Connection between RA, Thyrod and Adrenal Insufficiency

[Guest guest]

Hi

Recent research and the fact that my daughter (diagnosed with RA) has very similar symptoms/signs as I do - cold extremeties (upper arms, buttocks), diminishing body hair and weight loss (adrenal-related), has lead me to believe there is a connection with HYPOTHYROIDISM AND ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY. I have just been diagnosed, after 5 years of same symptoms, with Hashimotos, goitre and low cortisol.

I have read reports of RA sufferers who, once they started on Thyroxine, improved considerably. Google it - please! Remember that thyroid tests can be in normal range but you have to insist on T3 and Antibody tests. Visit the various thyroid groups for information and help with these tests.

http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/blneckgen.htm

http://www.ehow.com/about_5191905_can-arthritis-cause-thyroid-problems_.html

Brazilian researchers recently reported on a study looking at the prevalence of thyroid function alongside autoimmune abnormalities, and determined that there is a definite connection between certain autoimmune diseases and thyroid dysfunction.

They compared thyroid function -- including TSH, serum free thyroxine (T4) levels, thyroid antithyroglobulin (TgAb) and antithyroperoxidase (TPOAb) levels of 25 patients with scleroderma, and 25 patients with rheumatoid arthritis to a control group of 113 healthy individuals. Subclinical hypothyroidism (defined by the researchers as a TSH between 4 and 10) was found in five patients (8%), and subclinical hyperthyroidism in four patients (6%). Anti-thyroglobulin (TgAb) and/or anti-thyroperoxidase (tPOAb) antibodies were present in 33% of our patients, 52% of the scleroderma cases, 32% of the rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The researchers concluded that there is a high prevalence of silent autoimmune thyroid diseases in association with scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis, and that subclinical thyroid diseases should be considered when evaluating patients with autoimmune diseases

SYMPTOMS OF ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY

Adrenal insufficiency is commonly associated with the following symptoms, which can vary from mild to extreme.

* fatigue* decreased tolerance to cold* poor circulation* low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia)* low blood pressure* allergies* apathy or depression* low stamina* low self-esteem due to low energy output* joint aches and pains* low levels of gastric hydrochloric acid* tendency to constipation* muscle weakness* need for excessive amounts of sleep* fears, due to low energy and secondary copper toxicity* lowered resistance to infection* subnormal body temperature

Margaret