Advice

[416shopaholic26]

I became hypo in 2006 when I was 4 mos pregnant with my 1st baby. I was put on 50 mcg of eltroxin  then 75mcg until I delivered. My levels were retested after delivery and it was determined my thyroid was "fine" and I was taken off the meds. 6 weeks later, I was depressed, my hair fell out  I couldn't lose a pound (despite breastfeeding) I had panic attacks etc, I could barely move. I called my Dr and req another test. 2 days later I received a call from the Doctors office saying my levels were over 100 (??)  I was told to go to the pharmacy immediately and get 100mcg. Gradually I started to feel a little better, I lost my pregnancy weight and was back down to 130lbs (3 pounds over what I weighed before preg)  I felt "better" but not the way I had before. This year I had a 2nd baby. My levels were tested during pregnancy (while on 100mcg) and were "fine". I am in canada and Doctors do not "offer up" your actual test results unless they are demanded (I am not a confrontational person and feel awful doing this, so I am in the dark) I feel awful. I feel like I'm dying. I'm exhausted. My hair is brittle. My eyes feel gritty. I have headaches often. I am so moody that I cannot control my temper and snap easily on my loved ones, then feel so guilty I cry. I am breastfeeding my son and have not lost a pound since my weight loss in the first month postpartum. I was 174lbs before I gave birth and have stayed 156lbs since ( 5 months postpartum). I could starve myself and not lose an ounce. I req another test 2 weeks ago and it was "normal"I am being treated by my GP and I have asked for an endo a few times, but it's clear my doctor is insulted and doesn't feel I need to see one as my "numbers are normal" I have started taking an extra 1/4 of a pill each day (this week)in an attempt to feel better. I am not normally a "self medicator" but I am desperate! Is it dangerous to take an extra 1/4 tablet each day? How long would it take to feel better taking the extra pills? I am 27.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

sorry  you are feeling so bad.  You really need to know your numbers.  Without knowing this we can't give you advice.  Many people only feel good when TSH is at the lower end of the range, and FT3 and FT4 are in the upper end of the range.

If you can't talk to your current doctor, you need to see a different one.  Life is too short to be feeling so bad, when it is likely treatable.

You can also come accross to the patient to patient thyroid support forum.  They're a good and supportive bunch.

Not a good idea to increase meds without being monitored...... but I can understand your desperation.  Please put that desperation to work to get some answers for yourself.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The "normal" range is a subject of debate.  We use 0.3-2.5 for patients on levothyroxine therapy.  Would ask for your results.  taking extra medication may result in toxic levels of thyroid hormone so is not indicated - would talk to your general doctor about your levels and symptoms.