hypo treatment

Hi,  my thyroid has been monitored for about 10 years, as I started with a small goiter and anxiety.  All labs were normal. Four years ago, I became fatiqued all the time, and lightheaded, eye problems, insomnia.  The only odd symptom was that I was hot-feeling all the time, but a normal temp.  Now I am hypo(with tsh of 7.5).  I started on synthroid, the first day I felt great, full of energy.  The next day I felt really tired and weak limbs.  I increased the dose a week later, as I was told to do, and I still felt tired, weak.  I've tried armour in the past with the same results.  Any ideas?  Is my small dose(0.025) just stopping all thyroxine, and leaving me more hypo than before?  Would I feel better starting on a higher dose, if that is the problem?  Please send me in the right direction!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The goal of hypothyroid therapy is normalization of the TSH.  Typically, it takes a few weeks for therapy to make any attributable effect.  The TSH should be remeasured after 3-6 weeks of thyroid therapy.  Full effects of thryoid replacement typically takes 6 weeks.  

I would recheck your TSH before making any adjustments in thyroid therapy.  It is unlikely that the addition of thyroid replacement would make you more hypothyroid.  If the TSH continues to be elevated (i.e. hypothyroid), then I would consider increasing the dose.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.