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Recent Lab Results
After having a TSH of 30.74 and an Antithyroid Perox. AB of greater than a 1000 back on September 12th, was put on 88mcg of Synthroid. I would have sworn my new labs were going to be terrible as I felt the Synthroid was making things worse, BUT my labs are pretty good I think.
TSH 0.56 (0.34-4.82)
FT4 1.47 (0.60-1.50)
FT3 3.1 (1.8-4.2)
RT3 10.0 (9.0-27.0)
I'm not sure how to figure the percentage rages, hoping someone will give me the formula?
Other labs:
VIT D 25-Hydroxy 27 (30-80) Optimum level
Vitamin B-12 299 (211-911)
Anti-Thyroglobulin AB <20 (0-40)
Zinc 91 (56-134)
Selenium 108 (23-190)
Magnesium 2.00 (1.80-2.40)
Iodine, S 81 (40-92)
Cholesterol H 209 (80-200)
HDL-Cholesterol 62 60 Decreased rick for CHD
Cholesterol /HDL Ratio 3.4 5.0 High risk
LDL 128 < 130 Desirable
VLDL 19 (0-40)
Triglycerides 93 < 150 Normal
Also found that I'm estrogen dominant and as he said my progesterone is in the dirt. I don't have those results in front of me to give actual #'s.
So I was given a b-12 shot before leaving the office and go back for 2 more in 2 week increments. I was prescribed Vitamin D dose of 50,000 IUD's to be taken once a week for 8 weeks. And also prescribed Prometrium 100mg to be taken before bed. I also picked up some Florajen3 while I was at the compound pharmacy, in the hopes of becoming regular again. (fingers crossed)
Had more blood drawn today for ferritin and the Antithyroid Perox. AB . And more 2 months from now, Vitamin D and B-12 and also Folic acid and Folate.
As to how I feel? Not great yet, the muscle aches and stiffness are the worst, still tired and napping daily even tho I get at least 7 hours a night and seem to sleep well at night. Brain fog has not lifted yet, also dry gritty eyes, and constipation. So after more research, at least I know there's hope eventually. I was surprised at so many of the symptoms being the same for estrogen dominance along with low vitamin D and B-12. I'm pretty sure my iron levels will come back low too.
Best thing about it all, I think I have found a GOOD doctor. What are your thoughts about the cholesterol? He wasn't concerned. Seem right? Thanks in advance and look forward to seeing your replys. Sending Barb135 and gimel messages so that you can add him as a good doctor in my area!
TSH 0.56 (0.34-4.82)
FT4 1.47 (0.60-1.50)
FT3 3.1 (1.8-4.2)
RT3 10.0 (9.0-27.0)
I'm not sure how to figure the percentage rages, hoping someone will give me the formula?
Other labs:
VIT D 25-Hydroxy 27 (30-80) Optimum level
Vitamin B-12 299 (211-911)
Anti-Thyroglobulin AB <20 (0-40)
Zinc 91 (56-134)
Selenium 108 (23-190)
Magnesium 2.00 (1.80-2.40)
Iodine, S 81 (40-92)
Cholesterol H 209 (80-200)
HDL-Cholesterol 62 60 Decreased rick for CHD
Cholesterol /HDL Ratio 3.4 5.0 High risk
LDL 128 < 130 Desirable
VLDL 19 (0-40)
Triglycerides 93 < 150 Normal
Also found that I'm estrogen dominant and as he said my progesterone is in the dirt. I don't have those results in front of me to give actual #'s.
So I was given a b-12 shot before leaving the office and go back for 2 more in 2 week increments. I was prescribed Vitamin D dose of 50,000 IUD's to be taken once a week for 8 weeks. And also prescribed Prometrium 100mg to be taken before bed. I also picked up some Florajen3 while I was at the compound pharmacy, in the hopes of becoming regular again. (fingers crossed)
Had more blood drawn today for ferritin and the Antithyroid Perox. AB . And more 2 months from now, Vitamin D and B-12 and also Folic acid and Folate.
As to how I feel? Not great yet, the muscle aches and stiffness are the worst, still tired and napping daily even tho I get at least 7 hours a night and seem to sleep well at night. Brain fog has not lifted yet, also dry gritty eyes, and constipation. So after more research, at least I know there's hope eventually. I was surprised at so many of the symptoms being the same for estrogen dominance along with low vitamin D and B-12. I'm pretty sure my iron levels will come back low too.
Best thing about it all, I think I have found a GOOD doctor. What are your thoughts about the cholesterol? He wasn't concerned. Seem right? Thanks in advance and look forward to seeing your replys. Sending Barb135 and gimel messages so that you can add him as a good doctor in my area!
Recent labs from 2/3/2014
TT4 7.0 (4.7-13.3)
FT4 0.97 (0.60-1.50)
FT3 2.3 (1.8-4.2)
TSH 4.27 (0.34-4.82)
This is with Synthroid at about 62mcg and 10mcg of T3 medication. The doc actually wanted me to stay at the 75mcg and take 20mcg (split in 2 doses) I'm thinking I probably should have done what he wanted and now a little afraid he may fire me.
The best thing is my muscles aren't killing me and I'm not so stiff like I was there for awhile. My biggest complaint is lower back pain, almost daily and worse in the evenings, and once in awhile my eyes really bother me. Oddly enough, today my lower back isn't bothering me.
I would like to know what the percentages are on the T3 and T4. I can see they aren't even at 50% and that's probably not good.
I'm thinking I should at least increase my Synthroid back up to at least 75mcg, and still don't know about taking much more T3, maybe another 5mcg. What are your thoughts?
TT4 7.0 (4.7-13.3)
FT4 0.97 (0.60-1.50)
FT3 2.3 (1.8-4.2)
TSH 4.27 (0.34-4.82)
This is with Synthroid at about 62mcg and 10mcg of T3 medication. The doc actually wanted me to stay at the 75mcg and take 20mcg (split in 2 doses) I'm thinking I probably should have done what he wanted and now a little afraid he may fire me.
The best thing is my muscles aren't killing me and I'm not so stiff like I was there for awhile. My biggest complaint is lower back pain, almost daily and worse in the evenings, and once in awhile my eyes really bother me. Oddly enough, today my lower back isn't bothering me.
I would like to know what the percentages are on the T3 and T4. I can see they aren't even at 50% and that's probably not good.
I'm thinking I should at least increase my Synthroid back up to at least 75mcg, and still don't know about taking much more T3, maybe another 5mcg. What are your thoughts?
Basically, I'm on about 75mcg T4, since I stopped taking one pill a week.
( 88mcg - 6X's a week ) and that was about 7 weeks ago. I did tell him this too, and he said to continue with that and add the T3.
I would have to say I did feel almost "normal" when I first started taking the T3 and was soooooo happy! But now, I'm having the muscle aches again, so wondering if it's probably because of too much T4.
So my earlier post of thinking I should be reduced to 25 mcg T4 was correct, since adding the 10 mcg T3 medication. I'll try to see if he'll drop it to 50mcg of the Synthroid.
My last appointment 12-17, he had asked me if I wanted to try Armour. I was surprised, wishing I would have said yes now ( I think )
New labs will be drawn end of January.
( 88mcg - 6X's a week ) and that was about 7 weeks ago. I did tell him this too, and he said to continue with that and add the T3.
I would have to say I did feel almost "normal" when I first started taking the T3 and was soooooo happy! But now, I'm having the muscle aches again, so wondering if it's probably because of too much T4.
So my earlier post of thinking I should be reduced to 25 mcg T4 was correct, since adding the 10 mcg T3 medication. I'll try to see if he'll drop it to 50mcg of the Synthroid.
My last appointment 12-17, he had asked me if I wanted to try Armour. I was surprised, wishing I would have said yes now ( I think )
New labs will be drawn end of January.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Are you still at the 88 mcg Synthroid? Your FT4 was already very high.
It's customary to reduce T4 dosage by about 20-25 mcg for each 5 mcg T3 added. If you're taking 10 mcg of T3, technically, your T4 med should be reduced by 40-50 mcg, but that might be too much of a decrease. 75 might be a good place to start, if your doctor is willing.
Yes, I think you should call and ask to have your Synthroid decreased. Once it's decreased, it will take a while for all the T4 to leave your system.
Some people report an almost instant improvement when they start a T3 med; I did not. I was on it for some time before I began to feel that it made a difference, but I was never over medicated.
Yes, my doctor lowered my levo when I started taking T3. I was on 100 mcg levo, he reduced me to 75 mcg and added 5 mcg T3. After several months, my levo (Tirosint) dose was increased to 88 mcg and a couple years later, my T3 increased to 7.5 (total/day). I've been on 88 mcg Tirosint for over 4 yrs and and currently on 10 mcg T3.
It all has to be balanced out gradually, depending on how you feel. Sometimes, you only have to make little tiny changes.
It's customary to reduce T4 dosage by about 20-25 mcg for each 5 mcg T3 added. If you're taking 10 mcg of T3, technically, your T4 med should be reduced by 40-50 mcg, but that might be too much of a decrease. 75 might be a good place to start, if your doctor is willing.
Yes, I think you should call and ask to have your Synthroid decreased. Once it's decreased, it will take a while for all the T4 to leave your system.
Some people report an almost instant improvement when they start a T3 med; I did not. I was on it for some time before I began to feel that it made a difference, but I was never over medicated.
Yes, my doctor lowered my levo when I started taking T3. I was on 100 mcg levo, he reduced me to 75 mcg and added 5 mcg T3. After several months, my levo (Tirosint) dose was increased to 88 mcg and a couple years later, my T3 increased to 7.5 (total/day). I've been on 88 mcg Tirosint for over 4 yrs and and currently on 10 mcg T3.
It all has to be balanced out gradually, depending on how you feel. Sometimes, you only have to make little tiny changes.
Well it's been 7 days now since I started taking the T3 medication. I've only taken 5mcg dose twice a day. It seemed to really help at first, but now I'm back to having the muscle aches and just not feeling right. Seems to me I'm being over medicated with the T4 again. He didn't lower my dose. Do you think I should call and ask him too?
Anyone else feel great at first after having T3 medication added, then to only not feel well again? Did you doctor lower your T4 medication when adding the T3? This is so frustrating.
Anyone else feel great at first after having T3 medication added, then to only not feel well again? Did you doctor lower your T4 medication when adding the T3? This is so frustrating.
I agree with you that 20 mcg total of T3 seems like a bit much. I think I will give 10 mcg (split into 2 doses) a try for now. I took it later this morning, 6:15. I was thinking I couldn't have any coffee for another hour after taking it. Thankfully, that doesn't seem to be the case. He didn't say anything about lowering my T4 medication either, which is a little bothersome! Since I'm basically on 75 mcg of the Synthroid, you think I would go down to 25mcg since adding the 10 mcg of T3?
Or am I misunderstanding? I was thinking about skipping another pill on Thursdays to lower the dose. But that doesn't sound like it would be enough? Please tell me your thoughts.
I will keep you informed about how everything's working out.
Or am I misunderstanding? I was thinking about skipping another pill on Thursdays to lower the dose. But that doesn't sound like it would be enough? Please tell me your thoughts.
I will keep you informed about how everything's working out.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Did you tell your doctor that you had decreased your T4 dosage? Typically, when one adds a T3 med, the T4 med is decreased by 25 mcg for every 5 mcg of T3. Did he mention that?
I think you're going to find 2 tablets of the T3 in the morning, and 2 in the afternoon, a bit much. You might want to go even slower on that.
Do you have to take the T3 med that early in the morning? If you can take it a bit later, it'll stay with you later. I take my levo about 6 am and the first dose of T3 about 7:00 and the second one between noon and 1:00 pm. Once you start taking it twice/day, you shouldn't crash like that, because your levels will stay more stable.
Your Ferritin is quite low, even though it's "in range"; ideally, ferritin should be around 70. If it were me, I'd supplement, but you should probably discuss it with your doctor. Ferritin is the iron storage hormone, so low levels indicate that you don't have a lot of iron stores. Inadequate iron causes anemia. There are several good brands on the market; look for one that says it's easy on the tummy, because iron constipates. The one I was taking is called Gentle Iron by Solgar; says on the bottle that it's non-constipating.
It will be interesting to see how the muscle aches do, with the T3 med; mine improved significantly, in a relatively short time.
I think you're going to find 2 tablets of the T3 in the morning, and 2 in the afternoon, a bit much. You might want to go even slower on that.
Do you have to take the T3 med that early in the morning? If you can take it a bit later, it'll stay with you later. I take my levo about 6 am and the first dose of T3 about 7:00 and the second one between noon and 1:00 pm. Once you start taking it twice/day, you shouldn't crash like that, because your levels will stay more stable.
Your Ferritin is quite low, even though it's "in range"; ideally, ferritin should be around 70. If it were me, I'd supplement, but you should probably discuss it with your doctor. Ferritin is the iron storage hormone, so low levels indicate that you don't have a lot of iron stores. Inadequate iron causes anemia. There are several good brands on the market; look for one that says it's easy on the tummy, because iron constipates. The one I was taking is called Gentle Iron by Solgar; says on the bottle that it's non-constipating.
It will be interesting to see how the muscle aches do, with the T3 med; mine improved significantly, in a relatively short time.
It's been almost 6 weeks now that I've lowered my dose, skipping one pill on Sundays. Seen the eye doc, says I have dry eyes, could be from the medication or hypothyroidism. Can't remember which, just happy they are ok and suggested wetting drops. My eyes have been feeling better, not as intense as they were.
Seems my muscle aches and stiffness aren't near as bad as they were. I did start taking magnesium with glycinate also, about a week ago.
Had my ferritin serum tested and it came back
57 range ( 3 - 244 )
Seems a little low, but he wasn't concerned.
Do you think I should supplement iron? if so, what kind.
Had an appointment with him Tuesday and he had run some blood work for the muscle pains, I just couldn't understand how they could hurt so much. He ran
CPK , aldolase and sedrate tests and they came back normal.
Creatine Kinase 73 ( 0 - 215 )
Aldolase 2.6 ( 1.2 - 7.6 )
ESR- Westergren 5 ( 0 - 20 )
So he's trying some T3 medication ( generic ic liothyronine sod). 5mcg for 5 days, then morning and afternoon for 5 days and then 2 tablets in the morning and afternoon after that. Then retesting FT3 and Total T4 and TSH. I will call and have them add the FT4 test. Had to tell him before to add it.
So today was my first morning of the T3, and no ill affects, thankfully. That was about 5:15 this morning and about 11:00 I was ready for a nap. Seems like I crashed.
Just wanted to keep you updated and see what you thought about all of this. Thanks so much for your time.
Seems my muscle aches and stiffness aren't near as bad as they were. I did start taking magnesium with glycinate also, about a week ago.
Had my ferritin serum tested and it came back
57 range ( 3 - 244 )
Seems a little low, but he wasn't concerned.
Do you think I should supplement iron? if so, what kind.
Had an appointment with him Tuesday and he had run some blood work for the muscle pains, I just couldn't understand how they could hurt so much. He ran
CPK , aldolase and sedrate tests and they came back normal.
Creatine Kinase 73 ( 0 - 215 )
Aldolase 2.6 ( 1.2 - 7.6 )
ESR- Westergren 5 ( 0 - 20 )
So he's trying some T3 medication ( generic ic liothyronine sod). 5mcg for 5 days, then morning and afternoon for 5 days and then 2 tablets in the morning and afternoon after that. Then retesting FT3 and Total T4 and TSH. I will call and have them add the FT4 test. Had to tell him before to add it.
So today was my first morning of the T3, and no ill affects, thankfully. That was about 5:15 this morning and about 11:00 I was ready for a nap. Seems like I crashed.
Just wanted to keep you updated and see what you thought about all of this. Thanks so much for your time.
Thanks Barb! I truly appreciate all your insight. I've decided to skip it on Sundays, since I like to sleep in a little before getting ready for church and this way I can have my coffee first thing in the morning. :)
I have been keeping a journal pretty much since the time all this started. I have never had to take any pills ever, only occasionally for a headache. So this is all new to me and I want to make sure I know what's happening and when and maybe figure out why. And oddly enough it all started about 2 months after I stopped smoking! Try and do something good for yourself and this is what you get, lol.
And I agree about we aren't always right, I'll be the first to admit that! I swore Synthroid wasn't doing anything for me, until I seen my lab results!
Good to know there is hope.
Thanks again!
I have been keeping a journal pretty much since the time all this started. I have never had to take any pills ever, only occasionally for a headache. So this is all new to me and I want to make sure I know what's happening and when and maybe figure out why. And oddly enough it all started about 2 months after I stopped smoking! Try and do something good for yourself and this is what you get, lol.
And I agree about we aren't always right, I'll be the first to admit that! I swore Synthroid wasn't doing anything for me, until I seen my lab results!
Good to know there is hope.
Thanks again!
COMMUNITY LEADER
Good that you have an eye appointment in Dec. I'm not saying that your eye issue isn't thyroid related; it could be, but you haven't been over medicated long enough for that to happen; and that would be for a doctor to determine.
You're right T4 thyroid medications build in your system and missing one dose isn't going to change how you feel. It's true that some are more sensitive than others, but it's very unlikely that what people are feeling after they miss a single dose, is actually from missing that dose, because the way you feel today, isn't related to the med you took this morning; it's related to med you took a week or so ago.
What you're thinking of doing is "missing" one dose/week. Is that going to change the way you feel or your thyroid hormone levels? Yes, but not after missing/skipping a single dose. You won't even know you missed those pills for a few weeks (maybe 3-4), when your levels start coming down.
Again, I'm not a doctor and I can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you that if *I* had hyper symptoms and my doctor refused to lower my dose, I'd do the same thing you're thinking of doing.
If you decide to do this, make sure you note on a pad or calendar, every dose you skip and start a journal listing your symptoms on a day to day basis, then you can go back over a period of time and see what improved and what didn't. Don't go by day to day symptoms, because we never feel the same 2 days in a row; that's just life. What I'm talking about is listing your daily symptoms, and if you have to, rate them on a scale of 1-10, with 1 "being there", but not really affecting your sense of well being, and 10 being so bad that all you want to do is crawl under a rock and snap out at whomever walks by, or just crawl under the rock and sleep... lol It's kind of like counting calories and keeping a food diary; it takes time to make these recordings, but sometimes those are what get our doctor's attention, plus it's your record of your disease. I do this on all my lab sheets, which have become my running record of my disease.
Just don't give up.
You're right T4 thyroid medications build in your system and missing one dose isn't going to change how you feel. It's true that some are more sensitive than others, but it's very unlikely that what people are feeling after they miss a single dose, is actually from missing that dose, because the way you feel today, isn't related to the med you took this morning; it's related to med you took a week or so ago.
What you're thinking of doing is "missing" one dose/week. Is that going to change the way you feel or your thyroid hormone levels? Yes, but not after missing/skipping a single dose. You won't even know you missed those pills for a few weeks (maybe 3-4), when your levels start coming down.
Again, I'm not a doctor and I can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you that if *I* had hyper symptoms and my doctor refused to lower my dose, I'd do the same thing you're thinking of doing.
If you decide to do this, make sure you note on a pad or calendar, every dose you skip and start a journal listing your symptoms on a day to day basis, then you can go back over a period of time and see what improved and what didn't. Don't go by day to day symptoms, because we never feel the same 2 days in a row; that's just life. What I'm talking about is listing your daily symptoms, and if you have to, rate them on a scale of 1-10, with 1 "being there", but not really affecting your sense of well being, and 10 being so bad that all you want to do is crawl under a rock and snap out at whomever walks by, or just crawl under the rock and sleep... lol It's kind of like counting calories and keeping a food diary; it takes time to make these recordings, but sometimes those are what get our doctor's attention, plus it's your record of your disease. I do this on all my lab sheets, which have become my running record of my disease.
Just don't give up.
I have an appointment come December for my eyes, so that's good. So you don't think it has anything to do with the thyroid medication, being over medicated?
I seen a post on here about what happens if they missed their dose, seems odd that some swear they could tell. I thought it builds up in your system, so I assumed it wouldn't have any affect, unless of course you missed several. Although I suppose some are more sensitive than others. Hopefully I'm not so sensitive.
I have had some feelings of being wired too, which I don't like. Wednesday of this week I was completely normal, I was so happy, then towards the evening it all disappeared. This is so frustrating, I just hope and pray that someday I'll be myself again. At least I have had the pounding heart. So, there's a plus.
I seen a post on here about what happens if they missed their dose, seems odd that some swear they could tell. I thought it builds up in your system, so I assumed it wouldn't have any affect, unless of course you missed several. Although I suppose some are more sensitive than others. Hopefully I'm not so sensitive.
I have had some feelings of being wired too, which I don't like. Wednesday of this week I was completely normal, I was so happy, then towards the evening it all disappeared. This is so frustrating, I just hope and pray that someday I'll be myself again. At least I have had the pounding heart. So, there's a plus.
COMMUNITY LEADER
If you are having issues with your eyes, you should see your optometrist of opthamologist.
I'm never a fan of self medicating, but sometimes we have to do what we have to do. I'm not a doctor so I can't tell you to drop one pill/day; however, if you decide to do that, you'll eventually have to tell your doctor.
You might still have found a good doctor; it's just that sometimes they get hung up on what they learned in med school and they learned in med school that results, anywhere in the ranges, was just fine, which is most likely why he won't lower your dose.
I've had to change my own dosages, in order to get my doctor to realize that he's not always right. I also to keep in mind that I'm not always right, either... lol
I'm never a fan of self medicating, but sometimes we have to do what we have to do. I'm not a doctor so I can't tell you to drop one pill/day; however, if you decide to do that, you'll eventually have to tell your doctor.
You might still have found a good doctor; it's just that sometimes they get hung up on what they learned in med school and they learned in med school that results, anywhere in the ranges, was just fine, which is most likely why he won't lower your dose.
I've had to change my own dosages, in order to get my doctor to realize that he's not always right. I also to keep in mind that I'm not always right, either... lol
I called the doctors office, he says he's not lowering my dosage, that my tests were good. My question is, my eyes are really starting to bother me (for about a week now), burning and aching, seems to be getting worse, I'm wondering is this a sign of being over medicated? I thought maybe I would just skip one pill week, I'm on 88mcg, and it would be like taking 75mcg every day. What are your thoughts? I don't see him again until Jan 17th. I do go back for another b-12 shot next Friday with the nurse. I really thought I had found a decent doc, I'm starting to wonder now.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Since FT3 is converted from FT4, it often lags behind a little bit and takes longer to get to optimal levels. If FT4 stabilizes about mid range, but FT3 stops tracking upward, we would conclude that you aren't converting adequately and suggest the addition of a med with a T3 component, but you aren't to that stage yet.
You can see how you do with just the 2 more B-12 shots; it might be enough for now. What will be important is whether or not you begin to feel better. You should be more "awake" and have more energy; brain fog should go away and so should tingling/numbness, if any, in your feet and hands.
There's a test called the Shilling test, which is done is 4 stages; most doctors won't want to order this and it's not really necessary.
Other more useful tests would be those that measure the number and appearance of red blood cells. There's also a test to check for antibodies to intrinsic factor.
Intrinsic factor is a protein the stomach that allows absorption of B12. The presence of antibodies to intrinsic factor would indicate Pernicious Anemia. I think a lot of doctors bypass these tests and go more by the way you feel and whether or not levels will be adequate on an oral supplement. I was diagnosed with PA, based on the low B-12 level, in spite of the fact that I eat a lot of B12 rich foods, and the characteristics of my red blood cells.
Once you are done with the shots, you can really test yourself, by getting an oral supplement and eating vitamin B12 rich foods, which are red meat, specifically, liver, dairy, eggs. If you can't maintain levels with an oral supplement, try a liquid or sublingual. If that fails, you'll need shots, which are, typically, done on a monthly basis, after the 4 initial weekly shots.
You can see how you do with just the 2 more B-12 shots; it might be enough for now. What will be important is whether or not you begin to feel better. You should be more "awake" and have more energy; brain fog should go away and so should tingling/numbness, if any, in your feet and hands.
There's a test called the Shilling test, which is done is 4 stages; most doctors won't want to order this and it's not really necessary.
Other more useful tests would be those that measure the number and appearance of red blood cells. There's also a test to check for antibodies to intrinsic factor.
Intrinsic factor is a protein the stomach that allows absorption of B12. The presence of antibodies to intrinsic factor would indicate Pernicious Anemia. I think a lot of doctors bypass these tests and go more by the way you feel and whether or not levels will be adequate on an oral supplement. I was diagnosed with PA, based on the low B-12 level, in spite of the fact that I eat a lot of B12 rich foods, and the characteristics of my red blood cells.
Once you are done with the shots, you can really test yourself, by getting an oral supplement and eating vitamin B12 rich foods, which are red meat, specifically, liver, dairy, eggs. If you can't maintain levels with an oral supplement, try a liquid or sublingual. If that fails, you'll need shots, which are, typically, done on a monthly basis, after the 4 initial weekly shots.
Thanks for the reply. I had thought the #'s were reversed (FT4 and FT3), so I will ask him to lower the Synthroid a little (to 75mcg you think?) I'm currently on 88mcg. If I understand correctly, you think my FT3 should continue to track upwards? I see he doesn't have any labs scheduled for thyroid levels either, hmmmmm. I'll have him add those, he's very flexible.
I see too that he's only ordered 2 more b-12 shots. At my appointment, he wasn't too concerned with my # for B-12, but when I had mentioned that I read most people do well with higher #'s, upper range, he was more than happy to give me the B12 shot. He did mention that my ins may not cover it. Rechecking level in 2 months, along with Folic acid, and Folate, and also Vitamin D. I'll make sure they are higher in range before stopping the B-12 shots.
I did mention Pernicious Anemia to him. I don't recall the response. Is there a test to determine that? Since I had been taking Vitamin D and Super B complex supplements at least 3 months prior to all this.
Thanks again!
I see too that he's only ordered 2 more b-12 shots. At my appointment, he wasn't too concerned with my # for B-12, but when I had mentioned that I read most people do well with higher #'s, upper range, he was more than happy to give me the B12 shot. He did mention that my ins may not cover it. Rechecking level in 2 months, along with Folic acid, and Folate, and also Vitamin D. I'll make sure they are higher in range before stopping the B-12 shots.
I did mention Pernicious Anemia to him. I don't recall the response. Is there a test to determine that? Since I had been taking Vitamin D and Super B complex supplements at least 3 months prior to all this.
Thanks again!
Thank you, I will check into all your suggestions. You can write me if you go to forums and look under thyroid disease. find Julie0808
Hi Julie, welome to medhelp.
I'm not a "regular" here, but this is what I think.
According to consumer information on Synthroid:
Synthroid's less serious side effects may include mild hair loss.
Hair loss may occur during the first few months of treatment. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medication.
You should ask your new Endo if natural desiccated thyroid might be a better option for you.
Look into other possible causes:
--Chronic stress, hidden or otherwise, has devastating effects on the mind and body!
It can impair adrenal and thyroid function, it can cause hair shaft constriction and capillary constriction, impairing nutrient delivery and cause hair loss and A LOT more!
Adrenal fatigue is not an "established" medical diagnosis in Endocrinology even in stage 4, when the body starts losing the ability to produce cortisol and becomes an adrenal crisis, with signs and symptoms of Adisson's disease. Your new Endo may be open to explore this.
If you need more details on adrenal fatigue let me know.
I can send you a questionnaire, as a screening tool and some links for adrenal stress profile tests.
Many of your symptoms could be associated with adrenal fatigue.
--Have you ever been tested for deficiencies? For this you should have a comprehensive nutritional panel AND a tissue analysis for minerals.
Serum magnesium levels, just like thyroid hormones, do not reflect accurately cellular levels in the tissues.
Magnesium serum levels are more or less regulated and are normally 1.5 - 2.5 mg/dL. You need to be tested for Magnesium tissue levels.
Very low serum mg levels (hypomagnesemia) are not necessarily indicative of a mg deficiency!
Diarrhea, low absorption, alcohol abuse, certain medications etc could be causing this.
I do transdermal magnesium oil, one of the best ways to deliver magnesium into my body, with very little loss (oral magnesium has a very low absorption rate) and no side effects ( most common are laxative effects).
Again, if you need details, let me know.
Also you could be low in potassium or a little dehydrated, in regards to your cramping.
My charlie horses have almost disappeared completely after a regiment of ACV (1T before breakfast and 1T before supper), 1 banana daily, transdermal magnesium twice weekly , still ongoing, plus targeted EFT (emotional freedom techniques) and meditation nightly until it was no longer an issue.
Consider meditation also for sleeping, use CDs with binaural sounds if you cannot meditate on your own.
However, I find that sleep issues are very common with people who suffer from adrenal fatigue.
Hope this helps but please note that it is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.
Best wishes.
Niko
I'm not a "regular" here, but this is what I think.
According to consumer information on Synthroid:
Synthroid's less serious side effects may include mild hair loss.
Hair loss may occur during the first few months of treatment. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medication.
You should ask your new Endo if natural desiccated thyroid might be a better option for you.
Look into other possible causes:
--Chronic stress, hidden or otherwise, has devastating effects on the mind and body!
It can impair adrenal and thyroid function, it can cause hair shaft constriction and capillary constriction, impairing nutrient delivery and cause hair loss and A LOT more!
Adrenal fatigue is not an "established" medical diagnosis in Endocrinology even in stage 4, when the body starts losing the ability to produce cortisol and becomes an adrenal crisis, with signs and symptoms of Adisson's disease. Your new Endo may be open to explore this.
If you need more details on adrenal fatigue let me know.
I can send you a questionnaire, as a screening tool and some links for adrenal stress profile tests.
Many of your symptoms could be associated with adrenal fatigue.
--Have you ever been tested for deficiencies? For this you should have a comprehensive nutritional panel AND a tissue analysis for minerals.
Serum magnesium levels, just like thyroid hormones, do not reflect accurately cellular levels in the tissues.
Magnesium serum levels are more or less regulated and are normally 1.5 - 2.5 mg/dL. You need to be tested for Magnesium tissue levels.
Very low serum mg levels (hypomagnesemia) are not necessarily indicative of a mg deficiency!
Diarrhea, low absorption, alcohol abuse, certain medications etc could be causing this.
I do transdermal magnesium oil, one of the best ways to deliver magnesium into my body, with very little loss (oral magnesium has a very low absorption rate) and no side effects ( most common are laxative effects).
Again, if you need details, let me know.
Also you could be low in potassium or a little dehydrated, in regards to your cramping.
My charlie horses have almost disappeared completely after a regiment of ACV (1T before breakfast and 1T before supper), 1 banana daily, transdermal magnesium twice weekly , still ongoing, plus targeted EFT (emotional freedom techniques) and meditation nightly until it was no longer an issue.
Consider meditation also for sleeping, use CDs with binaural sounds if you cannot meditate on your own.
However, I find that sleep issues are very common with people who suffer from adrenal fatigue.
Hope this helps but please note that it is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.
Best wishes.
Niko
Sorry about that! I just learned something new. Best wishes for you.
Hope you find the help you need.
Hope you find the help you need.
COMMUNITY LEADER
In order not to hijack Vickie's thread, it would be good if you copy your question and paste it into a thread of your own. You can do that by clicking the orange "Post a Question" at the top of this page, paste in your questions, then click the green "Post Comment" beneath your comment...
In the meantime, yes, there's help for and please don't drink the tonic water.
In the meantime, yes, there's help for and please don't drink the tonic water.
Hello, I am new to this site. I had a TT June of this year. I went through IRA in July. Started .100mg Levothyroxine on 8/8 for 2 weeks and Dr. tested me and said I was off the charts, so started me on Synthroid .125mg
Started with the new endo Dr. in Sept.and she wanted to keep me on Synthroid .125mg but added 5mcg of Liohyronine right away. I got so upset and called the Dr. and got in to see her after I complained of side effects 10/23. She ran a couple of blood tests right away on 10/10 Results are:
TSH 0.102 range 0.350 - 5.000
FT3 3.0 range 2.2 - 4.0
FT4 Reflex 1.2 0.8 - 1.5
She likes these results and wants to test me in Dec. with no changes.
My complaints, I think are side effects from Synthroid and I told them all to her on the visit, and I was very upset.
Here's what I was told. Excessive hair loss (about 1/2 my hair has fallen out) She said to try Biotin and a hair loss shampoo and that with winter coming everyone has hair loss. I have been trying both of these with no help. This is horrible and is really bothering me.
What I call cold sweats. My skin is cold, but I am sweating. She said it could be menopause, but I didn't feel this way before.
I wake up with a headache every morning. She say's it could be weather. But this only started when I started these meds. I can't take asprin because I've had back issues and getting injections.
Restless sleeping. She said to take Melatonine which I started and I have had no change in my sleeping.
Charlie horses that make me jump out of bed, almost every night. So she told me to take Magnesium. So I have been taking it. My lab test 7/1 was 1.9 range 1.6 - 2.4
Feet cramps, so she wants me to drink 4oz of tonic water ever day.
Is there help for me?
Started with the new endo Dr. in Sept.and she wanted to keep me on Synthroid .125mg but added 5mcg of Liohyronine right away. I got so upset and called the Dr. and got in to see her after I complained of side effects 10/23. She ran a couple of blood tests right away on 10/10 Results are:
TSH 0.102 range 0.350 - 5.000
FT3 3.0 range 2.2 - 4.0
FT4 Reflex 1.2 0.8 - 1.5
She likes these results and wants to test me in Dec. with no changes.
My complaints, I think are side effects from Synthroid and I told them all to her on the visit, and I was very upset.
Here's what I was told. Excessive hair loss (about 1/2 my hair has fallen out) She said to try Biotin and a hair loss shampoo and that with winter coming everyone has hair loss. I have been trying both of these with no help. This is horrible and is really bothering me.
What I call cold sweats. My skin is cold, but I am sweating. She said it could be menopause, but I didn't feel this way before.
I wake up with a headache every morning. She say's it could be weather. But this only started when I started these meds. I can't take asprin because I've had back issues and getting injections.
Restless sleeping. She said to take Melatonine which I started and I have had no change in my sleeping.
Charlie horses that make me jump out of bed, almost every night. So she told me to take Magnesium. So I have been taking it. My lab test 7/1 was 1.9 range 1.6 - 2.4
Feet cramps, so she wants me to drink 4oz of tonic water ever day.
Is there help for me?
Thanks for the response, eases my mind. Certainly don't want to have to take yet another pill! :)
I am a little confused about the antibodies tests, since the TPO AB was over a 1000 and the Anti-Thyroglobulin AB <20 (0-40) , is that still considered Hashimotos then?
I am a little confused about the antibodies tests, since the TPO AB was over a 1000 and the Anti-Thyroglobulin AB <20 (0-40) , is that still considered Hashimotos then?
My cholesterol often ranges about ten points below or above the 200 limit, and they don't seem concerned since thyroid problems can go hand in hand with cholesterol levels. Plus, it's not outrageously high, so I think you're good. :)
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Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Your FT4 is quite high in the range, indicating that your dosage of Synthroid is a tad too high, at 96% of the range - rule of thumb is to have FT4 at approximately mid range (50%); this could tip you into being over medicated if your FT3 continues to track upwards, as well.
Right now, your FT3 is at 54% of the range and rule of thumb is to have it in the upper half to upper third of its range. FT3 should be higher in its range than FT4 is in its, so your numbers are upside down. You might want to ask your doctor to decrease your T4 med a little bit.
Vitamin D deficiency will cause some of the aches/pains, so when that level comes up, some of that may be resolved.
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes horrible fatigue and brain fog, so could account for those remaining symptoms. Does your doctor plan to keep you on B12 shots or is he just doing enough to bring your levels up? Don't let him stop until your level is quite high in the range. The range my lab uses goes all the way to 1100 and I have to keep my levels almost there, in order to feel well. I take a weekly shot, in order to do that.
I wouldn't worry about the Total cholesterol; that's a calculation based on LDL, HDL and Triglycerides - yours are all within the range.
Either TPOab or TGab can be used to diagnose Hashimoto's. That's why we tell people to be sure to get them both, because some only have TPOab, some only TGab and still others have both. So yes, your diagnosis would be Hashimoto's, because your TPOab is greatly elevated.