Hives and Hypothyroidism

[layla2210]

Several years ago, I began to break out in hives for weeks.  I went to all types of specialists.... dermatologists, allergists, and finally an endocrinologist.  The dermatologist ran a full blood panel and discovered that my TSH was 12 and that the hives may be a result.  The endocrinologist somewhat agreed and begin treatment with levothyroxine.  My dosage was increased to .125 during my pregnancy, however after my daughter was born in Feb. 2010, I stopped the thryroid medication.  Now, 4 months later, the hives are back and they are worse than ever!  Nothing works, benadryl, Zyrtec, Tagamet... nothing.  Can you please help me understand why my body is doing this?

[Smilerdeb]

Take a look at my pics...I had chronic Utitaria a few months ago from my FT3 plummetting low.
As soon as I increased the T4 med, The hives went.
I was on a course of Predisolone and slowly weaned off them and was also on Telfast which was great.
As you will see by the pics...I had them pretty bad. I had probably 3 bad bouts...the first one ending up with Anaphalactic shock from them.
Go to your Doc and get on some Prednisolone if they are severe.

The first signs of the welts appearing were a 'tingling' in the skin all over.

[gimel]

Why would you stop the medication?  Was it based on further testing?  Have you ever been tested other than for TSH?

Based on just what you've said in your post, I think you need to go in for a full panel of thyroid tests.  Since TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by so many variables it is inadequate as a diagnostic for thyroid treatment.   You need to be tested for the actual, biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4 (not to be confused with total T3 and total T4).  If the doctor resists testing for FT3 and FT4, then insist on it.  Don't take no for an answer.  

In addition, you should ask to be tested for the thyroid antibodies, TPO ab and TG ab.  These tests will show if you have the most commonly occurring thyroid problem, which is called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.   After having these tests done, I suggest that you get a copy of the lab report and post results and reference ranges here, so that members can help interpret and advise.  The doctor is required to give you a copy of the report upon your request.  It is a good idea to always get a copy and then note on there how you were feeling at the time and what meds you were taking, and then keep it for future reference.