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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Thyroid results and trial meds
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 Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Thyroid results and trial meds
by lori jane, Sep 24, 2005 12:00AM
After feeling symptoms of hypothyroid for a few years, but still having test results within normal limits, I recently saw a well known specialist in hormone and thyroid replacement. I only had a few results: T3 2.56, and TPO 11.5. Taking into account my symptoms(fatigue, low body temp, slow pulse, heart palps, loss of eyebrows, puffy face, feet, and many more) he perscribed 1 grain T3/T4 for 7 days, then 1.5 grains for 21 days. My PCP finally returned my call, and gave me the rest of my results. TSH 2.15, free T3 2.95, T4 1.57. She was concerned that I was taking the trial thyroid, and cautioned me that because my T4 was already WNL, taking more T4 could put me into A Fib. I am just trying to get better and now I am concerned about the medication I am taking. I can not reach his office until Monday morning with these new results. From what I have read on this forum, my TSH is still too high, and I believe it's the T3 overdose I need to worry about. This all began with one DepoProvera injection. I bled daily for 10 months and became anemic. My ferrtitin is up to 55 now, but I think the Depo has somehow damaged my thyroid. Seven years ago, my TSH was 1.34 so it has risen.Also,can DepoProvera cause tyroid disfunction? Thank you for your help.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Sep 24, 2005 12:00AM
, Sep 24, 2005 12:00AM
DepoProvera is not typically implicated in thyroid problems and is not known to damage the thyroid. Changes in hormone levels, however, may change demands on the thyroid - but this would be transient and not likely to effect your thyroid 10 months (or more) later.
What is normal on the TPO test you had (some say <2, some <30, etc)? If the TPO is elevated, that is suggestive of hashimoto's.
Too much of any thyroid hormone can over-stimulate the heart and cause atrial fibrillation. T3 is typically more stimulating and likely to cause palpitations/anxiety than T4 -- you are taking it as Armour (grains of thyroid) which has a reasonably good t4 to t3 ratio.
While I agree a trial of thyroid meds may be indicated in your situation if TPO elevated, I do not endorse titration of thyroid meds on body temperature or empirically increasing the medication without following the TSH. It takes 6 weeks for the TSH to reflect how the brain (pituitary) feels about the dose -- don't increase further until you have had such a test.
Also, with any t3 product - consider dosing it 2x/day (am and 2-3pm)
What is normal on the TPO test you had (some say <2, some <30, etc)? If the TPO is elevated, that is suggestive of hashimoto's.
Too much of any thyroid hormone can over-stimulate the heart and cause atrial fibrillation. T3 is typically more stimulating and likely to cause palpitations/anxiety than T4 -- you are taking it as Armour (grains of thyroid) which has a reasonably good t4 to t3 ratio.
While I agree a trial of thyroid meds may be indicated in your situation if TPO elevated, I do not endorse titration of thyroid meds on body temperature or empirically increasing the medication without following the TSH. It takes 6 weeks for the TSH to reflect how the brain (pituitary) feels about the dose -- don't increase further until you have had such a test.
Also, with any t3 product - consider dosing it 2x/day (am and 2-3pm)
