Sensitivity to Synthroid

[jmidlife]

Hi,

I have had Hashimoto's for years and seem to be having a sudden sensitivity/intolerance to Synthroid.  This developed since my hyperthyroid bout last spring and swing back to hypothyroidism.  Every time I increase my dose, I experience horrible hyper symptoms including sleep difficulties, heart palpitations and tearfulness.  However, the dilemma is that if I don't increase the dose, the hypothyroid symptoms persist.  My TSH is slightly below 3 and the target is 1.  Have other people experienced this?  If so, how have you coped?  Has anyone changed to another T4 and had less difficulty?

Thank you in advance.  I have posted before and have received such wonderful support and information.

[jmidlife]

Hi,

Thanks for your response. He tested for RT3 but I know he doesn't believe in giving T3 alone.  I'm very discouraged.  The T3 activation on top of the on-going hyper-like symptoms was and is still unbearable.  In many ways, I'm feeling worse than before the combination treatment and I didn't think that was possible! My cortisol levels based on salivary testing (the blood serum morning cortisol level was fine) were elevated with the exception of one measure which was at the top of the normal range. I'm taking SeriPhos and Ashwaganda to lower the cortisol levels but am not noticing any effect.  Of course, this  T3 activation overrides anything else. Most likely, traditional physicians will not view my adrenals as problematic since salivary testing is normally not acknowledged.  

The new endocrinologist is part of an excellent endocrine practice and was recommended by a thyroid patient. I still feel like I'm at sea re: my medical situation and treatment plan.

So I'm back to 62.5 mcgs of  my "toxin:" Synthroid.  A year ago, I was tolerating twice as much!  

Again, I can't thank you enough for your incredible support and information..    Take care.

[goolarra]

Did your doctor ever talk about the RT3 dominance at all?  Many doctors don't "believe in" RT3 dominance, but since he tested for it, I'd have thought he'd address it.  Did anything come of any of the other testing that was done?  Especially adrenals?

I'm so sorry to hear that it didn't work out for you...you had such hopes for both the treatment and the new doctor.  Did you get a recommendation on the new endo or pre-interview him on the phone at all to make sure he's a good thyroid endo?  Some of them, especially I think, in large medical market areas, tend to want to deal with diabetes only...you need either a thyroid specialist or at the very least a "generalist".  Best of luck with the switch back to Synthroid...let me know how it goes.

[jmidlife]

Thought I'd give you an update.  As of tomorrow, I'm returning to Synthroid. I tried the combination slow-release, compounded T4/T3 for two weeks, first at one dose (which included only 5 mcg. of T3) and then at 2.5. The activation has been intolerable...what a terrible weekend I just had!!  As a result, we decided that it was not a viable plan and I'm back to Synthroid. Alas... I had such high hopes for this option.  I also have an appointment with a new endocrinologist in three weeks.

Hope you're doing well.

[jmidlife]

Thanks!  Good point about the RT3. The next round in three weeks after I switch the medication looks like it'll be a FT3 and FT4.  And then another round three weeks after that.  Maybe it's being repeated down the road. I'm so glad that you found a great endo.  That is so difficult to find!  I can't believe how exhausting/draining this since I'm still symptomatic.  I'm hoping that this T3, T4 regimen will work!!  

I'll keep you posted.  Again, thanks so much for all of your help and support.

[goolarra]

It is sooo much better to work with a doctor who is knowledgable.  I was basically treating myself with my PCP.  I lucked out and got a really great endo...trust me, I'm not easy to please in that respect!  It will be interesting to see how your labs look...are they testing RT3 again also?  Couldn't hurt...

[jmidlife]

update:  I saw the naturopath yesterday and since I was having some activitation/sleep issues, I have reduced my T3 and T4 to see how I do on the lower dose.  In three weeks, I'll have a repeat Free T3/Free T4 and then a TSH in six weeks and we can tweak it again, if necessary.  Even if I wind up being hypo for a while, I'd welcome it!   It's a pleasure to work with someone who acknowledges the importance of the FT3 and FT4.  It's been such a long, slow (and traumatic) process.  Again, thanks for all of your help.  I'll keep you posted.