hypothyroid switching medications and symptoms persist with reduction in TSH levels

[yankeejenny]

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:

[yankeejenny]

How would I know if it is hashimotos?

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?

[luv2dance]

For almost 2 years i was just like you and on Synthroid. My pcp even        added Cytomel (T3) and still no change. He switched me to Armour and i'm much better with just about all hypo symptoms gone.

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)

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

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.

[Julie65]

Your TSH is still WAY too high.  You should be shooting for about 1.0.  (I feel crummy when mine's around 3!)  Switching to Armour might help if you're still having so many symptoms.  It works really well for me.  Good luck!

[Lake Lover]

What other tests have they run on you?  Just a TSH?