hypothyroid, depression, and ADD

[Molly T]

A year ago I went to the doctor for symptoms I thought could be hypothyroidism. My first TSH was 5.79 and the doctor prescribed 50mcg Levothyroxine (I’m in my late 30’s and weigh about 135lbs). At a follow-up last Oct., my TSH was 2.something (“in normal range”) but I was still somewhat depressed, so doc added 10mg Lexapro. My anti-TPO also came back normal. In Feb. 2007 my TSH was 0.97 and no changes were made. I also take 50mg Desipramine daily for ADD symptoms and 10mg Loratadine for allergies.

Now (Sept. 2007) feeling some more of the hypothyroid symptoms again, primarily lack of energy, inability to focus, low mood, irritability, and some weight gain (slowly over the year). Blood tests show TSH 2.44, T3 2.22, and free T4 at 0.85. My doctor thinks these are in normal range and possibly wants to change antidepressents instead of thyroid meds. At this point, it’s next to impossible for me to tell what is ADD, what’s depression, and what’s a result of being hypothyroid.

Thanks so much for your time.

[RobinpJohnston]

I was diagnosed with low thyroid function almost 21 years ago after having my first child.  I am now 45 years old with several health issues that plague me.  I took .25 mcg of Synthroid for most of the time I have been treated.  Since turning 40 my body seems to have it out for me! We have increased my Synthroid during the past year from 25mcg to 100mcg, my level continues to be low, not increasing as much as it should.  I have  the typical symptoms, cold, dry skin, depressed, low libido, moody and have periods that go on for as much as 12 weeks at a time.  There are very few times when I go more than 2 weeks without periods.  This actually started over 3 years ago now.  My Gyno has run tests to conclude my uterus is not enlarged or that any of my other female organs have issues, with both sonogram and CT scan.  This week again I had the CT scan; results concluded all is well "in there".  During the past we have also tried anti-depressants and anxiety drugs which left me feeling too low most of the time I am no longer on them. I take 80mg Micardis for high blood pressure and Triamterene/HCTZ37.5/25.   My husband has been very great, but honestly, it’s hard to live with a moody, bleeding woman who had gained 20 lbs this year with restricted diet and exercise! Are there things I should be looking for with my doctor?  I really want my carefree, loving self back. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated as I get on my own nerves!

[Chrissy8759]

What is what?  I assume "not trying to make an as_ out of myself but, I requested an antibody test with my doctor.  My results came back this week:  T4- .85, TSh .847 , Thyroid Peroxidase >1000 abnd Triiodothyronine, 2.1.  I havenow been placed on Synthroid .150 mcg and Armour 60 mg am and 60 at noon. I agree with future md17 with regards to my thoughts of ADD. I am lost and confused and desparate for answerrs.  I want a stop to all this. I know I have commented in other areas of this arena but I am desparate for looking for an answer for this debilitating condition that is surprisingly attacking alot of people for what reason.  I am just digging for answers and solutions to reasons why so many of us have to suffer; there has to be an answer out there.  I am tiring of fighting for a reason to this riddle.  How do I continue to live with all this.  I need a sedative to go to bed at nite and one sometimes during the day to calm me down.  Valium 10 mgs x2 daily helps but is hard to come by.  I only use them when I need them but my feeling is to stop and refuse any and all medication unless absolutely necessary;

[FutureMD17]

I have struggled with hard to control Hashimotos for about 8 years.  I have also been diagnosed with ADD.  I was wondering is it common for people to have ADD and Autoimmune thyroid problems as comorbidities?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Hard to tell what's what -- there is little harm in increasing the levothyroxine a bit to get the TSH closer to 1.0 again the re-eval, but it may be that the other meds need adjustment.