Treating hypothyroidism from labs AND symptoms

[jmsmed902]

Hi

I am an RN who was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in 2006.  In April 2007 TSH was 12.   So I now take 100mcg per day of levothyroxine, Gold brand.  (NZ)

I want to know if you treat hypothyroidism by labs results only or by symptoms as well.    If my TSH is normal now, along with T3, T4, and thyroxine level is upper range of normal – why do I have symptoms still of fatigue, muscle aches over body, outer part of eyebrows hair falling out,    Along with intermittent numbness in both hands.  Painful stiff ankles when first mobilise after lying down.  Also having to eat very small nutritious amount to maintain weight.  (CBC’s/Hb  are normal, B12 folate normal, calcium normal.  )

My physician says he only treats on lab results.    Please can I have your opinion on this.

Thanks

Joanne

[Jennifer1987]

Imin the same boat as you..Labs say normal, body says Im not!!! Hmmmm which one should I believe... I think every person has a different normal, my last results were TSH 2.41 and I still felt very symptomatic!!! Hairloss, anxiety, tiredness, aches...Doc is treating according to my labs, no increase for me... So where does that leave me, what options do I have??? I don't know really just wait and hope for an improvement, Im sick of fighting for people to listen to me.. So in my opinion they only treat by looking at labs, its the good docs that treat using both!!!

[Craniac3]

You have asked the $64 question. One would think if symptoms not resolved, the doctor would look further, eh? You're a medical professional... what's up with these docs?

I have been "stable" with "normal" thyroid numbers for 2 years, yet I still continue to lose hair, constantly cold, fatigued beyond belief, can't remember anything longer than the 2 seconds it takes to pass through my brain, and have gained 12 pounds in 6 months. When I queried, yes challenged, my endo yesterday, he got angry at me and fired me! He said whatever problems I have are NOT thyroid related. He stated he had patients who were "literally dying..." (read: so my problems were of no consequence to him). He then told me to "go meditate and decide what's really important in my life."

So, I guess what I'm saying is, if you find a doctor who makes you feel better, please share his/her name!!!!

[jojo449152]

I believe you have to treat by symptoms and labs.  When my doctor told me my TSH was in the normal range, I told him maybe it was his normal, but it wasn't my bodies normal.  We increased dosage slightly, helped with the depression and tiredness, but still am fighting the aching like you are.  Been on increased dosage for 2 weeks.