Are You On Antidepressants When the Real Problem Is Your Thyroid Gland?
Are you on antidepressants when the real problem is your thyroid gland? One of the symptoms of hypothyroidism can be depression, and many patients that come to me on antidepressants really need treatment for thyroid problems. So why is this often missed by laboratory testing?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common type of thyroiditis covering approximately 80% of thyroid patients. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body turns against itself, creating antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. Most people with Hashimoto's develop hypothyroidism and must take thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Inflammation of the gland will initially cause the gland to go through a phase of hyperthyroidism that will eventually damage the thyroid and lead to a state of low hormone production. In a patient with Hashimoto's, the doctor will feel a painless enlargement of the thyroid gland.
The diagnosis for Hashimoto’s disease is often missed in medicine or it’s treated incorrectly. The reason for this is because the patient may have a normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test, they can be in the normal range for free T3 and free T4, and normal range for T3 and T4.
Add A New CommentWe value and respect the experiences of all of our HerWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add A New Comment1 Comments
I have had chronic ME for 23 years> My hands and feetwere freezng and my core body temperature was always low. I saw a Dr MYhill in Wales uk who tested my thyroid levels and although they were 'within the normal range' they were at the lower end of the scale and all symtoms pointed to hypothyroidism. She started me on thyroxin and within 1 week I was out of bed for the first time in 20 years. I felt warm and strong and have since made amazing progress.
Thyroxin has not cured all my symptoms, but has made a very significant change to my life.