Titrating Synthroid -- again

[dutchess68]

I have had a complete thyroidectomy.  Since that time it has been hit and miss with my thyroid medication.  I am currently taking 200 mcg Synthroid.  My last bloodwork showed a TSH of 9.5.  Obviously my medication needs to be adjusted  -- and I know that 200 mcg is considered a pretty significant dose.  Why would a physician be hesitant to do so?  I am having classic symptoms of hypothyroidism, the most annoying (besides the unabating fatigue) is the fact that my hair is falling out like crazy. Are family physicians really still so far afield that they do not understand that normal for me is not necessarily normal for a non-post cancer patient?

[gimel]

Smilerdeb asked a very pertinent question about your free T3 and free T4.  Free T3 is the most active thyroid hormone, that largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  It is four times as potent as free T4.  Free T3 correlates best with hypo symptoms.  If you haven't been tested for FT3, then you definitely should.

TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by many variables.  It is not always a good indicator of thyroid status.  Symptoms are much more important than TSH level.  Since you are still having hypo symptoms even with a heavy dose of T4 med, it could be that you are not converting T4 to T3  very well.  FT3 and FT4 tests will show what's happening.

[Totie]

You know i was on 200mcg for 10 yrs after my TT.

[Smilerdeb]

Have you approached your Doc about adding a little T3 to your Synthroid?
Or even you going on Armour?
With a TSH of over 9.0, you are most definately hypo.
What was yr FT3 and FT4?