How do I know if I have hypothyroid?

[ladyhairg]

From everything I have read, I seem to have an awful lot of the symptoms, but my doctor says I don't need to be tested. She says I'm just looking for an easy place to put the blame for being fat. (No, I eat too much and don't exercise enough-- that's where I put the blame!)

What symptoms did all of you have before being diagnosed?

[2big4mysize]

demand the test. it is a simple blood test and based on the results you will know if you are hypo or not. If you do a search on line you can see there are many symptoms.

You can if you are willing to pay for it order your own test at a site you can find on like if you read the roll call topic here you will see a link for finding a better doc.

[rivera11]

I was diagnosed with hashimoto's (hypo) over 15 years ago. I went to my Dr. and he felt my throat and found my thyroid was enlarged. He ran blood tests and confirmed. I went to see a specialist , long story.
My symptoms were a big weight gain, low energy, unable to loose weight even while on diets. I was doing alot of walking and that didn't do a thing for me. I was cold alot often had heart palpitations. Those were some of my symptoms to name a few. I was put on medication and just recently was changed to a new med thanks to advice I got on this board. Things are finally starting to work, how I wish I would have found this group and atkins sooner. I suggest you request a blood test from your Dr. to rule things out. It's worth a try. Good Luck!! :wave

[bizzlekitty]

Definitely demand the test and ask to see and get a copy of the results. make sure they do a thorough panel.

And maybe get a different doctor, if possible.

Be prepared for the results, just in case. Alot of symptoms can be generalized that some people do have them, even without thyroid issues.

I did read an article recently that they have also changed the consideration of what they consider hypothyroidism now too. I think it was > 5.0 for TSH and now they are starting to consider anything about 3.0 is needing treatment, but not sure how widespread that is or how many doctors are really following that.

I was doing "dieiting" and exercise when I was diagnozed with hypothyroidism too for weight gain, fatigue, etc. However, now I realize that I was not doing the right diet, as I ate alot of carbs. Atkins has changed that for me.

[2big4mysize]

untreated hypothyroid is so common it is the first test run when depression is present.

The endocrinologist society in 2002 changed their posistion on the threshold for hypo with symptoms to 3.0 TSH from the old 5.0 as the upper limits.

[barelysane]

I too would demand to be tested or change doctors.

My symptoms are FATIGUE - so tired all of the time, incredibly cold (this one has never gone away), dry dry skin, CRANKY, leg cramps. When I miss taking my medicine all my symptoms come back very quickly - the fatigue and leg cramps most.

I am very pleasantly surprised that I have been able to lose weight on Atkins, I thought it would be more difficult considering my hypothroidism. I have lost 30 pounds since October and I'm pleased!

Again - PUSH for the blood test!!

[ANGALEE]

THAT WAS VERY MEAN WHAT YOUR DR.SAID THAT IT WAS ALLIN YOUR HEAD THAT YOU NEED AN EXCUSE THAT YOU CANT LOSE WEIGHT.IVE HAD HYPOTHYROID EVERY SENCE I WAS THREE.IT DOES SLOW DOWN YOUR MABTOBOLISM.YES ALWAYS BLOOD TEST TO CHECK HOW IM DOING.I TAKE SYNTHROID.200 I WAS TIRED ALL THE TIME.CANT THINK AT TIMES,LOTS OF THINGS CAN GO WRONG WITH IF YOU ARE HYPOTHYROID.PILLS ARE SUPPOSE TO HELP.I WISH YOU THE BEST WITH THIS AND SOON FIND A NICE DR. WHO WILL HELP YOU.I HAVE WEIGHT PROBLEM TOO I LOSE THAN I GAIN IT BACK AND MORE.WISH EVERYONE ON HERE GOD LUCK.
SINCERELY,
ANGALEE[/b]

[ANGALEE]

THAT WAS VERY MEAN WHAT YOUR DR.SAID THAT IT WAS ALLIN YOUR HEAD THAT YOU NEED AN EXCUSE THAT YOU CANT LOSE WEIGHT.IVE HAD HYPOTHYROID EVERY SENCE I WAS THREE.IT DOES SLOW DOWN YOUR MABTOBOLISM.YES ALWAYS BLOOD TEST TO CHECK HOW IM DOING.I TAKE SYNTHROID.200 I WAS TIRED ALL THE TIME.CANT THINK AT TIMES,LOTS OF THINGS CAN GO WRONG WITH IF YOU ARE HYPOTHYROID.PILLS ARE SUPPOSE TO HELP.I WISH YOU THE BEST WITH THIS AND SOON FIND A NICE DR. WHO WILL HELP YOU.I HAVE WEIGHT PROBLEM TOO I LOSE THAN I GAIN IT BACK AND MORE.WISH EVERYONE ON HERE GOOD LUCK.
SINCERELY,
ANGALEE[/b]

[lunazul]

My main symptom was severe depression. I spent my days crying. I couldn't concentrate and not only did I have leg cramps, but I also got them in my hands and feet. There are other symptons like dry skin and hair, fatigue, but for me all that was overshadowed by the depression.

I don't think the blood test is that expensive as medical tests go. Your Dr. was being a jerk! You can print this and tell him I said so.

Debby

[ANGALEE]

DEBBIE CONGRADULATIONS YOU ARE DOING GREAT.YOUR PICTURES TELLS IT ALL HOW WELL YOU ARE DOING.KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.