Hypothyroidism and depression

[lilhonda]

Hello- I'm 33/female and I've had hypothyroidism since age 26. I'm taking Synthroid and Cytomel and my endo checks my levels every 6 months. I'm usually midly elevated and my dr tried a couple times to lower my dosage but it always resulted in me feeling awful and him reverting to my original dose. The reason why I'm writing here is because I've been feeling extremely depressed lately. I don't know if it could be linked to my thyroid but I've always struggled with it and never really told anyone, not even my endo. I can't say that I have a really strong network of friends so that may be part of the problem. I do have a boyfriend but that's pretty much all I have in addition to work colleagues. I left my country to work here so my friends and family are thousands miles away and I haven't been able to build strong friendships here. It's just been really tough lately and I find myself crying for no reason. I am starting to feel like it's hurting my relationship as I am not really fun to be around.

I wanted to know if anyone had the same symptoms and told their doctor. What did your doctor recommend and did you end up being treated for depression. What was the outcome? I want to tell my endo but I am scared of being put on anti-depressants.

[Red_Star]

"The following tables list selected natural treatments for depression that have good scientific support for a beneficial role for treating depression.

Alternative Treatments for Depression: Nutrients and Herbs:

Nutrients and Herbs - Presumed Mechanism of Action:

Inositol -  Intracellular Second Mechanism

S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) - Improves Methylation Pathways

Fish Oil - Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid

Tyrosine - Amino Acid, body uses to make Norepinephrine and Dopamine

Eliminate Wheat Gluten - May apply if blood antibody test is abnormal

Anti-Hypoglycemia Style Diet - Mood Stabilizing Effect

Folic Acid Improves - Methylation Pathways

Vitamin B12 - Improves Methylation Pathways

Tryptophan - Amino Acid, body uses to make Serotonin

L-Carnitine - Improves mitochondrial energy metabolism

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) - May help energy pathways

“Allergy” Elimination Diet - May be helpful for some


Alternative Treatments for Depression: Herbs and Hormones:

Herbs and Hormones Presumed Mechanism of Action:

St. John's Wort- Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor

Estrogen - Often helps in perimenopause; usually does not help during menopause

Testosterone - Possibly helpful for both men and women

Thyroid, especially T3 form - Double Blind Studies Show Improvement even if thyroid blood tests are normal

DHEA - Adrenal gland hormone

Appropriately paced exercise conditioning - Many studies show benefit"

Excerpt from: Alternative Treatments for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress-Related Disorders: Dr. Podell’s Perspective on Brain, Mind, and Mood.

[Alore]

I have hashimotos thyroiditis for about 20 years now.   I also have depression and have been put on a low dosage of Prozac.  My doctor informed me that many individuals with Hashimotos also often need an antidepressant.   We tried increasing my thyroid meds first but that was awful and I went Hyperthyroid.  I have been on the antidepressant for years now and it seems to really have helped me.  I have tried to come off the antidepressants in the summer and it just doesn't work for me.  I feel the best with taking the Synthroid and 20 mg of Prozac.

[Barb135]

"I'm usually midly elevated and my dr tried a couple times to lower my dosage"  What's usually elevated?  

Depression can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, and may indicate a need for adjustment in your medication. Many of us have suffered depression/anxiety when hypo.  I, personally, was on anti-anxiety med for about a year; no longer need it.

Please post your most current lab results, so members can better assess your testing/treatment.  You should be getting test from Free T3, Free T4 and TSH every time you have labs.  Be sure to include reference ranges, since ranges vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report.

Also, please indicate the dosages of both Synthroid and cytomel that you're on, as well as the length of time you've been on them.