to take meds or not to take meds

[dreeftwppd]

hey folks,

I am trying to decided weather I should start thyroid medications.

I have had muscle issues for the last 8 months that will not go away. Along with this I have developed some anxiety and slight depression. I really do not get a good night sleep any more. So I have been trying to figure out the cause of these issues.  

Most recently my tsh was 6.15 and then a month later it was 7.72. T4 was normal, below mid then on the second test it was normal but above mid.

I do fully understand that I need to get t3 and antibodies testing done as well. I found  doc that I like and we agreed that in a month we will do all of them and see if the tsh is rising on lowered as well at that point.

Another doc already prescribed me 50mcg of Levo.

So my question is -  based on the last two tests alone is that cause for treatment?

on the one hand am tired of hurting everyday. But am not convinced that it is my thyroid. Is there any harm in trying it for six months to see if it makes a difference.

Seems that most literature states that levels 5-10 tsh has not shown any benefit of treatment.

[ShelleyN720]

TSH is high so you are definitely probably still having symptoms, yes? Too bad they did Total T3 rather than the free T3. I've read that the "Total" hormone counts are not any good for clinical purposes. WHY do they even STILL do them? DUH!
Hmmm, antibodies are interesting. Did the doctor confirm hashis or not? And this is without meds, right?

[dreeftwppd]

Hey every one - I got some more blood work done. Here are the labs.


tsh - 6.20 ref (0.35-5.09)

freet t4- 1.3 (0.8-1.8)

total t3- 118 ( 80 -190)

antibodies TPA- 9.1 (below 9)

[dreeftwppd]

well I found myself at 190lbs then I started working out went down to 160lbs in three months (intens workouts) got injures, I think I have put on 10 pounds maybe in the last 2 months.

[ShelleyN720]

I do think that is what was meant - that low thryoid may contribute to the incidence of gout.  I read that hypothyroidism & gout often coexist.
Probably a good idea not to drink alcohol under the current medical situation. Is your weight in a normal range for you or have you gained recently? Just curious...

[dreeftwppd]

Yeah I read that too, I was not sure if it was the other way round?

In other words - low thyroid levels cause high uric acid?

[ShelleyN720]

I just read,,,,"Interestingly, a recent study demonstrated an increased prevalence of abnormally low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) in patients with gout."

http://www.medicinenet.com/gout/page2.htm