Hypothyroid Symptoms

by Meisha
(Fort Worth, Tx)

Hello! I am a 33 year old female. I have not had any surgeries, I don't drink or smoke. I have a family history of thyroid diseases and am currently taking a small dose of anti-depressants along with daily vitamins. My hair is falling out (I currently have about 6 bald spots, 2 larger than the size of a half dollar) and it's not slowing down. I've gained 40 pounds in the last 8 months without changing my diet or daily routine, I am constantly irritable and cold, cannot concentrate on anything, extremely fatigued and sore, my sister said my face is swollen noticeably etc... I have gone to 3 doctors that all say I am just fatigued and need to rest. My TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 levels have been the only tests the doctors have been willing to take and they are all within "range". Are there ANY other tests that can be done to confirm hypothyroidism?

Have You Really Got Hypothyroidism?

Whilst your symptoms are compatible with hypothyroidism or an under active thyroid gland, the symptoms are not exclusive. The tests that you have had really exclude the condition. Some practitioners do treat hypothyroid symptoms with Thyroxine, the replacement hormone. This is extremely controversial and not something I would advocate.

However, there are other conditions that can present in a similar way to hypothyroidism and you might like to discuss this further with your physician:

Conditions That Can Mimic Hypothyroidism

Cushing’s disease is another hormone condition that can give similar symptoms. It can cause hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, greasy skin, thin skin, bruising, facial hair, changes in periods, diabetes, depression and anxiety plus many more. It is due to excessive production of steroids in your body and this can be investigated with hormone blood tests and scans of the pituitary gland, where the steroid stimulating hormone is produced called ACTH.

Adrenal fatigue is another condition that can cause similar symptoms. A controversial condition, you can read more about this by going to the adrenal fatigue symptoms page.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – A condition in women where multiple cysts form in the ovaries. It is associated with excessive androgenic hormones and can cause period disturbances, weight gain, depression, greasy skin, hair changes and excessive body hair. It is diagnosed with confirmation of cysts in the ovary on scanning and hormone tests.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – An autoimmune condition that can affect many parts of the body. It is diagnosed by clinical examination and a multitude of different blood tests.

I hope this has helped in your understanding that there are other medical conditions that can mimic hypothyroidism.




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