Smoking cessation and thyroid

[ando35]

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease last year but a mild case and given low dose Levo. I quit smoking about two months ago and since then have been exhausted. Also the joint stiffness that I had before treatment has returned.

I read online that there is some connection between quitting cigs and getting hypo.

I sound Hypo right? Is it possible I am hyper?

[goolarra]

No, TSH doesn't affect testosterone, but the whole endocrine system, which includes thyroid, adrenal and reproductive hormones, etc., is all interdependent.  So, changes in one can cause changes in the other.

Also, the pituitary is the master endocrine gland which controls all the other endocrine glands.  So, a disturbance in more than one could indicate a pituitary issue.    

You never did tell me the range on your TT4.

[ando35]

This range was 240-800 and I was 315. I tested in the afternoon though. Does TSH affect testosterone?

[goolarra]

What's the reference range on testosterone?  Once again, it varies lab to lab, and we have to look at exact numbers.  "In range" isn't always good enough to feel well.

[ando35]

What really bothers me is testosterone at 315. I have a weak sex drive compared to what I used to but I honestly can't decide if that is a good or bad thing.

[ando35]

Hm, I'll have to check, but I know that all the numbers I listed were within the reference range to the right.

[goolarra]

What's the reference range on your TT4, FTI and T3U?  Ranges vary lab to lab, so you have to post both together.

All three of those tests are considered obsolete and of little value.  FREE T3 and FREE T4 have replaced them.  Your doctor isn't giving me a really good feeling as far as a good thyroid doctor is concerned.

[ando35]

T4 total was 6.0 free T4 index was 1.4 T3 uptake was 28.

[ando35]

Yeah my TSH went up to 9.6. She upped my dosage to 50 Levo. originally my TSH was 6 and I had stiff joints. This time I was almost unable to get out of bed and the stiffness came back.

[Red_Star]

Three studies that all imply that smoking may protect against the development of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb).

[goolarra]

Having a "mild" case of Hashi's is kind of like being a little bit pregnant!  LOL  

So, you tested positive for antibodies, but your thyroid hormone levels were not out of range yet, or not too far out of range?  Please post the results of thyroid tests you were diagnosed on and include reference ranges.  Ranges vary lab to lab, so they have to come from your own lab report.

How much levo are you taking?  Please post any follow-up blood work with ranges as well.

Hashi's is a degenerative condition, i.e. you lose more and more thyroid function all the time until there is none left.  While you're losing function, you have to increase meds to make up for what your thyroid can no longer produce.

You sound hypo...sounds like you need a meds increase.  If you post labs, I can be more specific.