Aa
Recently diagnosed, just started Synthroid
For quite some time I've just felt bad. Tired, havent been thinking right, and some fairly decent depression with a real lack of motivation. I finally went in for routine check up and the blood work came back with a TSH of 6.11. We waited 6 weeks to retest and it came back at a 5.6. He left the option for medication up to me, and I thought if it could help with these symptoms, maybe I should just go for it. I got my prescription, and its for .1MG of Synthoid. I have taken it for 2 days.
The problem is this. After more and more studying, I've realized he doenst seem to have any interest in finding out WHY this is going on. I have no history of this in my family, and Im concerned that perhaps it was dietary. I used to eat a LOT of soy products, which I know can have an adverse effect. After the first diagnosis, I cut out the soy, and the numbers did drop. I dont know if its a coincidence or not. I am just worried that by starting it, I am setting myself up for a lifetime of this medication, that perhaps I dont really need. Its a big worry for me. I just wanted to get some feedback from people who were maybe in this same range at first. I read other peoples symptoms and how severe they are, and I start to think that maybe I really wasnt so bad off. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The problem is this. After more and more studying, I've realized he doenst seem to have any interest in finding out WHY this is going on. I have no history of this in my family, and Im concerned that perhaps it was dietary. I used to eat a LOT of soy products, which I know can have an adverse effect. After the first diagnosis, I cut out the soy, and the numbers did drop. I dont know if its a coincidence or not. I am just worried that by starting it, I am setting myself up for a lifetime of this medication, that perhaps I dont really need. Its a big worry for me. I just wanted to get some feedback from people who were maybe in this same range at first. I read other peoples symptoms and how severe they are, and I start to think that maybe I really wasnt so bad off. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Using TSH as a diagnostic to dose a thyroid patient does not work. TSH is affected by so many variables that at best it is an indicator, to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms, and also levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4.
A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.
From the reference ranges I am familiar with, your month ago Free T4 was close to the middle of that range, but your Free T3 would be too low in the range. You obviously know this as you mention you would like to try adding some T3 to your meds. That is directionally correct. If you haven't been tested for Vitamin A, D, B12 and ferritin, it would be good to also have those tests done.
Why do you think it would be so difficult to find a doctor that will prescribe T3? If you will tell us where are you located, perhaps a member can recommend a good thyroid doctor in your area.
A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.
From the reference ranges I am familiar with, your month ago Free T4 was close to the middle of that range, but your Free T3 would be too low in the range. You obviously know this as you mention you would like to try adding some T3 to your meds. That is directionally correct. If you haven't been tested for Vitamin A, D, B12 and ferritin, it would be good to also have those tests done.
Why do you think it would be so difficult to find a doctor that will prescribe T3? If you will tell us where are you located, perhaps a member can recommend a good thyroid doctor in your area.
I just had another test after being on 100mcg again for a month, and TSH came in at 4.08. I guess thats good, as its the lowest its been yet.
However, I really feel no different. Almost all of my symptoms where psychological, and I don't feel better at all. I am starting to think perhaps I am just depressed. I have no motivation, and really feel pretty hopeless in general. I dont want to bring it up with the Dr. and get thrown some anti depressants that end up messing me up even more. I have put off asking about them for years and years, because of it. I dont know if its thyroid related or not, but its to the point that it really affects my life, and it has to stop.
I think the hopes of finding someone who will try giving me T3 as well to see if it helps is slim to none. Any help would be great. He didnt run my free t4 or t3 this time, so I'm not sure. But a month ago free t4 was 14 and free t3 was 4.59.
However, I really feel no different. Almost all of my symptoms where psychological, and I don't feel better at all. I am starting to think perhaps I am just depressed. I have no motivation, and really feel pretty hopeless in general. I dont want to bring it up with the Dr. and get thrown some anti depressants that end up messing me up even more. I have put off asking about them for years and years, because of it. I dont know if its thyroid related or not, but its to the point that it really affects my life, and it has to stop.
I think the hopes of finding someone who will try giving me T3 as well to see if it helps is slim to none. Any help would be great. He didnt run my free t4 or t3 this time, so I'm not sure. But a month ago free t4 was 14 and free t3 was 4.59.
So, I moved overseas 2 months ago which put a hold on my blood work for a bit. I started .75mcg a few weeks before I left, which has been about 2 1/2 months now. The doctor here was much better. He ordered free T3 and T4 without me even asking.
I just saw the results online. My TSH came in at 9.56. This is really upsetting considered the numbers have skyrocketed since starting Synthroid. I almost regret even starting. I was hovering in the 5's and 6's before, and now its just a rollercoaster.
My free T4 was at 14 and my free T3 was at 4.59. I dont know much about these numbers, but it shows them as being in range. Any help with that would be great. Hopefully my doctor here will give me a little more care than I got before, and we can get this dialed in. I will have to wait and hear what he says.
I just saw the results online. My TSH came in at 9.56. This is really upsetting considered the numbers have skyrocketed since starting Synthroid. I almost regret even starting. I was hovering in the 5's and 6's before, and now its just a rollercoaster.
My free T4 was at 14 and my free T3 was at 4.59. I dont know much about these numbers, but it shows them as being in range. Any help with that would be great. Hopefully my doctor here will give me a little more care than I got before, and we can get this dialed in. I will have to wait and hear what he says.
COMMUNITY LEADER
It's very unfortunate, but not a real surprise that the doctor didn't order Free T3, although without it, you still don't know exactly where you're at.
What's the range for the FT4? 0.89 is quite low, if the range is what we normally see. The range is usually listed beside the sample result or maybe in a separate column, often with parenthesis. Ranges vary from lab to lab, so must come from your own report.
What's the range for the FT4? 0.89 is quite low, if the range is what we normally see. The range is usually listed beside the sample result or maybe in a separate column, often with parenthesis. Ranges vary from lab to lab, so must come from your own report.
Both doctors refused to do T3. I just got my records so I'm not 100% sure what I'm looking at but my test this week shows a TSH of 24.92 and FR T4 at 0.89.
COMMUNITY LEADER
With Hashimoto's, the thyroid function declines over time, as the antibodies attack and kill the healthy tissue, so the thyroid gland will produce less hormones as time goes on. You should expect to need periodic increases in your medication, until your thyroid eventually, no longer functions at all. At that point, you will be totally dependent on the medication and your levels should stabilize with fewer ups and downs.
Are you having the Free T3 and Free T4 tested along with the TSH? I can't tell you how very important those 2 tests are. If you have results, please post them, with the reference ranges.
Are you having the Free T3 and Free T4 tested along with the TSH? I can't tell you how very important those 2 tests are. If you have results, please post them, with the reference ranges.
I guess I will bring this thread back with more annoying stuff lol. So, I went in for more blood work after being on 50mcg for about 6 weeks. The endo called the next day, and asked if I had stopped taking my medication. I knew where this was going. I said no, and she said my TSH was now at 24. Its very frustrating considering when I started the medication I was hovering around 5-6 and she was saying she wouldnt have even treated me, but GP did. Anyways, after this roller coaster I am now at 24. I dont get it. I dont really feel worse then I did at 6.11, or then I did when I was at 0.02. I dunno whats going on. She bumped me up o .75mcg but I dont see how that will bring me down to a nice range. Im moving out of the country in a few weeks so that really ads to the fun of this. Any advice?
COMMUNITY LEADER
Did she run the Free T3 and Free T4 tests? If so, what were the results, along with reference ranges.
Just because TSH is below range, does NOT mean you are hyper. My TSH routinely runs at < 0.01 and I still have minor, lingering hypo symptoms. You are only hyper if labs (FT3 and FT4) and symptoms, indicate.
Don't let any doctor try to treat you, based only on TSH; they will keep you ill.
Just because TSH is below range, does NOT mean you are hyper. My TSH routinely runs at < 0.01 and I still have minor, lingering hypo symptoms. You are only hyper if labs (FT3 and FT4) and symptoms, indicate.
Don't let any doctor try to treat you, based only on TSH; they will keep you ill.
Well I had my appointment with the Endocrinologist today. She basically told me there are antibodies present, and that its Hashimotos. I guess it didnt really surprise me so much, as I had a feeling it would end up being that. I will be honest, I was really hoping it was something diet based that I could reverse but oh well. I told her how Im still feeling tired so easy, and its still a bit hard to be motivated etc, and she said that if we get the TSH normalized, and I still have those symptoms "dont blame it on the thyroid". The 100mcg shot me way over to the other side of the charts, so I started cutting the 100 in half and she will be sending me 50mcg. I hope something changes. I sleep a full night, and after a few hours I'm dosing off. Im 31, and it is really making life rough. She mentioned possibly looking at my gluten intake so maybe that would be worthwhile. Any thoughts?
I think that what you need the very most is a good thyroid doctor. By that I mean one that will treat you clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.
Yur doctor clearly does not recognize that a suppressed TSH does not automatically mean that you are hyper, unless it is accompanied with hyper symptoms, due to excessive Free T3 and Free T4, which your doctor doesn;'t want to bother testing. Clearly your doctor has the "Immaculate TSH Belief", by which he only wants to use TSH to diagnose and treat you. That is absolutely wrong.
You can get some good insight into clinical treatment from this letter written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he sometimes consults with from a distance. The letter is sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.
http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf
By the way, while taking 200 mcg of Synthroid a day for over 25 years, my TSH was about .05, without ever having any hyper symptoms. In fact I continued having hypo symptoms until finding this Forum and learning about the importance of Free T3. Got my Free T3 tested and confirmed low in the range. Meds were changed to T4/T3 combo, and after some tweaking of dosage, I now feel best ever.
Yur doctor clearly does not recognize that a suppressed TSH does not automatically mean that you are hyper, unless it is accompanied with hyper symptoms, due to excessive Free T3 and Free T4, which your doctor doesn;'t want to bother testing. Clearly your doctor has the "Immaculate TSH Belief", by which he only wants to use TSH to diagnose and treat you. That is absolutely wrong.
You can get some good insight into clinical treatment from this letter written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he sometimes consults with from a distance. The letter is sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.
http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf
By the way, while taking 200 mcg of Synthroid a day for over 25 years, my TSH was about .05, without ever having any hyper symptoms. In fact I continued having hypo symptoms until finding this Forum and learning about the importance of Free T3. Got my Free T3 tested and confirmed low in the range. Meds were changed to T4/T3 combo, and after some tweaking of dosage, I now feel best ever.
So after a month and a half of 100mcg of Synthroid, I had blood drawn today in anticipation of meeting with the Endo for the first time next week. 3 hours after leaving the office, she called me. She said the previous doctor prescribed way to large of a dose, and that I am now hyper. My TSH came in at .02 and she said the T4 was a mess too. She is going to start me on 50mcg, although she said that if I was in her office with my original numbers, she wouldn't of treated it to start with.
I'm not totally sure what to make of it all. I was feeling better a few weeks after I started, and I have been noticing lately that I dont feel so good, and getting tired again. Im wondering, sense synthroid takes times to work, that maybe somewhere a few weeks after taking it I hit a nice normal range and felt good, and then after some more time it brought my hyper and made me feel worse. I don't get it though. I dont seem to have the symptoms of what I thought hyper would be. Im back to being tired very easy, and a little down. Any thoughts?
I'm not totally sure what to make of it all. I was feeling better a few weeks after I started, and I have been noticing lately that I dont feel so good, and getting tired again. Im wondering, sense synthroid takes times to work, that maybe somewhere a few weeks after taking it I hit a nice normal range and felt good, and then after some more time it brought my hyper and made me feel worse. I don't get it though. I dont seem to have the symptoms of what I thought hyper would be. Im back to being tired very easy, and a little down. Any thoughts?
Getting the Free T4 and Free T3 is ESSENTIAL to have any idea at all what is going on!
Critical to the point that if the Dr's refuse, you can do what my wife had to to and pay out of pocket ($85) to go to an on-;one place and they send you to a lab and you can get whatever lab work you want. But the two free's and TSH was $85. That was the ONLY way we were able to get a Free T3 test done! So you may have to resort to that as well.
I would recommend you call the endo they referred you to and ask some questions. And ask if they will order the free T4 and free T3 test PRIOR to you meeting with them so they have the lab results when you are meeting.
Ask at least the following questions:
Does the Dr believe in testing for Free T3 and Free T4? Or does he/she believe only in TSH?
Does the Dr treat the patients symptoms or does he/she just look to see if the results are "in range'?
Does the Dr believe in prescribing a T3 medicine if necessary and/or natural dissected Thyroid?
If the answer is no to any of them, ask if you can talk with other endo's and attempt to set an appointment with another one who answers the questions more affirmatively.
Endo's typically deal with Diabetes and know it seems little or nothing about properly treating Thyroid. So don't look to an Endo as being the end all be all. They are not!
Most people find that they need to have their FT4 in the MIDDLE of the range AND, that means in addition to, they need their FT3 to be in the UPPER 1/3 part of the range.
Just being somewhere "within range" means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! What is important is how you feel and treating you until you feel well. Not simply being within range. Many people are on the low part of the range and they are sick and have Hypo symptoms. Their Dr is perfectly happy leaving them feeling like crap because the labs say that they are "normal".
The problem is that the "normal" range is a statistical derived "normal" distribution. They do this by testing the entire population and throwing out the bottom 2.5% and the top 2.5%. This leaves 95% of the population to fit within the remaining tests. The Major problem with this is that approximately 20% of the population is Hypo. But they only threw out the bottom 2.5%. So that leaves a HUGE portion of people who are Hypo but fall within the lower part of the listed range. If a Dr. keeps you there and calls you "normal" then you will remain feeling like crap. This we often refer to as "reference range endocrinology". It is just slightly better than Dr's who practice "immaculate TSH belief". That is they only rely on TSH which is a complete disaster!
Critical to the point that if the Dr's refuse, you can do what my wife had to to and pay out of pocket ($85) to go to an on-;one place and they send you to a lab and you can get whatever lab work you want. But the two free's and TSH was $85. That was the ONLY way we were able to get a Free T3 test done! So you may have to resort to that as well.
I would recommend you call the endo they referred you to and ask some questions. And ask if they will order the free T4 and free T3 test PRIOR to you meeting with them so they have the lab results when you are meeting.
Ask at least the following questions:
Does the Dr believe in testing for Free T3 and Free T4? Or does he/she believe only in TSH?
Does the Dr treat the patients symptoms or does he/she just look to see if the results are "in range'?
Does the Dr believe in prescribing a T3 medicine if necessary and/or natural dissected Thyroid?
If the answer is no to any of them, ask if you can talk with other endo's and attempt to set an appointment with another one who answers the questions more affirmatively.
Endo's typically deal with Diabetes and know it seems little or nothing about properly treating Thyroid. So don't look to an Endo as being the end all be all. They are not!
Most people find that they need to have their FT4 in the MIDDLE of the range AND, that means in addition to, they need their FT3 to be in the UPPER 1/3 part of the range.
Just being somewhere "within range" means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! What is important is how you feel and treating you until you feel well. Not simply being within range. Many people are on the low part of the range and they are sick and have Hypo symptoms. Their Dr is perfectly happy leaving them feeling like crap because the labs say that they are "normal".
The problem is that the "normal" range is a statistical derived "normal" distribution. They do this by testing the entire population and throwing out the bottom 2.5% and the top 2.5%. This leaves 95% of the population to fit within the remaining tests. The Major problem with this is that approximately 20% of the population is Hypo. But they only threw out the bottom 2.5%. So that leaves a HUGE portion of people who are Hypo but fall within the lower part of the listed range. If a Dr. keeps you there and calls you "normal" then you will remain feeling like crap. This we often refer to as "reference range endocrinology". It is just slightly better than Dr's who practice "immaculate TSH belief". That is they only rely on TSH which is a complete disaster!
COMMUNITY LEADER
Did you happen to find out if that T4 was free or total? Or the reference range?
Many doctors, including endos, think TSH is all they need to manage thyroid issues. This is why so many people are left ill, even while on medication. Obviously, your doctor is not an expert in thyroid problems.
Don't give up on the FT3 and FT4; they ARE important. Be sure to talk to the endo about them.
Many doctors, including endos, think TSH is all they need to manage thyroid issues. This is why so many people are left ill, even while on medication. Obviously, your doctor is not an expert in thyroid problems.
Don't give up on the FT3 and FT4; they ARE important. Be sure to talk to the endo about them.
So I didnt speak to the Dr., but his nurse called me yesterday and we had a pretty good conversation. I explained to her my concerns, and she said she would tell the Dr.
She called back Today but I missed the call. She said the Dr. put in a request for me to see the endocrinologist, however she said he didnt feel the free T4 and T3 was necessary so he didn't order them. I dont understand how in the world someone could feel its not necessary. On one hand I suppose Im glad that I got the referral, but it baffles me as to why he would say that. Oh well, I suppose I should take what I can get.
She called back Today but I missed the call. She said the Dr. put in a request for me to see the endocrinologist, however she said he didnt feel the free T4 and T3 was necessary so he didn't order them. I dont understand how in the world someone could feel its not necessary. On one hand I suppose Im glad that I got the referral, but it baffles me as to why he would say that. Oh well, I suppose I should take what I can get.
COMMUNITY LEADER
If he ran a T4, make sure you ask if it was Free or Total (hope it was free) and be sure to get both the result and the reference range, because ranges vary from lab to lab and must come from your own report.
You might also want to ask why he doesn't run the Free T3 and ask for that to be done.
In addition, to find out why this is going on ---- ask to have the thyroid antibodies tested. There are 2 tests needed to confirm Hashi's, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world. The treatment is the same as for hypothyroidism (because that's the outcome of Hashi's), but can complicate things more. The tests you need to confirm Hashimoto's are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab).
Also ask for a thyroid ultra sound to determine whether or not you have nodules or inflammation. Again, the treatment will be the same, but these things can further complicate things for you, so it's good to know about them.
You might also want to ask why he doesn't run the Free T3 and ask for that to be done.
In addition, to find out why this is going on ---- ask to have the thyroid antibodies tested. There are 2 tests needed to confirm Hashi's, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world. The treatment is the same as for hypothyroidism (because that's the outcome of Hashi's), but can complicate things more. The tests you need to confirm Hashimoto's are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab).
Also ask for a thyroid ultra sound to determine whether or not you have nodules or inflammation. Again, the treatment will be the same, but these things can further complicate things for you, so it's good to know about them.
Thanks guys. I'm actually waiting for a call back from my Dr. as we speak. I want to ask him exactly what he ran in the second test. I know that, thankfully, my cholesterol was OK. I think he did run T4, but I'm not sure...and if he did, he didn't tell me what it was. I basically want to grill him a little bit as to actually finding out WHY this is going on.
As far as the dosage. I was concerned at first that he would start me on something very low, as he seemed to feel that I almost didn't even NEED it. When I saw that I got .1MG, I was surprised. He is a very busy guy, and I have a feeling I was just sort of tossed these without much thought. I don't want to second guess him, but not much has been put into this.
As far as the dosage. I was concerned at first that he would start me on something very low, as he seemed to feel that I almost didn't even NEED it. When I saw that I got .1MG, I was surprised. He is a very busy guy, and I have a feeling I was just sort of tossed these without much thought. I don't want to second guess him, but not much has been put into this.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Yes, I understand what you were trying to do, however, taking 2 doses of a T4 med, means the patient would still be getting 100 mcg/day, which would build over time, the same as taking it in only one dose.
The only time splitting med into multiple doses/day is useful, is when the fast acting T3 component is added. In that case, it's done to prevent a "late day crash".
The patient could, however, split the 100 mcg dose in 1/2 and take only 50 mcg/day for a couple of weeks, until he gets used to it.
The only time splitting med into multiple doses/day is useful, is when the fast acting T3 component is added. In that case, it's done to prevent a "late day crash".
The patient could, however, split the 100 mcg dose in 1/2 and take only 50 mcg/day for a couple of weeks, until he gets used to it.
We've had others on this site who have had a difficult time jumping from zero to starting with 100mcg of T4 though if I recall correctly. I was just trying to minimize that possibility.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Taking a T4 medication twice a day does no good; you're still getting the same amount.
Splitting doses only works when dealing with a T3 component because it's fast acting and is gone quickly. T4 meds take time to build in your system and stay for long periods.
Splitting doses only works when dealing with a T3 component because it's fast acting and is gone quickly. T4 meds take time to build in your system and stay for long periods.
100 mcg is a fairly large starting dose as well. Many people start out at 25 or 50 mcg. This is double that amount. While 100 mcg is by no means high dose ultimately fro many people, it is I think a bit high for someone to start on from nothing.
You may have some side affects from taking such a high dose. Some people can tolerate it, others can't. I personally would recommend that you take half a pill twice a day. And maybe even for the first week only take half a pill once a day, followed the 2nd week by adding in the 2nd dose. But you may want to call and talk to your Dr about it.
Synthroid is a pure T4 med and it is a "storage" hormone in that it stays in the bloodstream until the body needs Thyroid. The body ONLY uses free T3 hormone. SO the body must convert the storage free T4 hormone into Free T3 hormone to be used. As a result it takes about 6 weeks or so to build up the Free T4 in the bloodstream.
When you ask your Dr to test for the Free T4 and Free T3 do not be surprised if you encounter resistance. Especially for the Free T3.
If the Dr gives you some gruff, ask the Dr if your body's cells ACTUALLY use TSH or even Free T4 or does it use Free T3? If he/she does not know or answers anything other than Free T3 then find a new Dr. If your Dr ONLY believes in testing TSH, Find a new Dr.
Most people seem to obtain symptom relief when their FT 4 is in the MIDDLE of the range if not slightly higher AND, that means in addition to, their FT3 to be in the UPPER 1/3 of the range.
Remember that simply being somewhere "within range" is NOT good enough. At least not for most people. It is VERY common for people to be hypo and have symptoms and be in the lower part of the range. If you have a Dr who will only treat you by refreence range, try to find a new Dr. The real way to treat Hypo is by elimination of symptoms.
TSH is almost worthless other than a screening tool. After that reliance should be on the FT4 and FT3. TSH is often suppressed by taking Thyroid medication. Dr's seem to not understand this, and when the TSH drops low, they panic and reduce your medication without regard to your ACTUAL symptoms that indicate you are not Hyper but rather still Hypo. This is so common it is nauseating. And Dr.s keep patients not feeling well or downright sick by practicing either reference range endocrinology or Immaculate TSH belief. Do not let Dr's continue to keep you sick!
You may have some side affects from taking such a high dose. Some people can tolerate it, others can't. I personally would recommend that you take half a pill twice a day. And maybe even for the first week only take half a pill once a day, followed the 2nd week by adding in the 2nd dose. But you may want to call and talk to your Dr about it.
Synthroid is a pure T4 med and it is a "storage" hormone in that it stays in the bloodstream until the body needs Thyroid. The body ONLY uses free T3 hormone. SO the body must convert the storage free T4 hormone into Free T3 hormone to be used. As a result it takes about 6 weeks or so to build up the Free T4 in the bloodstream.
When you ask your Dr to test for the Free T4 and Free T3 do not be surprised if you encounter resistance. Especially for the Free T3.
If the Dr gives you some gruff, ask the Dr if your body's cells ACTUALLY use TSH or even Free T4 or does it use Free T3? If he/she does not know or answers anything other than Free T3 then find a new Dr. If your Dr ONLY believes in testing TSH, Find a new Dr.
Most people seem to obtain symptom relief when their FT 4 is in the MIDDLE of the range if not slightly higher AND, that means in addition to, their FT3 to be in the UPPER 1/3 of the range.
Remember that simply being somewhere "within range" is NOT good enough. At least not for most people. It is VERY common for people to be hypo and have symptoms and be in the lower part of the range. If you have a Dr who will only treat you by refreence range, try to find a new Dr. The real way to treat Hypo is by elimination of symptoms.
TSH is almost worthless other than a screening tool. After that reliance should be on the FT4 and FT3. TSH is often suppressed by taking Thyroid medication. Dr's seem to not understand this, and when the TSH drops low, they panic and reduce your medication without regard to your ACTUAL symptoms that indicate you are not Hyper but rather still Hypo. This is so common it is nauseating. And Dr.s keep patients not feeling well or downright sick by practicing either reference range endocrinology or Immaculate TSH belief. Do not let Dr's continue to keep you sick!
COMMUNITY LEADER
You're not the first person to be thrown a script for pills and expected to live happily ever after.
You need to be tested for more than TSH. TSH is a pituitary hormone and not necessarily indicative of thyroid function, as it varies radically, even within the same day.
You need to get the Free T3 and Free T4 tested. These are the actual thyroid hormones produced by the body. T4 is the storage form of hormone, and must be converted to T3 prior to use by the cells. Some of the T4 and T3 in your blood will be bound by proteins and will be unavailable for use; the rest will be "FREE". The FREE T4 test will tell how much T4 hormone is available for conversion to T3, while the FREE T3 tells how much hormone is actually available for use by the individual cells. Always be sure to specify FREE T3 and FREE T4.
You should also get tested for thyroid antibodies to determine whether or not you have an autoimmune thyroid disease, called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Hash's is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
With Hashi's, the body, for some reason, identifies the thyroid as "foreign" and produces antibodies to attack and destroy it. The destruction is usually (but not always) gradual, and as it progresses, thyroid function will decline and you will produce less thyroid hormones. There is no cure for Hashimoto's, though it can be managed.
While there are some thyroid issues that resolve on their own, medication is usually a life long thing.
The tests you need to get now, are Free T3, Free T4 to test actual thyroid function; Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyoglobulin Antibodies (TGab) to confirm/rule out Hashimoto's. It would also be to your advantage to get a thyroid ultra sound, to check for swelling/inflammation of the thyroid or nodules.
You don't necessarily need an endocrinologist, but you DO need a good thyroid doctor. Be aware that many endos specialize in diabetes and are not all that good with thyroid issues. If your primary doctor is willing to order proper tests and prescribe a variety of medications, including those that contain T3, you might be fine sticking with him; however, if he is not willing to order the right tests or prescribe other thyroid medications, you will need to run fast, because as things progress, he will keep you ill.
It would be best if you had Free T3 and Free T4, prior to beginning the medications, so you'd have a "baseline" level to start with.
It takes about 5-6 weeks for the medication to reach full potential in the body and you should retest every 5-6 weeks until your levels stabilize. Be sure to get Free T3, Free T4 and TSH *every* time, so you can see where your levels are.
You need to be tested for more than TSH. TSH is a pituitary hormone and not necessarily indicative of thyroid function, as it varies radically, even within the same day.
You need to get the Free T3 and Free T4 tested. These are the actual thyroid hormones produced by the body. T4 is the storage form of hormone, and must be converted to T3 prior to use by the cells. Some of the T4 and T3 in your blood will be bound by proteins and will be unavailable for use; the rest will be "FREE". The FREE T4 test will tell how much T4 hormone is available for conversion to T3, while the FREE T3 tells how much hormone is actually available for use by the individual cells. Always be sure to specify FREE T3 and FREE T4.
You should also get tested for thyroid antibodies to determine whether or not you have an autoimmune thyroid disease, called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Hash's is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
With Hashi's, the body, for some reason, identifies the thyroid as "foreign" and produces antibodies to attack and destroy it. The destruction is usually (but not always) gradual, and as it progresses, thyroid function will decline and you will produce less thyroid hormones. There is no cure for Hashimoto's, though it can be managed.
While there are some thyroid issues that resolve on their own, medication is usually a life long thing.
The tests you need to get now, are Free T3, Free T4 to test actual thyroid function; Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyoglobulin Antibodies (TGab) to confirm/rule out Hashimoto's. It would also be to your advantage to get a thyroid ultra sound, to check for swelling/inflammation of the thyroid or nodules.
You don't necessarily need an endocrinologist, but you DO need a good thyroid doctor. Be aware that many endos specialize in diabetes and are not all that good with thyroid issues. If your primary doctor is willing to order proper tests and prescribe a variety of medications, including those that contain T3, you might be fine sticking with him; however, if he is not willing to order the right tests or prescribe other thyroid medications, you will need to run fast, because as things progress, he will keep you ill.
It would be best if you had Free T3 and Free T4, prior to beginning the medications, so you'd have a "baseline" level to start with.
It takes about 5-6 weeks for the medication to reach full potential in the body and you should retest every 5-6 weeks until your levels stabilize. Be sure to get Free T3, Free T4 and TSH *every* time, so you can see where your levels are.
Thanks for that! The last part is interesting, as most the products I ate were products containing soy protein concentrates...so maybe it didn't have as much of an effect as I had thought.
I'm still concerned though...I feel as though I was just sort of thrown the pills, and that's the end of it. I've never been to big on people just being medicated, and it seems as though there has been zero effort to actually figure out why this has happened. Should I ask to see an endocrinologist?
I'm still concerned though...I feel as though I was just sort of thrown the pills, and that's the end of it. I've never been to big on people just being medicated, and it seems as though there has been zero effort to actually figure out why this has happened. Should I ask to see an endocrinologist?
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