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...
i've been taking synthroid for a little more than a week now -- well, the generic --- and i understand i need to get used to it -- but i've been SO tired for the past week -- worse than i was before the med.
normal? is it just getting used to it? i have an appointment with the doc on the19th - should i contact him sooner?
normal? is it just getting used to it? i have an appointment with the doc on the19th - should i contact him sooner?
It takes about 4-6 weeks for the levothyroxine to get into your system. Your thyroid has been under attack and thyroid tissue was destroyed (which is why you have hypothyroidism), so it's mos likely due to that fact (more thyroid tissue being destroyed) that you feel WORSE.
The good news is - you should start to feel a bit better in a few weeks.
thyroid time is slow, but you'll get there.
any tips on making the transition easier -- i feel like i could sleep for days.
You might try some B-complex vitamins (they can't hurt) , but until your thyroid gets the uptick it needs...it's going to suck.
But it turns out that thyroid is only part of the story.
Have you had your cortisol levels tested?
For me - my levels are very low and that is why is still have Rag Doll Days, despite the improvements with the thyroid medication.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Complete this dosage of thyroid meds, in about six weeks (I think you said you have an appt soon), you'll get new labs (Free T3 and Free T4 is what you want to focus on), and you'll most likely get an increase.
After your Free T4 is in the 60-100% of range area, and you still feel like dog-poop, then take a closer look at your Free T3. THEN add cytomel. Sometimes, just upping your Free T4 to a good level is all you need. Sometimes, it's not. But your energy should get a bit better with the uptick in T4.
It's a process to optimize a thyroid...and it's slow. But, you can do it.
patience ---
:)