Symotoms bad again, why???

[dani2776]

My endo increased my Synthroid last month to 50mcg.  Within 3 weeks, I started to feel really good, not like my old self but a big improvement from where I was.  I was soooooo excited!  Unfortunatley about 3 days ago I started spirtaling downhill again and it's not getting any better.  I called my endo and they ordred labs to be drawn and I have an appointment on Friday.  I know that you say that the TSH is least relivant piece for thyroid problems but I have Hashi's and my endo said it had to be supressed to 0.5-1.5.  When he increased my meds my TSH was 2.88 and I just got the TSH reading from yesterday and it only went down to 2.63.  I am still waiting for my other results to come back.  My questions are these:
1. Why after a month on the new dose has my levels not come down more?  
2. Am I going to have to increase my meds again?
3. Why after a week of feeling better am I going back downhill?

This is so frustrating!!!!!

[chel 81]

You are on a pretty low dosage of thyroid meds so sometimes that can cause lowered T4 levels. There is some evidence suggesting that if thyroid meds are taken that the body will try to compensate for the hormone intake and lower it's own production. This seems to be the most recognizable on lower dosages because the body actually lowers a little further than what your a supplementing. Since they didn't do a T3 test though you don't have the whole picture. It could be that with the added T4 you are converting more over to T3 (which is a good thing) so that would lessen the T4 levels. If you are feeling better than it's more likely you are converting it to the T3- if you are feeling worse it's more likely your body has just lowered it's own levels so you might need more thyroid meds. Also, keep in mind there are lots of different types of thyroid meds out there so if one doesn't work regardless of the various dosage levels you try don't give up you may just need a different one.

[Smilerdeb]

I have Graves and had hyperthyroidism.
I then had RAI and TT and its now been 11 months since the first lot of RAI was done.
My levels were stable after 6 months but I was one of the lucky ones.
Recent illness and stress caused my TSH to rise a little but it is since coming down due to increases in T4 meds.
Maybe others can help with Hashi's.

[tiredfedup]

Hang in there!  We are in the same boat and have a lot of the same questions.  Good question about when do ups and downs stop?  I am wondering myself, does it continue to go up and down or does it stop being hashi's once your thyroid is destroyed?? And, how long with ups and downs until it is finally destroyed? I think it varies, but let's see what they say on the forum.  I am sorry you are going through this and feel your pain!  

Traci

[dani2776]

Ok thanks for the comments I really appreciate all the support that I am given on this forum.  I just had a couple more questions.  Where in the range should the FT4 be?  I noticed that I am on a T4 replacement and yet my levels have dropped.  Is this good or bad?  Also does anyone know how long the cyle can be for the Hashi's to completely destroy my thyroid?  When will the madness stop from cycling hyper and hypo?

[stella5349]

I second that!

When the Hashi's is in attack mode - it can swing the TSH up and down.

You really should take a look at the FT3

[Smilerdeb]

I totally agree with Laura.
Looks like an increase in Synthyroid is on the cards.

[laura1967]

This can be a normal pattern for Hashimoto's patients. As the antibodies destroy the thyroid, you will need more and more medication. Unfortunately sometimes these sudden and numerous drops can cause your body to feel crashed. It is very difficult to deal with sometimes....I deal with it myself. Just stay on top of it and get testing done every 6-8 weeks for a while. If not you will have to deal with the intense hypo stages.
It looks like your dr is going to have to give you an increase again.  :)

[dani2776]

ok I just got the other results and guess what no Free T3 ordered!  Anyway here is my results
TSH 2.630 (0.340-5.600)
Free T4 0.82 (0.61-1.12)

Previous results were
TSH 2.880
Free T4 1.08
Reference ranges are the same as I always use the same lab.  Thanks.