Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

hypothyroidism since aged 10

I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism since aged 10 when an astute nurse noted my dry skin, thin hair, short stature,weight(40kilograms) and fatigue. I was actually admitted with severe abdominal pains which occurred once per month and lasted for ~ 3 hours each time. Miraculously those pains went once I was started on thyroxine. My question is what damage can long term use of thyroxine cause? I am now 45. My levels are all within normal ranges, however for the first time in years I am feeling tired, have gained weight and have intensely itchy skin. I have been managed with 100mcg since my diagnosis only needing an increase when pregnant.Could I have become use to taking thyroxine and it no longer be effective? If so is there an alternative medication? Also can long term use damage the heart as this was mentioned when I was a child.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Just make sure that you check the lab request right when they are going to draw blood, to make sure they are really going to check FT3 and FT4, and not total T3 and total T4.  Many times patients find out after the fact that someone wrote down the wrong tests and FT3 and FT4  weren't done.  When tests are completed, make sure you get a copy, for future reference.  Doctors are required to provide patients a copy upon their request.  If you will post results and reference ranges, members will be glad to help interpret.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, Thank you for your response. Looking back over my results it appears that my dr usually only orders TSH. When this was last checked in February it was 1.58 mU/L. My FT4 was last checked in 2007 when it was 17 pmol/L and my TSH at that time was .78 mU/L. My FT3 levels haven't been checked for at least 5 years. I will check in with my doctor and have bloods taken this week. I am so pleased to have found this site.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Proper use of thyroid meds should have no long term concern, including the heart.  The 100 mcg that you have been taking is not usually enough to have been a full daily replacement amount,  so you could have had partial thyroid gland production.  Since normal thyroid production can slow with aging, that could account for your symptoms, thus the possible need for increased meds.  Noticing that I'm making some assumptions here, because I have no information as to what was the cause of your original diagnosis of hypothyroidism.  It would be helpful to know that.

Also, I suggest that if you have been tested for the actual, biologically active thyroid hormones, which are free T3 and free T4 (FT3 and FT4), then post results and reference ranges here and members can help interpret results and confirm if you need more medication to alleviate those symptoms.  If you have not been tested for FT3 and FT4 lately, then that would be a good idea.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community

Top Thyroid Answerers
649848 tn?1534633700
FL
Avatar universal
MI
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.