Can Hashimoto be cured in 2 months?

[miamiunv]

Two months ago my blood tests revealed I had hashimoto.  My TSH was 4.769, my T4 free was 1.07, and my FSH serum was 114.5.  I have been taking 1 grain (65 mg) of Nature-Throid NT-1.  I just had another blood test and now my TSH is 0.006, which indicates that I am cured of hashimoto's and now have an overactive thyroid???  I have a hard time believing this because I am still unbelievably tired, losing my eyebrows, my eyes are constantly swollen, I am always freezing, still unable to lose weight (even though I literally FORCE myself to walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes two times a day) etc.  Is it possible to be cured of hashimoto's and now have an overactive thyroid in 2 months?  In addition, why am I still suffering so with these unbearable symptoms?

[goolarra]

First of all, there is NO cure for Hashi's.  I assume you were diagnosed with Hashi's after having elevated antibodies???  Once you have Hashi's, you have it for life, unless your thyroid is completely removed.

You have not been cured of Hashi's, and you don't have an overactive thyroid.  My guess (not a doctor, just a fellow patient) is that your medication and/or dosage is not adjusted properly at all.  Your TSH has gone down in response to the medication in your system.

In addition to TSH, you need to have free T3 and free T4 tested every time you go in for labs.  The free's give a much better picture of your thyroid status than TSH alone.  I would have these two tests run, and repeat TSH on the same blood draw, as soon as possible. Make sure to get the FT3...a lot of doctors are reluctant to order this one, but it's especially important when taking any dessicated pig thyroid drug.

Without FT3 and FT4, it's very difficult for us to comment on what's going on.  However, if you still have your hypo symptoms, and your TSH is 0.006, something is very wrong with the meds you are taking (for you).

Do you take your Nature-Throid in one dose, or do you split it into two?

[ellesan]

Agree with all of the above. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is the autoimmune form of hypothyroid disease and there is no cure, you will have it for life. It can be managed well for a lot of people with medication, but finding the right dose is tricky and can take a long time to find the right dose/medication for you.  If you are still so symptomatic and have that low of TSH you should discuss changing meds with your doctor. I started on Armour, switched to Nature-throid and then ended up on Synthroid and now feel much better.

Sandra

[miamiunv]

Thank you for your advice.  I am going to the doctor 7/10/09.  I will request the Free T3, Free T4, and another TSH blood test.  I am on 1 grain of Nature-Throid only once a day.  Is there anything I should be looking for when I th results come back?  I am so miserable that it is hard to keep from crying in front of my kids.  Any input at all is truly appreciated.

Marian  

[goolarra]

Any dessicated pig thyorid product contains a lot of T3 relative to its T4 content.  T3 is the "active" thyroid hormone and is quickly neutralized in your system if not used promptly.  T4 is the "storage" form of the hormone and basically circulates in your system until it's needed.  Because Nathure-Throid has a lot of T3, and because T3 disappears if not used, most people split their dose into two.  Often this is first thing in the morning and sometime in the afternoon to get you over that afternoon slump.  You might try that.  You can experiment with different dose times and see what works best for you.

If you'd like to post your results and reference ranges, members will let you know what they think of your labs.

You might ask your doctor to explain why he thinks that with your TSH almost non-existant, you still have hypo symptoms.

Best of luck with your July 10 appointment.  Let us know how it goes.