Guest Author - Jim Lowrance

My story started at age 39, in early 2003, when I crashed into severe symptoms of thyroid disease and had no idea what it was. Mine followed a severe period of stress, which according to many patient testimonials and research articles, can be a trigger for underlying thyroid disease to surface.

I visited a doctor who was filling in for my regular doctor and she diagnosed me with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and prescribed me an antidepressant, an anti-anxiety medication and a beta-blocker to control my adrenaline surges. My symptoms were; fatigue, post exertion malaise, brain fog, very dry skin, anxiety, depression, severe sweating, weight loss (rapid & temporary), joint aches and my hair was starting to break off in small amounts. The symptoms scared me out of my wits! I knew beyond a doubt there, was more than emotions going on, so I demanded a blood draw and asked for my thyroid hormones, glucose and blood counts to be tested. I had the blood drawn before I started the antidepressant that was prescribed. The Hospital lost my lab results for a month and didn't bother to tell me and when I called about them, they said everything looked great and not to worry about it.

My own doctor who was gone at the time I went to the fill-in doctor, returned and was just about to leave again, to go to a foreign country to become a missionary doctor. Just before he left, he was able to locate my lab results and wrote a review letter. His first sentence said: "Your lab tests indicate you are low on thyroid hormone". He also pointed out that I was borderline diabetic. The hospital staff who said my tests were normal made me realize you cannot take the word of someone other than a Doctor and you need to see all of your own lab results (get copies).

My TSH on the lab results, was elevated at "8.3" (range 0.4 to 4.5) and my T-3 Uptake (not a great test but more useful when added to other diagnostic tests) was several points below normal. I followed up with tests that revealed my hypo to be caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis. My TG antibodies were at "537" (normal range <40) and my TPO antibodies were "120" (normal range <35). I also found out through other testing that my cortisol levels were low (adrenal fatigue) but an ACTH Stimulation test ruled out true (full blown) adrenal insufficiency.

I was started on Synthroid in 2003 and switched to Armour Thyroid in 2004. My doctor who switched me thought I might be one of the rare cases of "inadequate T-4 to T-3 conversion" but actually I was under dosed on Synthroid. Regardless, I do well on Armour and now take 2.5 grains (150mg). I also take vitamins and supplements that help the adrenal fatigue that can flare up when I'm physically overactive or experience high levels or prolonged stress.

I was also diagnosed with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, caused by Metabolic Syndrome (insulin resistance type condition). I'm working on weight loss and improved diet, to avoid diabetes or worsening of the fatty liver. An important aspect of my treatment for everything is lifestyle changes (e.i healthy diet, exercise, stress control and healthy supplements).