Now hypothyroid in 2007 after graves w/RAI in 2001

[myliljay]

My TSH levels were a little over 6 but all other t4's and etc. normal in May 2007 and I had no hypo symptoms then. But about a month ago, symptoms of hair loss,tiredness, moodiness, came about and labs were done  again and now TSH got a little higher (over 7.) I was put on 25 mcg of Levoxyl and I have been on it now for 3 weeks.  I keep reading about subclincial and not being treated until levels are over 10. I am still fairly thin and have a big appetite.  I am so afraid of feeling hyper again or losing weight that the fact of taking thyroid hormone scares me. Will treating it early on help from having to take higer doses later?

[SWheel]

I am not sure of what is going on with me healthwise.  I have been having issues of being constantly cold, some sleepless nights or wake up very ealry and can't get back to sleep.  I have recently been experiencing more hair loss.  I occassionally get this lump in my throat when I try to swallow.  I do notice once in a while when I take my Tetracycline it does not always go down and desolves in my throat.  I feet become extremely cold and cramp up and need to wear socks constantly.  I take the tetracycline for my severe rosacea.  Cna you help me with my problem?

[myliljay]

Thank you for answering my question! you actually treated me in Sept 2001 at Scripps. Without giving too much personal information on here, I was severely hyperthyroid with anxiety. After the RAI my thyroid became normal and I felt great.  It wasnt until last year and this year I started out with hypo symptoms. All labs including antibodys for hashimotos were normal and negative.  It has been only the TSH that has been elevated. I moved out of state- I actually found this website by accident and coincidently you were here.  This is a great website and helpful.  Thank you.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Sorry for not answering questions for last 10 days - I still have very limited internet access, so will be patchy for a bit.

In regards to this question, treating early does not usually change the ultimate dose requirments.  It is not unusual to see hypo develop a few years after, there is likely a superimposed hashimotos (ie TPO antibody) that results in a destructive thyroiditis --> hypo after years of being normal after RAI knocked out much of the thyroid function.