Does anyone have problem with anger? - Thyroid Disorders Message Board

miller01 · 10-30-2002, 10:34 PM

I was dx'd hypo over a year ago. I am taking .075 levoxyl and have tested at 1.64 last TSH reading. But my problem is that I am always angry. At my husband, kids, work, the world. Is this caused by being hypo? Or is there something else going on? Just seems that I can't handle all the stress: working, being a mother AND, yes, a father most of the time, to my kids ( 8 yo and 22 mo). I have little time for myself and just feel that when it is my time to relax, I just can't. I think my h is going through midlife crisis and he is taking it out on me. (Verbal and sometimes "light" physical abuse). Is he causing me to be this way, or is my thyroid causing me to overreact?

I also have bouts of loss of memory. Seems I think I have done or said something and then, maybe I really didn't. Explain that one.

ANY input into this realm, anger, will help. I need to know if I should seek medical attention for possible depression or chemical imbalance.

Some days are real bad...and some days are good.

[This message has been edited by miller01 (edited 10-31-2002).]

blc75 · 10-31-2002, 09:17 AM

Oh YES. I'm always more moody when my levels are off, or I just get lazy and don't take the meds. ALWAYS. Actually, that is one of the indicators to me when something is wrong, is when I just start to get cranky. For me, I think I am just sooo tired from thyroid not working that I get cranky. I say the thyroid is the root of all evil in the body. :-)

ArtfulD · 10-31-2002, 10:57 AM

Welcome, miller01. Anger is a HUGE problem for me when I'm Hypo, and was a lifelong problem before I was treated for thyroid disease. I find that I'm extremely volatile (and then become very depressed) when my levels are off. I also have a big swing about 5 weeks into a dosage increase, just prior to a return to what I consider a "normal" emotional range for me.

Exercise is helpful, as is deep breathing. Sometimes, just acknowledging that I'm having an anger swing will help it to subside.

Memory loss or "brain fog" is also a symptom of Hypothyroidism. Perhaps the 0.075 mg Synthroid is not quite enough hormone for you. Most adult females feel best when their TSH is at or below 1.0, so a TSH of 1.64 may still be slightly Hypo for you.

Can you ask your doctor for a trial increase in your meds? If he/she resists, say that you recognize that your levels are in the lab's normal range and that a slight increase will keep you within the normal range but you'd like to see if it will help your symptoms.

Thyroid disease does quite a number on our emotions and our brains. It's hard work, but hopefully you and your family can keep open lines of communication during the process of becoming balanced. Don't be afraid to seek counseling if you're feeling overwhelmed. A little input from an impartial source can really help.

Glitterygrl · 11-01-2002, 03:36 PM

I have this problem. I feel so bad cause I am constantly nagging at my husband or kids, I somehow feel cheated having this disease. My once vibrant self has been taken over by a lethargic overweight monster. I used to be such a happy person at one time and any Dr that tells me its age and not this stinkin thyroid problem is just as crazy as I am.
I feel guilty much of time for being so miserable when in reality I have everything to be thankful for(a roof over my head, food on the table, a family who loves me despite the monster I have turned into etc...). So this just goes to show you that thyroid problems play a big role in mood. Sad but true, and it would be great if some Dr's would be more understanding of that instead of writing a prescription for synthyroid and thinking thats the answer.

Margaret3 · 11-02-2002, 08:50 AM

Hello, I am new to the boards. I have had hypo since I had my last child. (almost 3 years) Speaking about the anger issue, I thought I was just an overwhelmed mother, who works and has a husbad who travels more than he's home. I have 2 children (15 months apart) and work full time. We recently moved out of state to a completely unknown town and state. We have no family or support here. I ma alone more that I am with my husband. It has been a change to say the least. But to get back to the anger issue, I thought I was going crazy.. But my DR put me on 0.075 Synthroid and 10mg of Celexa (anitdepresant). Could I be taking an unnecessary drug for a thyroid related problem? I relate so much to the monster you've spoken of. I could feel my body get hot and I thought I'd hurt somebody. I am not a violent or angry person. But the Celexa helpas me step back and take a minute to evaluate the situation before I respond. (with young children that it invaluable). I have wanted to ask my DR to increase my meds because I still feel sooo tired all the time. Bbut I didn't think I caould do that.
Thaks for listening,
Margaret