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hypo & feeling faintness
I was diagnosed as hypothryroid about 6 months ago. I was fine for the first 3-4 months. Then I relapsed. One of the scariest symptoms I am having from this whole hypothyroid experience is feeling as though I am going to pass out, even when I am driving. 1) Is anyone else experiencing this? 2) Has anyone actually passed out as a consequence to being hypothroid and/or as a side effect from the meds? 3) Since I cannot get anything answered until January 10th, should I try getting rid of the generic levothyroxine and liothyronine and replace with Synthroid and Cytomel?
I am just beginning this journey to regulate my horomones, thyroid, etc. Unfortunately, I won't be able to have my first visit with an endocrinologist until January 10th. In the meantime I have been calling in sick left and right due to dizziness, feeling faint, and exhaustion. I am a teacher and feeling overwhelming guilt over bailing on my students. However, I have never experienced anything like this before!
I want to thank all of you who have posted. I discovered this last night and sat at the computer crying in relief that I wasn't going out of my mind! gimel, your information is so amazingly informative! You are more competent than many of the physicians I have had to see in ER, urgent care, and even my primary. I am trying to figure out what things I can adjust until I see my endo in January. Sounds like I might want to request a prescription for the name brands instead of the generics. My family wants me to see an Internist to be sure it is all thyroid related and not something else. I lost my mother to lung cancer and a brother to brain cancer.
Would love feedback.
RevdUpRose
I am just beginning this journey to regulate my horomones, thyroid, etc. Unfortunately, I won't be able to have my first visit with an endocrinologist until January 10th. In the meantime I have been calling in sick left and right due to dizziness, feeling faint, and exhaustion. I am a teacher and feeling overwhelming guilt over bailing on my students. However, I have never experienced anything like this before!
I want to thank all of you who have posted. I discovered this last night and sat at the computer crying in relief that I wasn't going out of my mind! gimel, your information is so amazingly informative! You are more competent than many of the physicians I have had to see in ER, urgent care, and even my primary. I am trying to figure out what things I can adjust until I see my endo in January. Sounds like I might want to request a prescription for the name brands instead of the generics. My family wants me to see an Internist to be sure it is all thyroid related and not something else. I lost my mother to lung cancer and a brother to brain cancer.
Would love feedback.
RevdUpRose
"Feeling Faint" is a common symptom of Anxiety which is also related to Hypothyroidism. Anxiety can come at any given time, even when driving. The more it happens, the worse you will feel. The first step is to search signs and symptoms of Anxiety and then seek help.
I did take both my Levothyroxine and Liothyronine three hours prior to my blood draw. I will keep in mind the effect it has on my labs next time they draw blood. Thanks for the clarification on the Thyroglobulin Total Serum test. Looks like I have to call my doc to get that test done. Will also include the reverse T3. Appreciate the link to the post from Red_Star, that was helpful. I believe my vitimin levels are low too. I have been taking supplements, drinking lots of water, and eating every few hours as Barb135 suggested for the lightheadedness (been losing weight which I cannot afford to lose).
As always, great advice and guidance! Thanks
As always, great advice and guidance! Thanks
From your thyroid antibodies testing it appears that you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism here. With Hashi's, the antibodies continually attack your thyroid glands until, over an extended period, the glands are destroyed. Treatment requires gradually increasing doses of thyroid meds as necessary to relieve symptoms.
From your other tests, FT4 is close to midrange, which is adequate. Your FT3 is at the high end of the range, which somewhat surprised me, in view of your dosage of thyroid meds. One question here would be whether you took your meds right before the blood draw for thyroid tests. If so, the T3 med can give a false result. I think it is better to wait until after blood draw to take T3 med. T4 med is slower acting, so not an issue.
I am glad that you got the ultrasound test done. Nodules frequently accompany Hashi's, so good to find out if you have nodules. Nodules can sometimes leak thyroid hormone faster than normal, resulting in cycles of hypo and hyper symptoms.
As for other areas, I think your levels of Ferritin, B12, and Vitamin D. are too low. For more info, I happened to notice this post from Red_Star.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/Dr-Appt-Monday--Any-Thoughts-Hypopituitary/show/1632579#post_7426608
This should give you some things to discuss with your doctor, while waiting for the results from ultrasound, cortisol, and also Reverse T3 test.
Thyroglobulin AB and Thyroglobulin Total Serum tests are totally different.
From your other tests, FT4 is close to midrange, which is adequate. Your FT3 is at the high end of the range, which somewhat surprised me, in view of your dosage of thyroid meds. One question here would be whether you took your meds right before the blood draw for thyroid tests. If so, the T3 med can give a false result. I think it is better to wait until after blood draw to take T3 med. T4 med is slower acting, so not an issue.
I am glad that you got the ultrasound test done. Nodules frequently accompany Hashi's, so good to find out if you have nodules. Nodules can sometimes leak thyroid hormone faster than normal, resulting in cycles of hypo and hyper symptoms.
As for other areas, I think your levels of Ferritin, B12, and Vitamin D. are too low. For more info, I happened to notice this post from Red_Star.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/Dr-Appt-Monday--Any-Thoughts-Hypopituitary/show/1632579#post_7426608
This should give you some things to discuss with your doctor, while waiting for the results from ultrasound, cortisol, and also Reverse T3 test.
Thyroglobulin AB and Thyroglobulin Total Serum tests are totally different.
Was wondering if you could give me your feedback on my lab results:
Thyroid Peroxidase AB >1000 H IU/ML ref range <35
Thyroglobulin AB 63 H IU/ML ref range <40
Thyroglubulin 0.7 NG/ML ref range <55
Folate 15.1 ref. range 3.1-17.5
FT3 4.0 ref. range 2.2-4.0
FT4 1.25 ref range 0.93-1.70
Ferritin 22 ref range 13-150
B12 446 ref range 243-894
Vit D 36 ref range 30-100
TSH 2.28 ref range 0.27-4.20
Iron 94 ref range 37-145
Still waiting for the Saliva Cortisol test results. A friend of the family referred me to an excellent endocrinologist who she saw for Hashimotos Disease, hypothryoid, etc. He requested an ultrasound of the thyroid which I will have done on Tuesday.
Also, is the Thyroglobulin AB the same as Thyroglobulin Total Serum test?
Appreciate it!
Thyroid Peroxidase AB >1000 H IU/ML ref range <35
Thyroglobulin AB 63 H IU/ML ref range <40
Thyroglubulin 0.7 NG/ML ref range <55
Folate 15.1 ref. range 3.1-17.5
FT3 4.0 ref. range 2.2-4.0
FT4 1.25 ref range 0.93-1.70
Ferritin 22 ref range 13-150
B12 446 ref range 243-894
Vit D 36 ref range 30-100
TSH 2.28 ref range 0.27-4.20
Iron 94 ref range 37-145
Still waiting for the Saliva Cortisol test results. A friend of the family referred me to an excellent endocrinologist who she saw for Hashimotos Disease, hypothryoid, etc. He requested an ultrasound of the thyroid which I will have done on Tuesday.
Also, is the Thyroglobulin AB the same as Thyroglobulin Total Serum test?
Appreciate it!
COMMUNITY LEADER
Name brands are not always the best either. I was started out on Synthroid and did not do well at all. I was later switched to generic levo and did much better, though I must admit part of that had to do with the doctor(s) involved.
Rose - I stopped taking my vitamins (except my B12 shots) prior to being tested, because my doctor wanted to see "unmedicated" levels, though I'm not sure how much good that did or how long you would have to be off them, since many deficiencies occur over long periods of time.
That would be something to discuss with your doctor.
Joanne -- I see you live in FL, but am not familiar with your city. If you send me a PM, I might be able to help find a doctor.
Rose - I stopped taking my vitamins (except my B12 shots) prior to being tested, because my doctor wanted to see "unmedicated" levels, though I'm not sure how much good that did or how long you would have to be off them, since many deficiencies occur over long periods of time.
That would be something to discuss with your doctor.
Joanne -- I see you live in FL, but am not familiar with your city. If you send me a PM, I might be able to help find a doctor.
It is unreal how this disease seems so common once you let others know what is ailing you. However, it amazes me how we allow doctors to continue to practice medicine in an incompetent manner. I feel as though in the past few days I have gained more knowledge about my thryoid problem than my gen. pract., the ER doc I saw, and the physician at my local med. stop! I agree, this forum is the best! I have learned so much about the disease and most importantly how to be my own best advocate. I am requesting all the tests that gimel, barb135, and many others have suggested. If my doc doesn't ok it, I will find another way to get it done.
Once I get my lab work done, I plan on posting it to get feedback on how to interpret the numbers. If it appears that I may be undermedicated, I will try that first. If I still feel lousy, I will think about switching to the namebrand. I have a colleague who takes only the name brand as her obgyn refuses to use the generic. And, she has been fine as well!
Thanks for commenting and for your words of encouragement. Hope you find a good doctor. BTW: Have you also been experiencing lightheadedness?
Once I get my lab work done, I plan on posting it to get feedback on how to interpret the numbers. If it appears that I may be undermedicated, I will try that first. If I still feel lousy, I will think about switching to the namebrand. I have a colleague who takes only the name brand as her obgyn refuses to use the generic. And, she has been fine as well!
Thanks for commenting and for your words of encouragement. Hope you find a good doctor. BTW: Have you also been experiencing lightheadedness?
While reading your blog, I could identify with all the symptoms you are having because I am having the same symtptoms!. I just posted my own blog about this looking for answers. I am taking the generic drug Levothyroxine 50 MCG and I believe there is a difference between this and Synthroid (the name brand). This could be causing our problem. I spoke with someone recently who told me she was sick on Levothyroxine and when she changed to Synthroid she felt good (huge difference according to her). There is also lots of reference to it in blogs.
I desperately need to find a doctor who is open minded to treating my symptoms and work with me on this rather than just looking at results of blood work and telling me I should be fine, when I'm not!. I can't find a doc who will listen.
I'm new to this disease and have learned alot about it by reading these forums, which are really helpful. Hang in there.............We'll get our answers.
I desperately need to find a doctor who is open minded to treating my symptoms and work with me on this rather than just looking at results of blood work and telling me I should be fine, when I'm not!. I can't find a doc who will listen.
I'm new to this disease and have learned alot about it by reading these forums, which are really helpful. Hang in there.............We'll get our answers.
Should I not take my vitamin supplements prior to testing for all the vitamin deficiencies? I am taking a multivitamin, iron supplement, b12 and sometimes biotin.
I do have low blood pressure. Was around 85 over 60 and near that range when it was at its lowest.
Got to go to work. My first day back in a week! Will check in tonight. Thanks.
I do have low blood pressure. Was around 85 over 60 and near that range when it was at its lowest.
Got to go to work. My first day back in a week! Will check in tonight. Thanks.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Do you know what your resting heart rate is? When I was really hypo, my heart rate would drop into the mid 30's when I slept and even when awake and active, it rarely went higher than around 65. I sometimes felt lightheaded when I'd stand up from a sitting position.
Additionally, low blood sugar can make you feel lightheaded; are you making sure to eat at regular intervals, and eating the proper foods to keep it stable?
You should get tested for the vitamins, so you have a "baseline" for guidance.
Additionally, low blood sugar can make you feel lightheaded; are you making sure to eat at regular intervals, and eating the proper foods to keep it stable?
You should get tested for the vitamins, so you have a "baseline" for guidance.
I have been experiencing lightheadedness. Not any spinning or whirling. I also have a history of low blood pressure. It has been very low off and on in the last few weeks during my "low moments" i.e. when I went to hospital. In your experience communicating on this forum, have you run across many members who have had that as a side effect to their thryoid being off, or as a side effect to the meds?
Thanks for the heads up on the vitamins. I will begin taking those another time. You all are so helpful. Discovering this forum has been such a lift to my spirit and makes me feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. However, it has also made me aware that I need to be my own advocate and there may be bumps ahead.
Thanks for the heads up on the vitamins. I will begin taking those another time. You all are so helpful. Discovering this forum has been such a lift to my spirit and makes me feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. However, it has also made me aware that I need to be my own advocate and there may be bumps ahead.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Well, the T4 med is the one that makes the most difference, since T3 can be taken with food. Your schedule is really what should determine when you take your med. If it works best for you to take them both at once, and you feel okay doing it, there's no reason not to.
I take my T4 med first thing, when I get up, then have my coffee within about 30 minutes; that doesn't seem to have any adverse effect. I do avoid soy all the time; I even check my vitamins/minerals to make sure they don't contain soy.
Another thing to keep in mind is that vitamins/minerals should not be taken within 4 hours of thyroid medication, as they, too, particularly calcium supplements, block absorption of thyroid med. I wait to take all my vitamins/minerals in the evening.
I don't know how to comment on your faintness. Is it a feeling of lightheaded dizziness or more like vertigo, where you feel like yourself or your surroundings are moving (whirling/spinning)?
I take my T4 med first thing, when I get up, then have my coffee within about 30 minutes; that doesn't seem to have any adverse effect. I do avoid soy all the time; I even check my vitamins/minerals to make sure they don't contain soy.
Another thing to keep in mind is that vitamins/minerals should not be taken within 4 hours of thyroid medication, as they, too, particularly calcium supplements, block absorption of thyroid med. I wait to take all my vitamins/minerals in the evening.
I don't know how to comment on your faintness. Is it a feeling of lightheaded dizziness or more like vertigo, where you feel like yourself or your surroundings are moving (whirling/spinning)?
Thanks for the info on when and how to take the meds. When I first started taking both I didn't pay any attention to when to take and under which circumstances. That was when I felt the best. Then colleagues with hypothryroid informed me that the T4 should be taken on an empty stomach; also, caffeine and soy block absorption. So, I began taking both right when I woke up then waited an hour to have tea and eat. That is when I started feeling bad again. I guess my body was adjusting?
My sensations of fainting/lightheaded are not attributed to sleepiness or being tired. Don't get me wrong, the meds/thyroid issue have made me tired and very low energy/stamina. The faintness is almost as if I am losing my balance a bit. It is also as if my brain cannot keep up with my body. Because of my family history with cancer and brain tumor, and my history of headaches and migraines, I had an MRI done this past Friday. Waiting to hear back from my doc in the upcoming week. Wonder if the thyroid would show up on that? I have to say that in the past few days I haven't experienced the lightheadedness but I have had lots of rest!
Thanks for the information.
My sensations of fainting/lightheaded are not attributed to sleepiness or being tired. Don't get me wrong, the meds/thyroid issue have made me tired and very low energy/stamina. The faintness is almost as if I am losing my balance a bit. It is also as if my brain cannot keep up with my body. Because of my family history with cancer and brain tumor, and my history of headaches and migraines, I had an MRI done this past Friday. Waiting to hear back from my doc in the upcoming week. Wonder if the thyroid would show up on that? I have to say that in the past few days I haven't experienced the lightheadedness but I have had lots of rest!
Thanks for the information.
I have been gradually reading through as many of these posts as possible. They are so informative! I noticed that you recommended the Vitamin D, B12, Iron/ferritin, TPO ab, TG ab, and saliva cortisol test for others just beginning to navigate this thyroid journey. So, I added those to my list to request the doctor to test for. I will also include the Reverse T3. If my doc says no to some or all, I will go ahead and pay to have it done for my own records and piece of mind.
Sounds like I also need to be more consistent with how I take my meds. Will respond to Barb135 on that.
Thanks again for responding!
Sounds like I also need to be more consistent with how I take my meds. Will respond to Barb135 on that.
Thanks again for responding!
COMMUNITY LEADER
gimel pretty much has things covered, but I might suggest a thyroid ultra sound to confirm/rule out nodules and/or inflammation that could also contribute to the way you feel.
I'm curious about the "faint" feeling. Do you really feel like you're going to faint? Or is it more of an unending fatigue that makes you want to sleep?
I ask because when I was severely hypo, my eyes would get so heavy, I used to pray that lights would stay red a bit longer so I could "nap"...... My job required a lot of driving and there were days, I was afraid to get behind the wheel.
To answer a couple of your questions - levothyroxine (T4) should be taken on an empty stomach, with a full cup of water, then nothing eaten or drank for 30-60 minutes. Liothyronine (T3) is not subject that; it may be taken with food if desired. That said, some people take their T4 med with coffee; if doing that you might simply need a higher dose. The trick is to be consistent in how you take the med.
I also find that taking my T3 med later in the morning (around 9:00 or so), works best for me.
I'm curious about the "faint" feeling. Do you really feel like you're going to faint? Or is it more of an unending fatigue that makes you want to sleep?
I ask because when I was severely hypo, my eyes would get so heavy, I used to pray that lights would stay red a bit longer so I could "nap"...... My job required a lot of driving and there were days, I was afraid to get behind the wheel.
To answer a couple of your questions - levothyroxine (T4) should be taken on an empty stomach, with a full cup of water, then nothing eaten or drank for 30-60 minutes. Liothyronine (T3) is not subject that; it may be taken with food if desired. That said, some people take their T4 med with coffee; if doing that you might simply need a higher dose. The trick is to be consistent in how you take the med.
I also find that taking my T3 med later in the morning (around 9:00 or so), works best for me.
Yes, you definitely need to get tested for Free T3 and Free T4 (not Total T3 and T4). In view of the changes you mentioned in your symptoms, I think you should also request testing for the thyroid antibodies TPO ab and TG ab, to determine if Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is the cause of your hypothyroidism. I think a 24 hour saliva cortisol test would be a good idea. If you can prevail on your doctor, I would also recommend testing for Vitamin D, B12, and iron/ferritin. And while you are there might as well request Reverse T3 also.
With all that info, you should be able to determine if your problems are due to inadequate levels of Free T3 and Free T4, requiring increased meds,, or if something more is involved.
With all that info, you should be able to determine if your problems are due to inadequate levels of Free T3 and Free T4, requiring increased meds,, or if something more is involved.
My most recent lab did not test the T3 Free or T4 Free. The recent lab results I have from October only show a TSH of 1.55 with a reference range of 0.27-4.20.
The labs in June show a "T3 FREE"/FT3(I guess this means the same thing) of 3.3 with reference range of 2.2-4.0. It also shows a "FT4" of 1.01 with a reference range of 0.93-1.70. Then it shows a "T4 Total" of 5.8 with a reference range of 4.0-12.0. The TSH for June is 1.97 with a ref. range of 0.27-4.20.
My dosage is and has always been Levothyroxine 25 MCG and Liothyronine SOD 5 MCG.
Sounds like I may need to ask my primary for current lab work that tests the Free T3 and T4? BTW: My doctor asked me whether I wanted Armour or Synthroid when I was first told that I was hypothroid. Then I ended up on generics.
Thanks again!
The labs in June show a "T3 FREE"/FT3(I guess this means the same thing) of 3.3 with reference range of 2.2-4.0. It also shows a "FT4" of 1.01 with a reference range of 0.93-1.70. Then it shows a "T4 Total" of 5.8 with a reference range of 4.0-12.0. The TSH for June is 1.97 with a ref. range of 0.27-4.20.
My dosage is and has always been Levothyroxine 25 MCG and Liothyronine SOD 5 MCG.
Sounds like I may need to ask my primary for current lab work that tests the Free T3 and T4? BTW: My doctor asked me whether I wanted Armour or Synthroid when I was first told that I was hypothroid. Then I ended up on generics.
Thanks again!
I'm sorry I forgot to give this link.
http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs.html
Before trying to answer your questions, please post your recent lab test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report. Also, what is your current dosage of meds?
http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs.html
Before trying to answer your questions, please post your recent lab test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report. Also, what is your current dosage of meds?
I really appreciate your response. I do not have my original blood test results. However, I should have them on Tuesday. In looking at my recent lab results (got those), it doesn't appear that they tested for TPO ab, TG ab, and I don't recall providing saliva for the cortisol test. I will see if any of those were on my very first set of labs back in the Spring. Again, I will have those Tuesday. I couldn't find the "26 symptoms" you were referring to. I did look up a few different sites and I have many of the symptoms (fatigue, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, weight loss, hair loss, loss of energy and stamina, challenging to work full time, mild depression, occasional heart palpitations, shortness of breath, headaches, forgetfulness, faintness, dizziness).
When I was diagnosed with hypothyroid, I must have been in a state of shock. Just started taking the meds without any guidance or informaton on things that block absorption, etc. I felt fine until about 3-4 weeks ago. I started feeling lightheaded (faint, brain fog), tired easily, a bit jittery at times, racing heart at times, and extremely low blood pressure. I was so bad one day I went to the ER. They couldn't find anything wrong with me and sent me home with Ativan, thinking I was having a panic attack!
I live in San Luis Obispo which is on the cental coast. There are only three endrocrinologists. One specializes in fertility, the other I heard not so good things about, and then my doc, Dr. Bernard, who apparently has a great reputation. I looked into the Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara and the wait was even longer. If anyone is from California and has recommendations of a great Endrocrinologist, I'd appreciate it.
I really do hear what people are saying on the forum about treating the symptoms. That makes such perfect sense. It sounds like the range is so wide and everyone is very different. This thyroid stuff is like a very challenging puzzle that needs to be solved differently for each person. It appears not all endos are up to the challenge.
My biggest fear is the fealing of faintness, brain fog, dizziness. I wonder if you have read any comments where people actually passed out? Or is it just that sensation that they feel like they are? I am starting to become concerned about driving, especially with a carload of children.
Also, should I be taking my meds at a certain time and are there foods that I should avoid? Originally, I went on with my same routine and just took the meds sometime before I left for work. Then I was told that tea blocks the absorption, and I should take both Levothyroxine and Liothyronine an empty stomach. Once I changed, I started feeling bad. Quite possibly my body was absorbing too much?
I'm sorry, I have so many questions. I will post again on Tuesday with my results. Thanks again!
When I was diagnosed with hypothyroid, I must have been in a state of shock. Just started taking the meds without any guidance or informaton on things that block absorption, etc. I felt fine until about 3-4 weeks ago. I started feeling lightheaded (faint, brain fog), tired easily, a bit jittery at times, racing heart at times, and extremely low blood pressure. I was so bad one day I went to the ER. They couldn't find anything wrong with me and sent me home with Ativan, thinking I was having a panic attack!
I live in San Luis Obispo which is on the cental coast. There are only three endrocrinologists. One specializes in fertility, the other I heard not so good things about, and then my doc, Dr. Bernard, who apparently has a great reputation. I looked into the Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara and the wait was even longer. If anyone is from California and has recommendations of a great Endrocrinologist, I'd appreciate it.
I really do hear what people are saying on the forum about treating the symptoms. That makes such perfect sense. It sounds like the range is so wide and everyone is very different. This thyroid stuff is like a very challenging puzzle that needs to be solved differently for each person. It appears not all endos are up to the challenge.
My biggest fear is the fealing of faintness, brain fog, dizziness. I wonder if you have read any comments where people actually passed out? Or is it just that sensation that they feel like they are? I am starting to become concerned about driving, especially with a carload of children.
Also, should I be taking my meds at a certain time and are there foods that I should avoid? Originally, I went on with my same routine and just took the meds sometime before I left for work. Then I was told that tea blocks the absorption, and I should take both Levothyroxine and Liothyronine an empty stomach. Once I changed, I started feeling bad. Quite possibly my body was absorbing too much?
I'm sorry, I have so many questions. I will post again on Tuesday with my results. Thanks again!
Hi Rose. Welcome to the Forum. Lots of knowledgeable and experienced members here who are very glad to try to help. To help us, please post your thyroid test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report. Also, have you been tested for the thyroid antibodies, TPO ab and TG ab?
Next, why do you say that you were fine for about 6 months then relapsed? What symptoms were you having at that time? If you look at the 26 typical hypo symptoms listed in this link, how many would you say that you have currently? Have you ever been tested for potential adrenal problems, such as the 24 hour saliva cortisol test?
Sorry for all the questions, but need to know all that to best help you. Also, where in California are you located? I ask because sometimes members can make a recommendation for a good thyroid doctor based on personal experience. By good thyroid doctor 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.
Just because your Jan. appointment is with an Endo does not mean that he is a good thyroid doctor. Frequently they specialize in diabetes not thyroid. Also, far too many of them have the "Immaculate TSH Belief" by which they only want to diagnose and medicate a patient by TSH. This does not work. Many others only want to use "Reference range Endocrinology", by which they will interpret any thyroid test result that falls anywhere in the reference range as adequate. This is also is erroneous. the ranges are far too broad for that to be the case.
So rather than wait for two months only to find out that the doctor may not be what you need, we need to start considering that possibility now and planning accordingly.
Next, why do you say that you were fine for about 6 months then relapsed? What symptoms were you having at that time? If you look at the 26 typical hypo symptoms listed in this link, how many would you say that you have currently? Have you ever been tested for potential adrenal problems, such as the 24 hour saliva cortisol test?
Sorry for all the questions, but need to know all that to best help you. Also, where in California are you located? I ask because sometimes members can make a recommendation for a good thyroid doctor based on personal experience. By good thyroid doctor 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.
Just because your Jan. appointment is with an Endo does not mean that he is a good thyroid doctor. Frequently they specialize in diabetes not thyroid. Also, far too many of them have the "Immaculate TSH Belief" by which they only want to diagnose and medicate a patient by TSH. This does not work. Many others only want to use "Reference range Endocrinology", by which they will interpret any thyroid test result that falls anywhere in the reference range as adequate. This is also is erroneous. the ranges are far too broad for that to be the case.
So rather than wait for two months only to find out that the doctor may not be what you need, we need to start considering that possibility now and planning accordingly.
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