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Hypothyroidism - Depression Links

Posted , 5 users are following.

Guest
Guest

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism around 7 years ago.

I went to the doctors with the symtoms of Fatigue, Nausea, Itchy skin that would drive me to despair, experiencing what felt like lack of sleep although I'd sleep a good seven hours then wake up in the morning feeling like I'd only just gone to bed. The combination of all of this took its toll and I ended up feeling low, what I classed then as fed up and emotional.

My doctor at the time told me that I was suffering from Clinical Depression. I questioned her regarding the diagnosis and had to ask her for a blood test thinking the that I may have had anemia.

The tests came back and there it was Hypothyroidism, something at the time I knew nothing about, hence not recognising any of the symtoms. I have been on a steady increase of Thyroxine now for the 7 years. In those 7 years I have experienced 3 bouts of severe Anxiety & Depression, something I had not experienced before my thyroid started playing up. My most recent bout was August 2009 which this time put me in hospital for nearly 9 weeks. One of the key factors again when the Anxiety & Depression took a hold was that my Thyroid function had dropped again. I had to increase my intake of Thyroxine to 150. The hospital consultant when I asked him about a possible link told me that the thyroid has nothing to do with the depression, however there are clear indicators and links to every bout that I have suffered in the past. Is there anyone else who has experienced this, or is experiencing it currently?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi

    The Consultant who told you that couldn't be more wrong.

    Depression IS a symptom of thyroid disease although it seems to only effect some people. Anxiety also goes hand in hand with it and usually a flair up of symptoms requires an increase in dose.

    I have had thyroid problems all my life but thankfully have never had mental issues with it.

    Doctors are sadly lacking in knowledge where the thyroid is concerned.

    I suggest you google a specific thyroid site for advice and support.

  • paddy
    paddy

    Posted

    Hi

    I have an underactive thyroid and suffer with depression, but have never connected the two before. Shall certainly start asking questions now!

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Once on the correct dose of thyroxine symptoms of anxiety and depression should go.

    It may be that you need an increase, a normal blood result dose not mean you are on your optimum dose, your GP should go by how you feel and not by numbers, sadly a lot of GPs only work by numbers !

    Also be aware that taking anti ds can adversly affect thyroid meds.

  • nagalot1969
    nagalot1969

    Posted

    i take 75thyroxine 20mg of citapram and diazepam still depressed its the axexity that gets me down and panack attacts and social phobia now imonly 40 had it for 6years
  • Larks
    Larks

    Posted

    Get your T3 levels checked. I have recently posted on this subject under Seratine. Some Mental Health Hospitals automatically check T3 levels of new patients. Lack of this hormone is known to cause severe depression and suicidal, as was in my case. Thankfully, I now take T3 thyronine along with T4 (thyroxine) and I hve been depression free for 3 years - thank God.

    NHS doctors are not always willing to recognise T3 medication, saying that Levothyroxine (T4) is adequate. But some people are unable to utilise T4 properly and convert to T3, as my initial tests showed a high T4 reading and very low T3. I hope this helps someone as depression is a horrible illness.

  • lempicka
    lempicka

    Posted

    :cry: I also have been diagnosed with under active thyroid, last year 2009.

    I was prescribe thyroxine 25mg which was gradually increased to 75 mg.

    I becane very low in spirit, tired constantly, had aches and pains in joints and my skin was very dry. I was then prescribed 100mg of thyroxine and also told my anti bodies were attacking my thyroid to break it down. I wasn't given a very full explation of this part of my condition although I did ask many questions I don't feel I got clear answers.

    In recent months my voice has become veru gravely, Ihave again started experiencing symptoms related to this illness and returned to my GP BUT HE WAS RELUCTANT TO INCREASE MY DOSAGE. SINCE XMAS 2010 i HAVE FELT MUCH WORS.

    I again went to see my gp and was seen by a locum who referred me to a voice box consultant, He found no problem with my voice box but as one of my symptoms was severe reflux he sent me for a barium swallow.

    I have now been told I have to take medication for this condition twice daily but was told this is probbably not related to my underactive thyroid.

    Upon reading my notes my GP notices the origional consultant suggested I saw a thyroid specialist as I was experiencing a number of symptoms, one more was my hands were experiencing numbness and again my Gp said it was another symptom of my condition but said NO ACTION, many of my :? symptoms where not releived by 100 grams Thyroxine.

    I have now been referred to a specialist consultant but my gp has nor raised my Thyroxine level.

    I feel I have really had to chase for this refferral and have felt really bad at times, I also believe many people don't realise many of the symptoms SOME people experience with this condition and I have felt quite alone with my problems and didn't understand why I could't shake them off as I think was the expectation of me.

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