I take litium and have haven't been feeling quite normal (who is to define normal, though). I've been researching some and think I might have an underactive thyroid possibly caused by the lithium I take. Weight gain (feeling so bloated), tiredness, moodyness, depression, tight tender skin on thighs and legs... What were some of your symptoms?
Answer:
I have an underactive thyroid, but I don't know what caused it. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include; weight gain, IBS with constipation, cold feet %26/or hands, low body temp, dry thinning hair, dry skin, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, depression, headaches, sensitivity to light, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, ridged fingernails with no moons, and fertility issues.Testing is by blood work. It must be done first thing in the morning or it could stop a diagnosis. Basically a TSH over 2.0 shos that the thyroid gland is slowing down. If possible get a TSH, free t4, free t3, and antibody test.
Before I found out that I had a hyperactive thyroid, I would always have heart palpatations. My doctor said this was also common in hypoactive thyroid patients.
It has been well documented that LITHIUM is CAUSING thyroid problems. If I heard that - I would not take it! Now, the best way to know where your thyroid stands is to go to your doctor and ask for a comprehensive THYROID panel testing. So, ask for: T4, T3, FreeT3, FreeT4, Thyroid Antibody - TPO which stands for Thyroid Peroxidase, and TSH. A TSH range shows "nornal" up to 5.5 but do your research and you will find that anything above 2 is not normal! So, after the blood test - evaluate your results. If you have a thyroid problem (underactive as it sounds like) you need medication probably for life as your thyroid is not functioning well. I would stop Lithium, but it is up to you. If you continue to take it your thyroid will deteriorate and you will need extra amount of horomone. If you stop Lithium, your thyroid may rebounce if it still can! I wish you lots of good luck and good health!
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You might want to read the health info at Women to Women dot com -- it's a holistic women's health site with basically everything you'd want to know about how your thyroid works and how best to treat it -- here's a link and good luck!!
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