Had all the usual symptoms and asked the doctor for a blood test because I was concerned it could be my thyroid. Doctor said “your thyroid is fine” and she refused to do bloodwork. Year later I was worse and went to doctor number two who told me you don’t need bloodwork, your problem is you need to quit smoking. He said he wouldn’t need to check because….”your thyroid is fine”! Moved to a different state and symptoms were getting even worse and upon arrival at doctor number three I said I had looked up my symptoms and I’ve narrowed it down to my thyroid and I need you to check it because I’m getting concerned. After he told me “everyone thinks they’re a doctor these days” and upon him telling me I need to exercise I told him I thought he was wrong and left. I went to Dr. Number 4 and I told her it’s been 7 years (yes 7 years) since I noticed something was wrong and it’s gotten to the point where I can’t stand to be in 40 degree temperatures, I sleep all day and I can barely lift a cup of coffee because it weighs too much. She said your thyroid is fine so I told her if you don’t test my thyroid, you’ll never see me again. She drew blood and sent it off to check it. Two days later she calls me up and says (like it was a total surprise) “your thyroid is off and I’d like to do a more comprehensive test” I went back and the next test was very far off and I’m now on thyroid meds for the rest of my life. Unfortunately my hair never grew back, my muscles never regained full strength, my sleep pattern has been destroyed but I’m alive. I hate doctors who think they are all wise and I’ve never forgiven those four doctors. If you feel something is off keep pushing because doctors don’t know everything and it might just save your life.
I just got blood work done and they said they need me to come back for more blood to double check but my hc1 or whatever from my thyroid was low I'm currently waiting for a phone call for my test results and like you I started feeling down and it's gotten worse I'm sorry what happened with you I'm hoping mine gets under control soon after I get put on meds
I saw my GP over a period of 12 years who refused to do blood tests saying everyone overweight thinks they have an under active thyroid. It was only spotted when we had family genetic testing for something else it was spotted
The TSH only test is useless especially if you are taking a natural thyroid replacement which can shut down the Thyroid pituitary feed back loop. Free t3 and free t4 should be the tests that you look at. TSH only doctors just keep people sick!! For 20 years they only did TSH ( which was always normal)until they ruined my health. Also, t4 is not always a good option. Many people don’t convert t4 well and feel horrible on it.
"easy to fix" NEVER have heard that one before. Not by anyone who is experiencing it that's for sure. No one feels "fixed". Synthroid gives me instant anxiety and scary heart palpatations I did not have before. I preferred how I felt before that drug tbh.
@@ksharpe8137 Thanks for replying! A few years ago I was put on a very low dose of the same medication. (12 mgs per day!) But then after about a year, I developed AFib and my cardiologist told me to discontinue taking that medication as I did not need it!? Sooo, it makes me wonder if sometimes the blood work gets fuzzy and fluctuates?🤔
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 hi there! Are you sure you weren’t on the T3 thyroid meds? That can certainly cause palpitations and such if you get too much. I’ve never heard of that happening with the T4 medication. Maybe you could look back and see if the Levothyroxin was actually what you were on? If so, I’ve never heard of that but that’s not to say it couldn’t. Or, maybe your thyroid wasn’t under active any longer so you didn’t need it anymore? I just know I’ve never had an issue with mine. But, hopefully you’re feeling better.
@@TalkingWithDocs Addison's Disease would be a great one, pulling in cortisol issues in general. Love what all of you guys do! Many many thanks from Ireland 💞☘
I was diagnosed in 2020-after pretty suddenly having joint issues so painful I was debilitated -and my hair was falling out The endocrinologist wanted to put me on the medicines, but I researched and researched and came up with the idea that my gut biome was off and gluten would be a key factor and that can give me that condition, so I changed my diet and took supplements to balance, my gut biome, and within six months my symptoms were all gone and I was tested again at her insistence and my test came out virtually normal and that was four years ago and I follow the same routine and every year now -its annual I test normal ! You’d be surprised how many diseases start from our gut, which is our largest immune organ
I hope our two fab docs really appreciate how lucky they are to be working with someone of the caliber of Dr. Cheng. She is truly an asset to this channel. Somehow I think they do..
Thank you Doctors. I was diagnosed with Hypothryoidism 3 years ago. I initially went to see my doctor because I was sooooo exhausted and sleeping all the time. When we got the results back from the blood test, there you go - underactive. I've been taking Levothyroxine ever since.
Levothyroxine which targets the T4, has not helped me. My T3 remains low so the conversion is not taking place or being absorbed into my cells. I have virtually every symptom of hypothyroidism you mentioned. I had better results with Armour Thyroid which affects both T4 and T3, but since it is more natural and more difficult to adjust the level, doctors and insurance companies balk at patients taking it. I’ve now been taking Levothyroxine at different doses for over 15 years, and it isn’t helping.
I am on NP thyroid medicine. Been on it for a while now. It works so much better for me. I also am on another medication since I have Hashimoto. The two together make me feel normal again. I also have to take medication for low cortisol. I really am lucky my doctor has done wonders at making me feel normal again. I haven’t had to change my dosage either. Seems to be just right.
@@logicrealitytruth What will help is to switch to Armour, or add synthetic T3 to your regimen. A healthy thyroid also produces around 10mg daily of T3 directly, not from conversion. And, most doctors of all kinds are thyroid stupid and test wrong, often over prescribing T4 dose. You are probably taking too much T4 and no T3. A lot of people with inflammation do not convert T4 to T3 well, so then you would actually need more T3. Please keep trying to find a thyroid smart doc. And there are many patient groups who keep up on the science, and can help you. Apparently endo's do not keep up, and even when faced with new information, they are not open to it and keep the worst practices. Not only is thyroid disease rampant, but treating them wrong is also rampant. Its criminal to me. What happens is the patient looks elsewhere and goes down rabbit hole after rabbit hole, thinking well my thyroid is treated, has to be something else. Most often it IS THE THYROID and the testing and dosing is being done in a most lazy, incorrect way. Also, there is a very close relationship to your serum iron levels and your thyroid. Please get check for anemia. That's serum iron, not ferritin, which is stored iron.
Special thank you to Dr Cheng! Checking Thyroid function by blood test should be standard annual test. Hypothyroidism often gets missed. Lived many years with the symptoms complaining of exhaustion to regular GP ( age 35) was told my symptoms were because I was a tired MOM...At 40 yrs old a " woman" GP discovered my goiter by palpitation. The reflex in my ankles was not apparent by then. Woman especially, should not disregard " being tired" Thanks for the video, once again. Very informative.
Unfortunately they change the ranges which we get diagnosed on, both myself and my daughter diagnosed on different ranges, even though at my range her results were abnormal, and our doctor knowing it was in both sides of mine and her dad’s families. She was diagnosed 5 years after me on a worse range.
I have had hypothyroid for decades with a few periods of my dosage being too high and being hyper..both have downsides, but to me one of the worst things are the lack of understanding from the gp; when my thyroid was high, they would congratulate me thinking I was doing something to lose when, in fact, I was eating quite a lot to attempt to avoid shrinking altogether; when I gained, they would comment that I should work out and eat better, when in fact, I never neglected a workout and rarely ate sugary or fried foods and cooked for myself. Many people also do not know that things like stress and grief also knock the thyroid one way (up or down) or other, and in the same vein as when a bipolar person drinks, one never knows which was it will send the thyroid! I appreciate the good docs bringing the thyroid to the public; hopefully people will understand that hypo (and hyper which my ex suffered from) is a real thing! Thanks docs! P.s. I do wonder if the environment can also affect thyroid.
I also have many ups and downs. I started at 125 levotyroxin and ended up at 77. I had major head problems in between all of this and diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis as well. I went through several bad years and seem to be ok. I also take RA meds which are quite nasty. I have ups and downs regularly and I wish there was a cure but there is not. I always wonder if some meds are worse than the disease. I’m truly not convinced yet.
This may have been mentioned, but hypothyroidism can be triggered by pregnancy / childbirth. This happened to me and it is especially insidious when it happens to new mothers, who already are exhausted, have brain fog, etc. It never hurts to ask your doctor if your thyroid might be the problem. When I finally started on levothyroxine, it took a few weeks to feel better, then I couldn’t imagine how I got through before treatment.
Yes, I just ready about this yesterday. Med Journal says hypo can start even a year after the pregnancy. I wasnt diagnosed w hypo till 3 yrs after my only pregnancy. However, my symptoms began approx 12 months after. Dr's missed it & just told me I had chronic fatigue syndrome which led me to resigning from my great new job because I only got worse without appropriate treatment.
The fact that symptoms occur slowly over time makes so much sense. The past year I've had odd dry skin patches appear and disappear, I'm cold all the time, weight gain of about 30 pounds, my hairs' texture has changed, I've had insane stomach problems and I am exhausted. All the while I've been telling myself I'm just lazy and need to get it together... Fortunately I don't have a goiter! 2 days ago I got lab results from my blood work and I found out I had hypothyroidism! It was, oddly, a nice surprise realizing I wasn't lazy or going crazy. I am now exploring the idea of medication as I would like to get back to feeling myself😅
The fatigue that comes on from underactive thyroid is WILD.... I think I've felt a low energy for a while but also just growing up i've never been like a typical hyperactive type of child... but about 3yrs ago my doctor had sent me for blood tests (I don't remember if maybe I had said I was a little tired or he just wanted like a "general checkup") but he had ordered my bloods I think mostly Iron and maybe Vitamins and my results came back with low iron (which I have been told before and as someone who doesn't love steak I'm not very surprised by lol) and also low B12 ... I ended up having to get 3 shots 2 weeks in between each and then some time after (maybe 3mths?) he sent me for blood tests again to check my B12 and I think this time he may have added thyroid to the checklist and he did mention it being a little low... and then I had to go back again I think in like 2 weeks or something just to check the levels again but this time he must have been okay with the levels.... I was meant to go back in a year for like yearly general health checkups again but around that time I had quit the job I was at and found myself working two new jobs and "had no time" (even though it was constantly on my mind to go back because of low iron/low B12 history) then I decided to quit one job (which was probably a lucky decision really) and then this year I had seen a psychic who also actually has hypothyroidism herself which I didn't know until she told me but she had said something to me about getting my blood checked or something and also because I did end up saying "yeah I know I want to because iron, B12 has been low in the past and also I feel quite fatigued especially noticably since covid last year and I've been wanting to find out like if something is wrong or if its maybe just long covid" and thats when she ended up telling me about her hypothyroidism and that apparently quite often low B12 can be a bit of an additional warning sign ... well that was enough to light the fire under my butt I walked into the drs that week to make my appointment to get blood tests then I went to the place for my blood drawn for the tests the next day and then I went in the drs the following week and the dr looked at the results and was like "I'm giving you medication" .... OOPS! I feel really bad that I let myself down like that especially since I had kind of had a warning really even from the "original" blood tests but also like you.... I was glad to know that I wasn't suddenly SUPER lazy ... and I was glad the medicine within like 3 days had stopped me from feeling like I was actually going to fall asleep coming home from work.... that said I just had like the 3/4mth progress checkup for how my meds/thyroid levels were going just 2.5 wks ago and my thyroid levels are still lol (so I think the boost helped me and I was probably worse than I thought so it felt like a huge change but not completely - I had started feeling a little more easily drained as well) so now I have to double my daily dose on the weekends and see how that goes in another 4 mths or 6mths I forget how long he said now lol. I was a bit concerned about how that would like last through the week and such but watching this video and seeing that it sort of lasts a while in the system kind of gives me that little bit of sense of "oh okay it'll be fine when it like builds up and circulates then" sort of lol.
Hey Docs can you get into the thyroid thing more ? I had my thyroid removed with radioactive iodine years ago (28) and still take meds but don’t feel that much better, in the last year I’ve just lost the weight I think because of Covid .
An excellent explanation by Dr Cheng on the nature, causes, symptoms and treatment of hypothyroidism in response to questions put by the two fab docs. Should I be surprised that chicken wings were not mentioned? Many thanks to all three of you
I've had hypothyroidism since 1984 and had my right gland removed because of cancer. This VLOG was so helpful and informative. Thank you so much for talking about this very common health problem. It really helped me to understand my condition a lot better.
I was diagnosed with Graves Disease as well and the doctors never thought it necessary to treat my hypothyroidism until a round of Tepezza and so fatigued I could not stay awake for a full day or function normally
Dr.Alice is BRILLIANT... BRILLIANT.... BRILLIANT and so easy to understand! I am partial to Asian Doctors, and seek them out for treatment, they are the BEST of the BEST!!
I had a MI and about one month later was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. When I was diagnosed my reading was 238. The endocrinologist said it was the highest reading she had seen. By far the hypothyroid issues made me feel a lot sicker than the MI. That they fixed with stents. With hypothyroidism, even with normal levels the symptoms never go completely away.
For the patient, who knows their own body better than the doctor, the symptoms are NOT too unspecific enough to rely on. That is the reason many of us Hashimoto’s sufferers have a hard time finding a good endocrinologist, most of them just rely on blood test results and will not listen to their patient who is trying to tell the doctor they still feel like crap. Many of us with Hashimoto’s avoid endocrinologists and try to find a good internist, gynecologist or functional medicine doctor who will truly listen to us and prescribe sufficient levothyroxine to address our symptoms, not just the TSH level.
@@sickofcrap8992 That is frustrating if you wanted to see one. I had the opposite situation recently. My TSH was too high. I went to see an internist that I had seen before, but she is not my primary doctor. My main doctor had no appointments available. All I wanted was an increase in medicine, which my primary doctor would have done for me. But this internist insisted I see an endocrinologist, though I did not want to see one. I haven’t seen one in years, because my primary doctor has helped me manage my Hashimoto’s for several years now. She agrees with me that keeping the TSH 1 to 1.5 is best. But now I am stuck having to go see the endocrinologist next month. I already upped my dosage of levothyroxine myself, as I had refills still available in doses I could increase it to the next level by combining two strengths of it. I was not going to wait until the appointment with the Endo to get my TSH lowered. I have dealt with my disease long enough, I know what to do myself.
Interesting. I never knew depression was associated with hypothyroidism. I’ve been taking thyroid medication for over 40 years-have suffered all the symptoms mentioned, as well as depression. I have mostly dealt with it myself-sometimes well, sometimes not. My primary has me do regular blood tests and sometimes tweaks my prescription. I remember being very confused when once my script was decreased when my test results showed a slight decrease of the hormone. The poor nurse tried explaining it to me a couple of times. Ugh. Very informative video. Thank you.
Wouldn't you think that if the dr got you to optimal thyroid levels all those horrible symptoms would go away?? They should be completely gone as every single cell in the body requires optimal levels of thyroid hormone to function optimally...hmmmm...
Very simplified explanation and treatment approach that many doctors use but is not the best for patients. There are many different thyroid levels that need to be checked to keep your thyroid levels at optimum. Your body could be having problems converting the T4 to T3 due to problems such as leaky gut or inflammation. Find a thyroid specialist and educate yourself on the condition because most doctors just use the above protocol and it does not resolve symptoms.
Wow! Love the talk between these great doctors. I've learned so much more from this talk than through endless hours of lectures and readings! Thank you :)
Thank you Dr Cheng for your wonderful explanation of this disorder. I've known many women who wonder if they have this. I'll make sure to pass it along 😊👍
I am a t2 diabetic for 35 years. Was not chubby or out of shape. Was not in my family history. But I have it and one of the medications I took in the beginning the dr said gave me hypothyroidism. Well that’s what I was told. I have hypothyroidism. I take Synthroid . I’ve never heard it explained like she DR Cheng explained it. I really appreciate these videos. At the time I was diagnosed with this I was working in nuclear reactors. I always wander did I get to much radiation to my thyroid. I really love all these videos y’all do. Thanks.
Dr. Cheng honestly needs her own YT channel, although someone so highly specialized and well-read on the current literature likely has no free time to create YT content. Impressive physician. Thank you for having her on your channel. Appreciate Dr. Cheng taking the time to educate the public! Thank you!
I was on levothyroxine for 3 decades with hypothyroidism. Switch to plant based diet 1.5 years ago and reversed it. No more meds. No more hypothyroidism. My doctors = minds blown
Very interesting explanation. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in December of 1992 when my daughter was several months old. Interestingly, my Levothyroxine dosage has never changed in 30 years. This condition runs in my family.
Easy to fix? I've been on meds for over 50 years and struggle constantly with all the symptoms. My TSH goes up and down sometimes monthly. I am frustrated with the lack of support for this debilitating disease. It has ruined my life. And no one seems to understand or really care. There is nothing simple about this.
Are you sure it's not Hashimoto? That's the majority of hypothyroid. Your TPO & TGB Antibodies should be ZERO. My thyroid levels were mediocre, but WOW my TGB are off the charts... No wonder I'm exhausted, freezing all the time, tinnitus, and tingling legs
They put you on meds even though you can cure it by yourself the meds just destroy your thyroid when it goes up and down you're allergic to the medication and doctors know it
@@Acts-1322tinnitus is a symptom? I’ve been told I have hypertension and never heard of those tests to rule out anything else. Have had full 24/7 tinnitus for four years now. The likelihood of having that being delt with anything other then hearing aids is 0%.
@@kandymich4861 wow that sounds awful, sorry Western medicine let you down. It does for most people. Yes I can confirm, I just asked a very knowledgeable audiologist a few days ago whether thyroid issues could be a cause and she said absolutely. Tinnitus is a warning sign, she said, that something metabolically/ internally is causing the brain to have this alarm going off. Hypertension can cause it also, yep... Or even Insulin Resistance which is often a root cause of hypertension btw.
Excellent explanation. I am hypothyroid. It was found when I had a physical for college years ago. My mother and all five of her sisters were also Hypo. In fact her one sister was so low she never grew or matured as it wasn’t found until she was an adult. Her case was written up in JAMA.
Is Dr. Chang a leukemia doctor too? My leukemia doctor was named Dr. Chang. She was wonderful too. Now I have hypothyroidism and this video and Dr. Chang's explanation was paramount. Simple and clear. Thank you Dr. Chang!
Awesome video Thank you , yes everything is interactive in our endocrine system. Would love a video on the parathyroids & the interactions between them & the rest of our systems. ❤
Can You please let us know the connection and other autoimmun diseases. Is there other diseases that we should be aware of, and keep our eyes open for? I hear a lot about the disorder I’ve been diagnosed of like Fibromyalgia, diabetes type 2, Autism and they are mentioned in the same sentence as hypothyroidism. I’ve also heard that there is a little difference with hypothyroidism that You’re born with (like I am) and the one You get later. Is that true? Should I tell doctors that, or isn’t it necessary?
Thank you Dr Cheng. I have Hypothyroidism caused by Hypopituitarism caused by Sheehan syndrome. Unfortunately, it wasn't diagnosed for a number of years after several hospitalizations. So thankful for the Internist doctor that discovered the cause, for Synthroid and Prednisone meds that have kept me stable for many years.
Dr. Cheng explained things so well and was easy to understand. I liked what she said regarding blood work. Everyone can feel tired or have symptoms that mimic Thyroid issues (like menopause) but the bloodwork will give them an indication of what to address or what other follow-up tests to do.
Very interesting and informative video! My sister has been on thyroid medication ever since I can remember. She also has tests done periodically to see if there are any changes. From my understanding, she will always be on thyroid medication. I've been tested a few times (usually when I have new symptoms and the doctors are trying to rule out different diagnoses) but there have never been any indications of a problem with my thyroid. What I gather from the other comments, if one daughter has thyroid problems, then generally all females of the same family will have thyroid problems. I consider myself lucky, being the baby of the family, not to have any issues with my thyroid. This was a wonderful collaboration and a great explanation of how the thyroid works! 👍 I love how you doctors are always giving us such useful information to bring awareness! You speak to us in terms we can understand and you throw in humor so you're not too intense. You actually make learning fun! Thanks for sharing another great video!
A specialist dentist told me everything my mum has I will have. My mum was symptomatic with hypothyroidism, my daughter has it, check your fingernails for ridges and if the rest of your family, which could be maternal and paternal it’s likely you have it too. You may not get diagnosed because they change the ranges for diagnosis, at various times. Both me and my daughter were diagnosed on different ranges, hers was a worse range than mine. For eg mine range was ft4 (12 to 22) , I was diagnosed on the 12, my daughter ft4 (9 to 19) hers on the 9. There’s a tsh range as well but I don’t know it. The ranges even vary in different countries.
Yep mine was hereditary, my paternal grandmother had a goiter, she was born in 1891. My Dad told me to keep an eye on mine once I was 18. Fast forward at 46 my PA felt the nodules on my Left lobe. We monitored for 3 yrs and then I saw in the mirror one day the lump in my left lobe. Called Dr, he set up tests, then came the surgeon. We took the lobe out in 2009. And Life has been hell ever since. Numbers are good? I'm on Synthroid but I still have hair loss, low temperature, dry skin, fatigue, can't keep weight off, and puffy face. Had my droopy eye lids fixed 4 yrs ago. I really miss my old self😢
Talking with Docs ... almost makes me want to go back to school (or the medical office). Nahhhhh... You make learning so much fun and so enjoyable. School would never measure up (nor the office).
well explained. im getting labwork done thursday to test for this because my doctor has a large suspicion I have this. i have most of the symptoms and three generations above me all have history of hypo and hyperthyroidism… it honestly feels awful being sleepy all the time no matter how much sleep you get and being super sensitive to the heat/cold, as well as having a lot of trouble thinking. i was worried at first but seeing how many people experience similar symptoms and have this makes me feel safer. the symptoms have been coming on since the start of summer and just not being able to think during the day makes it hard. thank you doctor
Thanks so much for this very informative segment on our thyroid! I now have a much fuller understanding of how the thyroid, pituitary gland and the T's work together. I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism after hovering 'in the middle' for many years. Interestingly, most thyroid meds contain lactose, which I'm allergic to ... and trying Cytomel for a few days resulted in wicked eye pain and headaches. Still working on finding a med I can tolerate. Love the TWD Docs! 😊
Glad I'm not the only one whom caught her saying T4, T3.. Rather than the other way around.. But yes, thank you very much, as I have family members with Hypothyroidism.
@@TalkingWithDocs Of course it was, as she explains, later on in the video. It's how they teach you, and you in turn remember. At least for testing purposes.. 😁
I have read that there is a rise in colon cancer in younger people (less than say 50 years of age). Could you find someone who may be able to address this and shed some light on this trend if it does exist? Thanks again for the amazing job of educating the public.
Dr Chang I truly wish. Y0u could please train all doctors around the globe.. I have hoshimoto and the tiredness etc is endless.yet I’m doing all I can to feel better
Some people can actually get off thyroid medication because they were misdiagnosed to begin with. People take herbs they add iodine, they go low carbs just like they could be gluten and never know it and then some people have to be treated for life, but there is always a chance you might get lucky and your thyroid might start making it again on its own. it’s always nice if it does but that’s not always a for sure thing. Great video! Also, do not take iodine if you are on thyroid medication. I keep on seeing people asking if they can take iodine while being on thyroid medication.
Great explanation of hypothyroidism. I have hypothyroidism due to surgical removal of my thyroid. Would love to hear about Hyperthyroidism. I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease over 20 years ago. Was able to manage it for quite a few years before surgery was recommended. Also I wish you had talked a little more about it being an inherited trait. I have two sisters and all three of us have had our thyroids removed. Also I have one daughter who also had graves. It can really run rampant through a family and seems to effect women more then men
Doctors love treating symptoms instead of trying to figure out what’s the root cause. I had a baby and was on an injection while pregnant to prevent premature labor. My body went into a tail spin afterwards. At some point my white blood cell court was elevated. Hair loss, extreme fatigue, fogginess, I’ve always been cold so I’m not sure about that one, and my blood pressure is all of a sudden elevated despite me having a fairly good diet. I’m Black so doctors are like “family history? Okay well that explains everything!” I can’t even exercise because I get worn out in minutes and everything starts to hurt. They gave me blood pressure meds and told me to change my diet. I’m gonna buy a thyroid kit online to check for myself before I go back to another doctor.
Great video but left with a few questions that I wish were covered. 1. What are the baseline numbers that they look at in blood work. 2. Instead of popping pills, is there a natural approach, food? For myself, who is boarderline hypo due to menopause my Dr said the risks of putting "older" women on meds has more risks then living with hypo. Definitely a consusing subject for the average person. PS you guys are the best and thanks for every video you do!!!
Hi Rosanne. They would likely start with your TSH level. And unless you had issues secondary to iodine deficiency which is unheard of in the developed world , unfortunately no diet can’t help you
Thank you Docs. My symptoms were leg cramps. Once on medication, poof their gone. Magic pill. Been on med's for 12 years with an increase once. No side effects. Cheers.
Only ever seen gp who just writes a new script and never seen an endocrinologist,now got coeliacs and gluten ataxia as well never felt taking thyroxine made me feel any better .
Love the info~ I have hypothyroidism I do not like the heat , but I do know why I get cold so easy ( now) ~ although I love cold weather & rain , been loving our weather her in L.A. this year ~ we actually have had a winter here, I also have Vitiligo as well 😔
I would love to sit in one of Dr. Cheng's lectures! Hypothyroidism is hereditary for me. Would love to know why natural source ( desiccated pig thyroid) had been discontinued. Was a much better source of T4, and I took less. The synthetic isn't as good. I felt better, which is hard to explain. Keep the topics coming guys!
Natural thyroid hormone has NOT been discontinued. Armour thyroid and Nature Throid hormone are still available for those who prefer the natural (porcine derived) thyroid hormone as opposed to the synthetic (Synthroid/Levothyroxine) one. If your doctor has said otherwise, he/she is not telling you the truth. Not everyone who takes Synthroid gets optimum effect, for reasons which, strangely, no endocrinologist seems to want to address. I've been on Synthroid for several decades, and while it has lowered my TSH levels, it has not markedly improved my continuing symptoms of dry skin, water retention, thinning hair, and elimination of my goitre. I feel that Dr. Cheng is glossing over the many complications of underactive thyroid despite hormone replacement, and how the autoimmune factors at play may still be affecting the patient as well as the possibility of conversion issues. As well, she fails to mention the other thyroid hormones, such as T1 and T2 and their roles in thyroid function. There is the option of augmenting the sole T4 Synthroid with Cytomel (T3) which may give a more comprehensive treatment when T4 alone is not adequate. I am aware that T3 dosage must be carefully titrated and potential side effects monitored. It would be best to be completely forthcoming with ALL information regarding hypothyroidism, rather than oversimplifying the condition and leaving out pertinent information, which does not serve patients dealing with this condition.
@SA DEE my doctor is not the problem here, in fact she would happily prescribe the natural source. My problem is the pharmacies around me who say they can't get it anymore.
I think the issues with natural pig thyroid or Armour, or NP Thyroid is not that it has been discontinued by manufacturers but is an issue if supply availability. I had issues a few years ago with Armour not available at my usual pharmacy and at first was told it was discontinued. Then it became available again thru my pharmacy. Then later my pharmacy started getting me NP Thyroid instead and that is what I currently use. Maybe it depends on your location? I am in southern Calif.
That was the BEST explanation of hypothyroidism I've ever heard!! THANK YOU!! I take Synthroid as the generic doesn't work for me. Is there a genetic component? My mom, sister and I all have hypothyroidism.
40+ years of symptoms, substantial family history of thyroid issues, thyroid nodules dx for over 30 years, and it was a psychologist who sent me to an endocrinologist - as a result a neuro-psych exam from long Covid referral.
That’s hasimotos and it sucks. Even with synthroid flare ups are common. A lot of doctors don’t believe you when ur symptoms are bad but ur TSH is “fine”. I went to 3 endocrinologists, no help beyond meds. Finally, I found a functional medicine doctor and I’m finally stable with no symptoms and haven’t had a flare up in 6 months.
Great information and explanations! I would have liked for you to also discuss hyperthyroidism. I believe it is less common but I dealt with it for 20+ years before finally having a total thyroidectomy which of course makes me now have hypothyroidism.
I am Hypothyroid, I'm taking Levothyroxine for years now. I feel tired and sleepy all the time. My Dr. Says everything is fine, when I don't feel FINE. I wish I felt better. And Since my husband passed I have lost weight, I can't seem to gain any weight. I'm 5'8" and
That was fascinating. Thankyou. One thing that I'm impressed by, being an actor, is that this presentation was done in one take, so far as I could tell. Many of these videos are evidently one take. You should re-title your channel, 'Talking with The One-Take Docs.' Just a thought.
Thanks Dan - and from an expert. Yes 99% one take. Except the laughing video. Check it out Need A Laugh? Watch This. Surgeons Can’t Stop Laughing th-cam.com/video/FmucheLjBsE/w-d-xo.html
@@TalkingWithDocs this was quite funny. It’s happened to me on set when I was so exhausted, got bit by the funny monkey and just couldn’t stop laughing. In one instance we had to wrap for another day,
I was in talks to get a heart transplant because I was reporting being so tired and sleepy and not alert all day and cold etc (I have a heart condition). I was really upset and depressed when they said it was heart failure. One blood panel later they came back and said oh it might just be your thyroid levels. I've been on levothyroxine for 2 years now and have never felt healthier. 😊
Very interesting, concise, and educational video. How about asking the Endocrinologist to do a video on the often misunderstood hyperparathyroidism disease, symptoms, surgical cure, and recovery? I was undiagnosed for 6 years and had a parathyroidectomy in April 2024. There are so many who remain undiagnosed and feel so sick. However, testing of blood calcium and PTH can quickly diagnose the disease. For the first time in years, I feel healthy.
Thanks for the explanation. I've been seeing my Endocrinologist now for over 5 years and he never explained what was going on with my thyroid other than that I had hypothyroidism and needed to be on levothyroxine, and I needed to have a ultrasound every 6 months because I had nodules and a goiter. Now, thanks to you I am better informed as to what is going on with me and why I need medication.
Hey Docs, My dog was just diagnose with hypothyroidism, last month. No joke. Vet and the pharmisist both said it is like treating a human only the pill dosing is very different.
What a great simple & informative video. Thank you. If my GP explained it as easy as you I would of felt much better ... I've had this for about 20years
A Very Well Articulated Explanation of Hypothyroidism !!! I have been on Synthroid or Levothyroxine for almost 40 yrs and know when my body needs an adjustment dose....You just don't feel right 🤔
Thank you so much. My doctor is going to do a second blood test on me next month to see if my thyroid is still acting up. He said it is common for it to be sluggish and then work properly.
I've had Hashimotoes for 17 years. It took 16 years to find a Dr that could help me. Run to a Hormone Dr. I only take T3 and Testosterone..LDN...and Adrenal supplements. I've lost almost all the weight I gained and I feel a lot better. I'll never go back to an Endocrinologist again.
I would be pulling my hair out about now if I had enough to pull out. Been dealing with inept doctors following gov guidelines for over 40 years now and still my thyroid is not right. I’ve gotten as far as the t3 reverse test being abnormal and suspect that the t3 is not being converted from the t4 that my body produces. I’m on . 25 Synthroid and it simply is not working. I am now in congestive heart failure, low iron, Anemic, my body can’t seem to even move, my muscles are bad, cannot even hold onto anything, can barely walk, the list goes on and on. And just think had any of my doctors taken the time to address my concerns, I might be a lot healthier. Sadly I have lost confidence in the doctors today, and seeking holistic treatment. I came on here for the first time because this is the only place doctors seem to care. My thanks to you for your video.
I’ve had thyroid issues all my life. Wasn’t diagnosed til I was 37. Icy hands even on the hottest days. Took my husband to come with me to the GP that it was even considered for a blood test. My numbers were so bad, he thought the lab made a mistake. Sent me to another one and they were even worse! Been on Oroxine (I’m Australian) ever since. The dose has changed over the years many times, didn’t get rid of the depression, but at least the fatigue and brain fog are gone. Used to wake in the morning feeling like I had just run a marathon. Had an ultrasound of the thyroid and it is very very small. I have Hashimoto’s.
Amazing video, amazing content/channel. Professional LIKEABLE people. Thank you all for the sacrifices made in order be get so knowledgeable and then to share it with us, for free!!!! Thsnk you.
This was an overly simplified version. In my case, T4 is not being adequately converted to T3. My doctor is subscribing a combination of T4 and another medication which contains both T4 and T3. It's a balancing act which took a few years work to get it right and also could change at any time. I think I see why my insurance won't pay for the more expensive medcation. They have also heard doctors say that it's simple. Every time I have to refill there's a struggle to get what I need.
1. Levothyroxine is NOT human t4. It is synthetically made. 2. Many people have issues converting t4 to t3. Conversion happens in the liver so even mild liver issues may result in conversion issues. So that being sad, you can’t only go based on TSH. You need to make sure your provider is ordered tsh, t3, t4, reverse t3,and antibodies so you can get the FULL picture! 3. There are natural thyroid replacement prescriptions you can get that have t4 and t3 in them.
Hi Bri. What Dr Cheng meant is that levothyroxine is an exact replica of human T4 - the same molecule. As for bloodwork yes a full panel is necessary but the lion share of the info comes from the TSH. And yes there are some natural replacement options that are clinically inferior to suppplementation with levothyroxine. Thanks for sharing. All the best
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Had all the usual symptoms and asked the doctor for a blood test because I was concerned it could be my thyroid. Doctor said “your thyroid is fine” and she refused to do bloodwork. Year later I was worse and went to doctor number two who told me you don’t need bloodwork, your problem is you need to quit smoking. He said he wouldn’t need to check because….”your thyroid is fine”! Moved to a different state and symptoms were getting even worse and upon arrival at doctor number three I said I had looked up my symptoms and I’ve narrowed it down to my thyroid and I need you to check it because I’m getting concerned. After he told me “everyone thinks they’re a doctor these days” and upon him telling me I need to exercise I told him I thought he was wrong and left. I went to Dr. Number 4 and I told her it’s been 7 years (yes 7 years) since I noticed something was wrong and it’s gotten to the point where I can’t stand to be in 40 degree temperatures, I sleep all day and I can barely lift a cup of coffee because it weighs too much. She said your thyroid is fine so I told her if you don’t test my thyroid, you’ll never see me again. She drew blood and sent it off to check it. Two days later she calls me up and says (like it was a total surprise) “your thyroid is off and I’d like to do a more comprehensive test” I went back and the next test was very far off and I’m now on thyroid meds for the rest of my life. Unfortunately my hair never grew back, my muscles never regained full strength, my sleep pattern has been destroyed but I’m alive. I hate doctors who think they are all wise and I’ve never forgiven those four doctors. If you feel something is off keep pushing because doctors don’t know everything and it might just save your life.
Wow, I feel for you. Absolutely ridiculous you have had to go to many doctors. Do they not realise we know our bodies the best?
Some thing like that happened to me too 😮
I just got blood work done and they said they need me to come back for more blood to double check but my hc1 or whatever from my thyroid was low I'm currently waiting for a phone call for my test results and like you I started feeling down and it's gotten worse I'm sorry what happened with you I'm hoping mine gets under control soon after I get put on meds
I saw my GP over a period of 12 years who refused to do blood tests saying everyone overweight thinks they have an under active thyroid. It was only spotted when we had family genetic testing for something else it was spotted
The TSH only test is useless especially if you are taking a natural thyroid replacement which can shut down the Thyroid pituitary feed back loop. Free t3 and free t4 should be the tests that you look at. TSH only doctors just keep people sick!! For 20 years they only did TSH ( which was always normal)until they ruined my health. Also, t4 is not always a good option. Many people don’t convert t4 well and feel horrible on it.
I wish all doctors could explain things as simple as Dr. Cheng.
Agree!
I know.
"easy to fix" NEVER have heard that one before. Not by anyone who is experiencing it that's for sure. No one feels "fixed". Synthroid gives me instant anxiety and scary heart palpatations I did not have before. I preferred how I felt before that drug tbh.
After 40 years of thyroid issues, this is the clearest explanation I’ve ever heard. Thank you!!
Every woman in my family had hypothyroidism. I’ve been taking Levothyroxine for years and I’ve never had an issue thank goodness.
Are you on a high dose! And does the dosage change from time to time?🤔
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 I’m on 75 mcg and no, the dosage has never changed that I can remember.
@@ksharpe8137 Thanks for replying! A few years ago I was put on a very low dose of the same medication. (12 mgs per day!) But then after about a year, I developed AFib and my cardiologist told me to discontinue taking that medication as I did not need it!? Sooo, it makes me wonder if sometimes the blood work gets fuzzy and fluctuates?🤔
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 hi there! Are you sure you weren’t on the T3 thyroid meds? That can certainly cause palpitations and such if you get too much. I’ve never heard of that happening with the T4 medication. Maybe you could look back and see if the Levothyroxin was actually what you were on? If so, I’ve never heard of that but that’s not to say it couldn’t. Or, maybe your thyroid wasn’t under active any longer so you didn’t need it anymore? I just know I’ve never had an issue with mine. But, hopefully you’re feeling better.
Glad to hear it
I would love to listen to her talk more about endocrinology. Brilliant talk
We would agree Jemima
@@TalkingWithDocs Addison's Disease would be a great one, pulling in cortisol issues in general. Love what all of you guys do! Many many thanks from Ireland 💞☘
I was diagnosed in 2020-after pretty suddenly having joint issues so painful I was debilitated -and my hair was falling out
The endocrinologist wanted to put me on the medicines, but I researched and researched and came up with the idea that my gut biome was off and gluten would be a key factor and that can give me that condition, so I changed my diet and took supplements to balance, my gut biome, and within six months my symptoms were all gone and I was tested again at her insistence and my test came out virtually normal and that was four years ago and I follow the same routine and every year now -its annual
I test normal !
You’d be surprised how many diseases start from our gut, which is our largest immune organ
I hope our two fab docs really appreciate how lucky they are to be working with someone of the caliber of Dr. Cheng. She is truly an asset to this channel. Somehow I think they do..
We sure do Doug. She’s awesome!
Thank you Doctors. I was diagnosed with Hypothryoidism 3 years ago. I initially went to see my doctor because I was sooooo exhausted and sleeping all the time. When we got the results back from the blood test, there you go - underactive. I've been taking Levothyroxine ever since.
Hope it’s helped Karen
Same
Levothyroxine which targets the T4, has not helped me. My T3 remains low so the conversion is not taking place or being absorbed into my cells. I have virtually every symptom of hypothyroidism you mentioned. I had better results with Armour Thyroid which affects both T4 and T3, but since it is more natural and more difficult to adjust the level, doctors and insurance companies balk at patients taking it. I’ve now been taking Levothyroxine at different doses for over 15 years, and it isn’t helping.
I am on NP thyroid medicine. Been on it for a while now. It works so much better for me. I also am on another medication since I have Hashimoto. The two together make me feel normal again. I also have to take medication for low cortisol. I really am lucky my doctor has done wonders at making me feel normal again. I haven’t had to change my dosage either. Seems to be just right.
@@logicrealitytruth What will help is to switch to Armour, or add synthetic T3 to your regimen. A healthy thyroid also produces around 10mg daily of T3 directly, not from conversion. And, most doctors of all kinds are thyroid stupid and test wrong, often over prescribing T4 dose. You are probably taking too much T4 and no T3. A lot of people with inflammation do not convert T4 to T3 well, so then you would actually need more T3. Please keep trying to find a thyroid smart doc. And there are many patient groups who keep up on the science, and can help you. Apparently endo's do not keep up, and even when faced with new information, they are not open to it and keep the worst practices. Not only is thyroid disease rampant, but treating them wrong is also rampant. Its criminal to me. What happens is the patient looks elsewhere and goes down rabbit hole after rabbit hole, thinking well my thyroid is treated, has to be something else. Most often it IS THE THYROID and the testing and dosing is being done in a most lazy, incorrect way. Also, there is a very close relationship to your serum iron levels and your thyroid. Please get check for anemia. That's serum iron, not ferritin, which is stored iron.
Special thank you to Dr Cheng! Checking Thyroid function by blood test should be standard annual test. Hypothyroidism often gets missed. Lived many years with the symptoms complaining of exhaustion to regular GP ( age 35) was told my symptoms were because I was a tired MOM...At 40 yrs old a " woman" GP discovered my goiter by palpitation. The reflex in my ankles was not apparent by then. Woman especially, should not disregard " being tired" Thanks for the video, once again. Very informative.
Glad you liked it!
Unfortunately they change the ranges which we get diagnosed on, both myself and my daughter diagnosed on different ranges, even though at my range her results were abnormal, and our doctor knowing it was in both sides of mine and her dad’s families. She was diagnosed 5 years after me on a worse range.
I have had hypothyroid for decades with a few periods of my dosage being too high and being hyper..both have downsides, but to me one of the worst things are the lack of understanding from the gp; when my thyroid was high, they would congratulate me thinking I was doing something to lose when, in fact, I was eating quite a lot to attempt to avoid shrinking altogether; when I gained, they would comment that I should work out and eat better, when in fact, I never neglected a workout and rarely ate sugary or fried foods and cooked for myself. Many people also do not know that things like stress and grief also knock the thyroid one way (up or down) or other, and in the same vein as when a bipolar person drinks, one never knows which was it will send the thyroid! I appreciate the good docs bringing the thyroid to the public; hopefully people will understand that hypo (and hyper which my ex suffered from) is a real thing! Thanks docs! P.s. I do wonder if the environment can also affect thyroid.
Yes probably generic plus environment for sure. Like most things it seems
I also have many ups and downs. I started at 125 levotyroxin and ended up at 77. I had major head problems in between all of this and diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis as well. I went through several bad years and seem to be ok. I also take RA meds which are quite nasty. I have ups and downs regularly and I wish there was a cure but there is not. I always wonder if some meds are worse than the disease. I’m truly not convinced yet.
This may have been mentioned, but hypothyroidism can be triggered by pregnancy / childbirth. This happened to me and it is especially insidious when it happens to new mothers, who already are exhausted, have brain fog, etc. It never hurts to ask your doctor if your thyroid might be the problem. When I finally started on levothyroxine, it took a few weeks to feel better, then I couldn’t imagine how I got through before treatment.
Yes the immune system is definitely altered during pregnancy
Yes, I just ready about this yesterday. Med Journal says hypo can start even a year after the pregnancy. I wasnt diagnosed w hypo till 3 yrs after my only pregnancy. However, my symptoms began approx 12 months after. Dr's missed it & just told me I had chronic fatigue syndrome which led me to resigning from my great new job because I only got worse without appropriate treatment.
I’m jealous. Wish I could start meds
Did you under CS?
@@silviamarti5801❤
The fact that symptoms occur slowly over time makes so much sense. The past year I've had odd dry skin patches appear and disappear, I'm cold all the time, weight gain of about 30 pounds, my hairs' texture has changed, I've had insane stomach problems and I am exhausted. All the while I've been telling myself I'm just lazy and need to get it together... Fortunately I don't have a goiter!
2 days ago I got lab results from my blood work and I found out I had hypothyroidism! It was, oddly, a nice surprise realizing I wasn't lazy or going crazy. I am now exploring the idea of medication as I would like to get back to feeling myself😅
The fatigue that comes on from underactive thyroid is WILD.... I think I've felt a low energy for a while but also just growing up i've never been like a typical hyperactive type of child... but about 3yrs ago my doctor had sent me for blood tests (I don't remember if maybe I had said I was a little tired or he just wanted like a "general checkup") but he had ordered my bloods I think mostly Iron and maybe Vitamins and my results came back with low iron (which I have been told before and as someone who doesn't love steak I'm not very surprised by lol) and also low B12 ... I ended up having to get 3 shots 2 weeks in between each and then some time after (maybe 3mths?) he sent me for blood tests again to check my B12 and I think this time he may have added thyroid to the checklist and he did mention it being a little low... and then I had to go back again I think in like 2 weeks or something just to check the levels again but this time he must have been okay with the levels....
I was meant to go back in a year for like yearly general health checkups again but around that time I had quit the job I was at and found myself working two new jobs and "had no time" (even though it was constantly on my mind to go back because of low iron/low B12 history) then I decided to quit one job (which was probably a lucky decision really) and then this year I had seen a psychic who also actually has hypothyroidism herself which I didn't know until she told me but she had said something to me about getting my blood checked or something and also because I did end up saying "yeah I know I want to because iron, B12 has been low in the past and also I feel quite fatigued especially noticably since covid last year and I've been wanting to find out like if something is wrong or if its maybe just long covid" and thats when she ended up telling me about her hypothyroidism and that apparently quite often low B12 can be a bit of an additional warning sign ... well that was enough to light the fire under my butt I walked into the drs that week to make my appointment to get blood tests then I went to the place for my blood drawn for the tests the next day and then I went in the drs the following week and the dr looked at the results and was like "I'm giving you medication" ....
OOPS! I feel really bad that I let myself down like that especially since I had kind of had a warning really even from the "original" blood tests but also like you.... I was glad to know that I wasn't suddenly SUPER lazy ... and I was glad the medicine within like 3 days had stopped me from feeling like I was actually going to fall asleep coming home from work.... that said I just had like the 3/4mth progress checkup for how my meds/thyroid levels were going just 2.5 wks ago and my thyroid levels are still lol (so I think the boost helped me and I was probably worse than I thought so it felt like a huge change but not completely - I had started feeling a little more easily drained as well) so now I have to double my daily dose on the weekends and see how that goes in another 4 mths or 6mths I forget how long he said now lol. I was a bit concerned about how that would like last through the week and such but watching this video and seeing that it sort of lasts a while in the system kind of gives me that little bit of sense of "oh okay it'll be fine when it like builds up and circulates then" sort of lol.
I've had the goiter, the radioactive iodine and still take meds, have trouble off/ on. Weight is up/ down, anxiety. It never ends.
Hey Docs can you get into the thyroid thing more ? I had my thyroid removed with radioactive iodine years ago (28) and still take meds but don’t feel that much better, in the last year I’ve just lost the weight I think because of Covid .
An excellent explanation by Dr Cheng on the nature, causes, symptoms and treatment of hypothyroidism in response to questions put by the two fab docs. Should I be surprised that chicken wings were not mentioned? Many thanks to all three of you
Ha David. Zalzal still searching - desperately mind you - to find a health benefit!
Love the way Dr. Cheng uses day to day examples to help explain the system. Thanks doctors. Keep up the great work in educating us all.
Uses the terminology well does she actually implement any of them … bet not!
Glad you like them!
That’s weird to say Grace
I've had hypothyroidism since 1984 and had my right gland removed because of cancer. This VLOG was so helpful and informative. Thank you so much for talking about this very common health problem. It really helped me to understand my condition a lot better.
So glad we could help you Marie!
Same 😂 since 1984 I was born without a thyroid
I’ve had Grave’s disease and now hypothyroid. I’d rather have hypo than hyper any day. Great video Docs!
Thanks for sharing JS!
I was diagnosed with Graves Disease as well and the doctors never thought it necessary to treat my hypothyroidism until a round of Tepezza and so fatigued I could not stay awake for a full day or function normally
Dr.Alice is BRILLIANT... BRILLIANT.... BRILLIANT and so easy to understand!
I am partial to Asian Doctors, and seek them out for treatment, they are the BEST of the BEST!!
She is awesome
I had a MI and about one month later was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. When I was diagnosed my reading was 238. The endocrinologist said it was the highest reading she had seen. By far the hypothyroid issues made me feel a lot sicker than the MI. That they fixed with stents. With hypothyroidism, even with normal levels the symptoms never go completely away.
Thanks for sharing. Hope it gets better Mike
Neither have mine...it is so frustrating.
@Luckyasaladybug if your symptoms are not relieved, you are not being treated properly.
@@patriciablankenbaker8817 if your symptoms are not relieved, you are not being treated properly.
@@patriciablankenbaker8817 if your symptoms are not relieved, you are not being treated properly.
For the patient, who knows their own body better than the doctor, the symptoms are NOT too unspecific enough to rely on. That is the reason many of us Hashimoto’s sufferers have a hard time finding a good endocrinologist, most of them just rely on blood test results and will not listen to their patient who is trying to tell the doctor they still feel like crap. Many of us with Hashimoto’s avoid endocrinologists and try to find a good internist, gynecologist or functional medicine doctor who will truly listen to us and prescribe sufficient levothyroxine to address our symptoms, not just the TSH level.
My last doctor refused to give a referral to an endocrinologist.
@@sickofcrap8992 That is frustrating if you wanted to see one. I had the opposite situation recently. My TSH was too high. I went to see an internist that I had seen before, but she is not my primary doctor. My main doctor had no appointments available. All I wanted was an increase in medicine, which my primary doctor would have done for me. But this internist insisted I see an endocrinologist, though I did not want to see one. I haven’t seen one in years, because my primary doctor has helped me manage my Hashimoto’s for several years now. She agrees with me that keeping the TSH 1 to 1.5 is best. But now I am stuck having to go see the endocrinologist next month. I already upped my dosage of levothyroxine myself, as I had refills still available in doses I could increase it to the next level by combining two strengths of it. I was not going to wait until the appointment with the Endo to get my TSH lowered. I have dealt with my disease long enough, I know what to do myself.
Interesting. I never knew depression was associated with hypothyroidism. I’ve been taking thyroid medication for over 40 years-have suffered all the symptoms mentioned, as well as depression. I have mostly dealt with it myself-sometimes well, sometimes not. My primary has me do regular blood tests and sometimes tweaks my prescription. I remember being very confused when once my script was decreased when my test results showed a slight decrease of the hormone. The poor nurse tried explaining it to me a couple of times. Ugh. Very informative video. Thank you.
Glad we could help
Wouldn't you think that if the dr got you to optimal thyroid levels all those horrible symptoms would go away?? They should be completely gone as every single cell in the body requires optimal levels of thyroid hormone to function optimally...hmmmm...
@@flowers3036 they have improved over the years, but not to the point where I would say I feel all better.
Very simplified explanation and treatment approach that many doctors use but is not the best for patients. There are many different thyroid levels that need to be checked to keep your thyroid levels at optimum. Your body could be having problems converting the T4 to T3 due to problems such as leaky gut or inflammation. Find a thyroid specialist and educate yourself on the condition because most doctors just use the above protocol and it does not resolve symptoms.
Thanks for sharing your opinion but Dr Cheng is a thyroid specialist.
Doctor Cheng’s brilliant! Thanks to you two wonderful Docs for bringing her onto your Channel. 🎉🎉
She sure is Cheryl
Wow! Love the talk between these great doctors. I've learned so much more from this talk than through endless hours of lectures and readings! Thank you :)
Thank you Dr Cheng for your wonderful explanation of this disorder. I've known many women who wonder if they have this. I'll make sure to pass it along 😊👍
Very welcome Tory
I am a t2 diabetic for 35 years. Was not chubby or out of shape. Was not in my family history. But I have it and one of the medications I took in the beginning the dr said gave me hypothyroidism. Well that’s what I was told. I have hypothyroidism. I take Synthroid . I’ve never heard it explained like she DR Cheng explained it. I really appreciate these videos. At the time I was diagnosed with this I was working in nuclear reactors. I always wander did I get to much radiation to my thyroid. I really love all these videos y’all do. Thanks.
Glad we could help. Thanks for sharing your story
Dr. Cheng honestly needs her own YT channel, although someone so highly specialized and well-read on the current literature likely has no free time to create YT content. Impressive physician. Thank you for having her on your channel.
Appreciate Dr. Cheng taking the time to educate the public! Thank you!
No we do not need her on YT
I was on levothyroxine for 3 decades with hypothyroidism. Switch to plant based diet 1.5 years ago and reversed it. No more meds. No more hypothyroidism. My doctors = minds blown
Sure you did.
I will try too, very encouraging to hear you don't need med's anymore
Very interesting explanation. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in December of 1992 when my daughter was several months old. Interestingly, my Levothyroxine dosage has never changed in 30 years. This condition runs in my family.
Thanks for sharing!
How have you found it to work for you did your symptoms go away
flowers, yes
Mine too!
Easy to fix? I've been on meds for over 50 years and struggle constantly with all the symptoms. My TSH goes up and down sometimes monthly. I am frustrated with the lack of support for this debilitating disease. It has ruined my life. And no one seems to understand or really care. There is nothing simple about this.
Are you sure it's not Hashimoto? That's the majority of hypothyroid. Your TPO & TGB Antibodies should be ZERO.
My thyroid levels were mediocre, but WOW my TGB are off the charts... No wonder I'm exhausted, freezing all the time, tinnitus, and tingling legs
They put you on meds even though you can cure it by yourself the meds just destroy your thyroid when it goes up and down you're allergic to the medication and doctors know it
@@Acts-1322tinnitus is a symptom?
I’ve been told I have hypertension and never heard of those tests to rule out anything else. Have had full 24/7 tinnitus for four years now. The likelihood of having that being delt with anything other then hearing aids is 0%.
@@kandymich4861 wow that sounds awful, sorry Western medicine let you down. It does for most people. Yes I can confirm, I just asked a very knowledgeable audiologist a few days ago whether thyroid issues could be a cause and she said absolutely. Tinnitus is a warning sign, she said, that something metabolically/ internally is causing the brain to have this alarm going off.
Hypertension can cause it also, yep... Or even Insulin Resistance which is often a root cause of hypertension btw.
Many people cannot convert T4 to T3.
Great video, I've had hypothyroidism since menopause, put on weight, this video lays it all out!
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Docs, Dr. Cheng gave a nice presentation. Clear, concise and easy to listen to. She has a cute laugh also. Good guest. 👍 🙋♂️
Yes she’s great!
This is the kind of doctor I want to stay away from because not giving me T3 is setting me up for failure. I’ve experienced it!
Excellent explanation. I am hypothyroid. It was found when I had a physical for college years ago. My mother and all five of her sisters were also Hypo. In fact her one sister was so low she never grew or matured as it wasn’t found until she was an adult. Her case was written up in JAMA.
Wow interesting
Is Dr. Chang a leukemia doctor too? My leukemia doctor was named Dr. Chang. She was wonderful too. Now I have hypothyroidism and this video and Dr. Chang's explanation was paramount. Simple and clear. Thank you Dr. Chang!
Awesome video Thank you , yes everything is interactive in our endocrine system. Would love a video on the parathyroids & the interactions between them & the rest of our systems. ❤
Noted!
Can You please let us know the connection and other autoimmun diseases. Is there other diseases that we should be aware of, and keep our eyes open for? I hear a lot about the disorder I’ve been diagnosed of like Fibromyalgia, diabetes type 2, Autism and they are mentioned in the same sentence as hypothyroidism. I’ve also heard that there is a little difference with hypothyroidism that You’re born with (like I am) and the one You get later. Is that true? Should I tell doctors that, or isn’t it necessary?
It is quite sad how medication is so accessible but not the deep down reasons its occurrence.
She is an amazing Doctor. One of the most dedicated and caring Doctor that you’ll ever meet.
Yeah she's the best
Thanks Docs - especially Dr. Cheng - that was a great explanation!
Glad it was helpful Delvie!
Thank you Dr Cheng.
I have Hypothyroidism caused by Hypopituitarism caused by Sheehan syndrome.
Unfortunately, it wasn't diagnosed for a number of years after several hospitalizations. So thankful for the Internist doctor that discovered the cause, for Synthroid and Prednisone meds that have kept me stable for many years.
Glad to hear it Sally. Thanks for sharing
Got diagnosed today with hypothyroidism. Thank you for the wonderful in-depth explanation. It’s helped put my mind at ease a lot.
Thank you doctors!
Sorry to hear that but glad to help!
Dr. Cheng explained things so well and was easy to understand. I liked what she said regarding blood work. Everyone can feel tired or have symptoms that mimic Thyroid issues (like menopause) but the bloodwork will give them an indication of what to address or what other follow-up tests to do.
Very interesting and informative video!
My sister has been on thyroid medication ever since I can remember. She also has tests done periodically to see if there are any changes. From my understanding, she will always be on thyroid medication.
I've been tested a few times (usually when I have new symptoms and the doctors are trying to rule out different diagnoses) but there have never been any indications of a problem with my thyroid.
What I gather from the other comments, if one daughter has thyroid problems, then generally all females of the same family will have thyroid problems.
I consider myself lucky, being the baby of the family, not to have any issues with my thyroid.
This was a wonderful collaboration and a great explanation of how the thyroid works! 👍
I love how you doctors are always giving us such useful information to bring awareness! You speak to us in terms we can understand and you throw in humor so you're not too intense. You actually make learning fun!
Thanks for sharing another great video!
Very happy to help Vickie
A specialist dentist told me everything my mum has I will have. My mum was symptomatic with hypothyroidism, my daughter has it, check your fingernails for ridges and if the rest of your family, which could be maternal and paternal it’s likely you have it too. You may not get diagnosed because they change the ranges for diagnosis, at various times. Both me and my daughter were diagnosed on different ranges, hers was a worse range than mine. For eg mine range was ft4 (12 to 22) , I was diagnosed on the 12, my daughter ft4 (9 to 19) hers on the 9. There’s a tsh range as well but I don’t know it. The ranges even vary in different countries.
Probably congenital hypothyroidism she may have been born with this condition, have a slow thyroid
Awesome video. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on all the things we need about our bodies
Welcome Monica
Wonderfully simple explanation by Dr. Cheng of a system that I have never really understood. Thankyou.
You are most welcome
Yep mine was hereditary, my paternal grandmother had a goiter, she was born in 1891. My Dad told me to keep an eye on mine once I was 18. Fast forward at 46 my PA felt the nodules on my Left lobe. We monitored for 3 yrs and then I saw in the mirror one day the lump in my left lobe. Called Dr, he set up tests, then came the surgeon. We took the lobe out in 2009. And Life has been hell ever since. Numbers are good? I'm on Synthroid but I still have hair loss, low temperature, dry skin, fatigue, can't keep weight off, and puffy face. Had my droopy eye lids fixed 4 yrs ago. I really miss my old self😢
We are so sorry to hear this Catherine. We hope things turn around for you
I always felt like I had an ear ache before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
Thank you. Have had Hashimotos for decades, but never had anyone explain what is going on❤️❤️❤️
Very interesting.
I had my thyroid removed.
In 1985, I've taken thyroid replacements since then
Talking with Docs ... almost makes me want to go back to school (or the medical office). Nahhhhh... You make learning so much fun and so enjoyable. School would never measure up (nor the office).
We are flattered Debbie!
For 60;years my mom would tell people about her thyroid condition and treatment…. Us kids knew it well … an important topic :)
For sure
well explained. im getting labwork done thursday to test for this because my doctor has a large suspicion I have this. i have most of the symptoms and three generations above me all have history of hypo and hyperthyroidism… it honestly feels awful being sleepy all the time no matter how much sleep you get and being super sensitive to the heat/cold, as well as having a lot of trouble thinking. i was worried at first but seeing how many people experience similar symptoms and have this makes me feel safer. the symptoms have been coming on since the start of summer and just not being able to think during the day makes it hard. thank you doctor
Thanks so much for this very informative segment on our thyroid! I now have a much fuller understanding of how the thyroid, pituitary gland and the T's work together. I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism after hovering 'in the middle' for many years. Interestingly, most thyroid meds contain lactose, which I'm allergic to ... and trying Cytomel for a few days resulted in wicked eye pain and headaches. Still working on finding a med I can tolerate. Love the TWD Docs! 😊
Glad I'm not the only one whom caught her saying T4, T3.. Rather than the other way around.. But yes, thank you very much, as I have family members with Hypothyroidism.
That was very intentional by her
@@TalkingWithDocs Of course it was, as she explains, later on in the video. It's how they teach you, and you in turn remember. At least for testing purposes.. 😁
I have read that there is a rise in colon cancer in younger people (less than say 50 years of age). Could you find someone who may be able to address this and shed some light on this trend if it does exist? Thanks again for the amazing job of educating the public.
For sure Roger. And yes there is for sure. And often presenting with more advanced disease
Dr Chang I truly wish. Y0u could please train all doctors around the globe.. I have hoshimoto and the tiredness etc is endless.yet I’m doing all I can to feel better
Some people can actually get off thyroid medication because they were misdiagnosed to begin with. People take herbs they add iodine, they go low carbs just like they could be gluten and never know it and then some people have to be treated for life, but there is always a chance you might get lucky and your thyroid might start making it again on its own. it’s always nice if it does but that’s not always a for sure thing. Great video! Also, do not take iodine if you are on thyroid medication. I keep on seeing people asking if they can take iodine while being on thyroid medication.
I really like Dr. Chang! She explained the working and failure to work concerning the Thyroid so everyone can understand it. Thank you so much.
Great explanation of hypothyroidism. I have hypothyroidism due to surgical removal of my thyroid. Would love to hear about Hyperthyroidism. I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease over 20 years ago. Was able to manage it for quite a few years before surgery was recommended. Also I wish you had talked a little more about it being an inherited trait. I have two sisters and all three of us have had our thyroids removed. Also I have one daughter who also had graves. It can really run rampant through a family and seems to effect women more then men
It sure can run in families
Doctors love treating symptoms instead of trying to figure out what’s the root cause. I had a baby and was on an injection while pregnant to prevent premature labor. My body went into a tail spin afterwards. At some point my white blood cell court was elevated. Hair loss, extreme fatigue, fogginess, I’ve always been cold so I’m not sure about that one, and my blood pressure is all of a sudden elevated despite me having a fairly good diet. I’m Black so doctors are like “family history? Okay well that explains everything!” I can’t even exercise because I get worn out in minutes and everything starts to hurt. They gave me blood pressure meds and told me to change my diet. I’m gonna buy a thyroid kit online to check for myself before I go back to another doctor.
Great video but left with a few questions that I wish were covered. 1. What are the baseline numbers that they look at in blood work. 2. Instead of popping pills, is there a natural approach, food? For myself, who is boarderline hypo due to menopause my Dr said the risks of putting "older" women on meds has more risks then living with hypo. Definitely a consusing subject for the average person. PS you guys are the best and thanks for every video you do!!!
Hi Rosanne. They would likely start with your TSH level. And unless you had issues secondary to iodine deficiency which is unheard of in the developed world , unfortunately no diet can’t help you
Thank you Docs. My symptoms were leg cramps. Once on medication, poof their gone. Magic pill. Been on med's for 12 years with an increase once. No side effects. Cheers.
Great news Daniel
I miss the old intro music. As a Graves’ disease now hypo, this was very informative
Ha Kate you aren’t alone. Glad you liked this one
Only ever seen gp who just writes a new script and never seen an endocrinologist,now got coeliacs and gluten ataxia as well never felt taking thyroxine made me feel any better .
Love the info~ I have hypothyroidism I do not like the heat , but I do know why I get cold so easy ( now) ~ although I love cold weather & rain , been loving our weather her in L.A. this year ~ we actually have had a winter here, I also have Vitiligo as well 😔
Thanks for sharing Jana in LA!
Excellent and informative video, thanks to all three of you!!!
Our pleasure!
I got diagnosed a while back, been on levo ever since. I really can’t tell any difference.
Sorry to hear that
I would love to sit in one of Dr. Cheng's lectures! Hypothyroidism is hereditary for me. Would love to know why natural source ( desiccated pig thyroid) had been discontinued. Was a much better source of T4, and I took less. The synthetic isn't as good. I felt better, which is hard to explain. Keep the topics coming guys!
Ok we will Barbara
Natural thyroid hormone has NOT been discontinued. Armour thyroid and Nature Throid hormone are still available for those who prefer the natural (porcine derived) thyroid hormone as opposed to the synthetic (Synthroid/Levothyroxine) one. If your doctor has said otherwise, he/she is not telling you the truth.
Not everyone who takes Synthroid gets optimum effect, for reasons which, strangely, no endocrinologist seems to want to address.
I've been on Synthroid for several decades, and while it has lowered my TSH levels, it has not markedly improved my continuing symptoms of dry skin, water retention, thinning hair, and elimination of my goitre.
I feel that Dr. Cheng is glossing over the many complications of underactive thyroid despite hormone replacement, and how the autoimmune factors at play may still be affecting the patient as well as the possibility of conversion issues. As well, she fails to mention the other thyroid hormones, such as T1 and T2 and their roles in thyroid function. There is the option of augmenting the sole T4 Synthroid with Cytomel (T3) which may give a more comprehensive treatment when T4 alone is not adequate. I am aware that T3 dosage must be carefully titrated and potential side effects monitored.
It would be best to be completely forthcoming with ALL information regarding hypothyroidism, rather than oversimplifying the condition and leaving out pertinent information, which does not serve patients dealing with this condition.
@SA DEE my doctor is not the problem here, in fact she would happily prescribe the natural source. My problem is the pharmacies around me who say they can't get it anymore.
I think the issues with natural pig thyroid or Armour, or NP Thyroid is not that it has been discontinued by manufacturers but is an issue if supply availability. I had issues a few years ago with Armour not available at my usual pharmacy and at first was told it was discontinued. Then it became available again thru my pharmacy. Then later my pharmacy started getting me NP Thyroid instead and that is what I currently use. Maybe it depends on your location? I am in southern Calif.
@@christinahurt7505 thank you. I will do some looking for NP Thyriod. I am in Ontario Canada.
That was the BEST explanation of hypothyroidism I've ever heard!! THANK YOU!!
I take Synthroid as the generic doesn't work for me. Is there a genetic component? My mom, sister and I all have hypothyroidism.
You're very welcome!
Thank you Dr Cheng Iam feeling slow sleepy gained weight but thats normal,
Very welcome
40+ years of symptoms, substantial family history of thyroid issues, thyroid nodules dx for over 30 years, and it was a psychologist who sent me to an endocrinologist - as a result a neuro-psych exam from long Covid referral.
That’s hasimotos and it sucks. Even with synthroid flare ups are common. A lot of doctors don’t believe you when ur symptoms are bad but ur TSH is “fine”. I went to 3 endocrinologists, no help beyond meds. Finally, I found a functional medicine doctor and I’m finally stable with no symptoms and haven’t had a flare up in 6 months.
Great information and explanations! I would have liked for you to also discuss hyperthyroidism. I believe it is less common but I dealt with it for 20+ years before finally having a total thyroidectomy which of course makes me now have hypothyroidism.
Yes that will be a separate video
I am Hypothyroid, I'm taking Levothyroxine for years now. I feel tired and sleepy all the time. My Dr. Says everything is fine, when I don't feel FINE. I wish I felt better. And Since my husband passed I have lost weight, I can't seem to gain any weight. I'm 5'8" and
Hi Rose. There are many potential causes of your fatigue. Keep looking
That was fascinating. Thankyou. One thing that I'm impressed by, being an actor, is that this presentation was done in one take, so far as I could tell. Many of these videos are evidently one take. You should re-title your channel, 'Talking with The One-Take Docs.' Just a thought.
Thanks Dan - and from an expert. Yes 99% one take. Except the laughing video. Check it out
Need A Laugh? Watch This. Surgeons Can’t Stop Laughing
th-cam.com/video/FmucheLjBsE/w-d-xo.html
@@TalkingWithDocs You might use this as the intro to an episode entitled ‘some of the effects of cannabis on the analytical mind.’
@@TalkingWithDocs this was quite funny. It’s happened to me on set when I was so exhausted, got bit by the funny monkey and just couldn’t stop laughing. In one instance we had to wrap for another day,
I was in talks to get a heart transplant because I was reporting being so tired and sleepy and not alert all day and cold etc (I have a heart condition). I was really upset and depressed when they said it was heart failure. One blood panel later they came back and said oh it might just be your thyroid levels. I've been on levothyroxine for 2 years now and have never felt healthier. 😊
Very interesting, concise, and educational video.
How about asking the Endocrinologist to do a video on the often misunderstood hyperparathyroidism disease, symptoms, surgical cure, and recovery?
I was undiagnosed for 6 years and had a parathyroidectomy in April 2024. There are so many who remain undiagnosed and feel so sick. However, testing of blood calcium and PTH can quickly diagnose the disease.
For the first time in years, I feel healthy.
Fantastic explanation from Dr Cheng!!
Smart lady.
We totally agree Jennifer!
Thanks for the explanation. I've been seeing my Endocrinologist now for over 5 years and he never explained what was going on with my thyroid other than that I had hypothyroidism and needed to be on levothyroxine, and I needed to have a ultrasound every 6 months because I had nodules and a goiter. Now, thanks to you I am better informed as to what is going on with me and why I need medication.
Hey Docs, My dog was just diagnose with hypothyroidism, last month. No joke. Vet and the pharmisist both said it is like treating a human only the pill dosing is very different.
What a great simple & informative video. Thank you. If my GP explained it as easy as you I would of felt much better ... I've had this for about 20years
A Very Well Articulated Explanation of Hypothyroidism !!! I have been on Synthroid or Levothyroxine for almost 40 yrs and know when my body needs an adjustment dose....You just don't feel right 🤔
Yes Penelope
Not mentioned is that it affects women more than men and so doctors often do not give it enough attention.
Thanks Docs and many thanks to Dr. Cheng! You guys are the best!
Thank you too!
Thank you too!
Thank you so much.
My doctor is going to do a second blood test on me next month to see if my thyroid is still acting up. He said it is common for it to be sluggish and then work properly.
Yes very Barb
It’s not
Thanks for her explaining about this condition.
Our pleasure!
Great information provided by Dr. Cheng. Thank you to all three doctors !! 👍
Welcome Mike. She’s great
I've had Hashimotoes for 17 years. It took 16 years to find a Dr that could help me. Run to a Hormone Dr. I only take T3 and Testosterone..LDN...and Adrenal supplements. I've lost almost all the weight I gained and I feel a lot better. I'll never go back to an Endocrinologist again.
A big Thank you to Dr. Cheng, very interesting and really educational. This is one video were the "men in blue" were very quiet, lol
Larry
Ha Larry. Doing our best to let the expert speak and just try and ask the questions our audience would ask
I would be pulling my hair out about now if I had enough to pull out. Been dealing with inept doctors following gov guidelines for over 40 years now and still my thyroid is not right. I’ve gotten as far as the t3 reverse test being abnormal and suspect that the t3 is not being converted from the t4 that my body produces. I’m on . 25 Synthroid and it simply is not working. I am now in congestive heart failure, low iron, Anemic, my body can’t seem to even move, my muscles are bad, cannot even hold onto anything, can barely walk, the list goes on and on. And just think had any of my doctors taken the time to address my concerns, I might be a lot healthier. Sadly I have lost confidence in the doctors today, and seeking holistic treatment. I came on here for the first time because this is the only place doctors seem to care. My thanks to you for your video.
You are very welcome. We are so sorry to hear this. We hope what Dr Cheng said was helpful. Best of luck
@@TalkingWithDocs very much so, I learned a few things I did not know and am better equipped to asks the right questions now. Thanks!
Thank you Dr. Cheng, I have hypothyroidism, this video was very educational.
Glad it was helpful!
My brother had his thyroid removed. I had to beg my pcp for a thyroid test. We don't want to burden the insurance companies
Sorry to hear that Richard
Diet has a LOT to do with hyperthyroidism...you talked a lot about this....
Thanks People...
I’ve had thyroid issues all my life. Wasn’t diagnosed til I was 37. Icy hands even on the hottest days. Took my husband to come with me to the GP that it was even considered for a blood test. My numbers were so bad, he thought the lab made a mistake. Sent me to another one and they were even worse! Been on Oroxine (I’m Australian) ever since. The dose has changed over the years many times, didn’t get rid of the depression, but at least the fatigue and brain fog are gone. Used to wake in the morning feeling like I had just run a marathon. Had an ultrasound of the thyroid and it is very very small. I have Hashimoto’s.
Amazing video, amazing content/channel. Professional LIKEABLE people. Thank you all for the sacrifices made in order be get so knowledgeable and then to share it with us, for free!!!! Thsnk you.
I was told by my GP that it’s very common in women and usually occurs once you’ve had children - (this happened to me)
This is true
Thank you Doctor for such a clear explanation of this!!
You are welcome!
Really enjoy these videos. Please keep making them.
Thanks, will do!
Thankyou understood first first time in many years!
Wonderful!
This was an overly simplified version. In my case, T4 is not being adequately converted to T3. My doctor is subscribing a combination of T4 and another medication which contains both T4 and T3. It's a balancing act which took a few years work to get it right and also could change at any time. I think I see why my insurance won't pay for the more expensive medcation. They have also heard doctors say that it's simple. Every time I have to refill there's a struggle to get what I need.
Hi Paisley. The majority of cases are actually straightforward unlike yours. Hope you get the treatment you require
@@TalkingWithDocsso says the doctors who won’t listen to patients telling them they STILL don’t feel better…we’re just being hysterical right?😉😉
1. Levothyroxine is NOT human t4. It is synthetically made. 2. Many people have issues converting t4 to t3. Conversion happens in the liver so even mild liver issues may result in conversion issues. So that being sad, you can’t only go based on TSH. You need to make sure your provider is ordered tsh, t3, t4, reverse t3,and antibodies so you can get the FULL picture! 3. There are natural thyroid replacement prescriptions you can get that have t4 and t3 in them.
Hi Bri. What Dr Cheng meant is that levothyroxine is an exact replica of human T4 - the same molecule. As for bloodwork yes a full panel is necessary but the lion share of the info comes from the TSH. And yes there are some natural replacement options that are clinically inferior to suppplementation with levothyroxine. Thanks for sharing. All the best