extreme fatigue

[lainie2599]

I have been treated for hypothyroidism for about 12 years now.  I have had these recurrent symptoms since I was about sixteen.  Even when they first started me on Synthroid, my levels weren't that high.  However after 6 or so weeks, my levels shot up and they increased my dose from25 mcg to 75 mcg.  I was fine on that dose for awhile until 2000, when I started feeling very fatigued, my nails were brittle etc.  My levels ahd shot up.  They increased my dose to 88 mcg. Then I was fine for 4 years until 2004, when my dose was increased to 112 mcg.  The last time they inceased my dose they said my levels weren't really that high.  I was extremely fatigued and could not function.  So, lately I have been extremely fatigued.  Not able to get enough sleep.  Sleeping for 10+ hours a day.  I am tired all day long.  One thing I notice is everytime I lose weight (because I do have 3 kids, losing the weight from the 3rd one) I notice when I get to my goal weight I have a very difficult time maintaining it and then this extreme fatigue triggers and I just can not function.  I do exercise daily, but now it is a fight.  I just want to sleep.  My bones feel drained.  My doctor is chalking it up to being a mom of 3 and being busy.  I said,"But I didn't just get these kids.  I am normally high functioning".  I feel like no one wants to listen.  My TSH levels are 5.24.  He says it does not need to be treated.  I also am having night sweats(full out changing clothes) one week before my period.  And, lately, I am always cold.  What should I do?  TRIGIRL08

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

5.24 is a little high - a dose increase would be reasonable.

[borninquisitive]

If you are being treated and your TSH is currently 5.24-you need a med increase.
According to A.A.C.E. "The target TSH level should be between 0.3 and 3.0
μIU/mL."

Your doctor should help you find your "target" TSH somewhere within that range.