liver enzymes, estrogen and synthroid

[martymij]

I've been on synthroid for years.  Over the past year, the pharmacy substituted the generic for brand, which I was unaware of.  I also discontinued estrogen replacement therapy during this time.  when I had my TSH, T-3 and T-4 done, my levels were indicative of hyperthyroidism.  My TSH was 0.04.  I was extremely symptomatic with hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia etc, but dismissed it to stopping the estrogen.  My ALT/AST liver enzymes are also minimally elevated.  Has anyone else experienced this?  I think I'm getting back to normal now, feeling better but concerned about the liver enzymes.  Any thoughts appreciated.

[courtney23_]

my 11 year old son was diagnosed with Hashimoto thyroiditis 3 months ago his TSH was 700 and his T3 and T4 were almost undetected, antibodies were present and he was started on Levothyroxine 75 mcg, at that time his creatnine and AST were elevated. The endocrinologist said that after a month of thyroid hormones everything should go back to normal. it didnt, his AST and ALT have gone up each week since then, they are now over 500. His TSH is at 5 and his Kidney function is almost normal but the liver enzymes are freaking me out. He had an abdominal ultrasound and everything looked normal. They have tested him for everything under the sun, all autoimmune diseases, myopathies, metabolic disorders etc. So far nothing else abnormal.He developed an appendicitis last week and had to have an appendectomy and while they were in surgery they did a liver biopsy, it shows scar tissue and some abnormal cell changes that the Liver Specialist said it looks like drug toxicity from the Levo since that is the only medication he is on. He never takes any OTC pain relievers or any other meds or supplements. They have since changed him to the brand name Synthroid and will recheck his LFT's in 2 weeks but his Endocrinologist thinks that it is not caused from the thyroid hormones. What else could it be?

[bretbunch]

Hello.

I was also on Synthroid for 2 yrs and at the 2 yr mark, my AST/ALT were slightly elevated.  At that time I ended up being referred to a gastroenterologist and also had an ultrasound of my  liver and gallbladder.   Everything checked out fine and my levels were at the high end of normal.  My endo then switched me to Levoxyl, upped the dosage and I became hyperthyroid with heart palps, breathing problems, etc.  Then my dosage was reduced and changed back to synthroid and I became hypo with a TSH of 28.  Finally, I made my endo switch my meds to Armour Thyroid.  I changed endos and I have been on Armour now for 3 months.  I am still working on finding my optimum dose, but my new endo goes slow with the medication changes.  

I take my Armour sublingually, so it does not go through my liver.  You may want to find a doc that will prescribe Armour.  That in itself can be a challenge, but I think it is a great drug and natural too.  There is a thread called "Those of Us on Armour And working on dosages".  Stella and Laura1967 are also good resources if you decide to go that route.  There is also information about Armour on the Health Pages link on the top right corner.  

Hope that helps!