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Thyroid (Expert Forum)
Memory loss and synthryoid
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Dr. Mark Lupo. Topics covered include goiter, graves disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, thyroid cancers, thyroiditis, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
Memory loss and synthryoid
by croc, Nov 18, 2005 12:00AM
I am 47 yrs. old and taken synthryoid for thirteen years. When I started on the medication I was having minor short term memory problems. The different doctors have increased my levels over the years. Taking the synthryoid did not help my cold hands, feet and body temperature at all. I have O blood type and have learned that O is thinner density than the others. I also have dry hair and brittle nails. My memory has became worse over the years. My sister has taken Levoxyl and told me that her memory is better than before she started taking the medication. She has taken the medication for about eight years and has never had to adjust her level of medication.
I just had blood work done and he wants to increase to 200. I was bothered by the fact that the synthryoid medication did not control the problem thirteen years ago. Is it possible that all along the medication was not the right thing for me and my symptoms are worse? I thought after the first year that your levels would stay the same or in close range.
What is the definitive test to take TSH or F3 and F4? Should I ask my doctor to write a script for an adrenal test? I just found out that I am gluten sensitive and did the nutrients that I have been eating my whole life affect my thryoid gland and adrenals? I am really confused about the thryoid gland after my experience and reading the information posted on the forum. If the F3 and F4 test is the most accurate diagnosis then why have my doctors followed the original test with TSH instead of questioning why my levels. Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Nov 19, 2005 12:00AM
, Nov 19, 2005 12:00AM
The treatment of hypothyroidism means striking a careful balance between a patient's symptoms and the lab (usually TSH) value. TSH is the most relied upon lab by thyroid experts world-wide to determine appropriate levels of thyroid hormone replacement. It does not directly reflect tissue activity of thyroid hormone but there is no test available that does that and TSH is the best approximate we have now.
That being said, the target TSH is 0.5-2.0 for a patient on replacement. In general, patients who are older or have heart disease do better with a TSH that is not <0.5 as shown in several studies that these patients have increased risk of premature death.
The celiac sprue (gluten sensitivity) likely decreases the synthroid absorption -- explaining your high dose requirements. Changing to levoxyl may be worthwhile as some patients are sensitive to the fillers in one med but not the other - in terms of thyroid hormone they contain the exact same thyroid hormone. Don't know if it will effect the memory problems but worth a try -- and remember the TSH goal.
That being said, the target TSH is 0.5-2.0 for a patient on replacement. In general, patients who are older or have heart disease do better with a TSH that is not <0.5 as shown in several studies that these patients have increased risk of premature death.
The celiac sprue (gluten sensitivity) likely decreases the synthroid absorption -- explaining your high dose requirements. Changing to levoxyl may be worthwhile as some patients are sensitive to the fillers in one med but not the other - in terms of thyroid hormone they contain the exact same thyroid hormone. Don't know if it will effect the memory problems but worth a try -- and remember the TSH goal.
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