If I think I have hypothyroidism should I go see my doctor or just go to the hos!
Question: My mom has hypothyroidism, it started when she was 21, i'm 21. I haven't had my period in 60 days, I use way more salt then usual, I'm often tired and I gained weight, all of which are symptoms of hypothyroidism. If I'm not mistaken a blood test is needed to check for this condition.
Am I right to assume that since I need a blood test I should just go to the hospital directly? Or is it still essential to ask a doctor before hand?
Answers: My mom has hypothyroidism, it started when she was 21, i'm 21. I haven't had my period in 60 days, I use way more salt then usual, I'm often tired and I gained weight, all of which are symptoms of hypothyroidism. If I'm not mistaken a blood test is needed to check for this condition.
Am I right to assume that since I need a blood test I should just go to the hospital directly? Or is it still essential to ask a doctor before hand?
I actually have hypothyroidism and if hyper or hypo thyroidism either of these runs in your family you are more likely to get it too the more people who have it other than you (parents, sibblings, grandparents, etc) the higher the risk. YES you are definitely right to expect a blood test. I asked about saliva testing as i do research online about health issues sometimes just for fun, and the doctor flat out refused. mom says probably because most doctors are either unfamiliar with it because its not widely explored/used as blood testing is, or it is too new. We even asked if there are any options other than a blood test because i'm so deathly afraid of needles of any kind. Nope, sorry. at least not for now. you know technology.
They're just behind the 8-ball.
You say you haven't had a period in 60 days. I did that once and went to the doctor who said immediately that if i didn't have one in another month, to come back to the doctor's office because that could mean a problem. You can go get checked now if you like but i would give your period that one more month. Sometimes the wait and see method works. It did for me when i was in your shoes.
Hypo thyroidism causes extreme fatigue early on, mom made me go get tested because i would sleep all day long then sleep all night and even in the evenings i couldn't keep my eyes open.
As for the blood test, i would just go to your regular doctor that you see, which should be sufficient. I don't see any reason for hospitals unless there are major problems with thyroid or other issues. I didn't go to the hospital for thyroid in the beginning just to the regular doctor. you go to the hospital or doctors office your choice for the laboratory tests usually every 6 weeks for the first 6 months then every year- two years for a couple of years, while your dr tries to get your thyroid level stable. Usually after the initial tests you will be seen yearly, and it can go along with your yearly checkup. Mine does. I would cut out the salt or if you can't cut back on it at least. I did that and I feel better, not real great, but not half dead.
oh btw if you are hypo and have to go through testing, expect to have to go back for another blood draw if your level comes back from the lab either high or low. The doctor is testing you to see whether or not the medicine they'll give you to treat you is working or not, and high or low means it isn't you need more or less medicine, which means a increase or decrease in your dosage. Normal results are nothing to worry about and you usually don't have to go back for another test until next year/next physical. You're stable for now but not out of the woods. You still need the medicine. Also, most likely you will need the medicine if you are hypo/hyper either one for the rest of your life. Rarely does it happen where a person does not.
seeing a doctor is the best way...
you may want to go to a doctor. It may be PCOS(polycystic ovary syndrme) not hypothyroidism. Only a doctor with blood tests can determine.
A doctor will need to order the blood work for analysis in order to determine if this is your thyroid. Although the symptoms seem similar to your mother's symptoms, it is not definitive that you have the same condition. These same symptoms are often found in the early stages or first trimester of pregnancy, they are also found to be similar in other conditions. So, this could be any number of conditions or problems and would require a doctor to order the appropriate test to make an accurate diagnosis's for treatment. Sorry, you just can't go in and order these test your self, unless you are a physician.
you should go to your doctor to inform him of your condition... he/she should be able to tell you of what you should do next after consultation-this is what i would do...
you know, its really your choice of what to do...you should go to where you are most convenient:
>mmm...i also think going to the doctor and to the hospital are the same...if youll go to the hospital, you'll end up with a doctor too...
but since [as you say], he/she's your doctor then i think you've got more confidence with him/her right?
Please! See you MD! The symptoms you describe can be from other things as well. Tests need to be done to rule out all possibilities. If you have had relations in the past 90 days, there is one more test than needs to be done.
I had hyperthyroidism. I actually went from Hypto to Hyper and back. They couldn't control it, so I had I had radioactive therapy done last October. Yes, a blood test will tell you what your levels are, AND, it does run in the family. Both my parents have had thyroid issues and my mother also has had hers removed. If you indeed have it, just know that the thyroid gland acts very slowly. When your treated, don't expect instand gratification, it could takes months to get it leveled off. And then, well, it could change again.
What symptoms you are experiencing I also had. I also lost weight with hyper, but the big thing I experienced was so much fatique, always tired. I would suggest you go to an Endocrinologist and get under treatment if this is what your blood results prove. Good luck!