Thyroid problems

[Shari37]

I suffer from depression, my doctor had a blood test done and put me on synthroid.  I have hair loss, weight gain, dry skin, problems with my digestive tract like constipation and diahrea and acid reflux, constantly feeling tiredneed at least 10 hours of sleep. Is this all related to the thyroid or something else.  Usually my blood tests come back normal but I take .1 mg of generic synthroid.

[Christy1950]

Depression is a symptom of hypothryriodism as the this statement explains quote..Hypothyroidism is a condition that can cause symptoms such as dry skin, cold intolerance, muscle cramps, constipation, weight gain, and menstrual disturbances . Depression and fatigue are particularly troubling symptoms, and have been linked with both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism Unquote...
There is a lot of research done into this on the websites. You TSH sounds ok but have the other tests run and please take a list of questions that you want answered because you should come out of a consultation with everything answered and feeling happy about what they are doing for you so don't be afraid to ask. bestest Chris.

[Shari37]

I just got results from my family doctor.  It has been my psychiatrist who has been precribing the Levothyroxine I've been taking. But he gave it to for my depression.  He didn't even ask if I had other symptoms or tell me what they were.  My TSH test showed I was at 1.24 and the scale they use is .40-4.5.  How does that sound.  I'm hoping the endo dr. will run  the other test for T3 level

[Christy1950]

I agree with you about seeing a different doctor or even a second opinion. Sometimes your normal doctor is in auto mode and you need someone to start from scratch. Your symptoms are two different things and should be treated independently.
You can search the web for the tablets you are on to check the differences in content and side effects. Print them off and keep them so that you know exactly what you are looking at. I know I harp on this but make sure that you get a copy of all your test results and keep them in a diary along with your symptoms and side effects that way you are in full control of your own health. bestest

[Shari37]

I've been taking the generic for at least 4-5 years.  I've been driving a truck for 3 yrs and I'm sure it was at least a year or more before that. I've heard that Synthroid can cause skin dryness.  At least thats what my sister-in-law told me.  She was having the same problem and switched meds and it seem to take care of that problem.  Didn't know that the generic wasn't very stable with the actual dose of med your getting.  I talked to my psychiatrist (not psychologist) about that problem and he didn't want to change, talked me out of it at least until I got test results, I know he doesn't like to change meds unless I'm haveing trouble with mental problems.  That's why I think I need to see a different dr for the thyroid if there really is a problem.

[kitty9309]

I work in the lab- your doctor has the results. It only takes a coupe of days for routine tests.

I think I saw your other post and responded.

[Shari37]

Just had blood test last Wed. 3/26/08 and I haven't heard from the Doctor that he has results, not sure how long it takes.  I was at a new dr's office this morning for my husbands diabetes, and endrocrinologist and schedules an appt for me to see dr abt my thyroid issues.  I'm hopeful that I can get better treatment than just my psychologist.  I don't think I'm being treated correctly.

[kitty9309]

First, make sure the TSH is around 1-2. Being in the normal range is not enough once you are on meds.

Second, try a brand name- Synthroid or Levoxyl. Many people say they have felt better on the brand name. Endocrinologists recommend brand name b/c the generics can vary by as much as 25% in the amount of active ingredient.

Sounds like you are still hypo and undertreated.

Get copies of your labwork so you can check for yourself. How long have you been on meds?