new symptoms

[dewolfe]

Good day to all,

This is my first post and I am grateful for any assistance or input.  

Last May,  I was finally  diagnosed with subclinocal hypothyroidism.  Armour was recommended by my doctor:  initially 15 mg-- gradually  worked up to 120 mg, over a period of months--though.  I never felt 'right'....a constellation of symptoms...most notably low BP & HR:  90/58  HR: 53--58, profound fatigue,   orthostatic hypotension, &  seated hypotension, unable to concentrate or focus, light headed....

One week ago, In an effort to improve the OH recently added butcher's broom 2x daily.   The orthostatic hypotension all but disappeared.  Felt  rather well for about 4--5 days---then my BP and HR rose dramatically:  140/ 95;  150/115.....HR at times was over 120 BPM.  TSH was tested:  0.26.  My dosage of Armour was reduced to 45 mgs daily.  Have been on this lower dose for 2 days and BP & HR are slowly coming down.  The butcher's broom has been eliminated.  Over the past few days I have developed heaviness and weakness in both of my arms---this coincided with the elevation in my BP & HR.  The weakness is most pronounced when I raise my arms overhead or skywards.  What could be causing this weakness in my arms--could it be related to my new  'hyper'thyroidsm?  My docotor seemingly unconcerned regarding the weakness in my arms. Recent EKG  'normal'.

With regards and thanks,
de Wolfe

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

I am not familiar with butcher's broom so cannot comment on that.

The armour dose decrease from 120mg to 45mg was fairly dramatic for a TSH of 0.26 (ie, for most people this would represent a mild over-replacement).  

Would have formal blood testing for adrenals considered -- ie am cortisol -- if greater than 11 it is not likely adrenal insufficiency, if <11 then formal ACTH stimulation testing may be in order.

[dewolfe]

Good morning Dr. Lupo,

Thank you for answering my questions so promptly.   Your  time and expertise are truly appreciated.  Will arrange the blood tests immediately.

Once again thank you.
de Wolfe