radiation treatment

[katwo]

I was born in the Ohio Valley in 1955.  The doctor had a radiation treatment done on me prior to me going home to  start my great childhood.  I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism approx. 20 years ago.  Each time I go to my doctor, I have the same problems... fatigue, weight gain, dry skin. depression, and  lost libido. I request the doctor to increase my Synthroid.    He is reluctant.  I'm sure I need to go to an endocrinologist. When do you say enough is enough and the medicine needs to be increased?

[Barb135]

I am here... and gimel's right, the first request is to post thyroid related test results and reference ranges.  

I'd also like to know why you're considering switching from Armour to Tirosint, since Tirosint is a T4, only, med and would be quite a difference from the T4/T3 combo.  What "hormonal changes" have caused you to double your dosage and go from 60 mg to 120 mg?

Additionally, what autoimmune issues do you have, other than Hashimoto's?  Were you just now diagnosed with Hashimoto's, even though you've been hypo since you were a teenager?

Are you gluten free because of Hashimoto's?  If so, I'm afraid you will be disappointed.  

Iodine is contraindicated for those of us with Hashimoto's, as it can exacerbate the autoimmune reaction.  

We'll do our best to help you find balance.

[gimel]

Don't know if barb is around right now to answer.  I do know that the first request will be for you to post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges. If tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, please post those as well.   Also please tell us about any symptoms you have.  

[AngelaRDH]

Hi there. I've read few posts. Wondering your thoughts from being on NDT for over 20 yrs to try tirosint. I was diagnosed as teenager and started with synthroid but switched to Armour in my later 20's. 42 now and was on 60mg until around 38. Then hormonal changes have me at 120 mg(2grains). I also have few other auto-immune issues so it's hasimotos now. I am trying Gluten Free as well. Do you take Iodine supplements? I've got mixed reviews. Help my weight but don't want the aches from it. My goal is to find balance.

[Barb135]

You had radiation done in the hospital as in infant?  For what reason?

As far as hypothyroidism, we need to know what your current thyroid hormone levels are in order to know if you need a dosage increase or not; your symptoms indicate that you might.

You should be getting tested for Free T3, Free T4 and TSH on a regular basis.  If not, you definitely need a new doctor, but it's debatable, whether that doctor needs to be an endocrinologist or not, since some/many endos specialize in diabetes and, actually, know very little about thyroid issues.

If you have current levels for Free T3, Free T4 and TSH, please post them, along with the reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and have to come from your own lab report.

Do you know if you have Hashimoto's?  Hashimoto's is a an autoimmune disease, in which the body sees the thyroid as foreign and produces antibodies to destroy it.  The destruction, typically, takes place over time until eventually, the thyroid no longer produces any hormones at all and the patient is completely reliant on the daily dose of thyroid replacement hormones (in your case, Synthroid).  Hashimoto's is the number 1 cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world.