What were your original labs? I started out with a TSH of 20 and that was the only lab I had tested at the time. He should have checked my free T3 and T4 too but didnt. I was then started out on 100 mcg synthroid and got very sick! I had the worst muscle aches and headaches, I was so tired and emotional and couldnt do anything. Come to find out, 100 mcg was WAY too high of a starting dose. Typically doctors start out slow and low. You may be feeling really tired because your dose is too high and your body is having a hard time getting used to it. Thats what happened for me. I had to practically start all over with a new doc and a lower dose. I completely know what you mean when you say you didnt feel like this before starting the synthroid. That used to come out of my mouth ALL the time! I still to this day tell everyone that I havent been the same since starting that darn medicine! I do feel much better now after switching to armour thryoid and adding a small amount of synthroid with it. It has taken me a good while though, so be patient! Hope you feel better soon!

Welcome! Yes, it's good to get free t3 and free t4 tests done and, in time, you'll understand the nuances of where you feel best in the "normal range".

Here's the good news: There are many, many people who find the right medication and right dose for themselves and they feel great.

It often takes perserverance, being-well informed, and strength in knowing that if a doctor isn't willing to guide you through a place of well-being, then you have the power to say to yourself "this is unacceptable" and find another doctor who is willing to see you through all the way. Your body will tell you if you feel well or not.

Hopefully, your current doctor is the best one for you.

I have read that it takes 4 to 8 weeks for the T4 to build up in your system...Take it on an empty stomach one hour before eating, and stay away from soy.

Also wait 4 hours to take vitamins, especially iron and calcium supplements.

Interesting that you say "dull". I had felt that way prior to dx, although I still feel that way at times now. My TSH was 122 and I felt very tired, achy, and dull. It has taken me 2 yrs to get my body to feel better.
Your body will need to adjust to the "new normal". When you think of it, it's really kind of fascinating that you didn't know that you had a problem, because no doubt your body was just dealing with what it had to work with. Hopefully your body will accept the medication and quit working overtime to try to deal w/o it. Good luck! For some of us the road has been longer and I hope yours isn't...