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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
hypothyroid switching medications and symptoms persist with reduction in TSH levels
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.
hypothyroid switching medications and symptoms persist with reduction in TSH levels
by yankeejenny, Apr 03, 2007 12:00AM
I am 32 years old female. During last summer I began having the below listed symptoms. In October I was given a TSH test that was normal (2.3), my symptoms increase dramatically and was given another TSH test and a free T3 test. My TSH was at 8.4 in early January. My PCP prescribed I Synthroid 50 mcg. Symptoms appeared to get worse through prior to medication (2+ weeks waiting for results) and then even more so after initiation of medication (early Feb). At this point, my daily activities and job are dramatically affected by symptoms. However, my TSH levels are reduced--at 5.3.
The earliest appointment for an endoncologist was end of June, and I am on the waiting list if there are cancellations. In the meantime, I am not functioning well. My PCP wants to switch to medications to Armour, to see if that works better for me in the meantime. Is this the appropriate action that should be taken at this time?
Symptoms:
• Mental slowness—confused/flakey/not remembering things
• Exhausted/ all-over body aches
• Hair loss
• Weight gain-significant rapid gain
• Frequent sore throats/colds/coldsores (colds were severe
with an intermittent fever and occur about every other
week)
• Dry skin
• Coughing at night
• Course voice
I am extremely confused as far as what the best action for me would be. Can you suggest something??
The earliest appointment for an endoncologist was end of June, and I am on the waiting list if there are cancellations. In the meantime, I am not functioning well. My PCP wants to switch to medications to Armour, to see if that works better for me in the meantime. Is this the appropriate action that should be taken at this time?
Symptoms:
• Mental slowness—confused/flakey/not remembering things
• Exhausted/ all-over body aches
• Hair loss
• Weight gain-significant rapid gain
• Frequent sore throats/colds/coldsores (colds were severe
with an intermittent fever and occur about every other
week)
• Dry skin
• Coughing at night
• Course voice
I am extremely confused as far as what the best action for me would be. Can you suggest something??
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Apr 05, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 05, 2007 12:00AM
The goal TSH is around 1.0 -- achieve this with synthroid type meds before considering adding T3 (ie change to cytomel or switching to armour). Check thyroid antibodies to see if this is hashimotos.
I also agree to have the antibodies test done, that is how i found out i had Hashimoto's. My latest number is 631 (normal range is 0-40)
I finally have an appointment with endo on Monday!
TSH levels have risen (from PCP blood test every 4 weeks). PCP did switch me to Armour. No one seems to be concerned with my TSH levels, except this forum--which suggest below 1....any advise on dealing with the new endo on Monday?