[reina29]

If you are dealing with depression and hypothyroid, how many believe they are dependent on the other? I was depressed long before I was diagnosed as hypo but it seemed my depression improved somewhat when my blood levels were ok. Here's the dilemma - do I go get my thyroid tested again or do I go to adjust (restart) my depression meds?

Another little question: My bbt (body basal temp) has dropped about a full degree in the last two months and now is consistently lower than it was. (I temp for contraceptive purposes so I take my temp everyday) Does that mean that my thyroid might be off again? The blood tests are so darn expensive.

[lynn P.]

Hi Reina29,
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism since I was 18 and that was thirty years ago. My edocrinologist told me that mine was caused by an auto immune disorder. I have it's tested every year with a bloodtest. I take a daily supplement everyday. I think if a person is low on thyroid it can cause depression. I think you should get tested yearly, even if it's expensive - you're worth it. That's one good thingabout Canada, is it's free.

[Peppermint_Patty]

Hi Reina,

Originally Posted by reina29

If you are dealing with depression and hypothyroid, how many believe they are dependent on the other? I was depressed long before I was diagnosed as hypo but it seemed my depression improved somewhat when my blood levels were ok. Here's the dilemma - do I go get my thyroid tested again or do I go to adjust (restart) my depression meds?

Another little question: My bbt (body basal temp) has dropped about a full degree in the last two months and now is consistently lower than it was. (I temp for contraceptive purposes so I take my temp everyday) Does that mean that my thyroid might be off again? The blood tests are so darn expensive.

Are you covered by any health insurance at all?

I live in Ohio and I have an HSA plan through Anthem. My blood tests to check my thyroid (my Primary likes to check it every 6 months) are only about $15 after my insurance discounts everything.

Anyway... I realize that healthcare is expensive, but you need to get regular blood tests done with regards to your hypothyroidism. You also need to stay on your thyroid meds and get another prescription from your doctor when your thyroid medication runs out.

I say this, because going off your thyroid meds could be potentially dangerous. Some people who are severely hypothyroid can go into a coma. Other individuals, with more milder cases, can see their cholesterol levels rise into a dangerous range.

Anyway... good luck to you.

Peppermint Patty

[skeeweeaka]

Originally Posted by reina29

If you are dealing with depression and hypothyroid, how many believe they are dependent on the other? I was depressed long before I was diagnosed as hypo but it seemed my depression improved somewhat when my blood levels were ok. Here's the dilemma - do I go get my thyroid tested again or do I go to adjust (restart) my depression meds?

Another little question: My bbt (body basal temp) has dropped about a full degree in the last two months and now is consistently lower than it was. (I temp for contraceptive purposes so I take my temp everyday) Does that mean that my thyroid might be off again? The blood tests are so darn expensive.

They are definitely related. There are many women with thyroid problems who suffer from depression. If your body temperature has dropped, that indicates that your meds are not working properly so you may need to have your dose corrected.

TJ

[Miri]

understand that BMR/body temp can indicate hypothyroidism, but i just got tested (regular check) and my body temp is consistently a couple of degrees low. My doc says he doesn't know why, so I'd be careful about treating yourself the way you seem to be tempted to do. I don't have to worry about paying for health care (Canada) but i do know what it is like to be broke, so i am truly sympathetic, but hormones are very tricky and you really can't judge your own situation by others' experiences. I've been in major depression for over two years now and am treatment resistent. In January, i was on antidepressants and we discovered my thyroid meds were too high, so my doc dropped me a bit. At the end of April, i had been off all antidepressants for two months and my thyroid level was good. He keeps me a little on the high side to help with depression, but honestly, I'm not convinced it has made any difference. When my level was too high, the only thing it affected was being too hot and having my heart pounding all the time. This is not something to second guess. Please, find a way to ge the blood test.

[ECHOES]

Since you know you feel depressed when you are hypothyroid, and since you can't know if you are without the thyroid tests, I think it makes sense to start there. I suspect that once you are back on your thyroid meds regularly your depression lessen and your bbt will normalize. Another symptom of hypothyroidism, besides depression, is feeling cold and I don't know but I would assume then the bbt is affected.

My thyroid med through Walmart is $4 a month and less for a 3-month supply.

[Slothrop]

The answer to your subject line is yes.

I am one more person with hypothyroidism and depression (the main aspect of my bipolar II).

As a bonus, I have inflammatory bowel disease, another autoimmune illness.

I agree with the other folks that you'll need to get your blood checked again. Otherwise it's an uphill battle for the antidepressants to work.

[skeeweeaka]

Originally Posted by Slothrop

The answer to your subject line is yes.

I am one more person with hypothyroidism and depression (the main aspect of my bipolar II).

As a bonus, I have inflammatory bowel disease, another autoimmune illness.

I agree with the other folks that you'll need to get your blood checked again. Otherwise it's an uphill battle for the antidepressants to work.

Yes, seems to go hand-in-hand with many who suffer from hypo... My sister has a goiter and is hyper and is suffering from heart disease right now which I think is a result of an improperly treated goiter.

TJ