Can I ask for TSH retest after 5weeks? TSH was 95

[chriscros]

My TSH was 95 at the beginning of July and I was put on 125MCG's of Levothyroxine.  It has been 5 weeks and I would like to get retested so I can get redosed and possibly add T3 as Cytomel taking a half dose in AM and PM.  I know I am not right and would like to speed the process up.  The extreme fatigue, moo, and weight issues are not even close to being where they should be.  I was first diagnosed in 2002 after my first pregnancy but I know I have been hypo for years as I have taken 1 1/2-2 hour naps for years and have always been extremely sensitive to cold.  Not an issue when you are single and living in Southern CA.  However, I have had another child in 2003, one in 2005, and twins, in 2007.  My TSH has been up and downas high as 19.65 and as low as .11.  I have been given varying amounts of Cytomel and levothyroxine over the years.  Since diagnosis I have never been normalized (free of symptoms) which is understandable given all the pregnancies etc.  Hard to tell if fatigue and mood is due to having premie twins or thyroid.  But now with five kids and things calming down I have to get this in check ASAP.  The TSH went up so high because my doctor move, busy with kids, etc, etc, and I didn't get meds for last 9 months.  I actually wasn't feeling too bad and I really didn't realize how serious the effects of Hypo could become so quickly.  Most of my friends who are hypo just take a pill and seem to be fine and I did no research about Hashimoto's disease until this past July when the fatigue and mood stuff became overwhelming.  My new doctor understands that my meds are right when I am almost symptom free so I am pretty sure he will be willing to work with me and I have been getting myself educated fast.  Based on how my labs are I wanted to suggest cytomel along with the levothyroxine.  I am apt to switch to Armour but don't want to go there yet as I need to get this under control and think adding cytomel twice per day might be a good alternative.  Please advise.  I am 47 years old and homeschool.  Kids are now 9, 7, 5, 3 and 3.  I need all the energy I can get.  The brain fog is very obvious and kids see it as I struggle to grasp the right words.  Everyone takes a nap at the same time except the 9 year old who does quiet work but I need to get more than the basics done rather than nap everyday.   Thank you

[Barb135]

You need to have your Free T3 and Free T4 levels tested.  Don't just base your dosage on TSH.  That's a pituitary hormone and should not be used as the sole measure for dosing your med.  TSH, itself does not cause or eliminate symptoms; it's the levels of FT3 and FT4 that determine your symptoms.

Once you get your FT3 and FT4 tested, you will be able to see where you fall within the ranges.  If your FT4 is high and your FT3 is low, it's possible that cytomel could help you.

Cytomel is a very powerful drug, which is fast acting; it's usually used for those who don't convert T4 to T3 well.  If you take it when you don't really need it, it could cause you to go hyper very quickly.  

[laura1967]

You can retest between 4-6 weeks after starting new dosage. It will take a full 6 weeks though to regulate completely and stabilize.
I myself take Tirosint daily and Cytomel twice a day. Armour didn't work for me.
I like the fact that I can regulate each levels separately. Let us know how you do!
Don't give up and keep searching until you find your answer and the right Dr.
Please remember that stopping your meds and going that hypo can be very dangerous.

[addison64]

absolutly. your thyroid levels can be normal one day not normal the next trust me i know. dont let them refuse you. u know your body.