Several months ago my reproductive hormones had a major shift. I had a lot of strange symptoms but many went away.
Then in late January I had minor dental surgery. I needed to be on a liquid diet for several days so had a can of soup everyday which is not my usual. Then a week later while doing routine housework I developed heavy arms. I had never felt anything like that so I was avoiding using my arm muscles to avoid the heavy feeling. My doctor thought I had a nerve issue. I had a nerve conduction and muscle test but both were normal.
I did try a low dose birth control pill as perimenopause hormone therapy in February. I had very bad side effects (intense hot flashes that made my arms feel worse and made me just lay there with cold packs, chills, nausea) and while coming off the two week trial of the pill, I did experience extreme fatigue one day and then needed naps for a week or two afterwards. I no longer nap. I walk 1-2 miles per day.
Then I started physical therapy for “weak” arms. It has definitely reduced the heavy feeling but then I started having strange arm sensations - tingling, fluid feeling under my skin. I eventually got an MRI too after my right leg had been feeling a little bit like it was going to sleep. Although I have a spinal defect, the neurosurgeon does not feel my symptoms match what he saw on the MRI. I continually pass all muscle and sensory tests and have no coordination or balance issues. They pretty much ruled out MS. I had bloodwork done before the MRI and that is when they saw my TSH was above the normal range. I decided to temporarily stop the physical therapy and my hands feel warmer and I think the tingling is a little bit less.
I live in a small town and it is difficult to get into my family practice doctor.
What seems to be happening lately is I don’t have the heavy feeling until after dinner and also notice my shoulders feel tired or sore. Also my hand muscles feel strange a few times per day. This has really affected my quality of life. I had to take time off from teaching.
Do you think this could be muscle fatigue or fluid retention from the hypothyroid? Any thoughts? I am taking vitamin D and magnesium. I am thinking of testing for iron but the on call doctor said my CBC bloodwork really doesn’t indicate it being low.