Never ever skip your thyroid meds. You will never stabelise if you do that. All the other things like the depression and anxiety never really go away but it does get better. I just something we have to live with and deal with.

Scott

I have pituitary failure and many of the complications that go along with it. My frustration is getting my Endo's Resident to understand that total TSH means little in the diagnosis of Hashi. Finally I got her to order the tests that I wanted. I am a retired RN, so I kind of flummoxed her, and she did it. My results are not totally whacko, but point out that I most likely have it than not. Now begins the argument at my next appointment. I guess I will just have to override her and appeal to her boss. So frustrating.

First, welcome! Glad you're here, but sorry for the reason you're here.
Next, NEVER - EVER - EVER SKIP your thyroid meds. EVER. It will throw your body into total chaos (that includes your mind). Please bear with me, K?

Most of the time, when we're dx'd with thyroid disease, a prescription is shoved in our faces with no explanation and we're told to take it every day and come on back in six months. NOBODY tells you that you may feel worse before you feel better. NOBODY. I resent that...even today. But, that's why we're here. So, let's get to it...

Getting your thyroid "optimized" meaning getting the right dosage of medication (thyroid medication) for YOU isn't a one-shot deal. It's a process. Remember that word: Process.

More on that: (sorry, you'll have to copy and paste the link into your browser- rassasassafrassa)
https://www.dailystrength.org/group/thyroid-resources/discussion/sooo-you-039-re-hypo-good-newbie-information

Can your hypothyroidism be linked to your mental issues - ABSO-FRIGGIN-LUTELY!!!!!! Nobody tells us that tid-bit either (I know, frustrating, right?).

More on that:
https://www.dailystrength.org/group/thyroid-resources/discussion/thyroid-disease-anxiety-depression-etc
http://hypothyroidmom.com/300-hypothyroidism-symptoms-yes-really/
https://www.dailystrength.org/group/thyroid-resources/discussion/hypothyroidism-and-mental-issues
Note: If you can't read the links after pasting in your browser, please "join" the Thyroid Resources Support Group on this site (it's free and painless).

I know it's alot of information to throw at you in one post, but bookmark those links and come on back with questions (you're gonna have some).

MB

Susan: I'm sorry you're having to "fight"with your stupid doctor, but that is oh-so common here. I had to kiss alot of toads to find a prince. But, I finally have a good doc who understands what's good for ME may not fit into a little range for TSH.
DO insist. DO fight...and if you need resources there are plenty in the thyroid resources forum (meaning, research articles, not just opinions).

Good luck.

Thanks for posting your question and concerns. I probably could've written this myself a couple of years ago. There are times when all hope seems faded. Based on symptoms caused by low thyroid, a medical practitioner will automatically assume you're depressed and prescribe mood enhancers to battle perceived depression when you have low thyroid levels. The bad mood or mood swings and perceived depression is a cause of low or imbalanced thyroid. The sluggishness caused by mass weight gain will more than likely be caused also by low thyroid also contributing to irritability and moodiness. You will always seem hungry and eat anything and everything to try and raise energy levels only to crash not long after consumption to repeat the activity thus causing more weight gain. I personally have; curbed my diet to mostly include foods which support thyroid function and eliminated nearly all processed foods while eating majority of organic food products (meat, fish, fruits & veggies). I eat a tremendous amount of fish which naturally contains Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids which are good for the thyroid also but also take supplements including omega-3 fish oil. Thinking back to ancient times, most people lived near or on the water and thus at a tremendous amount of fish.. As well, nothing was processed.. They probably didn't have many thyroid issues.. When I mean processed, if it is in a package and needs to be made with other ingredients like water, butter, milk, etc., it is hardly prepared in my kitchen. Yoga has been a good help also eating the right foods helps the thyroid function better on its own naturally. A significant factor causes low thyroid is low amounts of iodine in the blood which synthroid or levothyroxine contains synthetic hormone coupled with iodide which synthetically helps a thyroid function better according to medical professionals and backed by studies related to it. Reason why thyroid issues are so prevalent in America today (my opinion), is due to the diets of fast and processed foods coupled with stress, beverages loaded with sugars or carbonation, etc. and a 24/7 lifestyle. If you buy juices, odds are they have a TON of sugars in them. We all CRAVE sweets or salty foods when having a thyroid condition which is accelerated due to the lack of iodine in the system. Too much or too little can wreak havoc on your thyroid. When you are sluggish and overweight (due to low thyroid), physical activity can seem like a bear or a chore and not very motivating especially when you're overweight for example and figure, "what's the point in exercising?" That was my viewpoint for a long while not to mention when was overweight I would get tired just putting on my tennis shoes with a promise to myself to work out.. I started by; walking, then biking now am back to running also. This sounds like I'm boasting or bragging but is far from the truth. Know a low thyroid or even an advanced one can play tricks on your; emotions, well-being and mood, relationships, job performance, lack of attention, irritability, lack of energy, etc. Lastly, do not take the advice from anyone who doesn't know a thing about the thyroid. Friends and family mean well but if they've not walked in your shoes, they haven't a clue and think you're just being a irrational or irritable person.. Additionally, if you focus on natural and organic foods going the holistic route, I would strongly suggest chiropractic care which are a significant help with the body healing itself. I have for most of my life since a sporting injury thirty years ago put me in contact with a chiropractor. Today, it helps my body healing itself also helping my overall neurological system to function better thus supporting the thyroid as well. Realize last point to make, you're not alone, things are not completely hopeless even if it feels like it is. Try not to take things too personally when interacting with your friends or family. They all mean well just if they have not experienced what you're experiencing, they cannot understand and therefore will have a hard time being compassionate as you don't "look" sick so to speak.. No one knows your issues better than you and your healthcare practitioner (and those who deal with the same thing you are experiencing like those of us here). Hang in there. Nothing is ever permanent.

oh definetly.Ive been on a crying,irritable,lets fight with the world mood all week along with exhaustion.I can tell when I'm getting hypo.

First of all, let me encourage you to PLEASE manage your thyroid correctly. Let me tell you something about me, I am 22 years old; I am currently in the emergency room admitted and have been for 3 days. My story began almost 5 years ago with a tennis ball sized goiter on my thyroid and almost complete inability to breath, swallow, eat or drink. It was terrible. I was referred to an endocrinologist and he was amazing; but mentally I was not ready to swallow the news. I NEEDED a full thyroidectomy ASAP. This diagnosis wasn't at all what I wanted to hear,I tried to reason my way out, but the endo I was seeing stressed to me how important it was and also, how important I was. I never thought I could feel worse, it was misery. I was referred to a surgeon, and he convinced me that it had to come out, and I knew that it needed to. I couldn't swallow or breath, life was hard. Little did I know I also had Hashimoto's a serious auto immune disorder and was without a functional thyroid anyway. They preformed my surgery and I was told 6 weeks and you will feel better than ever. I placed all my trust in that. But, having a definate rest of your life diagnosis at such a young age, is mentally hard, especially when you had previous childhood trauma and other issues. Thyroid though, can agitate small issues and make you feel so lost, empty and alone. It is tough, but you mustn't give up. I made that mistake; I stopped my medicine and told myself I had it under control. I was so wrong; Never make that mistake. ANYONE. You are not God, You are not a doctor. Do not think you can just ignore it. I suffered so much because I stopped my medication. I went through the worst depression, of my LIFE. PLEASE! DO NOT STOP YOUR MEDS!! I am 22, infertile and unable to conceive. I have emotional problems, but I have a good husband and a good family. Things are never as bad as they seem. Having a thyroid issue, DOES NOT mean you cannot have a normal life!! PLEASE do not give up. I made that mistake and am still playing catch up, I am not a failure and I will be OK. SO will you. I just have to learn to stop thinking I can control the world, once I do, I will manage my hypothyroidism properly. I will stop missing doses, my levels will rise and I will conceive a child.Everything you want can be yours. DO NOT STOP!