An on-line Endo I asked told me that until thyroid levels are
stabile for a few months symptoms will go up and down. I have
also discovered that PMS causes the symptom of anxiety in particular
to return. It has something to do with the female hormones
stimulating the adrenal glands and the production of noradrenalin
which is responsible for things like anxiety and irritability.
Since we hyperthyroid women already have overstimulated adrenal
glands, we just must get a double whammy in the 7-10 days before
our cycle begins. When my dosage needs to be adjusted, my doctor
will not do it during that time since we have charted how it effects me.
Anxiety had been my WORST symptom. Now, after 5 months on PTU, I only
have trouble with it during PMS. Knowledge is power…I find that
if I expect it to come and steel myself against it that I can deal with it, (though not entirely avoid it). Knowing
that it will pass somehow helps in the midst of it. For me, praying helps
a great deal…”casting all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
My Endo also suggested exercising when feeling that way…he said that
exercise helps “dump” some of the excess adrenal stores. So far, it
has helped (except in the wee hours of the morning when I am not about
to do step aerobics)!!
