SandyJR
09-24-2003, 09:23 AM
Has anyone going through peri menopause ever experienced a feeling of a lump in their throat? I have been having this feeling for over a month now. Went to the dr, had cat scan that came back norman and now have an ent appt next month to rule anything out. My dr swears its stress but im very aprenhensive about that diagnosised. I have recently been diagnossed with Hypothyroidism and am taking Synthroid each day. Since my period this month has come twice..a little over two weeks apart i was curious if this could be related to that. Getting older really does suck. You can take care of your body but things still happen.
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twanger
09-24-2003, 10:25 AM
Hi Sandy. I have had that full feeling in my throat, on and off, for the past year. It seems to be related to one of two things. Anxiety or GERD, or both. If it's anxiety, a good cry will sometimes loosen it up. If it's indigestion, take a Tums and see if it helps. If you are in perimenopause, which from the sound of the irregularity of your period, you might be, you can experience an increase in anxiety and indigestion. Hope this helps.
SandyJR
09-24-2003, 12:24 PM
Twanger, i wanted to say thanks for your imput. When i first went to my dr he gave me two weeks of medication for heartburn/acid reflux but that didnt help so we ruled that out. Then came the cat scan and that was normal like isaid. Now to give me peace of mind i am going to the ent specialist and pray she finds nothing in my throat. I dont smoke, never even tried it so to have something growing in my throat will really shock me. You said you have this full feeling, can you describe it as best you can..how it feels for you? That can help me to know what you are going through. Thanks again.
ssMarilyn
09-24-2003, 07:00 PM
The lump in the throat is generally caused by either anxiety or thyroid problems. Getting your thyroid balanced out will eliminate that. Also, if you have Xanax at home, cut a tab into 4 pieces and just take one of them. That is usually enough to get rid of the lump.
Research shows that a lack of progesterone can also cause hypothyroid syptoms, so be sure to have your endoc check all your hormone levels, not just the thyroid. If you are progesterone deficient, insist on using the natural cream that you can get right off the shelf at the drugstore, or order online. Don't take the synthetic garbage!
Marilyn :)
Research shows that a lack of progesterone can also cause hypothyroid syptoms, so be sure to have your endoc check all your hormone levels, not just the thyroid. If you are progesterone deficient, insist on using the natural cream that you can get right off the shelf at the drugstore, or order online. Don't take the synthetic garbage!
Marilyn :)
Geneva1
09-24-2003, 07:18 PM
SandyJR,
I'm in perimenopause, and my throat bothers me off and on too. I feel like I can't swallow, but I can. It feels swollen inside, and I keep looking in the back of my throat for a lump or something. No swollen glands, no nothing. The medical term for it is "globus hystericus", and it is caused by anxiety. I haven't had a scan or anything yet, but have thought about it, just for peace of mind. It's weird isn't it?
Geneva
I'm in perimenopause, and my throat bothers me off and on too. I feel like I can't swallow, but I can. It feels swollen inside, and I keep looking in the back of my throat for a lump or something. No swollen glands, no nothing. The medical term for it is "globus hystericus", and it is caused by anxiety. I haven't had a scan or anything yet, but have thought about it, just for peace of mind. It's weird isn't it?
Geneva
Geneva1
09-24-2003, 07:22 PM
Oh, forgot to mention. Be careful about taking meds for Hypothyroidism if you are going through menopause.
Menopause & Hypothyroidism can mimic each other. What tests did your Dr do to make your diagnosis? Did you go to an Endocrinologist?
Geneva
Menopause & Hypothyroidism can mimic each other. What tests did your Dr do to make your diagnosis? Did you go to an Endocrinologist?
Geneva
SandyJR
09-25-2003, 09:15 AM
Hi Geneva1. I am making an appt this morning to see an Endocrinologist. My dr did the TSH and by going by my symptoms diagnosed me with that. The range for this has changed since jan of this year and i wasnt happy about my drs response to that when i informed him. Another reason i want to see an Endo. I also had a cat scan to rule out anything in my throat. I have an appt to see an ent specialist too but am putting that off till after the Endo as i dont want to go through that scope down the throat if i dont have to. Only if its necessary for peace of mind. Have you made an appt to see a dr ?
ssMarilyn
09-25-2003, 03:41 PM
SandyJR, any doctor that will diagnose the condition of your thyroid by using the TSH test is totally useless. The TSH test does not show what your thyroid is actually doing...if it's working properly or not. You need to have the Free T3 and Free T4 test done, along with thyriod antibodies. Hopefully you'll find an endoc that is smart enough to do those three tests...there's still some that don't, believe it or not, and they claim to specialize in the thyroid? The new acceptable TSH levels by the Endoc Association is .30 -3.0
Keep in mind that a lack of progesterone can cause the thyroid to underproduce hormones, leading to hypothyroidism. Be sure your doc checks your progesterone levels too...that's a saliva test I believe. (the blood tests for hormones has been deemed unreliable)
Marilyn :)
Marilyn :)
Keep in mind that a lack of progesterone can cause the thyroid to underproduce hormones, leading to hypothyroidism. Be sure your doc checks your progesterone levels too...that's a saliva test I believe. (the blood tests for hormones has been deemed unreliable)
Marilyn :)
Marilyn :)
SandyJR
09-25-2003, 05:01 PM
Marilyn, thanks for your post. My dr did do the T4 test along with the TSH. I also know the range for TSH changed beginning of this year. I have had so many of the symtoms of hypo for so long now im happy to be on Synthroid. I tried getting to an ENDO but where im living right now MICHIGAN, the only ENDOs in this area need a referral before they will see you regardless of whether your insurance required that or not and miny does not. My dr called me today and refused to give me that referral saying my condition is well in the bounds of what he can handle. It sucks as there are no other endos anywhere near me that will see me without that criteria. So ill go back to my dr in about five weeks and see if im happy with his treatment of me and if not ill find another primary. I also intend to see my GYN as i am close 49 and know i am perimenopausal with periods coming every two weeks. oh joy right? lol Again thanks.
ssMarilyn
09-25-2003, 11:19 PM
It's easy to get confused with the tests. You said your dr did the T4 test, that is completely different that the Free T4, just like the T3 test is totally different than the Free T3. Be sure the word "free" is in those two tests you do, but it sounds like you have a doctor that is bound and determined to keep you under HIS care.
Marilyn :)
Marilyn :)
SandyJR
09-26-2003, 09:45 AM
Marilyn, once again thanks for your advice. I have my lab slip for when i go again in a few weeks and if the correct one isnt crossed, ill get a pen and cross the one that says FREE. Its sad how drs try to be so controlling and in some states such as mine, unfortuately it ties our hands. So the next best option it to education ourselves which is something i have always done when there has been the slightest thing wrong with me. youve been a great help..thanks and have a great Friday and wonderful weekend.
DebraL
04-02-2004, 06:53 PM
It can also be a symptom of tmj. I think that is what causes mine.
PennyD
04-02-2004, 08:04 PM
SandyJR,
I'm in perimenopause, and my throat bothers me off and on too. I feel like I can't swallow, but I can. It feels swollen inside, and I keep looking in the back of my throat for a lump or something. No swollen glands, no nothing. The medical term for it is "globus hystericus", and it is caused by anxiety. I haven't had a scan or anything yet, but have thought about it, just for peace of mind. It's weird isn't it?
GenevaI have had the lumps in my throat feeling several times. It started last August 2003 when my panic/anxiety attacks started. My GP said it was a symptom of the attacks. I am taking 1.5 ml of Klonopin a day and it helps keep the panic attacks aways thus keeps the lumps in the throat away. It really is anxiety that causes them, but I know the feeling of wanting a test for peace of mind. The left side of my head went completely numb during my worst panic attack, I asked for a CT Scan of the brain just to make sure nothing was wrong. When the scan showed everything was normal it was a great relief. So I suggest you get any tests done that will help you have peace of mind, during this time that is a great comfort. Hope you feel better soon.
Penny
I'm in perimenopause, and my throat bothers me off and on too. I feel like I can't swallow, but I can. It feels swollen inside, and I keep looking in the back of my throat for a lump or something. No swollen glands, no nothing. The medical term for it is "globus hystericus", and it is caused by anxiety. I haven't had a scan or anything yet, but have thought about it, just for peace of mind. It's weird isn't it?
GenevaI have had the lumps in my throat feeling several times. It started last August 2003 when my panic/anxiety attacks started. My GP said it was a symptom of the attacks. I am taking 1.5 ml of Klonopin a day and it helps keep the panic attacks aways thus keeps the lumps in the throat away. It really is anxiety that causes them, but I know the feeling of wanting a test for peace of mind. The left side of my head went completely numb during my worst panic attack, I asked for a CT Scan of the brain just to make sure nothing was wrong. When the scan showed everything was normal it was a great relief. So I suggest you get any tests done that will help you have peace of mind, during this time that is a great comfort. Hope you feel better soon.
Penny
girlgato
04-03-2004, 12:50 PM
Hi ladies,
So glad that I searched this site because, like some of you, I have this feeling in my throat also. For me, the least little bit of anxiety, will cause me to feel like my throat is tightening up, then I get all gaggy.
Also am 46 and my whole body is going thru HUGE changes. This is awful. Will be posting another threat about my symptoms in hopes that I'm not going crazy!!
Take care....
So glad that I searched this site because, like some of you, I have this feeling in my throat also. For me, the least little bit of anxiety, will cause me to feel like my throat is tightening up, then I get all gaggy.
Also am 46 and my whole body is going thru HUGE changes. This is awful. Will be posting another threat about my symptoms in hopes that I'm not going crazy!!
Take care....
rmc12
04-05-2004, 04:57 PM
Hi to all of you,
I was interested in this thread as I too have noticed this symptom on and off and mostly when I am more anxious. Lately I have been more so of course in perimenopause here!! I am not one prone to indigestion either and have found that to be the case at times. But when I am more relaxed I do not have either problem.
Someone in this thread mentioned either xanax or valium or maybe both and I find too that when I take either, even a bit of it and am more relaxed that I do not have this feeling.
I have been to the doctor's etc and he said it was anxiety and I do feel it is related to that for me.
Hope you all are doing well,
rmc
I was interested in this thread as I too have noticed this symptom on and off and mostly when I am more anxious. Lately I have been more so of course in perimenopause here!! I am not one prone to indigestion either and have found that to be the case at times. But when I am more relaxed I do not have either problem.
Someone in this thread mentioned either xanax or valium or maybe both and I find too that when I take either, even a bit of it and am more relaxed that I do not have this feeling.
I have been to the doctor's etc and he said it was anxiety and I do feel it is related to that for me.
Hope you all are doing well,
rmc
LIND
04-06-2004, 08:37 AM
Just some input. I was recently diagnosed with a thyroid problem "hyper". Currently taking PTU meds for it. I am 50 yrs old and prior to being diagnosed everyone swore I was peri-menopausal. I am sure I am headed that direction anyway, given my age but, for now I am not. The symptoms are so similar. I have (3) nodules on my thyroid that often give me a feeling of a lump in my throat. Also allergies/sinus conditons can cause it.
Just wanted to give some feedback.
LIND
Just wanted to give some feedback.
LIND
Shibboleth
04-07-2004, 10:57 AM
I have heard an awful lot of people with thyroid problems mention this lumpy feeling in the throat. I myself have it....wierd huh? It'll pass as treatment goes on for menopause and hypo. I am going to try eating less sugar, caffeine and limit alcohol. I also have learned there are a ton of things we can do dietarily to ease thyroid and menopause symptoms including eating more complex carbs and taking supplements such as calc/mag and selenium (which is supposedly really good for thyroid problems as it promotes the healthy functioning of the thyroid in general so that it can it's job right.) Exercise is "big time" help too!
Good luck. :cool:
Good luck. :cool:
ainfante
04-12-2004, 08:48 PM
Hi Sandy Jr. I get the lump in my throat too. I have a very slight goiter but I think the lump feeling comes from gas up the esophagus thing. It also has to do with the hormonal change and everything goes haywire!
ainfante
04-12-2004, 08:52 PM
I had all those T3, T4 free and TSH and antibodies. It wasn't done under the new blood levels but was done under a endo who was really good. Everything came out normal, but progesterone and estrogen does play with the thyroid because the pitutary and the hypothalmus in the brain regulate all the hormones in the body. What a life, huh?
ainfante
04-15-2004, 10:41 PM
Hi Sandy. It's just a part of peri or menopause. I get it too. I have a small goiter but I know women who have no thyroid problems or goiters and get this fullness in their throats. When the hormones change in your body, it affects the thyroid too. The thyroid may go off or it can stay normal but women seem to at times get this fullness in the throat. It can also be the esophagus, which gets full with gas or air due to hormonal changes. I've gone through just about everything and trust me, I know what you're feeling.