Hypothyroidism Support Group
Hypothyroidism is the disease state caused by insufficient production of thyrohormone by the thyroid gland. There are several distinct causes for chronic hypothyroidism, the most common being Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. Advanced hypothyroidism may cause severe complications, the most serious one of which is...
Maybe somebody can give me some insight on here, I'm hoping anyway. I just had TFTs done. My TSH was 1.63, T4 was 6.8, and my T3 was 112. While these are in the "normal" range I still believe that my thyroid is causing some of my "fibro" problems. I saw where I can get porcine thyroid from Nutri-Meds and am considering trying it. My doc does not seem to think my thyroid is the issue but this runs in my family and even though the tests are normal, to me they are low normal. Does anybody have any experience with taking a thyroid supplement with "normal" values? Any input is appreciated. I'm getting to the end of my rope here and something has to give before I lose it altogether.
I kept searching for a doc that truly understood thyroid disease and found her in Nov 09.
Well, in mid-February of this year, I developed what I knew were hypo symptoms - no energy/strength/stamina, brain fog/memory/concentration issues, constipation, hair loss and more.
My doc recognized the symptoms of hypothyroidism and Rx'd a small dose of levothyrozine (generic synthroid).
Lab work showed that my FreeT4 had dropped down below mid-range (yet was still in-range and considered "normal").
My doc obviously recognizes that each of us has his/her own "best place" within the ranges....the "place" at which each of us feels/functions best.
Studies have shown that most people feel/function best with mid to mid-high range FreeT4 and mid-range FreeT3.
After taking levo for a month, my FreeT4 rose to the upper third of the range and my FreeT3 is at mid-range.
I am feeling fantastic :)
So, yes, taking thyroid hormone supplements make sense if a person is having hypo symptoms with lower, in-range thyroid hormone levels.
What is 'normal" anyway??? What is right for one is not right for another----if you are having symptoms then something is not right for YOUR body.
...is something I wish every doctor treating thyroid disease would understand.
And, I do believe Barbell is onto something in her statements that people with Hashimoto's often have conversion problems and do better with Armour which is a natural T4/T3 combo med.
Same thing for peeps that have had RAI or surgery.
I do know of many thyroid forum peeps that have had RAI/surgery and had success with synthetic T4 (synthroid, levothyroxine, etc) and the addition of synthetic T3 such as Cytomel.....and I know of one member taking Thyrolar, which is a synthetic T4/T3 combo med.
Then, it seems that people with somewhat functioning thyroids that just need a little "help" seem to do OK with the synthetic stuff - mostly just T4 meds.
I think it all boils down to finding what works for each person.....and I would hope a doctor would recognize this.
Lofty thoughts, I know, for thyroid patients - but,I remain forever hopeful since there ARE docs out there that "get" thyroid disease.