Could low thyroid be causing my cold extremities?
I am 71, with Fibro since 1987, diabetes since 2010, under control, no drugs. I am experiencing very cold legs. Doctor says it's Reynaud's disease. It comes on just while sitting and under a blanket, not out in the cold. My thyroid test showed a reading of 3.20. Doctor says it's normal, yet I have thinning hair, cold extremities, pain from the Fibro. I have started D-Ribose. Should I be taking thyroid meds as well? I also have a pinched nerve in my lumbar area, but I had the cold in my legs way before the pinched nerve problem. No doctor seems concerned about my cold legs. Even heat doesn't relieve the achiness, my legs still remain cold. I am fairly active, but all of the above is taking a toll on my mobility and quality of life. I take CoQ10, fish oil, B vitamins, and most the others you have mentioned and have for many years. I only use a Climira Patch since having a hysterectomy. no other drugs except aspirin for pain. Do you have any advice for me? I found your books to be very informative, but how do I convince my doctor that thyroid may be a problem?
Answer
People with FMS often find they have cold extremities that finally warm up once they are put on thyroid despite the TSH being normal (though in many research studies a TSH over 2.5 is viewed as an underactive thyroid).
Sadly, you are not likely to change your physician's mind, and may need to see a holistic physician (see www.ABIHM.org to find one near you).
L&B.
Dr. T
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is one of the world's leading integrative medical authorities on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. He is the lead author of eight research studies on their effective treatments, and has published numerous health & wellness books, including the bestseller on fibromyalgia From Fatigued to Fantastic! and The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution. His newest book (June 10, 2024) is You Can Heal From Long COVID. Dr. Teitelbaum is one of the most frequently quoted fibromyalgia experts in the world and appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide including Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and Fox News Health.
