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thyroid depression

I had my thyroid removed Nov 2002 due to a tumor.  I have suffered with depression ever since it was removed.  I am always tired and have a hard time to get the energy to do much.  I have lost all motivation and ambition in life.  I have been diagnosed with depression and take antidepressants that help some but I just have not been able to come out of it.  My personal and professional life have suffered dearly.      

I have my thyroid levels checked every 6 months or so and my doctor always assures me that my levels are fine.  I have been on 1.5GR of Armour for a few years now.  

I'm at my wits end and don't know what to do.  It's been 8 years and I don't want to spend the rest of my life feeling this way.  

Has anyone gotten through this and how?  If so please give me any suggestions.  Anything will help.
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Avatar universal
With those symptoms it could well be that your thyroid hormone levels are not yet correct.  If you would please post your thyroid lab test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report, then members can help interpret and advise.  If the doctor has only been testing for TSH, that is totally inadequate to diagnose and medicate a thyroid patient.  

TSH is a pituitary hormone that is only a signal to the thyroid glands to increase/decrease output of thyroid hormones, which is mostly T4 and some T3.  Most of this hormone is bound up with protein and remains inactive until needed.  The unbound (free) portion is the active part of thyroid hormone.  This is referred to as free T3 and free T4 (FT3 and FT4).  Free T3 is most important because it is four times as active as FT4,  plus FT3 correlates best with hypo symptoms.  

In my opinion the very best way to treat a thyroid patient is to test and adjust levels of the actual biologically active thyroid hormones (free T3 and free T4) with whatever type of medication is necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important.  Many members report that symptom relief for them required that FT3 was adjusted into the upper part of its reference range and FT4 adjusted to at least midpoint of its range.  

I suggest that you need to insist that they test you for FT3 and FT4 along with TSH and treat your symptoms, as I've described above.  If the doctor has a problem with this approach, then you will need to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so.

For further assurance, please read this link.

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html
Helpful - 0
1382317 tn?1279255809
I hope you are alright. I am sorry you are going through a tough time. I was just diagnosed with hashimoto's and Im kinda not sure about all this yet. But I read your post and want you to know your not alone! Hang in there and please talk to another doctor, until you find one that will listen to you. Depression is a Serious issue and I think your doctor should do more. Dont give up!!
Helpful - 0
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