Hypothyroidism age 23

Extreme stomach pain is not usually a characteristic of hypothyroidism. If you friend is otherwise healthy then I would suggest that other causes are possible. Hopefully the other tests will tell more. Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism are tiredness and brain "brain fog". Does she have those?

Hi Jl, hypothyroidism can happen at any age.

Stomache and digestive problems (and other symptoms) are known to accompany hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism often goes undiagnosed for years. Acceptable TSH blood ranges are as high as 5, but hypothyroidism is often diagnosed when TSH is above 2. Hence the difficulty in diagnosis.

You our can do several very powerful things:

1) read through the many posts here on thyroid disease and medications. This will give you an idea of the extreme difficulty navigating this disease and what sorts of treatments are available and their effectiveness.

2) Do a radical diet change- eliminate all gluten products (no cheating!), substitute root vegetables for grains, high protein (paleo style), high veggie diet. No processed or refined foods. NO VEGETARIAN. Eliminate wheat, soy, corn, sugar, dairy. Dairy in the form of yogurt (no sugar), and cheese are possible, but no milk, cream, etc. Do some research on paleo and gluten free diets because it's very difficult and makes a huge difference towards saving the thyroid if completely avoided.

3) Research supplements that support thyroid health. These include boron, l-tyrosine, kelp iodine, Bs, D, E, multi mineral, multivitamin, amino acids, to give you an idea what to look for.

The hints I've given you are ways to both support the thyroid and decrease the autoimmune disease that is associated with hypothyroidism. Some people have been able to control thyroid disease using these dietary means. 

The alternative is a lifetime of monitoring meds that are extremely difficult to regulate, extreme autoimmune disease, fibromialgya, rheumatoid arthritis, bone degeneration or worse.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (hashimotos) when I was 6 years old (21 years old now). So yes you can have hypothyroidism at 23. I personally have extreme stomach pains as well but I don't believe it's related to my thyroid. I'm actually in the process of allergist and GI appointments right. Ow trying to figure that out. If she has hashimoto's (which is the autoimmune cause of hypothyroidism) then there could be other autoimmune diseases that could be causing the stomach problems such as Celiac Disease which is when eating gluten causes your body to attack your intestines. It could be a number of problems. I'd wait for the rest of the blood tests to come back and then if you don't get any answers I'd go to a GI specialists. Best of luck, hope she feels better soon!!