Treatment for low TSH

[Steph0503]

Hello,
My family doctor has been treating me for hypothyroidism for 2 years with various combinations of Armour and Synthroid. After not having labs done for 6 months I was upset to find my TSH was .045. (Free T3 and free thyroxine were on lower to mid range of normal).

I went to see an endocrinologist who was appalled to find out I was being treated with the Armour/Synthroid combo (latest dosages 60 mg Armour, 50 mcg Synthroid). He stopped the Armour and increased the Synthroid to 100 mcg. Depending on next set of labs, he may add Cytomel.

Does the .045 TSH indicate a hyperthyroid state?  Does the 100 mcg Synthroid make sense in this case?

Thank you so much for any advice you can offer.
Confused in CA

[Steph0503]

Thank you both for your insights. Actually, I do have a long history of estrogen dominance (I'm 51) as well as PCOS and metabolic syndrome despite being vigilent with my diet and exercise programs. I am hoping this new endo will be able to address the entire situation as a whole...After maintaining an 80 pound weight loss for years it is extremely painful for me to watch the scale climb steadily upwards. (about 15 pounds mostly in the central and lower abdomen).

Do you think the Synthroid/Armour combination could have been a factor in my unexplained weight gain? (the timing of the weight gain coincides) I'm no expert, but my gut feeling is this is the root cause of my metabolic syndrome symptoms increasing which were previously in "reasonable" control.

I actually do feel pretty well on the 100 mcg of Synthroid...so at this point waiting for labs seems most reasonable. My biggest complaint is a frozen shoulder which after reading Mary Shomon's last newsletter I have to believe was probably caused by thyroid issues. (grrrrr...)

On my next visit, my endo wants to discuss adding Byetta and metformin depending on labs. I'm apprehensive, but at least he has a plan...

Thank you again...

[ifupleze]

Your endo might be trying to keep you from "crashing" to a hypo state by keeping you on the synthroid at 100mcg.  I must admit, I am shocked to think you were on so much medication and two entirely different kinds, too.  I am so glad you  went to the endo.  It sounds like he is doing the right thing to me.  Unless you start to feel terrible, I would stick with his program and wait for next lab results.  Good luck.

[Chelsea_Ann]

Your TSH is low, which -can- indicate that your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroid). However, if your thyroid is producing low to mid range hormone, you are hypo/euthyroid, (because your thyroid is underactive). I think there are a number of things that could cause TSH, T3 and T4 to be low. Some possible causes could be; adrenal fatigue, estrogen dominance, low pituitary function. Don't take my word for it, but you might like to research these dissorders further. Hope that helps.