Expert: Karen Brawner - 2/9/2006

Question
You're wrong about water rententin not being a symptom of hypothyrodism.  It most certainly is.  Check out any of the medical websites that deal with hypothyrodism.  Every one talks about water retention being a symptom.

Answer
Dear Paul,  I have had hypothyroidism for 6 years, had 1/2 of my thyroid removed and been on medication for 6 years...

NEVER has I had water retention....  If you actually understnad hypothyroidism as explained to me by my endocrinologist, people with hypothyroidism MUST change their life-style because of their thyroid problem diagnosis, because the bodies metabolism is changed and often stays changed even with thyroid medication...  It is the metabolism change that causes or continues to cause weight gain unless proper diet and exercise are maintained...  It is also the metabolism and lack of proper water intake that can cause fluid retention along with the inproper burning or expulsion of salt, certain acides and sulfates....

You are wrong about every medical website talking about water retention being a SYMPTOM....  Here is an ENDOCRINE web site (remember thyroid is an endocrine gland) and look at the SYMPTOMS....  You will NOT find water rentention mentioned here in the list and this web site if published by Endocrine doctors who know what they are talking about....  Water retention is a by-produce of thyroid problems, but NOT a symptom.....  Water retention can be caused by MANY medical problems and therefore, if some one presents to a doctor with water retention, the FIRST thing a doctor would think of would be liver or kidney problems and NOT thyroid.....

Here is the web site
    www.endocrineweb.com/hypo1.html

Also remember that every person with hypothyroidism or other thyroid problems will have different symptoms, or no symptoms etc.....

thank you,   karen