Thyroid

[Leo1955]

I have started to take synthroid again after not taking anything for 2yrs. Into the 3rd wk., I have been itching from my thyroid gland itself to just under my chin and I am still feeling very tired. I was diagnoised as hypo.. Can you please tell me what could possibly be going on?

[Barb135]

Is TSH the only test that's being done on you?  You need also to have the Free T3 and Free T4 tests done.  FT3 and FT4 are the actual thyroid hormones and are true indicators of thyroid function, while TSH is a pituitary hormone, that does not necessarily reflect actual thyroid hormone levels.

The new range for TSH, recommended by AACE is 0.3-3.0, even though most labs, therefore, doctors, don't go by it; therefore, anything over 3.0 indicates hypo and warrants having further tests done.

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease and yes, there can be periods of hyper, hypo or even normal thyroid function; however, eventually, the antibodies will destroy the thyroid and you will, most likely, be permanently hypo and dependent on medication. .  There is no way to stop the destruction of your thyroid.

Next time you get tested, ask for the Free T3 and Free T4 tests.  Those, along with symptoms, are what will really tell you if you need the medication or not.

[Leo1955]

Hello Barb,

I'm on 25mcg. and have tried the generic but it was making me sleepy. My levels have gone from one end of the scale to another. For ex..2.31 to 4.44, then down to 1.53 to 3.7 then 5.25.. The doctor's always tell me that it is within the normal range and that I'm fine. I have also told them that they need to pay attention to the symptoms and not just the levels because "I DO NOT FEEL FINE!"
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I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's by a doctor in Wilmington several years ago and have read that in some cases the thyroid can function normal again on its own.  I feel that I possibly could have made a mistake by getting back on the med but will know after I get my levels taken on Friday.

[Barb135]

Hi Leo

It's not unusual for patients to report symptoms after starting medication.  It takes 4-6 weeks for the medication to reach full potential in your blood, then often, more weeks for you to get well.  Fatigue is often one of the last symptoms to go away; I still have it sometimes, after 4+ years.

I'm not sure what's up with the itching.  Do you have a rash?  It's possible that you could be reacting to the fillers in the synthroid.  Changing brands might help;  you could talk to your doctor.

What dosage are you on?  Do you have labs that you could post, so we can see exactly what your thyroid levels are?  Be sure to include reference ranges, since these vary lab to lab, so must come from your own report. If you don't have a copy of the report, your doctor is obligated by law to provide you with one, upon request.