What Causes Loss Of Appetite, Constipation And Mild Muscle Cramps In Legs?

Posted on Wed, 20 Jan 2016

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

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 Answered on

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am suffering from Loss of appetite, Bloating, Stomach fullness, constipation, cold intolerence and some mild muscle cramps in legs. Recently i got tested for thyroid profile and Anti-TPO on my Gastro Doctor advice report ofvwhich is attached

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Good day. Noted the reports and your concern.
You have hashimoto's thyroiditis and subsequently "subclinical hypothyroidism".
The high Anti TPO antibody points towards an auto immune disease ( hashimoto's thyroiditis) where your body itself attack your thyroid cells. TSH is slightly elevated and Free T4 is low normal. This is called sub clinical hypothyroidism.

Since you have muscle cramps and abdominal symptoms, may I request you to do following tests.
a) Vitamin D level.
b) Total IGA and Ttg IGA ( to rule out celiac disease).

Since you have lots of symptoms and as your anti TPO is very high, there is very high chance that you may develop full blown hypothyroidism in the future. It is better to start a small dose of levothyroxine ( ELTROXIN or THYRONORM). Please meet an endocrinologist.

regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar