I had a positive lab test for Hashimoto's in June after a series of indicators of a sluggish thyroid. I had been taking 0.25 grain of Nature-Throid (dessicated thyroid) as a supplement and had gone up to 0.5 grain several weeks before the test that confirmed Hashimoto's. However, my TSH on that particular lab test came back very low (0.1), so my doctor promptly cut my Nature-Throid dose back down to 0.25 grain. That seemed to trigger a massive downward spiral that left me with such terrible hypothyroid symptoms that I couldn't function. I suffered crippling fatigue and brain fog to the point where I no longer felt safe to drive and was consuming large amounts of caffeine every day just to perform basic functions. I went back to my doctor multiple times describing my symptoms and asking for a higher Nature-Throid dose. She agreed to several slow increases, first back to 0.5 grain, then 0.75 grain and finally to 1 grain, where I am today. She also started me on Moducare and Naltrexone to address the autoimmune symptoms of Hashimoto's.
At my current dose of 1 grain, I can function, but am still struggling with my weight (I gained 15 pounds in 1 month during my downward spiral and haven't been able to take any of it off) and with fatigue and bouts of brain fog and joint pain. For years I've suffered from constipation that is resistant to magnesium supplements and from very slow hair growth with bouts of hair loss. I just got a new round of lab results that show my TSH is 1.89, my FT3 is 440 (4.4) and FT4 is 0.89. My doctor says my TSH is good and my FT3 is a touch high, so she thinks I am at the correct dosage and shouldn't be increased further. If I'm at the correct dosage, why am I still so tired? And why does my FT4 seem on the low side?
My doctor has me taking the Nature-Throid in one dose, immediately after waking with no food or drink allowed for at least 30 minutes afterward. She also insists that I take the Nature-Throid the morning before my blood test and wants me to time the blood draw for approximately 3-4 hours after taking it.
I'm at my wits end. I'm tired of feeling exhausted, struggling to think clearly, and dragging around extra pounds. Any advice from those with experience in these matters would be much appreciated.