Anyone dealing with hypothyroid panic disorder is going through quite a bit of stress, that's for sure. Many patients are surprised to learn that those with an under-active thyroid are also at risk for panic and anxiety attacks. However, this is a fairly common occurrence, so it does help to remember that you are not alone.
Not Always Diagnosed
It's strange that many doctors still do not recognize hypothyroid panic disorder as being a real disease, and often assume that anxiety and panic experienced by the patient is a separate issue. Many doctors still prescribe anti-anxiety medication before allowing the thyroid medication time to be absorbed in the system and work. However, panic attacks are a common symptom hypothyroidism, so it is surprising that doctors do not always recognize that the two go hand in hand. Hypothyroid panic disorder can be treated with both thyroid medication and anti-anxiety medication as well.
Other Symptoms
Rarely does any one disease or condition have just one symptom. This is true of hypothyroid panic disorder as well. Some of the most pronounced symptoms include fatigue (the most common symptom), headache, dry skin, hair loss, poor memory, cold hands and feet, problems with fingernails and toenails, nervousness, depression, and joint or muscle pain.
Additionally, you may feel a burning or tingling sensation in the hands or feet, have problems with your balance or equilibrium, be constipated more often than usual, and have problems with the menstrual cycle. You may also experience fluid retention and a decreased sex drive.
Of all the symptoms, however, fatigue is the most common and most ignored of hypothyroid panic disorder, often being attributed to stress or being just "run down." If you have any number of these symptoms, and especially if they are severe and are accompanied by panic attack or anxiety, you should see your doctor to be tested.
Self-Test for Hypothyroid Panic Disorder
There are some self-tests that you can do to give you an idea if this is the disease or condition that you have. The most common home test for hypothyroid panic disorder begins in the morning when you have just awakened. While still in bed, use a mercury thermometer and take your temperature for 10 minutes while staying in bed. You should record your daily temperatures for two weeks.
The average body temperature is 97.2; a reading below this suggests hypothyroid panic disorder.
Of course, there are other conditions that one can have that would interfere with normal body temperature, including poor circulation, inactivity, and so on. Do not use this as a hard and fast rule to diagnose yourself; only your doctor can do so accurately.
What Causes Hypothyroid Panic Disorder
It's believed that thyroid problems are sometimes genetic, however, they can also be caused after a traumatic or stressful event. Whether it's divorce, death, job loss, illness, childbirth, violent crime, or some other stress, the body slows down the metabolism during this stress to conserve energy.
When the stressful event is over, the metabolism is supposed to return to normal, however, sometimes there is a buildup of certain hormones released during this slow metabolism time that cannot be reversed. This brings on hypothyroid panic disorder, wherein the body continues to react to stressful events with panic attacks, as the thyroid has been somewhat ruined and cannot function properly on its own.
This shouldn't be confused with the thinking that hypothyroid panic disorder is a learned response that can somehow be unlearned as well. While there are methods one can utilize to handle their panic attacks in a natural way, including certain thought processes and such, damage to the thyroid is a physical condition.
Homeopathic Remedies for Hypothyroid Panic Disorder
Most homeopathic remedies to treat thyroid conditions contain a mixture of kelp, green oats, a mixture of B vitamins, and Echinacea. Kelp is a major source of iodine, and B vitamins and Echinacea seem to support the immune system. All are helpful in reversing the symptoms of hypothyroid panic disorder.
Additionally, mixtures of ginseng, olive leaf, and eucalyptus are often commonly used to help fight fatigue that normally happens with any thyroid disorder. These remedies may be recommended separately.
Medications for Hypothyroid Panic Disorder
Levothyroxine is the most commonly prescribed thyroid medication, however, this medication is usually needed for life. It does not cure the disease but only treats the symptoms. The medication should be continued even if the symptoms are reversed; this simply means that it is working, not that the patient doesn't need it anymore. The hormone levels of the patient should be monitored regularly when treating hypothyroid panic disorder to check if the medication needs to be adjusted.
Never stop taking prescribed medication of any type unless you have first spoken with your doctor. He or she can suggest an alternative treatment if side effects become severe, or can tell you if it is wise to cease your medication.
Getting Support for Hypothyroid Panic Disorder
Many persons with any type of panic disorder find it very helpful to speak to counselors or those who go through the same issues they do. There are a wealth of support boards online and counselors and treatment centers that specialize in panic and anxiety attacks.
While medication and homeopathic remedies may assist in helping your symptoms subside, you may still occasionally experience attacks when dealing with hypothyroid panic disorder. Do not hesitate to call your doctor and ask for a referral to a counselor, and to do some research on how to handle panic attacks alone. Medications and treatments may take some time to work and be absorbed into your system, but in the meantime, you deserve to be able to live your life without the fear of panic attacks and nervousness and anxiety.
There is help available for hypothyroid panic disorder, and there are others going through the same thing you are. Do not hesitate to be proactive in asking for their help and assistance while being treated for this condition.
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