Hypothyroidism?
 

I was diagnosed several months ago with Hypothyroidism, which would explain the fatigue and weight gain with no dietary changes. I could sleep all day sometimes. : (

Trying to dial in the correct dose after each blood test every 2-3 months. After my blood work and doc visit yesterday, he bumped up the Levothyroxine from 112 to 150 McG. He said twice if I had any heart palpitations, let him know right away.

Anybody else have thyroid issues?

The wife had hyperthyroid. They kept bouncing the med up and down every time she had blood work done. It never stabilized. She finally had the thyroids removed. After on adjustment, she's had the same amount of levo every time.

With hyper, there were certain foods that will stimulate or suppress the med affecting the thyroid activity. Dunno if it is the same for Hypo.

Have they suggested just radiating the thyroid to take it out of the equation?

The doctor did say not to eat 30 minutes after taking the med, but it literally takes me 10 minutes to get out of the house including a cup of cereal I drink on the way to work. I should delay the cereal after 30 minutes but it’s finding milk at that point…

No suggestion of radiating it.

I found out I was Hypothyroid about 20 years ago, It showed up on some blood work, I wouldn't have known it otherwise, really no symptoms for me (I've always been slender and still am).

My doc at the time started with 100 mcg which turned out to be too high and bumped it down to 75 mcg which I've been on ever since (I get blood work done every year to check).

I had some issues with Levothyroxine (the generic) causing some palpitations. I co-worker (who happened to be a nurse), was also Hypothyroid suggested to get off the generic and get on the name brand Synthroid. She said Levothyroxine gave her palpitations. I went to Synthroid and palpitations are now rare. Synthroid is a bit more expensive but this has to do with my heart so I just pay the additional. I usually wait an hour before breakfast (I tend to wake up early and take it right out of bed) but I've heard 30 minutes is the minimum.

My oldest has hypothyroidism. Just got lucky, pediatrician ordered routine blood work when she was going into middle school and picked it up before the onset of any symptoms.

She’s on synthroid. I don’t recall the dosage but it’s not a big cost, we use a mail order pharmacy for 90 day scripts.

200mcg mornings. After cancer caused thyroidectomy 20 yrs ago.

Thanks for the replies. I pick up the new prescription Monday and will start Tuesday morning.

I've been hypothyroid for 20 years. Its not the end of the world. It started with the fatigue, burnout and could sleep all day also. Tried Levo which is synthetic T4 and could not get the dosing right after 1 year. Changed Doctors, switched to Liothyronine and hit it on the mark over 60 days time with only 2 dose changes titrating up. I have had an occasional small dose change of 5mcg and my last was over one year ago. My labs are done every 4 months now and my medication is compounded versus the colored hard pills that one size does not fit all.

I assume you are prescribed Synthroid? That dose jump from 112 (pink) to 150 (blue) is lot in a short time. Palpitations and feeling hot or warm would not surprise me as well as blood pressure need to keep an eye on. Sleep may be impacted. Usual increases are 5 to 10mcg at a time over about 6 weeks so as not to cause a spike or what is called a factitious hyperthyroidism (Thyroid storm). Iatrogenic, or doctor-induced, hyperthyroidism.

One lab test is not the key to getting the dose right or diagnosing Thyroid health. If your Doc is only checking TSH find another Doc quickly or go to an endocrinologist. Need to check five thyroid hormones and Iodine. My first Doc neglected to do this, cost me a year of time, money and health.

Lab Tests -
TSH TESTS. The best way to initially test thyroid function is to measure the TSH level in a blood sample. ...
T4 TESTS. T4 is the main form of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood. ...
T3 TESTS. T3 tests are often useful to diagnosis hyperthyroidism or to determine the severity of the hyperthyroidism. ...
FREE T3. ...
REVERSE T3.

A formula exists to getting the dose right and having Thyroid health. Using TSH as a guide. The ratio is calculated by dividing the Free T3 result by the Free T4 result, i.e. 3.25 / 1. = 3.25. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level is the screening test for hypothyroidism and it is also used to adjust the levothyroxine dose. If TSH is within normal limits, T4 levels will also be within normal limits; however, T3 levels may be low.


The reason Levothyroxine did not work for me is I had a conversion issue. Levo was not converting to T3 properly or to the inactive form, reverse T3. Storage was not the problem simple chemical conversion via by enzymes called deiodinases was to get me back to euthyroid state. This is very common and often overlooked by not checking labs on all Thyroid hormones.

Levothyroxine (T4) is readily absorbed and has a half-life of approximately 7 days. Once a day dosing results in constant serum levels of T4 and T3 when steady state is reached, which may take 6 weeks or up to 3 months. If a conversion issue exists steady levels will not take place.

If T4 is not converting properly it will make matters worse due to excessive amounts and it builds up beyond its half life like a sudden dose increase . Ive been there and its not pleasant, rapid heart beat, uneasiness, impatience, feeling warm, thirsty. Feels like a heart attack is coming.

Some folks require both T3 and T4 supplementation. Doctors dont like to do it for a sluggish Thyroid but sometimes its required when one hormone does not respond. T3 is more active--about three to four times more potent than T4--because it is easier for cells to take up and utilize T3 (hence the conversion)

My TSH has been between 1.5 and 0.8 for the past three years. Typical treatment targets range is 0.35 – 5.0 mU/L. The closer your TSH are to 1.0 the more stable the Thyroid gland is. A good Doctor or Endocrinologist can get you where you need to be.

While you are at it get your Cortisol levels checked. Cortisol comes from the Adrenals which like a feedback loop can affect the Thyroid.

Also have your Iron levels checked. There may be multiple reasons why your body isn't doing enough converting of T4 to T3: Gut microbiota imbalance, Lowered adrenal gland activity (adrenal fatigue -Cortosol??) Iron deficiency anemia. Its all a package deal with Thyroid gland health.

One key thing that guages Thyroid health is your body temperature. Your Thyroid is part of what regulates temperature like a thermostat. Are you cold or hot? Most Hypothyroid people tend to be colder in temp by around a degree. Cold hands or feet are also a hallmark symptom.

Taking medication-
30 minutes no food is a must. If you drink coffee go black. Calcium in milk blocks the uptake of medication into the Thyroid via the intestine and can interfere with it for up to 2 hours later. I set my alarm for 1 hour before I am supposed to get up. Take my medication and go back to sleep for an hour. Its been proven to work taken before morning Cortisol kicks in to naturally wakes us.

Start looking into foods you may be eating that suppress the Thyroid gland function called goitrogens. Namely soy, Miso, Tofu, cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, (brococoli crushed or cut then cooked is ok) may interfere with the production of thyroid hormone if you have an iodine deficiency. So if you do, it’s a good idea to limit your intake of Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips, and bok choy.

That was a lot to throw at you. Make sure you have the right Doctor. It could save you years and the misery of fatigue, muscle aches, dry skin and hair and generally feeling like crap most of the time. Not to mention the frustration and money that could be spent and not getting the results you need.

I can best describe Hypothyroidism as having one foot on the brake and one foot on the gas. No matter how much gas you give it you are not going anywhere. I am sure you can relate to that?

This is dead on, great advice and exactly what I have dealt with for the past 30 years of Hypo. My best advice to tack on is find a endocrinologist sooner than later. My condition stabilized much quicker and I’ve been happier under his care ever since. It’s worth the extra cost to have a specialist look after you.