Should I go back on my synthroid? HELP!

[ellabella12]

I have a question..

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto disease last year (07/07/2006) after my antibody lab results came back (ANTI-TG AB 75 IU/ML   reference range 0-40 EWD, and ANTI-TPO AB 675 IU/ML  reference range 0-35 EWD). My doctor scanned my thyroid and in the process found a few nodules. She sprescribed syntrhoid 25 mcg q daily. (I took it everyday). January 2007 came and I decided to stop taking my synthroid. My lab values were the following for late january (T3 109  reference 60-181,  Free T4 1.0  reference 0.8-1.8, TSH 4.91 reference 0.4-4.0). I stayed off my synthroid from January 2007- May 23 2007. I have worked out everyday and have lost a total of 30 pounds based on diet and exercise ALONE.
I have recently had blood work and results demonstrate the following (T3 1.06 reference 0.72-1.70,  Free T4 1.22  reference 0.80-1.90, and TSH 2.630 reference 0.400-4.000).
I was amazed that my TSH level went down once I changed my lifestyle (diet and exercise) yet my doctor wants me to get back on the synthroid (25 mcg q daily because of my diagnosis). She states that we are trying to prevent the formation of a goitter.

QUESTION!!!

Basedon my lab values and modofication in life style (lossof 30 lb), is it possible that I might have only had "Painless Thyroiditis" which resembles Hashimotos?

While on the medication (Synthroid) I did experience hairloss, agitation, palpitations, dry skin.

At this present time the hairloss continues..... (Dermatologist diagnosed it as Telogen Affluvium, meaning it will regrow, but the underlying cause needs to be taken care off first)

Whatelse coudl be done to prevent the intake of Synthroid?
I wish not to be on this Hormone for the rest of ,y life if its not necessary....

My doctor has not done a nodule "aspiration" test.

Please help

[rayneweather]

Has your doctor run your antibody studies again?  And is this doctor a regular medical doctor or an endocrinologist.  I can understand your doctor wanting to prevent a goiter but I also agree with you not wanting to be on medicine for the rest of my life.  If it were me I would want to make sure I was evaluated by an endo that does a lot of thyroid care (a lot of them don't) and try and rule out a short-term cause of thyroiditis that has since resolved before taking hold of the Hashi's diagnosis and resuming the synthroid.  Just my 2 cents.

[DLA]

I agree with rayneweather.  

[pjgovitz]

Read comment posted by Dr Lupo on the other forum..20 years ago I was put on synthrioid to suppress goiter, I had no clue then what it was all about. Back then that was prorocol, now it doesn't seem to be. This is not medical advice just my opinion...had I known then what I know now (I was young)..I would've put off being on meds till I physically needed them . I was eurothyroid then , did have hashi's with goiter, but now they aren't prescribing it to suppress.

[pblair7]

I would say that taking 25 mcg is very little compared to most.  Just because you are taking it doesnt mean you will have to take it for the rest of your life .  But if you do have early stage hashimotos your thyroid will grow lager in order to keep up with the bodys demands of t4.  Obviously a goiter will form and your thyroid will ultimately die anyway.  By taking some of the burden off the thyroid temporarily you can buy some time.  Continue to do the lifestyle change and I would recommend going even furhter with whatever changes you've made.  Especially eating a vegetarian diet.  Meaning only fruits, vegetables. Preferable leafy greens like kale, bok choy, spinach, these are the healing greens. Also nuts and legumes (no meat - cheese- dairy of any kind).  Continue to retest your tsh and have your thyroid examined and then you can withdraw later on.  However if you cant tolerate the meds then you should do a dramatic lifestyle change in order to possibly reverse the condition.  I recommend drfuhrman.com for the latest and greatest nutritional healing advice in the world.  Good Luck