Sorry-I hit send before I was done.

I thought my labs were improving, and I was feeling better until recently. I've been exercising a lot, so maybe I need more for my body because I'm blowing through it?

Yep, your T4 and T3 did take a dive. It could be the exercise.

DawnRose, how are your adrenals doing lately?

What symptoms have returned?

My anxiety has returned, night sweats, weight gain, feel puffy. I just don't feel as good as I did before. I chalked it up to being tired after working out.

My am cortisol levels have not improved. I take 10mg in the am and 5mg at noon.

Dawn ~

Wow, that dose of HC seems low from what I've read about HC dosing. Seems like 25mg spread throughout the day is what is highly suggested. Might be you need more?

I am part of a great adrenal group on FB. It's connected to Stop the Thyroid Madness site.

Jeepgirl,

I'll mention that to my doctor when I see him on June 4. I'm actually thinking about asking if I can get in sooner.

You asked me what symptoms I have. I keep forgetting all of them. I need to write them down. I figured that I was just busy and didn't think it was my hypo that was causing all of my symptoms. I've also had trouble breathing when I exercise, more anxiety related to forgetfulness(like when I would leave the house I couldn't remember if I set the alarm or took my pills in the morning).

I honestly thought all of it was related to my cycling and training for a big ride coming up. My boyfriend also noticed that I was acting a little "off" and kept asking me what was wrong an I just brushed it off and said I was tired.

I thought I was doing so well! And I was feeling so good! My Free T4 went from 65% of optimal to 56%. My T3 went from 100% to 66%!!!
I really was hoping I was just tired :(

Yeah, I really think your adrenals or thyroid is off balance. Hope you do get to see Dr soon!

What should I ask for? An increase in both Armour and Levothyroxine?

You may need to raise your thyroid meds, so probably more Armour.

But I'd also be getting a saliva cortisol test to check those adrenals. I know exercise can be hard on adrenals if cortisol is low.

I just had my saliva cortisol test. The afternoon level came up but the morning one didn't. He kept me in the same dose.

You think only Armour increase?

I'm going to throw in my two cents and apologize for it muddying the waters.

An Armour increase will obviously boost your FT3 level and do a little for your FT4 level.

Your FT4 level needs more help than your FT3.

It's really best to adjust one med at a time.

I honestly think you should ask for a levo dose increase.....it will definitely help your FT4 level and, via conversion, could help with your FT3 level.

If you do the Armour increase first, there's a good chance your FT3 level will optimize but your FT4 level will still need help.

If you then increase the levo, you're at risk of your FT3 level going over-range.

This is why I recommend asking for the levo dose increase first....

Makes good sense CD!

I could just cry right now. You just never know if it's your hypothyroidism or a little stress or just being a little tired. I'm going to have to insist on labs in 6 wks for the next few months. I was so close to being well!!

dawnrose

It's really a good idea to get labs done every 6-8 wks. even after achieving optimal levels....just to make sure those optimal levels "stick".

I was optimized in June 2011 and still had the need for a small dose adjustment (either 6.25mcg T4 or 2.5mcg T3) every 10 wks or so for a long time (over two years).

It's only been since September of last year that my dose needs haven't really changed.

My doctor has all her thyroid patients get labs every 8 wks...

Stuff happens and it's much better to get a dose adjustment when labs first show the need and, hopefully, before symptoms develop.

How much Levo should I ask for? I'm taking 50mcg now. And should I ask for the brand name drug?

My doctor always increased my levo in 12.5mcg increments...

I think you should continue taking the same generic levo brand you've been taking all along.

Each manufacturer brand of levothyroxine (Synthroid is one of them) has different fillers.

Different fillers can mean different levels of absorption. Different levels of absorption means different levels of effectiveness. Nobody needs that.

For whatever it's worth, I've been taking Mylan generic levo since March 2010 and am doing very well on it. I just make sure my doctor writes: "Mylan only" on every levo refill Rx. I've never had a problem getting my levo.