pains and ALP elevations. 4 A blood test for GGT will also give some indirect idea if the source of ALP is bone versus liver, although a blood test for ALP isoenzymes is more definitive 5 Unexplained unintentional weight loss is always a matter if concern and merits thorough investigation. Adrenal insufficiency is one potential. A simple blood test done strictly at 8 am (fasting not necessary) for Serum Cortisol will be helpful However, when you see your doctor on Monday you should really expect a comprehensive assessment to get to the bottom of your symptoms.