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Holistic medicine approach to PMR

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jul 2 5:14pm | Replies (65)

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@jabrown0407

@sandysomers your loss of hair, extreme fatigue and skin thinning are symptoms that lead me to believe you may have hypothyroidism. Remember when you are fighting PMR symptoms of new problems are often comingled with PMR symptoms and so the new problem goes unidentified for an extended amount of time. You might ask your PCP or if you have an Endocrinologist you can see them and ask to have thyroid problems eliminated as the cause for your symptoms. There are several thyroid tests that tell the tale of thyroid health.
Steroids can play with your thyroid balance and production and contribute to symptoms of thyroid problems. In some cases steroids can cause thyroid problems. It certainly did with my journey on steroids and I was on only 10mg per day.
I have had hypothyroidism for decades. PMR has played havoc with my thyroid numbers. I have seen my Endo every 90 days for 5 years now due to my PMR. During my steroid treatment my thyroid numbers went off the rails again. Adjusting thyroid meds it a delicate balance and takes months to know the success or failure of a single minor adjustment.

Here is a Mayo Clinic article on hypothyroidism -
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284

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Replies to "@sandysomers your loss of hair, extreme fatigue and skin thinning are symptoms that lead me to..."

Thank you for your reply. I suspected I had hypothyroidism about a year before PMR onset. My thyroid tests showed hyperthyroidism and my endocrinologist wanted to put me on meds. I was borderline and said no thanks. I've been tested twice since PMR and I'm still "hyper" not "hypo" which always surprises me. Imagine the fatigue and hair loss I'd have if I was "hypo"! I'm sorry you've been dealing with that on top of PMR. Hope you are in a good place managing your PMR and thyroid issues.