Underactive thyroid

[Clematis]

Hi

I am taking thyroixne 100mg a day. I have been on this dose for seven weeks now. Is it normal to still have memory problems and a slowing down of my heart like someone pushing it back when i over-exhurt. The sluggishness seems to be slightly improving.   Thank you.

[gimel]

Thee have been many Forum members who have been successful with T4 meds only.  It mainly depends on the ability of the body to convert T4 to T3 adequately, and of course taking the proper amount to achieve symptom relief.  When conversion is adequate, then a T4 med may be the desired choice since it is an easier way to medicate a patient because it reacts slower and only has to be taken once a day.  When conversion is inadequate, then adding a source of T3  becomes necessary to achieve a good balance of T4/T3.

[Irsu]

Weather T4 alone not treat hypothyroid.
I think T4 amd T3 combination gives good result,instead of alone

[gimel]

Since lab results can vary from lab to lab, reference ranges are also affected.  In order to give you the best response, we need the reference ranges that were shown on the lab report for those test results.  

[gimel]

Medication dosage should be whatever amount of T4, T3 or combo T4/T3 types that are required to relieve symptoms.  In my opinion the best way to treat a thyroid patient is to test and adjust levels of FT3 and FT4 with meds as required to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important.

[laura91836]

so my levels on my inital test were

T3- 4.2
T4- 13
TSH- 11.95

my symptoms are listed in an above post.....can anybody explain the levels to me?? Thanks

[Irsu]

Thyroxine dose should be b/w 100-200mcg.

[Irsu]

Thyroxine dose should be b/w 100-200mcg.

[gimel]

If at all possible, get tested for the actual, biologically active thyroid hormones, which are free T3 and free T4 (not to be confused with total T3 and total T4, which are outdated and somewhat useless).   FT3 is the most active and it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  If the doctor resists testing for FT3 and FT4, tell him that studies have shown that FT3 correlates best with hypo symptoms and that TSH did not correlate.  Do whatever it takes to get tested for FT3 and FT4, along with TSH.

Also be aware that having FT3 and FT4 just within the lower end of the "normal"range does not mean everything is okay.  Many members here report that symptom relief required that FT3 was adjusted into the upper part of its range and FT4 adjusted to at least midpoint of its range.  

If you are successful in getting FT3 and FT4 tests, then after results are available, if you will post results and reference ranges shown on the lab sheet, members will be happy to help interpret and advise further.  

[laura91836]

seems 0.05 is really low from what I have been reading.....I am exhausted and have enough energy to go to work and thats it. Any ideas why my does is so low? Also I have gained weight and seem to be having some hair loss....Im freaking out lol I am going to get bloods done tommorow....so lets hope

[laura91836]

I am a 30 year old female and Ive just recently been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid. I am a personal trainer and majorly active. I had such bad fatigue with this thyroid thing I have barley done anything. My doctor put me on eltroxin 0.05 about a month ago and I am still just as tired as ever. I am going for blood work next week to see how its going. I have also gained 8 lbs :s will the weight come off once the dosage is correct? Thanks

[Smilerdeb]

Thyroxine usually gives a good result within 6 weeks so you should be getting your bloods done around about now to see whether the dose is right for you.
Going by your blood levels, your Doctor can see if you need to increase or decrease the dosage.
I suggest you get your bloods done to get a good accurate reading.