What is the link with allergies?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
What is the link with allergies?
3
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 11:15pm
I have been experiencing menorrhagia for months and Dr. finally discovered that my thyroid #s were "off". How "off" I don't know yet.

I have been reading up a bit on the thyroid, because, honestly, I have never given it another thought, but am freaking out at some of the info I have found in a google search.

My allergies have been in overdrive for the past two years. Dr. diagnosed me with adult-onset asthma, and I have have had to take meds every day this year.

I don't trust everything I read on the 'net, and won't be seeing a specialist for 3-8 weeks (thankyou Health Canada), so I wanted to know if there is a known or suspected link between allergies and thyroid, and if there is something I can do to help my #s. Any links to reputable sites would be appreciated.

Thanks

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Wed, 09-08-2004 - 8:55am
Hi and welcome - the link is pretty strong between thyroid conditions and allergies. I'm having a hard time finding some actual infoto post here for you but I know this is the case. My own experience is that I had all types of allergies when I was hypo but not diagnosed. I had asthma and used an inhaler. I developed hives, often from being in the sun. I had a rare allergy to my own progesterone levels, so that as I approached ovulation and then my period, my face would swell and I would be covered with a terrible rash from head to toe - that was a fun one! :) I also took prescription allergy medication for the usual sneezing, itchy eyes allergies.

Since being on Synthroid for the past 2 years or so, all of these conditions have cleared up. The progesterone one was the first to go, the hives also. I still have moderate allergies to the seasons but nothing I can't live with. It's a difference of night and day! The only thing I can assume is that since our thyroid is responsible for the function of all our major body systems, when those slow down, our body can't adequately defend itself. Allergies are part of that overeaction, too, of the body to an outside source, (or an inner one) and since most hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition - hashimoto's - perhaps overeacting to the allergens is just another part of it. Not very scientific, I know! But probably true. I'll check on more articles when I have more time late this afternoon. I have two doctors appointments today so I won't be on much til then Hope this helps a bit! Cathy :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Wed, 09-08-2004 - 9:40pm
Cathy, thanks for the welcome and the information. It gives me hope that I *CAN* control these allergies, which have dramatically increased in the last 2 years. This also coincides with the heavy periods, and unfortunately a miscarriage.

I'm just starting my research on thyroid conditions, so any info you have helps.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Wed, 09-08-2004 - 10:59pm
I'm so sorry to hear about your miscarriage. Unfortunately, that's a very sad part of undiagnosed or undertreated hypothyroidism. Heavy periods are also a symptom. I had those too. I could barely leave the house!! It was just awful. But that's one of the first things that cleared up when I started taking medication.

There are links at the top of the board with good information on it. Also Mary Shomon has a good book out called Living Well With Hypothyroidism. It's got a lot of good, basic information. You may have already come across her website.

What's worrying you about what you're reading? Cathy