NetWellness Thyroid Diseases

Severe Bloating After Thyroidectomy

Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:11:00 EST

Question: Since I`ve had my thyroid out I have a problem with severe constipation and bloating especially in the upper chest area. What can I do to eliminate this. I`ve tried everything but it comes back worse. Could this be related to my thyroid or should I see a digestive doctor?

Answer: Your doctor should be monitoring a blood test called a "TSH" or "Thyroid Stimulating Hormone" level. If that test is normal then I don't think adjusting your thyroid medication will change the bloating and constipation. If you have not discussed the bloating in the upper chest area with your doctor, . . .

Ask an Expert: Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE, Thyroid Diseases

Adding Cytomel to Synthroid

Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:10:00 EST

Question: After a total thyroidectomy almost two years ago (no cancer), I am still trying to find the right amount of medication. It seems that I only feel better when I`m on a too high dose of Synthroid (as evidenced by the TSH being too low). My free T4 is in mid-range, and my free T3 is at the low end of t . . .

Answer: There have been 9 randomised, controlled trials investigating the question of whether or not hypothyroid patients feel better when they take a combination of Cytomel and Synthroid as opposed to taking Synthroid alone. 8 of those trials have concluded that the addition of Cytomel to Synthroid does no . . .

Ask an Expert: Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE, Thyroid Diseases

Thyroid Nodules - Should I Rebiopsy?

Jeffrey Sussman MD — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:10:00 EST

Question: I noticed a painful firm nodule on right side of my neck 3 weeks back. Ultrasound confirmed it to be a thyroid nodule. I had neck pain, painful swallowing. Needle aspiration showed granulomas. Now there`s another one on the left side, mildly tender, firm. I have had submandibular and upper cerv . . .

Answer: Would recommend referral to endocrinologist for any additional testing and treatment.

Ask an Expert: Jeffrey Sussman MD, Thyroid Diseases

Hyperthrodism and Pregnancy

William Hurd MD — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:10:00 EST

Question: I have hyperthrodism, and would like to start a family. Can I get pregnant? What are the dangers?

Answer: In general, hyperthyroidism does not have a negative effect on getting or staying pregnant, or on the growing fetus. However, some of the medicine used to treat hyperthyroidism is not recommended during pregnancy. Before getting pregnant, you should see your medical endocrinologist and tell him you . . .

Ask an Expert: William Hurd MD, Thyroid Diseases

Cytomel and Phosphorous Levels

Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 19:10:00 EST

Question:

My thyroid was removed in January of 2010 along with 2 1/2 parathyroid glands. There was no cancer but I did have an adenoma on one of the parathyroid glands.

It has been a difficult period of time because I am still not adjusted to the Synthroid dosage. My T3 tests at the low end of the . . .

Answer:

There is one small study in the medical literature that supports this idea (New England Journal of Medicine 1999, 340:424-429). However, since then there have been 3 other good studies saying that Cytomel doesn't really help people feel better except for a placebo effect (Journal of Clinical Endo . . .

Ask an Expert: Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE, Thyroid Diseases

Thyroid Sonography Test Done

Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 06:09:00 EST

Question: I had a thyroid sonography done and the doctor prescribed Synthroid 25 MCG tablets. Does this mean I have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The results said right lobe measured 4.3 x 1x1.8 cm. Left lobe 4.1x1x1.5cm. Thanks for your feedback.

Answer: The fact that you were precribed Synthroid suggests that you have hypothyroidism - a condition in which the thyroid gland is making too little thyroid hormone. That's what Synthroid is - thyroid hormone (the same thing that is made by your thyroid gland). The ultrasound seems pretty normal. The main . . .

Ask an Expert: Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE, Thyroid Diseases

How Can I Get Tested?

Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 05:09:00 EST

Question: I am in my 50s and have virtually all the symptoms of low thyroid. I am exhausted all the time and can barely drag myself around. I feel like a clock that is winding down and going to stop. Honestly, I feel like I am dying. Every female in my family, mother, sisters, aunts, was diagnosed with thyroi . . .

Answer: I don't think you are doing anything wrong, and I don't know what else you can say to convince the doctor to order the test. The test for low thyroid levels is a simple blood test, and if your doctor hasn't already done one in the past then I can't think of a reason not to order it now. Are you cert . . .

Ask an Expert: Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE, Thyroid Diseases

Hyperthyroid

Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:08:00 EST

Question: Good morning, doctor! I have thyroid since 6 years. I am taking treatment, but my thyroid developed to hyperthyrodism. I have met many doctors but they said that I have thyroid in liquid state, so there is no possibility to remove the gland and I have to use the tab for life . . .

Answer: I'm afraid there is not enough useful information in this question for anyone to answer it. I don't understand what "thyroid in liquid state" means. I can't imagine a reason why surgery would never be indicated as a treatment for hyperthyroidism except for diseases that would be expected to go away . . .

Ask an Expert: Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE, Thyroid Diseases

Hypothyroxine

Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 07:07:00 EST

Question: I`m 17 years old and my weight is 45. My height is 5`4". I am a patient with abnormal thyroxine hormone. Since last Novemver I am taking 75 levothyroxine sodiams daily. Though at first after taking medicine my thyroxine level was normal but now in spite of continuing my medicines . . .

Answer: A lot of different problems can cause irregular periods. You need a blood test called a "TSH" or "Thyroid Stimulating Hormone" level. If that is normal then you and your doctor should look for a different reason for your irregular periods. If your TSH is abnormal then your thyroid hormone dose needs . . .

Ask an Expert: Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE, Thyroid Diseases

Help Me Please

Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:07:00 EST

Question: Am 17 and I get overheated too easily. Last year I was bed ridden because my vitamin D levels were almost non existint. My thyroid was checked a couple moths ago and they just said it was borderline. Thyroid issues run in my family (Hashimoto) and it just keeps getting worse. When it . . .

Answer: If your thyroid blood tests are only borderline then I think it is unlikely that giving you treatment aimed at the thyroid gland will change your symptoms. Depending on how "borderline" the values are it might be reasonable to give you a few months of an anti-thyroid drug to see if you felt better, . . .

Ask an Expert: Thomas Murphy MD, FACP, FACE, Thyroid Diseases