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Hypo to hyper?
So, I've been hypo for about 9 years. Currently taking 75 mcg dosage of Synthroid. Lately, I've been having some symptoms of hyperthyroidism. I've been fatigued, nervous/anxious, and had neck/back pain. I also had one instance of a pounding/racing heartbeat that really freaked me out. I got some bloodwork done. All my numbers are higher than what they were 6 months ago. My T3 Uptake is still in the normal range. My Total T4 went up the most, from 12.3 to 13.1. (The normal range is 4.5-12.5.) T4 Free is at the higher end of the normal range (3.4, the range is 1.4-3.8). Total TSH is on the lower end of the normal range.
Could I have gone from hypo to hyper? I didn't know that was possible! (Note: I will be making an appointment with my dr. ASAP!)
Could I have gone from hypo to hyper? I didn't know that was possible! (Note: I will be making an appointment with my dr. ASAP!)
From what I've read about the endo, she treats symptoms and really listens to her patients. So that's a good sign. Again, thank you for all the information!
Please keep in mind that just because the doc is an Endo does not mean that he is a good thyroid doctor. Many Endos specialize in diabetes, not thyroid. Many others have the "Immaculate TSH Belief" and use TSH as the sole diagnostic. That does not work because test results have been shown to be too variable. For those willing to go further and test FT4 many believe that any result within the reference range means you are okay. Unfortunately results just within the lower part of the range frequently are accompanied by hypo symptoms. The same goes for FT3, which is actually the most important of these three tests, yet the one doctors are most likely to resist testing.
So if you want to know what to look for in a good thyroid doctor, my opinion is that the doctor should be willing to treat you clinically, by testing and adjusting FT3 and FT4 levels as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. It would be worthwhile to find out the Endo's position regarding treating you clinically, for symptoms, rather than by test results.
So if you want to know what to look for in a good thyroid doctor, my opinion is that the doctor should be willing to treat you clinically, by testing and adjusting FT3 and FT4 levels as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. It would be worthwhile to find out the Endo's position regarding treating you clinically, for symptoms, rather than by test results.
My primary dr. recommended an endocrinologist so I will be calling tomorrow to set up an appointment. I will keep all the info you gave me in mind when I go in. Thanks!
I still cannot find any reference range that looks like the one you listed for the the free T4 test, so I'm suspicious that they misidentified it somehow. Regardless, when you go to the doctor, you should request that they test for free T3 and free T4 along with TSH. Note that free T3 and free T4 is not the same as total T3 and total T4. If the doctor resists, then you should insist on it and not take no for an answer. Remember that you are the customer. FT3 is the most important because studies have shown that it correlates best with hypo symptoms.
With your symptoms, if you are unable to get in to the doctor right away, I'd suggest that you let them know of your symptoms and that you want to decrease your meds while waiting to see the doctor and getting re-tested.
The reason I asked about the original basis for putting you on thyroid meds is that the most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune system problem where antibodies are produced that attack and eventually destroy the thyroid glands. If this were the cause of your hypothyroidism, I would expect that there would have been a need for gradually increasing your meds to prevent hypo symptoms resulting in the gradual loss of natural thyroid hormone production.
In view of all this, I think you will want to reduce your meds maybe by 25 mcg and monitor carefully how you feel afterward, and go back for re-testing in 4 - 6 weeks to determine the result for the FT3 and FT4 and TSH levels. I think you should also discuss with the doctor the potential value of testing for thyroid antibodies (TPO ab and TG ab), and also an ultrasound test of your thyroid glands, to see if there is anything unusual showing up there..
With your symptoms, if you are unable to get in to the doctor right away, I'd suggest that you let them know of your symptoms and that you want to decrease your meds while waiting to see the doctor and getting re-tested.
The reason I asked about the original basis for putting you on thyroid meds is that the most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune system problem where antibodies are produced that attack and eventually destroy the thyroid glands. If this were the cause of your hypothyroidism, I would expect that there would have been a need for gradually increasing your meds to prevent hypo symptoms resulting in the gradual loss of natural thyroid hormone production.
In view of all this, I think you will want to reduce your meds maybe by 25 mcg and monitor carefully how you feel afterward, and go back for re-testing in 4 - 6 weeks to determine the result for the FT3 and FT4 and TSH levels. I think you should also discuss with the doctor the potential value of testing for thyroid antibodies (TPO ab and TG ab), and also an ultrasound test of your thyroid glands, to see if there is anything unusual showing up there..
Oh, I didn't know that T3 Uptake and Total T4 were somewhat outdated. I'm just going by what is on the paperwork my dr.'s office gave me. And I did just double check the paperwork and it says Free T4 on it. That's all I got. My paperwork doesn't say anything about free T3.
I've been on the 75 mcg of Synthroid for 9 years. As to the basis for me needing thyroid meds, I really don't remember a lot. I was in middle school when I was diagnosed. From what I do remember, it was symptoms and test results that prompted my dr. to put me on Synthroid.
I've been on the 75 mcg of Synthroid for 9 years. As to the basis for me needing thyroid meds, I really don't remember a lot. I was in middle school when I was diagnosed. From what I do remember, it was symptoms and test results that prompted my dr. to put me on Synthroid.
Yes you can go from hypo to hyper, if thyroid hormone levels from any source become excessive for you and put you there. To better assess that, we need to know more from you. What was the basis for deciding you were in need of thyroid meds? Was it based on test results or hypo symptoms? How long have you been on the 75 mcg of Synthroid?
For info, T3 uptake and total T4 are somewhat outdated and not very useful any more. It is far more revealing to know free T3 and free T4. As far as the free T4 number and range you posted, please double check that. The range looks more like it is free T3, than free T4.
If you will please post answers to the above, members will be better able to respond.
For info, T3 uptake and total T4 are somewhat outdated and not very useful any more. It is far more revealing to know free T3 and free T4. As far as the free T4 number and range you posted, please double check that. The range looks more like it is free T3, than free T4.
If you will please post answers to the above, members will be better able to respond.
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