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What Causes Weight Gain, Hot Flashes And Irregular Menstruation After Cervical Fusion?
Question: I had a cervical fusion last November. I've been on levothyroxine for 6 months because my tsh is low. I'm not having menstrual cycles and having hot flashes to the point that my whole head is wet. I'm 38 years old and not in menopause. I lost 30 lbs last year and since the surgery I've gained it all back. I'm exhausted all the time. is there any reason that the surgery would cause thyroid problems? I also have trouble swallowing
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to hear about your current condition.
It is unlikely the surgery is directly responsible for thyroid problems unless the surgeon was compelled to physically maneuver the thyroid gland in the neck during the cervical fusion procedure, causing inadvertent damage to it.
Moreover, starting levothyroxine for a low TSH is not the correct way to approach matters. Eventually it may be the necessary treatment option but I strongly suggest you see an endocrinologist in person to get evaluated for a possible condition called Secondary hypothyroidism. It is important to rule this out, especially in view of the fact that you are not having menstrual cycles and are gaining weight.
The endocrinologist, in addition to performing a thorough physical examination, will likely consider ordering the following tests:
CBC
CMP
TSH
Free T4
Thyroid auto antibodies
Prolactin
FSH
LH
Estradiol
Serum cortisol (at 8 am)
IGF1
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to hear about your current condition.
It is unlikely the surgery is directly responsible for thyroid problems unless the surgeon was compelled to physically maneuver the thyroid gland in the neck during the cervical fusion procedure, causing inadvertent damage to it.
Moreover, starting levothyroxine for a low TSH is not the correct way to approach matters. Eventually it may be the necessary treatment option but I strongly suggest you see an endocrinologist in person to get evaluated for a possible condition called Secondary hypothyroidism. It is important to rule this out, especially in view of the fact that you are not having menstrual cycles and are gaining weight.
The endocrinologist, in addition to performing a thorough physical examination, will likely consider ordering the following tests:
CBC
CMP
TSH
Free T4
Thyroid auto antibodies
Prolactin
FSH
LH
Estradiol
Serum cortisol (at 8 am)
IGF1
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
Answered by
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