Thyroid levels versus symptoms

[Sli]

I was diagnosed with Graves Disease and had radioactive iodine therapy in 1983.  Since that time I have been on Synthroid replacement (.1)  Appoximately 5yrs ago it was changed to .5mg.  I am a 57yr old F.  My levels continue to remain low normal but I have gained approximately 30lbs am extremely tired all the time and my memory (especially short term is almost non-existent).  So much so that it has begun to effect my job.  My physician(FP)only follows my labs. I have developed sequella (exopthalmus) with orbit edema, nail and skin problems.  Am I wrong in thinking these should also be taken into consideration in my replacement dosage?    

[Peonie]

I also had my thryoid gland ablated in 1997 with I131 radioactive iodine. When my thyroid levels finally dropped I too was put on Synthroid. I used this for at least a year and was feeling awful. My body was seriously swollen, I had headaches, gain weight and I'm sure there were other things I don't remember. When I would take my shoes off my feet would be swollen to the shape of the shoe exactly.

After doing some research I asked my doctor about using Armour Thyroid Hormone. She agreed and this became a very successful treatment for me. I had never heard of using cytomel and Synthroid together. About a month ago when I went to have my thyroid prescription filled I was told that Armour Thyroid had been discontinued. I have been taking another natural hormone since then and my pain levels have gone through the roof. I definitely believe in Armour Thyroid hormone because it provides both T3 and T4.

If anyone knows for sure let me know if Armour Thyroid is still being made.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Do you mean 0.05mg or 0.5mg -- I assume it is 0.05mg which is the small white pill.  This suggests a lower dose requirement than previously.  The new eye symptoms are concerning.  Would see a thyroid specialist to make sure there is no recurrent Graves disease or need for specific treatment of the eyes.

It is unlikely to develop graves hyperthyroidism again.  But not impossible to get new eye problems even this far after RAI.

The TSH needs to be kept around 1.0 with replacement, so perhaps a dose increase is necessary.

Some patients may benefit from t4/t3 combination treatment (ie adding a small dose of cytomel to synthroid) -- but first would have thyroid expert eval.

[Jenipeni]

Armour is just one particular brand name of desicatted thyroid and it is one option.  Other options are increasing your current dose and/or adding cytomel (synthetic T3).

It is great that baroneesq has found the right treatment for her/him.  But I have also read many stories where it has not been the answer people were looking for - many people find that they are too sensitive for the T3 in preparations like Armour and Cytomel.

Different solutions apply for different people.  It's great to be aware that there are alternatives out there - but no one can say which one will be best for you.  

Don't be fooled by Armour (and other desicated thyroid products) being touted as more 'natural' and better for you because they come from an animal product (dried pig thyroids) and contain both T4 and T3.   Pigs do not share the same DNA as humans do they.

In fact synthetic T4 and T3 preparations such as Synthroid, levothroid, Cytomel are EXACTLY

[Jenipeni]

PRESSED POST TOO EARLY - SORRY!

In fact synthetic T4 and T3 preparations such as Synthroid, levothroid, Cytomel are EXACTLY the same as what the body would make - that would seems more 'natural' to me.  

Recombinent DNA technology is used to produce the synthetic thyroid hormones.  Basically they have inserted some human DNA containing the instructions/recipe for making the thyroid hormone into a bacteria cell.  These bacteria cells then become thyroid hormone factories and produce the hormone exactly as the human body would have.

It can take just as long to find the right dosage no matter which thyroid preparation you choose to take; Armour or Synthroid.  Armour is no magic cure all for thyroid problems.  

I want to make clear that I am not attacking baroneesq - I only wanted to make some statements about the different options available.  I believe the 'stopthethyroidmadness' site is very one sided - and shuns anyone who has had success with mainstream treatment.  It is simply not true that everyone taking synthetic T4 such as Synthroid is not being treated properly - thousands and thousands of people are not wrong.   Just remember this entire site is patient run and be sure to check your information with your endocrinologist.  

Who do you trust? A doctor who has invested years in training and seeing many. many patients or someone who has their personal experience plus an internet education?  Doctors are human too (we all make mistakes and are always learning) but I'd chose them ANY day over some of the people who pretend to be doctors at 'stopthethyroidmadness'.  

You need to see a doctor who is willing to adjust your dose according to your symptoms.  Although always remember it is entirely possible that there are other health issues that are contributing to your symptoms.  

Best wishes!

[Lake Lover]

Ask your doctor for your lab results.  Just because you are in range does not mean it is "your range".  Your symptoms sound hypo.

[pjgovitz]

I was on Synthroid for 18 years, it isn't synthroids fault that my thyroid has changed so many times from under to over active.... I had a few very good years on it, and will be resuming it in 9 days. it does take time for the body to adjust going back on or increases and decreases. I thought it was making me sick a while back, but 3 weeks off I'm still having over-active symptoms with under....it wasn't my meds it was my thyroid. A friend was ablated 20 tears ago and has only had one dose increase (synthroid) 10 years ago. She is doing great and it inspires me:))

[baroneesq]

you must try armour - i know how you feel. i had my thryoid removed, was put on synthroid and how i felt was like i should have been on disability.  if your dr. only treats by labs go to another endo and find one that will give you armour.  you should definitely look at the site "stopthethryoidmadness" that site gave me back my life.  from my perspective synthroid and all syntehtic brands suck.  armour has been around like 100 years.  synthroid won the battle beacuse of marketing and money - and most endo's dont know any better.  all they know is what they were taught in med school, which was that synthroid is the only way - wrong, way wrong.