Connection between thyroid problems and MC ?

[Lilja]

Hello,

I wonder if there is any link between our thyroid gland and our gut problems?

I am new on this forum, and have not had the time to read all threads.

As a person with gut problems, where there are no clear cut/definite answers and solutions, one starts searching for answers - or quick fixes...

I have had collagenous colitis since 2010, and suffer from diahrrea that can last for up till 7 months, and then just disappear...

After having read some of the topics at this forum, I started wondering if I might have an endocrine problem.

So, for the next appointment with my GP I will ask for a thyriod test.

Here in Norway, I have visited a ME-forum (Myalgic encefalomyelitt/encefalopaty), where people struggling with ME are very preoccupied with having the "right" test for their thyriod gland.

What is the "right" thyriod test?

I would be very grateful to know the key factor, since there is some discussion as to what is the right test, at least here in Norway.

I would be grateful for all input
Lilja

[Deb]

Lilha, Tex says that polls here indicated we (with MC) are seven times more likely to have thyroid issues. I am included in those numbers.
This site www.stopthethyroidmadness.com has a lot of info as far as which tests are important and where you can order tests (hopefully even in Norway).
Good luck! Deb

[tex]

Hi Lilja,

Yes, as Deb mentioned, we are approximately 7 times as likely as someone in the general population to have thyroid problems, and that is an extremely high correlation, since it translates to a probability of 700 % times the norm.

Here's a link to an informal survey of the members here:

Poll About Thyroid Issues

What is the "right" thyriod test?

That's a very good question. The endocrinologists believe that it is the TSH test (thyroid stimulating hormone), but IMO, the most important test is the Free T4 test, and second to that is the Free T3 test. For example, I am hypothyroid, but my TSH was normal. My Free T4 was below range though, and when that happens, doctors who know how to treat uncommon thyroid problems, treat the Free T4 and ignore the TSH results. Some old traditional doctors are still willing to do that. Most endocrinologists though, go by the book and the problem is that they use an outdated book. These days, my TSH is way below range, so any doctor who goes by it would say that I'm hyperthyroid. I'm not though, because my Free T4 is still either below range, or at the bottom of the normal range. My Free T3 is normal.

Many of us seem to be in a similar situation, with "normal" TSH results, but we have hypothyroid symptoms (because our Free T4 or Free T3 is below range. And most endocrinologists are not willing (or don't know how) to treat such patients.

Tex

[Lilja]

Thank you, Tex and Deb! Now I have a better understanding. But, I must say endocrinology is not easy to understand

Lilja