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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Arm Pain And Shortness Of Breath After Treated For Hypothyroidism?

I was prescribed thyroid pills after blood tests indicated my thyroid was quite low. After about 2 weeks I began experiencing odd symptoms at night. Primarily pains in my arms and beneath my sternum. The symptoms seem to lessen if I get more exercise. The symptoms never occur during the day. Two doctors have basically shrugged there shoulders and said they ve never heard of such a thing. Neither has suggested I quit taking the thyroid. Do you have any ideas.
Thu, 31 May 2018
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Endocrinologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

First think that I want to underline is to not quit the medication for low thyroid or thyroid hormone replacement therapy because it is vital for your body.

Potential causes of pain in sternum and arms are: Reflux, muscle pain, join pain, cardiac conditions like coronary artery disease, psychological conditions like panic and anxiety attacks.

From the description of your symptoms, in my opinion, Your problem may be caused by a muscle pain or it can have a psychological basis.

Levothyroxine can produce chest pain in patients with pre existent heart diseases, if it is started with high doses.

My advice is to consult your physician because it is necessary to do some basic tests like: an EKG, a chest and arms X-ray to exclude cardiac and joints conditions.

If the problem persist and the doctors do not find a physical cause, a psychiatrist can be helpful.

Hope this information is useful. Let me know if you have other queries.

Regards.

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What Causes Severe Arm Pain And Shortness Of Breath After Treated For Hypothyroidism?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. First think that I want to underline is to not quit the medication for low thyroid or thyroid hormone replacement therapy because it is vital for your body. Potential causes of pain in sternum and arms are: Reflux, muscle pain, join pain, cardiac conditions like coronary artery disease, psychological conditions like panic and anxiety attacks. From the description of your symptoms, in my opinion, Your problem may be caused by a muscle pain or it can have a psychological basis. Levothyroxine can produce chest pain in patients with pre existent heart diseases, if it is started with high doses. My advice is to consult your physician because it is necessary to do some basic tests like: an EKG, a chest and arms X-ray to exclude cardiac and joints conditions. If the problem persist and the doctors do not find a physical cause, a psychiatrist can be helpful. Hope this information is useful. Let me know if you have other queries. Regards.