hypothyroid and anxiety/depression

[ShellBellD]

I am 38 years old and was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in Oct. '08.  At the time, my tsh level was 16.3.  I was put on 25 mcg of synthroid and initially felt some relief of my symptoms.  If I take an honest look back over the months though, I haven't felt 'normal' and like myself in quite some time.  FInally in early July, I couldn't take the symptoms anymore...depression, lots of anxiety, indigestion/bloating, fatigue, strange sensations in my hands and feet, so I went to the family dr. and asked her to check my levels.  Sure enough, my tsh was high again, this time 7.4.  She increased me to 50 mcg of synthroid, but I still was not feeling relief...if anything, my moodiness and anxiety is worse now!  I finally got in with an endo yesterday.  He said he would like to see my level between 1-2 and depending on the bloodwork results, he may put me on a dose as high as 100 mcg.  I have two young kids and feel tired of feeling lousy and depressed.  I want to wake up with energy, and not feel like I am going crazy!   I want to enjoy my kids and life again!!!   Anyone else out there dealing with a similar situation?  Any advice, suggestions, would be greatly appreciated!

[Katte]

Hi,
I'm new to this thyroid stuff and have just had tests to see if i have Hashimoto's because I appear to have all the symptoms. (Awaiting results)

I know just how you feel, I have gained 6kg in 4 months (while dieting and exercising) I also felt slow, sluggish, tired, freezing cold.... The Dr started me on 25mcg of thyroxine but luckily i got referred to a specialist and i am now on 100mcg.
I don't feel like i used to but i certainly feel better!

My advice would be to not let it rule your life, take lots of time out to go and pamper yourself (full body massage really helped) and to do lots of things you enjoy!
Not medical advice but i hope it helps xx

[Devrapunzel]

You may want to add T3 to your medication in the form of Cytomel or by replacing your current T4 regimen (Synthroid) with a T4/T3 combo like Armour.

I had my thyroid removed in '03 due to cancer.  I did not even begin to feel remotely better until my endo added T3 (Cytomel).  I used that in addition to Synthroid for years.  It definitely helped.

What helped the most is Armour, but that's another story.  I feel absolutely best using Armour.

Anyway, you may want to look into adding the T3.  Good luck to you!  It will get better!

[Swoo32]

I had my thyroid removed in '05 due to cancer and have not felt the same since. Gained 50 lbs, NO energy, and yes, sank into a depression from it all. My body won't let me do all the things I want to do!  Sounds like you have docs that listen to you though! I'm on my 3rd one now cause all they look at are the numbers (hormone levels) and don't listen to how  I feel. :(

[yaya1980]

OHHHHHHHHHH yeah.I felt the same way.I started taking tegratol so my levels went crazy.I went down to 20  then back to 9.0.So just remember it takes about 7 weeks to get the medication in you system.I know it litterly driving you crazy.But you will get better soon.I know just how u feel.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Sounds like your endo is on the right track with the target TSH and increasing the medication -- keep working with him.