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...
just wondering after reading how well people are doing on armour, if it is possible that levo could be what works best for some? so far, I have nothing to compare levo to, started my journey into "hypothyroid land" may 2012 on 75 mcg levo.
labs in may were: tsh 108.5 (range 0.450-4.500).
thanks to reading the valuable input and experiences here, I asked the doctor to include the free t3 and free t4 on my 6 week blood work. I also asked the nurse if the antibody test could be included as I suspect that I have hashimoto's, but she said they don't typically do that at this point, it's very expensive, blah, blah blah. didn't want to push the request yet, as I think it will work out better to stay calm and negotiate my way into getting their cooperation on future requests.
lab results on 6/19/12 were: tsh 9.050, triiodothyronine, free, serum 2.5 (range 2.0-4.4), t4, free, direct 1.59 (range 0.82-1.77)
my levo dosage was increased after the last labs to 88 mcg
by the way, I don't know if prior to taking meds anyone else had spiked cholestoral levels, but in may my total was 313 (never had high in my life!), and now it's down to 192.
seems like the brain fog is almost all gone. some side effects have been headaches, indigestion, shortness of breath.
thanks in advance of your input everyone, and hope everyone has a wonderful July 4th!
labs in may were: tsh 108.5 (range 0.450-4.500).
thanks to reading the valuable input and experiences here, I asked the doctor to include the free t3 and free t4 on my 6 week blood work. I also asked the nurse if the antibody test could be included as I suspect that I have hashimoto's, but she said they don't typically do that at this point, it's very expensive, blah, blah blah. didn't want to push the request yet, as I think it will work out better to stay calm and negotiate my way into getting their cooperation on future requests.
lab results on 6/19/12 were: tsh 9.050, triiodothyronine, free, serum 2.5 (range 2.0-4.4), t4, free, direct 1.59 (range 0.82-1.77)
my levo dosage was increased after the last labs to 88 mcg
by the way, I don't know if prior to taking meds anyone else had spiked cholestoral levels, but in may my total was 313 (never had high in my life!), and now it's down to 192.
seems like the brain fog is almost all gone. some side effects have been headaches, indigestion, shortness of breath.
thanks in advance of your input everyone, and hope everyone has a wonderful July 4th!
Obviously, that leaves 1/3 of patients in the need of T3 - this can be either in the form of Cytomel/liothyronine or desiccated thyroid products such as Armour, Naturethroid, etc.
Here's some info about desiccated thyroid, in case you're interested:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682475.html
Please remember that people who come to health forums are often struggling so, you will see a disproportionate number of people in need of T3.
Some people didn't realize that they needed T3 when they switched to Armour but would, of course, feel better on an appropriate dose of Armour vs. a T4-only med.
As I mentioned in your other thread, your recent labs indicate a conversion issue. Of course, we can all do whatever we can to maximize conversion and that doesn't necessarily mean it will be adequate. Our bodies often have other ideas for us.
Bottom line, you might want to consider asking your doctor about T3 in whatever form appeals to you if your labs continue to show the need in spite of your best efforts to maximize conversion.
Just so you know, the "side effects" you describe are actually symptoms of hypothyroidism that can develop during the meds titration process.
Elevated cholesterol levels are associated with hypothyroidism so, I'm not surprised (but happy for you) that your level has improved with treatment. It might continue to improve as well.
Hope you have a wonderful 4th!!
I have been on levo for eight years following RAI. Have tried T3, but did not need it.
Taking a multiviamin mineral tablet, vitamin C, and sublingual B12 makes me feel even better. But, I am soon to be 59 so mine is a whole different story.
Hello Sista!
I too hit meno and BAM! Thyroid licked me to the curb. I too think I have had it since birth, I'm 50 now. I was treated for hypoT as a child before puberty and taken off med around 20 . Life would have been so much easier on me if I knew then ,,, what I know now. Levo has been treating me fine so far...I'm into month 9 of starting it. Oh, I've had the typical titration period.. up, down, in, out, inside out and upside down... but I for the most part have leveled out where I am and I am evaluting how I feel. I just recently returned to wok.... that is what I needed right now to test me and my med!
Now that you know about your thyroid... you have to educate yourself on your thyroid and advocate for yourself even if it means going Doc to Doc until you find one that gives you that Thyroid Savvy warm and fuzzy feeling! LOL!
You will find much support and info here and won't be asked to open your wallet to get it.
Big Hugs to ya!