Hypothyroidism and PCOS: I Know Whereof I Speak
    My authority on these issues is not as a medical expert, but as a patient. In January of 2000 I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism by my gynecologist. I began taking Synthroid immediately. My thyroid levels showed marked improvement. My other symptoms seemed to fade. My energy levels went back up, I began losing weight, and the problem seemed to be solved. Then, my symptoms resurfaced. My thyroid remained at healthy levels. And my doctor had no suggestions. We continued to treat my thyroid, but I was getting depressed. Tired of being sick all the time. Angry. Tired of feeling helpless to take control of my own body.

    Finally, in April 2002, I saw an endocrinologist. I went through a lot of blood tests, which I hated. But then, no one loves it so I can’t complain. Eventually I was diagnosed with PCOS. It was masked by my Hypothyroidism, which shared all my major symptoms. In addition, I learned that the two are often found together, and my doctor was mystified that no one had previously thought to test me for it. Once it was diagnosed I was put on a severely restricted low carbohydrate diet. 27 carbs a day, maximum. I also started treatment with Metformin, which is the generic form of Glucophage. Metformin is used to treat low-level diabetes, but in recent years it has been used more and more commonly to treat PCOS.

    I lost 70 pounds. At my highest point I weighed 260. I fluctuated back up to 210, and I am slowly losing down from there. An increase in my Metformin. A return to my diet. I’m now allowed 50-75 carbs per day, but I try to stay on the low side. More regular exercise. After three years, my life is finally getting back on track. I found a lot of helpful information on the internet, but no real “an introduction to” type pages. I started this page as being just about Hypothyroidism, then let it sit for more than a year. Despite the lack of updates, I continued to get e-mails, asking for help, for more information, even people thanking me for creating the page. I wanted to do more. To make a better, more comprehensive page. And so, this is where you came in. The inception of this page. It was born because I saw a need, and because I felt the need to share what I had learned. So here it is, Hypothyroidism and PCOS in all of their inter-related glory, as presented through the eyes of someone living it. It has been a long, frustrating three years for me. I want to encourage all of you to learn from my experience. I was passive. I let things go on as they were for too long and I shouldn’t have. It’s not normal to feel bad all the time. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s all in your mind. Don’t ignore your symptoms because you think they don’t make sense. See a doctor. And don’t let them ignore you either. Whatever is wrong with you – you have a right to feel better. So don’t give up until you do!

    Good luck,

    Carrie

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    These pages are produced by and copyright to Carrie E. Byrd.

    Last Updated on May 8, 2003