Thyroid Condition. On Iodine, Synthroid. Positive For Graves And Hashimodo's Antibodies. Chest Twinges Cause Of Worry?

Posted on Tue, 27 Dec 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 Answered on

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : /I am a 34 year-old female, 5 ft 4 inches, 128 lbs. I was diagnosed with thyroid problems about three years ago. (I tested positive for both Graves and Hashimodo's antibodies. Strange, I know.) I was given radioactive iodine to "kill" my thyroid, and after about nine months was finally regulated on Synthroid. Six weeks ago my Synthroid was increased from 125mcg to 137 mcg after I began feeling some symptoms of hypothyroidism. Since then I feel significantly better, and my blood tests show that my thyroid levels look perfect (although a full panel indicated that I am anemic and have some vitamin deficiencies). Since my Synthroid dose increased, I've noticed frequent, mild twinges on the right side of my chest. Importantly, these are not painful and aren't accompanied by other hyperthyroidism symptoms like a racing or irregular heart rate.(I experienced these symptoms when we were trying to regulate my thyroid, and so I am very familiar with them.) As I mentioned, these twinges aren't painful, but I am aware of them. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Answered by Dr. V. Kumaravel (15 hours later)

Hello.

Thanks for posting your query.

I do understand that you had been treated with radioactive iodine for probable hyper functioning thyroid. Currently you have been prescribed synthyroid for postradioiodine hypothyroidism. your concern seems to be related twinges in your chest.

Radioiodine treatment is usually given for hyperfunctioning of thyroid and as it kills your thyroid gland, you would require life long thyroxine replacement.

If your TSH (Thyroid Stimulating hormone) is low or your Free T4 is high, you would require reduction in dose in consultation with your PCP.

If your thyroid blood tests including TSH and Free T4 are normal, your twinges may not be related to thyroid and hence not a concern.

Your Primary care physician will be the best person to pin point the other causes after detailed examination.

I hope, this answers your query. Please accept my answer in case you have no follow up queries.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Jyoti Patil