This is part 2 of Seema’s (@seemakazi) acne breakthrough story, where she tells you about the exact medical tests she underwent to uncover underlying problems and the exact medications she was prescribed. This is not the end, but it is heartening to know she’s getting better and better every day. * applause * Read part 1 here.
Hi Again,
So last time I bored you with my long story and this time am going to go one step further with few details.
By now I guess Tejupriya has given us good knowledge about how Thyroidism affects acne along with other side effects. So I am not going to repeat all that. I have Hypothyroidism, that is, when thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones required for normal body function and for this I was taking Thyronorm 50mcg.
So as I mentioned in my earlier post after Sonal probed me I decided to meet a specialist.
I came across a doctor named Dr. Kamini Lakhaini through Google. I was hesitant about how is she, will she be good or bad, will she be able to figure out the right problem and will she treat me right without just making money out of me.
No really, I guess many of you will agree with me with all these thoughts coz I feel I have been cheated by so many dermatologists. They just give the same medicine to all who suffer from acne without even asking about any underlying cause or eating habits.
Yes why would they, won’t that close their business actually. Anyways moving ahead, I took her appointment for a few reasons like first she is an Endocrinologist, consulting Diabetologist with expertise in Thyroid, PCOS, Obesity management and overall Hormonal related health issues and secondly based on my gut feeling.
First I met her assistant who took all the details and then I met the Doc. I told the doctor that I have hypothyroid and taking med for that. Here is the conversation which happened;
Doc: So what you know about Hypothyroid.
Me: (Being happy that I had Googled about it and I know the details.) Hypothyroidism is when thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones required for normal body function.
Doc: (Smiles) I know that, what else.
Me: (Bit quiet now) It results in hormonal imbalance which can further make you immune to other diseases.
Doc: Ok good. Which phone do you use; I have a Nokia basic phone key pad version
Me: (huh what) I have a Samsung S3.
Doc: which is better you think between both.
Me: Obviously S3, isn’t it?
Doc: What if I remove the battery of S3.
Me: No use then.
Doc: So you see, phone as such is useless unless the battery is charged, and that too fully charged, or else your phone will go off within less time. Same is the case with Thyroid glands. They act like battery for your body. They produce the right amounts of hormones needed to keep body’s metabolism at an optimum working level. Any increase or decrease leads to hormonal imbalance in the body and these further results in further problems. So in your case your battery is not fully charged and hence these problems.
Have you done any test for PCOS?
Me: No.
Doc: I think you might have it looking at your skin; it’s too oily, lots of breakout on chin, jaw line, forehead, and little extra hair growth on face. These are all signs of PCOS.
Me: What is PCOS?
Doc: right now we will concentrate on your thyroid issue and we will talk after your tests are out. I don’t want to scare you and bombard you with all information at one go
Me: (fair enough)
Doc: I will write down few tests which you need to do so that we can start a proper treatment.
Ok so after few more chit chatting she listed the following tests for me:
Hormonal Assay
S Androsteindione Levels —– My test resulted in more of this than normal level
S DiHydroTestosterone (DHT) Levels — This was just at borderline.
Androsteindione is described as a ‘pro-hormone’ because it has few effects itself. Instead, it is important because of the ability of different parts of the body to convert it into the hormones, testosterone and estrogens, which exert many effects on the body.
In women, excess body and facial hair growth (called hirsutism), stopping of periods, worsening acne etc may result from too much androstenedione.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that stimulates the development of male characteristics (an androgen). Less is known about the importance of DHT in women, but it is known to cause much of the body hair growth seen in girls after puberty. In PCOS about 35% of the patients have an increased DHT Levels.
Insulin Resistance Profile
(Over Night Fasting & after Heavy Meal) — This was normal.
This was to basically rule out any risk of Diabetics since it’s hereditary in my mom’s family.
Thyroid Profile
S Free T3 + Free T4 + TSH — This was not in normal range.
A.ATAB (Anti Thyroid) Thyroid Antibodies — this test was positive.
I am sure most of us know about Free T3, Free T4 and TSH but not much about ATAB (Thyroid Antibodies). I urge everyone who has Hypothyroid to go and do this test right away. If the test result is negative then good but if it’s positive, that means you have an autoimmune thyroid. It is also known as Hashimoto’s disease.
Hashimoto’s disease is a condition in which the body’s immune system starts to attack the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland may be damaged by inflammation caused by antibodies attacking the gland and this may result in some swelling of the thyroid gland. It also stops the thyroid gland working well and causes hypothyroidism.
What are the causes for this disease?
This is caused by an inflammation of the thyroid gland called thyroiditis. These results from the body producing antibodies that attack the cells that makes up the thyroid gland. It is not clear why the body starts to produce antibodies against the thyroid gland, but there is a tendency for thyroid disease to run in families. This is basically passed on as heredity.
Nutritional Assay
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D3
Calcium
Ferritin
The entire above test resulted in low levels.
Treatment Advised
B12 + Vit C Injection (each for 6 weeks)
D3 Injection (each for 6 weeks)
Reol – DSR Capsules (one each day — It is normally used with antibiotics for eradicating acidity)
Olplex – ZL Capsules (one each day — This are B complex and Iron Capsules)
Cytomid – 250 Tab (one each day –The active ingredient is flutamide which is basically an anti-androgen. It blocks the activity of testosterone, a hormone produced by the body. It works by preventing the binding of the androgens to the target tissues. Any doses > 250 mg increases the toxicity of liver. Hence, the liver functions need to monitored regularly.
Along with this she has also given me diet chart with details, a do’s & don’ts list.
So far the results are positive, not only with respect to acne but overall health too. I don’t feel lethargic and tired all the time like I used to earlier.
I can clearly see an improvement in my health, emotional condition and in my acne. Fingers crossed and hoping for best.
My next appointment with doc is on 20th Dec. Will keep you posted. Till then wish you all good health and clear skin.
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