Enlarged Thyroid?

[hols537]

Ugg. I went to my primary today because I'm struggling with my migraines. He found that my BP is high again 137/97 (I have a headache, so not shocking) and that I have an enlarged thyroid. I recall reading something about thyroid and PE, but wasn't sure if this was potentially connected...anyone have this?

[joker]

Thyroid issues are autoimmune issues so can definitely can contribute to PE. I have both anitbodies for both Graves & Hashimoto's disease, but right now my thyroid functions normally. During pg I was on synthroid to keep it functioning normally.

[hols537]

Well, that explains what he was talking about when he said he would be looking for "antibodies" in the bloodwork.

[caryn]

Holly, the data are showing a [url="http://www.preeclampsia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=37304"]correlation between PE and later onset of hypothyroid[/url], and I know we've any number of posters with enlarged thyroid or thyroid symptoms.

Thyroids break really easily. They just do. We've got an awesome fix for that -- synthroid -- so they should be able to do a good workup and fix any problems they find.

[hols537]

My mom is hypothyroid...

Are enlarged thyroids always *something* or could this just be my bad luck to have been at the doctor today?

[joker]

Usually an enlarged thyroid is can be a sign of thyroid dysfunction down the line, as I understand it. It is usually referred to as a goiter.

[alviarin]

Hypothyroidism runs in my family, and my goiter or enlarged thyroid gland shrank back after I started thyroid meds.

A goiter usually it means your thyroid gland is working overtime (making too much hormone, or struggling to make enough). I'm glad your doctor is running labs.

[hols537]

Thanks everyone. I have to get an ultrasound soon. I guess I'll know what's up in a few days, but it sounds like something's broken. On the plus side, I now know that a lot of things I've been attributing to "getting old" could actually be caused by a thyroid malfunction...it will be interesting. Thank again!

[hols537]

My bloodwork was normal but there were some "nodules" and now I have to get a biopsy. Anyone had one of those?

[alviarin]

Sorry I've never had one myself but I've known a couple people that had fine-needle biopsies done. I don't know if this helps but from what they said it sounded fairly quick and painless.

One of the two had her nodules shrink after starting thyroid meds.

Different docs have different definitions of what is normal, thyroid-wise so treatment can vary from doctor to doctor. I always get copies of my lab results so I know the actual numbers. The AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists) recommends that doctors consider treatment if the TSH is 3.0 mIU/L or above.

Let us know what you find out.