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"Just" hypothyroidism?
About 3-4 months ago, I went to the doctor because I kept getting sick and experienced extreme fattigue in between. My doctor decided to run some general blood tests, and found I was hypothyroid. My TSH was elevated, but only about 6-7. Because I was so tired, I was started on thyroid meds pretty much straight away. I thought that would be the end of it, but after 2 months on the medication I feel worse and a lot of strange symptoms that I've had in the past (but didn't think much of) have come back, except so much worse.
I still feel tired, although the medication might have helped a little bit with that. I still feel sick, almost like I have the flu constantly, I still have problems concentrating and experience brain fog. Along with that, I now have sore muscles, mostly in my legs, as if I've exercised too much (I haven't), and I have weird stabbing pains all over - (head, stomach, back, jaw, wrists...) It's usually a very intense pain in a concentrated spot, and then the pain will move on after a while to a different area.
I also have stomach aches, digestion problems, and my throat hurts all the time - which is worse in the morning, and at night. Sometimes it will "burn" sometimes it's just sore. I'm just so tired of feeling this way, I'm 19, and feel like I'm 60.
I'm wondering if perhaps I have something else as well as hypothyroidism? Or maybe something connected to the hypothyroidism? I just can't imagine how a slightly raised tsh would be this uncomfortable
I still feel tired, although the medication might have helped a little bit with that. I still feel sick, almost like I have the flu constantly, I still have problems concentrating and experience brain fog. Along with that, I now have sore muscles, mostly in my legs, as if I've exercised too much (I haven't), and I have weird stabbing pains all over - (head, stomach, back, jaw, wrists...) It's usually a very intense pain in a concentrated spot, and then the pain will move on after a while to a different area.
I also have stomach aches, digestion problems, and my throat hurts all the time - which is worse in the morning, and at night. Sometimes it will "burn" sometimes it's just sore. I'm just so tired of feeling this way, I'm 19, and feel like I'm 60.
I'm wondering if perhaps I have something else as well as hypothyroidism? Or maybe something connected to the hypothyroidism? I just can't imagine how a slightly raised tsh would be this uncomfortable
Yes, even if your TSH keeps dropping, you could be under medicated. I have a friend whose TSH went to just about zero once she started meds, but she was still hypo according to FT3 and FT4, and she felt like crap.
Really, considering your symptoms, I think you need an increase. Did they even ask you how you were feeling? As I said, they shouldn't be going by TSH alone, but even given that, your TSH is above range, so why aren't they treating further? Good thyroid doctors know that TSH often has to be in the 1.0-1.5 range before we feel well.
Have you thought about calling the doctor and asking for an increase since your TSH is still above range? That's just a Band-Aid measure, but it could get you some relief until you find a doctor willing to test and treat properly.
Really, considering your symptoms, I think you need an increase. Did they even ask you how you were feeling? As I said, they shouldn't be going by TSH alone, but even given that, your TSH is above range, so why aren't they treating further? Good thyroid doctors know that TSH often has to be in the 1.0-1.5 range before we feel well.
Have you thought about calling the doctor and asking for an increase since your TSH is still above range? That's just a Band-Aid measure, but it could get you some relief until you find a doctor willing to test and treat properly.
No, It doesn't seem that way. I was told to just stay on the same dose.
So even if my TSH keeps dropping, I could still be under-medicated?
So even if my TSH keeps dropping, I could still be under-medicated?
Your TSH has improved somewhat, but not nearly enough.
FT3 and FT4 should be tested every time blood is drawn.
"...I just feel so awkward making suggestions to someone who is supposed to me more qualified than me you know :) " "Supposed" is the operative word here. If your doctor isn't testing adequately, and he isn't, then you either need to find a doctor who does, or you need to educate this one. It's sad, but true. TSH alone is not adequate once you are on meds to manage meds. TSH is very volatile, so if you go by it alone, you will be on a roller coaster ride of flip-flopping dosages and flip-flopping symptoms. You're too young to put yourself in the hands of someone who isn't doing his job right.
A number of years ago, AACE recommended TSH range be changed to 0.3-3.0. As evidenced by your lab's range, labs and doctors have been slow to adopt the new and more reasonable range. Even at that, 3.0 is too high for most people. A good thyroid doctor will recognize that FT3 and FT4 are much more important than TSH and won't stop adjusting dose until your symptoms go away.
So, your doctor isn't planning to increase your dose?
Your symptoms are consistent with under medication. TSH does not tell the whole story. Until your thyroid hormones are properly treated, I wouldn't worry too much about any of these symptoms being from something else.
FT3 and FT4 should be tested every time blood is drawn.
"...I just feel so awkward making suggestions to someone who is supposed to me more qualified than me you know :) " "Supposed" is the operative word here. If your doctor isn't testing adequately, and he isn't, then you either need to find a doctor who does, or you need to educate this one. It's sad, but true. TSH alone is not adequate once you are on meds to manage meds. TSH is very volatile, so if you go by it alone, you will be on a roller coaster ride of flip-flopping dosages and flip-flopping symptoms. You're too young to put yourself in the hands of someone who isn't doing his job right.
A number of years ago, AACE recommended TSH range be changed to 0.3-3.0. As evidenced by your lab's range, labs and doctors have been slow to adopt the new and more reasonable range. Even at that, 3.0 is too high for most people. A good thyroid doctor will recognize that FT3 and FT4 are much more important than TSH and won't stop adjusting dose until your symptoms go away.
So, your doctor isn't planning to increase your dose?
Your symptoms are consistent with under medication. TSH does not tell the whole story. Until your thyroid hormones are properly treated, I wouldn't worry too much about any of these symptoms being from something else.
I was retested a couple of days ago, and my tsh was 5.2 (0.3-5) last time it was 6.8 so the numbers have improved. I'm taking 50 mg of eltroxin (I'm pretty sure it's very similar to synthroid) My dose hasn't been increased, but I guess that's because it's nearing the "normal" range?
My T4 and T3 has unfortunately never been tested as far as I know. I suppose I should ask to have that done, I just feel so awkward making suggestions to someone who is supposed to me more qualified than me you know :)
Anyway, thanks for the answer!
My T4 and T3 has unfortunately never been tested as far as I know. I suppose I should ask to have that done, I just feel so awkward making suggestions to someone who is supposed to me more qualified than me you know :)
Anyway, thanks for the answer!
It's not unusual to feel worse for a while. The initial dose we're put on is a bit of an educated guess based on weight. It sometimes takes several dose adjustments before we get it "right". We all react very differently to different amounts of medication.
Have you been retested yet? If not, when are you scheduled for that?
Please tell us which meds you're taking and the dose.
Did your doctor test FREE T3 and FREE T4 along with TSH? If so, please post those and include reference ranges. Ranges vary lab to lab, so they have to come from your own lab report.
Perhaps we can make some suggestions that will help you talk to your doctor.
Have you been retested yet? If not, when are you scheduled for that?
Please tell us which meds you're taking and the dose.
Did your doctor test FREE T3 and FREE T4 along with TSH? If so, please post those and include reference ranges. Ranges vary lab to lab, so they have to come from your own lab report.
Perhaps we can make some suggestions that will help you talk to your doctor.
Excerpt from the book Running On Empty by Robyn Koumourou...
"It is not uncommon to start thyroid hormone therapy and find that your symptoms become worse before they get better. When you begin taking thyroxine the areas in the brain that control thyroid hormone production sense the increase in T4 levels within the blood stream. This feedback system will then cause the thyroid glands natural production of thyroid hormones to slow down.
Less natural T4 and T3 will then be produced and released and blood levels may remain stagnant or even decrease temporarily. Less free T3 hormone available to the body will slow down cellular metabolism. The symptoms of hypothyroidism may become worse until an increase in thyroxine is taken or an optimal dose is found."
"It is not uncommon to start thyroid hormone therapy and find that your symptoms become worse before they get better. When you begin taking thyroxine the areas in the brain that control thyroid hormone production sense the increase in T4 levels within the blood stream. This feedback system will then cause the thyroid glands natural production of thyroid hormones to slow down.
Less natural T4 and T3 will then be produced and released and blood levels may remain stagnant or even decrease temporarily. Less free T3 hormone available to the body will slow down cellular metabolism. The symptoms of hypothyroidism may become worse until an increase in thyroxine is taken or an optimal dose is found."
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