brown sugar

[banditt2]

i am 70. my thyroid was remoned 12 yrs ago. i am on sythroid 0.125mg. my hair is hard. can't sleep heart fluttering and shortness of breath. should my synthroid dosage be increased or decreased

[gimel]

To make sure that you get the most from your appt. with the Endo, you should request to be tested for Free T3 and Free T4 (not the same as Total T3 and Total T4), along with TSH that they always test.  If the doctor resists and makes excuses that those are not necessary, just insist on it and don't take no for an answer.  Free T3 is the most important thyroid hormone test because FT3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Scientific studies have also shown that Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate.  

If the doctor should turn out to be one of the "Immaculate TSH Belief', who only wants to use TSH to diagnose and treat a thyroid patient, just tell him that there is no scientific data that shows that TSH correlates well with either Free T3 or Free T4, much less with symptoms, which are the most important concern.

Since many hypo patients are deficient in other areas, you should also request to be tested for Vitamin D, B12, ferritin, and a full iron test panel.  

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.  You can get some good insight into clinical treatment from this letter written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he sometimes consults with from a distance.  The letter is sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.  

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf

In the letter note the statement, "the ultimate criterion for dose adjustment must always be the clinical response of the patient."  So I also suggest that you ask the doctor if he is going to be willing to treat you clinically, as described in the letter.  Also ask if he is willing to prescribe T3 type meds.

Please let us know how it goes with the doctor.

[Barb135]

Best of luck to you.

[banditt2]

thank you all for your advice regarding my physical challenges. I had to go to urgent care and everything was fine except my synthroid dosage needed to be reduced. I have had no further systems. I am however seeing an endocrinologist on may 9th. I have not seen one in 7 yrs, I have been yearly tested by my Internist. Will let you know the results of the visit. Again- thank you!!!

[Barb135]

Dosage does not go by weight; it needs to be calculated based on your current thyroid levels.  If your levels are too low, you will need more medication, if low, you will need less, regardless of your weight.

Per gimel's request, please post your current results, with reference ranges, which vary lab to lab, so must come from your own report.

[Kimmydee2]

You will need to see your doctor. The elderly tend to be more sensitive to levothyroxine and the heart flutters may be telling you that your dose is a bit high, dosage goes by weight and is 1.7mcg per kg of weight (divide your weight in pounds by 2.2 to find the kg. Although, I have also had them when I am hypo. Also have your calcium check as that can be an issue after TT. Wishing you the best!

[gimel]

It is likely that you need to increase or change your meds.  Really cannot say for sure without more information.  Please post your thyroid test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Also, if you look at this list of 26 typical hypothyroid symptoms, which ones do you seem to have, if any?


http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs.html