Hashi and Fibromyalgia Levels norm but still have major symptoms

[tyblossom]

Hi,
I've had Hashimoto's Thyroiditis for about 25 years. I just recently
asked if my meds could be upped because I've got sooo many thyroid
symptoms that I was hoping they would ease. I've noticed no
difference since.

My Symptoms
neuropathy in hands and feet
VERY dry skin on legs
weight gain
heavy periods
body aches throughout body
anxiety
light sensitive issues
hearing sensitive issues
very thin hair
major constipation(had my colon out in order to help)
body temp-get cold easily
(I'm sure there's more I'm not thinking of)

My current TSH, 3rd Generation is .72 and they say normal is .40-4.50
My current T-4, Free is 1.5 and they say normal is .8-1.8

I'm wondering what might help me. I was told I had fibromyalgia 13
years ago, but I'm thinking most of my problems seem thyroid related.
I've read a little on here about iodine and I asked my doctor about
armour but she didn't think it was any different although I've read
it includes other T's that Levoxyl doesn't.

I'm on generic snthyroid of 150 mcg. I was told a long time ago that
I had a goiter which was biopsied and it wasn't cancerous. I know my
doctor doesn't want to increase my meds too much because it would
cause more anxiety for me.

If anyone has any advice for me, please let me know. Is there a
doctor near the Chicago/Wisconsin border? I'm between Chicago and
Milwaukee but would rather not go into either cities if possible.
(Lake and Mchenry border in Illinois).

I also went to an endo and they said I didn't have a goiter now(I
think I still feel it)and my levels are fine.

Thanks for any guidance and/or help, advice you can give me....

Stephanie

[anree]

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/drlowefms.htm
http://www.drlowe.com/

These two sites have some interesting info. I came across this guy, Dr. Lowe, (not sure who he is or how reputable he is, so I'm not trying to push his stuff, just thought that it sounded plausable). When I was first told that I was Hypo I thought of my mom. She has fibromyalgia. I asked her if she had been tested for Thryoid issues, and she said yeah, but back in the 80's. I have encouraged her to be tested again, hopefully she will look into this guys info. She complains of tired aches and pains... and I used to say... yeah I'm exhausted too. She has worried for a long time that I might have fibromyalgia.... now I'm worried that she needs thyroid help!! Who knows maybe these two a intertwined!

[kitty9309]

I think that the free t4 at 1.5 is good. You want it at mid-upper end of the range to feel good.

To check to see if you have enough t3, you will need a free t3 test.

[tyblossom]

Isn't 1.5 kinda high even though it's in normal range with a dose of 150 mcg? I have not been tested for those things yet. Someone told me that I might have a conversion problem. Does anyone know about that?

[kitty9309]

Your TSH and free t4 look great.
My endo considers adding t3 (Cytomel) if there are still hypo symptoms.

Have you had any adrenal tests? 8 am Cortisol, ACTH Stimulation Test?

Here is an article that brings up the possibility that Fibromyalgia may be an endocrine disorder.:

http://www.endotext.org/adrenal/adrenal33/adrenalframe33b.htm

Consider trying a brand name levothyroxine product like Levoxyl or Synthroid. Some here have reported feeling better on the brand name.