jamev
I was diagnosed several years ago with hypothyroidism and have been on armour thyroid since then. Recently one of my doctors backed down my dosage and I soon began experiencing all sorts of problems: hair loss (in large amounts), some weight gain, moodiness, depression, etc. I decided I couldn't make it to my appointment to do blood work to see if my dosage needed to be readjusted and have since gone back on my old dosage, it has only been a few days, but I haven't seen a change in the symptoms. When should I go back to "normal"? Also, I have very sensitive and swollen lymph nodes under my left arm. Is this related to my thyroid? I have a tendency to want to say yes, only b/c the last time I experienced this in a prolonged manner it was before my diagnosis. It was the worse about 9 years ago, my lymph nodes were very swollen and sensitive under both arms, so my general practitioner sent me to an endocrinologist, but by the time I had my appt there was no swelling. My thyroid disorder continued to go undiagnosed, until a few years later. The swelling & sensitivity only occurs under my arms and it has come and gone over the years, seemingly on a random basis...I now wonder if there was actually a correlation to the times my meds were being adjusted. Could this be my hypothyroidism or is it something else? Do I go to my internal med doctor(my pcp), to my ob (since she changed my meds last month, after my 6 wk post partum check up/blood work), or to an endocrinologist?
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stella5349
One thing for me that depleted the swelling was taking postassium iodide. If anyone considers this as an option - talk to your doctor about it and read the information available on taking it.
I have no thryoid - so for me taking it was a benefit to my condition. It simply made the swelling in my neck vanish and my saliva glands no longer hurt as they did.
Knowing about iodine is critical - you can't just jump on it without knowing it will truly help you and talking it over with your doctor.
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asusiegirl
I am scheduled to have my thyroid & parathyroid removed on Nov 7th. In June, routine blood work found too much calcium in my blood. I had 2 isotope tests done within a month of each other and after the 2nd test, quickly developed swollen lymph glands under left arm. Its somewhat now affecting right side and can even feel some breast tenderness on both sides but not all the time. Also gland in groin might be pissed. Have had pain on left side of who-who but am hoping its just a muscle. No energy. I retired in June at age 53. I just couldnt keep up anymore. I made an appt with my GP to address swollen/painfullymph glands then cancelled itfeeling terrified it's lymphoma or something equally as bad. Thank you for sharing your symptoms on here. At least I know I'm not the only one.
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Mvcvikette
I have no idea why my phone auto corrected my response. But he's mine swell from that medicine
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suzy0720
I know it's been a while since you were on here but I agree.Doctors don't seem to notice that thyroid meds and swollen lymph nodes go hand in hand.I had a battery of tests after having hashimotos for 30yrs because I was thought to have lymphoma.When they lowered my dose the symptoms went away.My swelling was so bad I could barely take off my shirt.Now four years later I have swelling under my left arm.My thyroid test are showing I am very high and need more medicine coinsidently.
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Mvcvikette
When I take natures thyroid same as armour I too get swollen lymphnodes when I don't take it they go away. Their a link the medicine is doing that I sure hope later we don't see a multi parties class action lawsuit that the medicine is toxic and that why they swell.
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Netteso
THANKs jamev for the low down on taking and lowering Armour dosage.I hoping to try somethings similar here in Aust, but planning on starting on the lowest possible dose.I have been getting worse and worse the last few years esp my mind and memory and my friend had to be the one to remind me to do something about it.Like you Mari, all the doctors just go by TSH and don't even get you to fast for the blood test.They have ignored my growing number of symptoms (now about 15).Thru a great deal of internet searching I FINALLY found a doctor that has looked beyond the text book (because she had the same problem herself!)But I'm feeling REALLY terrible now esp around period and menstruation, I am seeing her soon and HOPING for HELP!
Regards J
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Mari328
I myself the same thing have swollen lymph nodes, but doctors say it's not my thyroid, I've been borderline hypothyroid for years but because blood work falls under normal no treatment was given. After being persistent with swollen glands...doctors did further testing and just last week they did an ultrasound on my neck and my thyroid indeed is swollen. Now they think I have a thyroid issue after 2 years of me telling them I think I have a thyroid problem but until recently they are now paying attention.
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Manxie
just to let you both know that depsite the docs opinion of the gland swelling not being part of thyroid issues I too have them! its all on right side (neck and under arm) which is same side that my thyroid is swollen. Doc has no explanation well so far anyhow despite positive ana and antibody smooth muscle antibody positve too! So I too wonderif this is all just part of the hypo?
Regards Manxie xx
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stella5349
Not to sound "cad" but go to anyone that will help. I find that in my realm of doctors no one puts swollen nodes together with thyroid disorders and I just posted this morning about my nodes on my right side of neck are huge!
I am a huge supporter of your thought that these two thing go hand in hand together. But we are of the minority when it comes to professional opinions from doctors.
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FAQs
How can I reduce the swelling in my thyroid gland in my neck? ›
An overactive thyroid may be treated with an anti-thyroid drug that disrupts hormone production. The most commonly used drug, methimazole (Tapazole), may also reduce the size of the goiter. For blocking hormone activities.
What lymph nodes swell with thyroid problems? ›The main symptom of thyroid cancer is a lump or swelling at the front of the neck just below your Adam's apple, which is usually painless. Women also have Adam's apples, but they're much smaller and less prominent than a man's. The lymph nodes in your neck can also be affected and become swollen.
Can thyroid problems cause lymph nodes to swell? ›Q: Can thyroiditis cause swollen lymph nodes? A: Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be a sign of thyroiditis that is autoimmune in nature, e.g. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, as well as in acute infectious thyroiditis. However, swollen lymph glands can also be a sign of many other conditions.
Does thyroid gland swelling go away? ›Your thyroid is an important gland in your endocrine system that affects many aspects of your body. If it becomes enlarged, it may be a sign of an underlying thyroid disease. The good news is that goiter is treatable and sometimes goes away on its own.
What home remedy helps inflammation of the thyroid? ›- Junk Food-free Life.
- Regular Exercise.
- Eat Slow.
- Yoga.
- Cook Your Greens.
- Eat the Fat.
- Eat Probiotics.
- When To Seek Professional Help.
While lymph nodes are located throughout your entire body, many in your neck are related to your thyroid.
Can hormone imbalance cause swollen lymph nodes? ›lymph nodes usually do swell up when our body is working hard to fight off something. Like a infection or virus however,it can also be due to hormones imbalance.
What are the signs that you have a cancerous lymph node? ›- Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin.
- Persistent fatigue.
- Fever.
- Night sweats.
- Shortness of breath.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Itchy skin.
Swollen lymph glands are usually a sign of infection and tend to go down when you recover. However, they can sometimes have a more serious cause and may need to be seen by a doctor. Lymph glands (also called lymph nodes) are pea-sized lumps of tissue that contain white blood cells.
How long should lymph nodes be swollen? ›Swollen glands are a sign the body is fighting an infection. They usually get better by themselves within 2 weeks.
How long does it take for thyroid inflammation to go away? ›
The disease process may reach its peak within 3 to 4 days and subside and disappear within a week, but more typically, onset extends over 1 to 2 weeks and continues with fluctuating intensity for 3 to 6 weeks. The thyroid gland is typically enlarged, smooth, firm and tender to palpation, sometimes exquisitely so.
What triggers thyroid inflammation? ›An inflamed thyroid may occur in response to a viral infection (viral thyroiditis) or a bacterial infection (bacterial thyroiditis), following radiation, or in response to certain medications. Your doctor will determine the cause of your thyroiditis and will then treat the condition as needed.
When should I go to the ER for swollen thyroid? ›If you're experiencing symptoms of thyroid storm such as a high fever and a rapid heart rate, get to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. Thyroid storm is a serious and life-threatening medical condition. Luckily, it's rare and treatable.
How do I get rid of inflammation due to hypothyroidism? ›- Consume adequate nutrients from foods and supplements that decrease inflammation in the thyroid. ...
- Strengthen gut health. ...
- Lower stress. ...
- Eat a nutrient dense, low-carb diet. ...
- Get proper thyroid medication. ...
- Eliminate or greatly reduce thyroid inflammation triggers.
Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, which both help decrease inflammation. Bake salmon, cod, sea bass, haddock, or perch for lunch or dinner to get a healthy dose of Omega-3s and selenium. Dairy products like yogurt, ice cream, and milk contain iodine.
What can I drink to cure thyroid? ›Take a glass of lukewarm water and add in ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated turmeric root to it. Add in a pinch of black pepper and mix it well. Consume this turmeric drink every morning in order to improve your overall health and boost up the thyroid functioning.
Can vitamin D shrink thyroid nodules? ›Vitamin D, which has protective effects in many conditions including the current COVID-19 pandemic, might be used for protection against thyroid nodule development and growth.
What shrinks thyroid nodules? ›Doctors use radioactive iodine to treat hyperthyroidism. Taken as a capsule or in liquid form, radioactive iodine is absorbed by your thyroid gland. This causes the nodules to shrink and signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism to subside, usually within two to three months.
What is the best tea for thyroid nodules? ›Chamomile: Among all teas, Chamomile appears to be the best option for improving thyroid health and reducing the risk of thyroid cancer.
Where are thyroid lymph nodes located? ›The thyroid lymph nodes are deep anterior cervical lymph nodes found near the thyroid gland on the neck.
Can Hashimoto flare up swollen lymph nodes? ›
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is commonly associated with increased size and prominence of the lymph nodes in the area of the thyroid gland. These lymph nodes cannot be differentiated from thyroid cancer lymph nodes based upon their general ultrasound appearance.
Does thyroid ultrasound show lymph nodes? ›Thyroid ultrasound is the best and most common method for evaluating the thyroid. This imaging test uses sound waves to get pictures of the thyroid gland, surrounding tissue and structures, and the lymph nodes in the neck.
Why are my lymph nodes swollen but Im not sick? ›But there can be other causes, too: Autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Some vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines, which can cause temporary lymph node swelling when your body makes antibodies against future infection.
Why are my lymph nodes swollen and how do I fix it? ›Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer. Your lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off infections.
Why have I had a swollen lymph node for years? ›Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that they're working hard. More immune cells may be going there, and more waste could be building up. Swelling usually signals an infection of some kind, but it could also be from a condition like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or rarely, cancer.
What doctor specializes in swollen lymph nodes? ›Swollen lymph nodes (or glands) may need to be treated by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Chronic swelling of the lymph nodes can be a sign of a serious problem. Because of their highly specialized training, the ENT is the doctor to see if you have any of these symptoms: Fever over 104 degrees F.
How can doctors tell if a lymph node is cancerous? ›Lymph nodes deep in the body cannot be felt or seen. So doctors may use scans or other imaging tests to look for enlarged nodes that are deep in the body. Often, enlarged lymph nodes near a cancer are assumed to contain cancer. The only way to know whether there is cancer in a lymph node is to do a biopsy.
What percentage of swollen lymph nodes are cancerous? ›Malignancies are reported in as few as 1.1 percent of primary-care patients with swollen lymph nodes, according to a review in American Family Physician.
What is the fastest way to treat swollen lymph nodes in the neck? ›Apply a warm, wet compress, such as a washcloth dipped in hot water and wrung out, to the affected area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers.
Should you massage swollen lymph nodes? ›Gentle massage could be the key to reducing the swelling, pain and heaviness caused by lymphatic obstruction, otherwise known as lymphedema. Your lymphatic system protects your body from infection, cancer and illness. In a very real sense, its's your body's drainage system.
What happens if a lymph node stays swollen? ›
Lymph nodes become swollen as they trap viruses, harmful bacteria and damaged cells, then attempt to destroy them with lymphocytes, the white blood cells that fight off infection. But swollen lymph nodes can also be a sign of cancer, including a type of blood cancer called lymphoma.
Are swollen lymph nodes alarming? ›Swollen lymph nodes are often a sign that your immune system is fighting off infection, but they may also signal more serious conditions. Lymph nodes are no bigger than a baked bean, but they're powerful weapons in the body's defense against disease and infection.
Are swollen lymph nodes curable? ›If your swollen lymph nodes aren't caused by something serious, they will go away on their own. A few things may help with any discomfort while you wait for it to run its course: Warm compress. A washcloth rinsed in hot water and placed on the area that hurts may help ease pain.
What does it mean if your thyroid is swollen in your neck? ›Thyroid nodules. Enlargement of the thyroid can expand the gland well beyond its typical size and cause a noticeable bulge in the neck. This can be caused by single or multiple nodules (lumps) in the thyroid or by an autoimmune process.
What causes swollen thyroid gland in neck? ›The most common cause of a goiter worldwide is a lack of iodine in the diet. In the United States, where iodized salt is readily available, goiters may be a result of the over- or underproduction of the thyroid hormone or the presence of nodules in the thyroid itself.
How can I shrink my thyroid gland? ›Radioactive iodine.
Doctors use radioactive iodine to treat hyperthyroidism. Taken as a capsule or in liquid form, radioactive iodine is absorbed by your thyroid gland. This causes the nodules to shrink and signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism to subside, usually within two to three months.
Although most thyroid nodules are noncancerous and don't cause problems, ask your doctor to evaluate any unusual swelling in your neck, especially if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. It's important to evaluate the possibility of cancer.