can hypothyroid disease 'magically' reverse

[jayneebell]

5 yrs ago I was diagnosed hypo my tsh was approx. 7.5 I was put on armourthroid 90 mcg and leveled out to approx 3.2 about 2 yrs ago I switched to synthroid 100 mcg and still held @ 3 for the past six months I have been of meds due to no insurance I had a TSH screening and it was normal 4.6 (no meds taken) can this result be an error? what could have caused a normal result after five yrs hypo? can hypothyroid reverse itself after that long of a time? could it have been postpartum hypo? I ask this because my first daughter was 1yr when diagnosed and my second daughter is now 15months old. my thyroid had never been within normal range in the past 5 yrs unless I was on my meds. should I be looking at a different disease. I have been having the hair loss, fatigue, brittle nails, depression, and inability to loose any weight. PLEASE HELP I am scared that something worse could be going on

[Dakarih_Hontye]

A related discussion, Causes of Hypothyroid was started.

[Dakarih_Hontye]

A related discussion, My Guardian Angel was started.

[plv]

make sure you are getting enough iodine

[Hether]

I have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I had all the classic symptoms - but ralted it to stress and having a baby. Went for lab work as checkup, and boom my TSH was 74 - started on Levoxyl .25, .50, 125 and now 112 - I started having palpitations but doc says they are due to my  anxiety disorder.

I didn't realize how tired I was until I had my energy back. It's amazing how we learn to adjust - it happens gradually and I didn't feel the affects.  Mine occured shorlty after giving birth, and I was wondering if it could correct itself, or if this is usually a lifelong ordeal.

I must say that it has caused no other problems, THe meds are copletely safe for nursing mothers. and have no side effects for me, they are all positive.

One more thing - On the pharmacy info, it says to take my meds in the morings, but my doc says at night - doesn any one know why brochure encourages to take it in the morning?

Looking forward to your response - thanks

[ShannieK]

hI, I agree, your 4.6, is not necessarily normal.  new range 0.3-3.0, and you are high, with symptoms it sounds like.  If it were me, I would get back on meds, cause you are high now, and without medication you will continue to climb on your level, and your symptoms will get bad again. Usually, but i'm not a doc, but usually hypo people are hypo for life and do need to stay on meds for the duration.  I know there are special circumstances like with post partum thyroiditis, and such, but it doesn't sound like this is the case with you.  I think meds are the answer, see a doc, before you start to feel horrible.  Good luck Shannon

[Still_Hoping]

I'm not a doctor. From what you say you have no insurance? I realize money is an issue..but if you have children perhaps your state can cover you w/insurance. Mine does. Once you get it...go to the docs and get a full thyroid panel done with antibodies..full panel not just TSH. Check the T3 and free T4 etc... get your levels then.

My GUESS is that you just haven't shot back up in your TSH yet...after stopping your med but that you will... also if you are having symptoms...same thing.

However, you should get your panel done. Also, you should have them do other tests such as for secondary issues (addisons/cushings/hormones etc etc). They can do complete tests on that stuff..usually an endocrinologist does them...but your primary care MAY if you ask them too/insist on it.

If you do not have access to healthcare I'd suggest you go to your local clinic..they must have a low cost clinic? A womens clinic? something? And have them run the full panel and go from there....  

Any more they say the revised scale is .3 to 3.0 for 'norm' with the average mean of healthy individuals (per the JAMA site) being at roughly a 1.5 to 1.7 where they feel best. Everyone is different. That scale is large. So for you perhaps that 4.5 TSH is still too  high and that is why you are having symptoms.. but a doc should treat not only your tests but symptoms. You should rule out secondary issues (pituitary etc) if they have not.  Again this can all be done at one blood draw.... and they have ways for low income/folks w/out insurance to get these done...look around..I bet your resources are there... your local allied health clinic? It's gotta be possible for you somehow.. thyroid med (for brand) cost me 14 dollars for a months..generic would have been 8...it is relatively low for the cost. If you are hypo...and you go untreated you can devlop other issues. so again..better to get looked at!  

There ARE other conditions that mimic these symptoms...other than thyroid...so a full panel will help figure it out... see your doc... is what I suggest.  You should also have them do a basic chem and metabolic panel on you along with blood glucose for starters (just tell them you want a full thyroid panel plus addisons and stuff and your yearly physical bloodwork and they should know what you want to test...ask them for it...)

Good luck