Males with hypothyroidism - how are you feeling?

[barrykb11]

I am a young male recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's disease). I have been on Synthroid for a little over a month. Most symptoms are slowly disappearing. I would like to hear other experiences and share mine as well.

[FTB4]

Welcome to the forum, I was diagnosed with Hypo at age 59 and Diagnosed with Hashimoto's at 60, I feel like crap, although thanks to some folks here, finding out that a Free T3 sup. is available I should be able to correct the problem. I too have a problem converting and my MD was trying to make up by increasing my Synthroid dosage instead of adding a supplement. Another Male  Good Luck FTB4

[Lech]

I am 49, have been diagnosed with Hashimoto last September, after over a decade of struggling with diffuse symptoms similar to depression, lower back and neck problems, ADHD. Unfortunatelly after two months on 75 mcg of levothyroxine (euthyrox), not much improvement. My concentration has not returned to normal, muscular pains are as bad as ever, and I am not a happy camper.

Just relocated back to the US, I am seeing a doctor tomorrow, hoping that American physicians are better at this. What a hellish experience this has been.

Les.  

[dreeftwppd]

Yep, I guess add me to this list. I was in denial for quite a bit. Got tons of help from people here, Namely, LazyMoose, Goolara, Barb and Shelley. Lots of good advices.

I am on week three,  I think I am getting beter, slowly, but  not sure.

[johncda]

Another guy with Hashimotos here.  I was diagnosed three years ago when I was 39 after a partial thyroidectomy.  It was a rough ride in the beginning as we figured out the right dose of levo.  I have ups and downs as to how I feel despite all of my levels being in good shape.  I started taking a vitamin D supplement as the symptoms of a deficiency is similar to Hashi's...I have felt alot better since.  I think it is important to keep on top of your bloodwork and challenge your Dr on your prescription.  I have learned (by this forum) to challenge my Dr to prescribe to the symptoms rather than the bloodwork alone.
Until I had nodules found which lead to surgery and ultimately a Hashi's diagnosis, I had no idea what the thyroid did or how it affects people.  I have a new found respect for this gland and what it affects.  
I guess 'misery' (for lack of better terms!!!) loves company...it is helpful to hear about other guys who have this!

[LazyMoose]

Hey Barry, there is a small handful of us here time to time. They cant get us to leave.

I was D'xed around your age 27, with Hashi, now I'm 43. Been a fun ride. I really think It all started when I was a teenager, so possibly 15 year until I was finally diagnosed.

I know Synthroid works for most who take it, but I was one of the odd balls. Took synthroiod and similar brands for 12 years and got worse every year as Hashi progressed. Was on Cytomel too, but ended up on dessicated pig thyroid early '09, and feel better. Anyone on dessicated knows it was a pain is the arse to get in 09. And the American brands changed - becoming less effective. So I and a few others here get our dessicated from Canada. After being on Canadian Erfa thyroid since May I feel a whole lot better.

Sounds like you are having a positive experience with Synthroid - that's great. A simple solution that works is the best.

As Gimel noted Free T3 levels are essential. Many (myself too) feel best when FT3 is in the upper third of the range, not lower or middle. Most important for muscle pain, digestive, and eliminating heart palps which some get later on with Hashis.

Make sure your magnesium is not the oxide type (all others are better) and that you don't take it within 4 hours of thyroid med.

And get tested more than once a year. You always have to stay ahead of the game with thyroid meds. Once a year makes you fall behind.

[DreamNaut]

Hey , im a 26 year old male too with hashimato's. I have had it for a few years now and at one point ended up in the hospital for thyroid storm.   Ive been trying to get my thyroid balanced for a year now on armour, but as soon as I get close, I end up needing an increase in medication. Trust me it does get better though!  Digestion was the first symptom to improve for me as well. As time goes on eventually that fatigue (in my case extremely unbearable) will get better. If you don't have a complete improvement on t4 there is synthetic t3 and natural dessicated thyroid available as alternatives.