Recently Diagnosed with Hypothyroidism

[HenryB19]

I am a 36 man and was recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism.  I originally went to the doctor with muscle, joint and general fatigue symptoms.  In addition to Lyme and a few others my doctor ran a TSH test.  My TSH came back at 4.58 and combined with my fatigue symptoms they decided I have hypothyroidism.  The doctor prescribed 25 MCG tabs of levothyroxine (generic) for 60 days and then they’d retest me.  Never being sick in my life I am having trouble dealing with the diagnosis.  This is one of the only resources I have found for men suffering from Hypothyroidism.

Is 4.58 alone enough to prescribe life long treatment?  I had a test ~10 years ago for a physical and it was 3.7.

Is 4.58 and generic symptoms (muscle/joint pain and fatigue) enough to make a definitive diagnosis, I am otherwise fit and active, with no symptoms?

What is short/long term effect of doing this 6 week trial?

Is the 25 mcg a proper prescription level, I have read under-treating can make me feel worse?

Do I need to see an endocrinologist or will they not bother with me since my TSH is only 4.58?

Do I need to be concerned with generic versus brand name levothyroxine?

At my age and this level of levothyroxine is hair loss still a side effect?

[TamraW]

Doctors really should not treat TSH, but rather FT4 and FT3. The meds are probably not going to hurt because they are so low, but you need to find a good endo who will treat your THYROID. TSH is a pituitary hormone and doesn't paint the whole thyroid picture.

Do as mtskt said and get those other tests. Your 'mild' symptoms could worsen over time if you don't treat your thyroid now.

:) Tamra

[mtkst13]

by the way...supposedly brand name thyroid meds are better because of consistency of dose.  this is what i've heard.  but, whatever works for you!  everyone's different.

[mtkst13]

considering your symptoms and your tsh, i would definitely try the meds.  when i'm hypo, my joints ache so badly...it's debilitating.  i understand your concern about being on meds indefinitely, but your quality of life will be much better.

in the meantime, i would definitely ask for more testing to find out the extent of the hypothyroidism and if it's autoimmune.  ask for free t3, free t4, tsh, antithyroglobulin, antiTPO tests.  you should also get a thyroid sonogram.  this is what an endo would do.

trying the meds will not damage anything.  you will probably find that your symptoms will go away.

i was on 112 synthroid...now i'm on 88.  it's no big deal.  it may take some time to find the right dose, but it looks like your doc is taking it slowly.

good luck!