I AM THEATED FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM BUT I FEEL VERY SICK
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include
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Graves Disease,
Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems,
Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Yes, a T3/4 combo medication has been found to be the most effective. Your thyroid makes both for a reason, and with a T4 only drug many of your symptoms will remain. Armour and Naturthroid are 2 natural T3/4 medications that work for a large percentage of people. Some people have to add a T4 medication to this in addition, and on rare occasion a T3 instead.
Please go to StoptheThyroidMadness.com and read everything you can. It will change your life, and you need to find a doctor that knows that T4 meds only are not effective, as well as one who tests Free T3/4. Getting free T3/4 into the mid to high range of 'normal' usually eliminates symptoms. A Holistic MD usually will know this. Endos typically will blow you off as normal if they do test free T3/4 and it is in the low part of the range. This happened to me, and I found a new doctor.
Also, make sure to get your adrenal glands tested. The best test is a 4x/day saliva test, which tests for cortisol and DHEA, 2 of the steroid hormones. Aldosterone and the sex hormones should be tested also using blood tests. Some thyroid and adrenal symptoms overlap, and low cortisol can increase your hypo symptoms. The website I mentioned has good information on this, also.
Good luck to you!
With ALL thyroid medications, the information packet states not take thyroid meds if you have adrenal insufficiency. The adrenal insufficiency or fatigue needs to be addressed, or you will continue to have problems.
Also, please visit the International Hormone Society on the web, and go into the area concerning petitions. You will find great info there about cortisol/adrenals. T4/3 combo meds can cause heart symptoms, but it is usually because you need cortisol! Without enough cortisol, T4 gets converted too much to T3, and you will get hyperthyroid-like symptoms such as heart palpitations, etc. This can happen on a T4 only drug.
Healthy days ahead!