Bipolar disorder and thyroid issues

I haven't seen a doctor in a while. I am relatively healthy, but I know that I have a reason to be concerned. I have a history with high cholesterol, emotional problems, family history with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. I went to see my counselor/therapist yesterday and he told me that if I were take care of whatever possible diagnosis that I may have, namely thyroid issues, then I can take care of the bipolar and the obsessive symptoms.

Most likely I have the symptoms of hypothyroidism. I have had trouble losing weight, I have the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which has an a hormonal effect and affects my menstrual cycle, and other symptoms. Should I just do some research before contacting my doctor as far as writing down what I have?

Would the doctor have pamphlets about hypothyroidism? I have suspected that I have had this condition for a number of years and I have gained weight for a number of reasons. I have taken medication, which has increased my weight gain, poor diet, which I have corrected, (I have since lost weight, though it has been a struggle), and stress notwithstanding. Does anyone else know about the link between hypothyroidism, hormones, anxiety, and bipolar disorder?

First let me say I am no doctor, but I am suffering with all of the above. I seem to be the genetic dumping ground of the family. LOL better me than my little cousins. I know the medications that I am on can destroy your thyroid that is why I get tested three times a year. Hormones are a whole other ball game. I did a lot of talking and researching about what foods affected what hormones. what supplements that I could take and started meditative prayer and mountain biking as a stress relief. Don't be afraid to take the bull by the horns. Go to doctors ask questions. It has taken me two years of hounding my doctors and the hormones thyroid and bi polar are finally in check.

the doctor should be having you get blood tests for thyroid stimulating hormone OFTEN.

Had thyroid tested & it was underactive so on meds for that; also have bipolar & take 6 different meds for that; also have anxiety--another med...

Strange, my friend was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism and the symptoms her doctor described that resulted sounded similar to those mentioned above: mood swings, weight issues etc. I am hopeful her current treatment will alleviate those symptoms. It seems she isn't bipolar, but has an under-active thyroid. I'm no doctor but I would recommend you look into getting blood tests right away.