Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 11/24/2007

Question
ok here's the story.....
Ill start off when i first noticed issues. Between the end of eighth grade and the start of ninth i went from a size 9 to a size 14/16. My weight then plateaued, couldnt lose and didnt gain. Then at 21 again i went from a size 14/16 to a 24 over the course of probably 4 months and also went up 2 shoe sizes ans 1 cup size. Again it has plateaued and i am not gaining or losing. I have noticed since then a lot of hair loss, especially in the shower, a dark spot appear on my face, no energy, and heavy menstrual cycles. I have spoke to my doctor several times. We have done a complete thyroid panel but all cam back negative. She just basically gives me an 1800 calorie diet and suggest i just lose weight. I have been on depo between ages 20 and 23 which is when the dark spot appeared. I was on yasmin for a short while but am currently on no birth control whatsoever and still having the same symptoms. Any information you could give me wopuld be appreciated and or any resources. Thank You for your time.

Answer
Hello Tammy,
Thanks for your question.  What you are describing is typical for symptoms of low thyroid function.  You have investigated this possibility with your doctor, and know that there is no overt thyroid disease.  Yet many people, especially women, continue to have a problem even when their tests are normal.  It's often a combination of low thyroid conversion, a pre-pathological hypothyroid state, and/ or low adrenal function.  There are tests to detect these states, but most conventional MDs do not use them.  I'd suggest you consult a holistic MD (www.holistic.org) or a naturopathic doctor (www.naturopathic.org), who are adept at ordering and interpreting these tests, and recognizing a condition that does not fall into a diagnosis yet, but is still treatable.  
Another condition you could investigate with your doctor or a naturopathic or holistic doctor is polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS.  The symptoms overlap with low thyroid function, and often women have both.  
There is help out there, it's just a matter of finding the right practitioner to help guide you beyond what you have already done.  Good luck in your search.  
Dr Conner