hypothyroidism

[kelliekat65]

My TSH is 78.480. my ''endo'' gave my a script for 114mcg of levothyroxine daily. When will some of the weight start coming off? I gained 100lbs in the past 2 1/2 years. Ive been taking it for 3 weeks and I got my first menstral cycle back. ( it had stopped) Im 46 years old.

thanks so much
Kell

[kl42]

wow!!! that will take time and alot of exercise and dieting on your part. no easy fixes!!

[blsdnsvd]

In most cases, getting to the point of feeling good isn't a quick fix and as Goolara said, adjusting meds may be necessary. Hopefully your doc will concentrate on checking your labs in other areas besides just the TSH because that doesn't work when it comes to how a person feels.

I'm all messed up after 1 1/2 yrs and still trying to feel good so it's a long road ahead, however hanging in there and not giving up is key.,  

[goolarra]

The range on FT4 is usually in the neighborhood of 0.8-1.8.  I'll base my comments on that range, but you should check your own lab report to make sure your lab uses a very similar range.  Next time you have labs, ask your doctor to test FT3 as well.  Both levels have to be good for you to feel well.    

).48 for FT4 is very low.  It's below the lower limit of the range, and many of us find that we don't feel well until FT4 is at least mid-range.  I'm sure you don't feel well with your FT4 that low.

After you've been on the meds for 4-6 weeks, be sure to re-test.  You have to keep adjusting meds until your symptoms are relieved.  Some doctors think that the minute your labs are "in range", you are well.  However, you have to fell well.    

[kelliekat65]

my thyroxine (T4) is 3.9 and t4,free (direct) is .48. im taking 1 tablet of levothroxine in the am on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. no food or vitamins for a full hour afterwards. i was also put on vitamin D 50,000IU once a week.

thanks
kell

[goolarra]

Free T3 and free T4 are much more important tests than TSH.  FT3 and FT4 are the actual thyroid hormones and give a much more complete profile of thyroid function.  TSH is a pituitary hormone and can be influenced by any numer of factors other than thyroid hormone levels.  It's extremely important to make sure your doctor tests these every time he tests TSH.

Getting to an optimal dose of thyroid meds is a process.  It takes each dose change 4-6 weeks to reach its potential in your body.  After 4-6 weeks, you need to re-test all levels, re-evaluate symptoms and adjust the dose again as necessary until all symptoms are relieved.  

You will find it very difficult to lose weight until your levels are properly adjusted.  Bear in mind that having properly adjusted levels might not MAKE you lose weight, either.  That will ALLOW you to lose weight...you might still have to work at it with diet and exercise.

114 mcg of levo is not a "standard" dose.  How are you achieving that dose?

[kelliekat65]

hair is falling out, dry skin, so tired I can't get out of the bed, dropping things, NO memory, emotions inconsistant with my upbeat personality, unable to concentrate on anything. can you help?

thanks
kell

[blsdnsvd]

What other noticeable symptoms do you have??