HomeAnswersEndocrinologyvitamin d deficiencyCan my depression, weight gain, weakness, and fatigue signify hypothyroidism?

My physician says I am normal. But, I feel otherwise. Please guide me.

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 14, 2017
Reviewed AtJune 2, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 34 year old male. I recently had blood work done at a hospital near me. My physician says I am normal and that nothing is wrong. But, the following are troubling to me: My testosterone levels are at the lower end of the normal spectrum which does not seem good considering my age and activity levels. Are not men supposed to have the most testosterone during their late 20's and early 30's? The same with my HDL. I exercise (pilates, physical therapy, and cycling) for at least an hour five times a week and often walk at least a few miles per day in my daily activities. Also, my TSH and T3 levels are at the lower end of the normal range and my T4 level is below normal levels. After doing research, I found that low T4 with low or normal T3 and low to normal TSH can be indicative of secondary hypothyroidism relating to problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. I have multiple symptoms that are indicative of hypothyroidism: depression, weight gain, weakness, fatigue, low pulse rate, very low basal body temperature, cold intolerance, joint and muscle pain. My vitamin D levels are low even though I take a vitamin D supplement daily. I am currently on Sertraline, Meloxicam, and Methocarbamol.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query and from what you have mentioned, it appears that your lab results are well within the normal range.

1. Your testosterone is normal. It usually keeps fluctuating throughout the day. So, it is normal to find it on the lower range of the spectrum.

2. Your thyroid function test results are absolutely normal. T3 and T4 are usually fluctuating variants and as long as TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is within the normal range everything is fine.

3. Your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol depends upon the good cholesterol that you consume. HDL has usually less to do with the exercise aspect and more on the dietary aspect.

How much vitamin D do you take daily? The symptoms which you have mentioned are most likely due to vitamin D deficiency.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I take 1000 units of vitamin D every day.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, that is not the daily RDA (recommended dietary allowance) for vitamin D. Vitamin D intake if not deficient is 4000 IU daily. If deficient, then it is 50000 IU once a week for four weeks, then twice a month, then once a month for three months. Your symptoms of low pulse rate, weakness and fatigue can also be attributed to your medications Methocarbamol and Sertraline.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for that information. My main concern is that I might have something wrong with my pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Those medications are relatively new to my regime. Although I was also taking Flexeril and another antidepressant and anxiety medication prior to these. My basal body temperature is usually around 95.5 to 96.5 in the morning which seems pretty low compared to what I have researched as normal. I was pursuing a low inflammation, thyroid-friendly diet in which daily measurements such as BBT were taken. The low body temperature and other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism were what caused me to seek advice. Also, gaining 50 pounds over the last two to three years has been disturbing. The resting heart rate is in the low 50's.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your test results are not representing the hypothalamus and pituitary dysfunction. A low basal body temperature reading does not signify thyroid dysfunction. Low body temperature is not suggestive of anything here. Thyroid patients have an intolerance to cold or heat. Your weight gain can also be due to the antipsychotic medications which you are taking as it is known that antipsychotic treatment causes weight gain.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I seem to have both, an intolerance to cold and heat as well. If it is sort of hot, I am sweating profusely. If it is mildly cold, my hands and feet become numb quite quickly. I certainly respect and appreciate this advice and opinion. I just cannot seem to figure out what is wrong with me.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

People who exercise a lot have a good cardiovascular muscle toning. Therefore they have a low heart rate. That only means a good heart health.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I am a lifetime athlete. So, the past few years of my life have been frustrating.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your resting heart rate certainly proves that you have been an athlete. When people who exercise a lot sometimes take breaks, they tend to accumulate fat quicker than people living a sedentary lifestyle. On top of this, your antipsychotic treatment adds to your weight gain. It is as simple as this.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks so much. Take care.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can summarize that you have two problems, weight excess and the psychiatric medications which are causing rest of the symptoms and further weight gain.

You are welcome.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf
Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Endocrinology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Endocrinology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy