[medicalfox]

I'm getting tested for hypothyroidism today after my shift is over because I've been suffering from constant fatigue, weight gain, and I'm always cold. It's 75 degrees at work and my legs/hands are painfully cold along with having the chills. I also have other symptoms, but is there a link between hypothyroidism and bipolar? I noticed a few people here have both and I was wondering if this disease affects mania since I read it affects mood. Any information would be very helpful

[hamster-bamster]

Litjium causes hypothyroidism, btw.

[token451]

From what I have been told from my doctor and therapist, thyroid issues can actually mimic bipolar and some people are diagnosed bipolar, get tested for thyroid problems, and that was the root cause for all of their symptoms.

[medicalfox]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

Litjium causes hypothyroidism, btw.

I noticed it could, but I did not know if that was the direct cause for the disease in bipolar individuals. I don't take lithium, but I was contemplating it before.

[Confusedinomicon]

Lithium doesn't always cause hypothyroidism.

Many psych meds (besides lithium -- lithium happens to be 'well known' for this) can cause hypothyroid. A lot slow metabolism.

[Capriciousness]

I was dxed hypothyroid in the exact same month i was dxed bipolar. For me there seems to be no question that I am Bipolar. But the relationship between the two is blurry. One of pdocs said that while not so common in hypothyroid it can happen that people can have some psychotic symptoms when the levels are out of whack. I know for me that both of my most recent psychotic times of coincided with low thyroid levels. So I am pretty vigilant about my levels and get checked often by my endocrinologist.

[vans1974]

Originally Posted by medicalfox

I'm getting tested for hypothyroidism today after my shift is over because I've been suffering from constant fatigue, weight gain, and I'm always cold. It's 75 degrees at work and my legs/hands are painfully cold along with having the chills. I also have other symptoms, but is there a link between hypothyroidism and bipolar? I noticed a few people here have both and I was wondering if this disease affects mania since I read it affects mood. Any information would be very helpful

From my understanding, hypothyroidism is linked to depression, not bipolar disorder.

[bumble2u]

I have lithium induced hypothyroidism. Apparently you can take synthroid and it will stabilise you. Although I have not noticed any improvement since being treated for it. Good luck.

[Moose72]

I have low thyroid and take lithium.

[Capriciousness]

My pdocs have all said that thyroid issues can cause Bipolar like symptoms so when they suspect Bipolar it is always a good idea to rule out anything else like a Thyroid condition. Being Hypothyroid and make you lethargic and depressed and being hyperthyroid can make you all amped up but uncommonly being hypothyroid can also cause what looks like manic or psychotic looking issues or can push an already manic sensitive situation in a worse situation. This is just the info that I have gotten from my docs. I am sure there is different info out there.

[Andysmom]

My understanding is that hypothyroidism mimics depression and that is one of the things that should be checked. I just went on Synthroid but I haven't noticed a difference.

[BipolaRNurse]

My pdoc is having me go in for a full set of thyroid tests. I'm always cold too, but I've been that way ever since I went through menopause. My TSH is normal and always has been, but there are other tests that are more sensitive to high or low thyroid hormone and it's those he wants to look at. Of course, we both know that even if I turn out to be hypothyroid, I'll still be bipolar. LOL

[Kristiemarie]

Haven't been here in a while but I can add my 2 cents.

I was diagnosed with Graves' disease (hyperthyroid) in 2003. It went knit remission for a long time. Diagnosed bp in 2012. Then found out about 6 months ago the graves was back. I had a total thyroidectomy and everyone hoped that maybe I wasn't bp. But I can tell you that not much has changed for me emotionally.

I think that it can mimic mental disorders but I also think that there are differences in the mental issues caused by thyroid versus true mental disorder. I am less irritable overall now. But still have swings of depression and Hypomania. I think my swings are less severe but it also could be the increase and change of meds due it my anxiety getting so bad.

Best way to tell is get your levels checked. Also remember that even if they are normal, if they aren't normal for you, you will feel like crap. Hypo or hyper.

I also think that the physical crappiness felt is different from hyper versus bp. I can't really explain it but since becoming euthyroid I still get crappy feeling when depressed just......different than before.

Point is, it takes a freakin army to diagnosis and treat you but only
YOU know what feels right. Even on a good day I'll still feel off sometimes. And even if you're powerless to stop it, you know it's not right.

Good luck!!!

[Kristiemarie]

Btw, TSH isn't always the best indicator. Please have your doc run Free T3, Free T4, TSI (if insurance will allow) and TSH.

[medicalfox]

I'm not sure which hormone they tested for, but they said I was fine (got my results this week). I'm guessing my symptoms may be from my medication. I've been trying to eat healthier in hopes of it decreasing my symptoms.