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...
Labs before starting levothyroxine: Free T3 3.2 (2.3-4.2)
Free T4 1.0 (0.6-2.0)
TSH 0.08 (0.3-5.00)
In February I started on 25mcg of levo and immediately a lot of my symptoms were gone. I actually felt like my muscles and nerve endings were being fed. The first thing that improved was my muscle weakness. I am still weak but no longer have that jello feeling. I actually did not realize how many symptoms I had until they started to improve. Gas and bloating was a huge symptom. I had frequent urination but just thought I had a weak bladder until I realized that had also improved.
6 weeks at 25 mcg my labs: Free T3 3.3 (2.3-4.2)
Free T4 1.4 (0.6-2.0)
TSH 0.13 (0.3-5.00)
I felt better but want to feel great so we increased to 37.5 mcg. That lab adj was a little harder on me. I felt bad the first few weeks and then better. I won't continue to bore you with labs but I am so thankful for all of your help and just wanted to let you know I am steadily improving. I am at 50 mcg now for about 3 weeks. I am feeling pretty good. I knew I needed an increase when a few symptoms started to creep up. First one was bloating and my finger joints started aching.
I am just curious as to what symptoms were the worst for you and which ones were the quickest to come back? Once you find your sweet spot and optimal med dose is it easy to stay at that level? Thanks again for changing my life!
Free T4 1.0 (0.6-2.0)
TSH 0.08 (0.3-5.00)
In February I started on 25mcg of levo and immediately a lot of my symptoms were gone. I actually felt like my muscles and nerve endings were being fed. The first thing that improved was my muscle weakness. I am still weak but no longer have that jello feeling. I actually did not realize how many symptoms I had until they started to improve. Gas and bloating was a huge symptom. I had frequent urination but just thought I had a weak bladder until I realized that had also improved.
6 weeks at 25 mcg my labs: Free T3 3.3 (2.3-4.2)
Free T4 1.4 (0.6-2.0)
TSH 0.13 (0.3-5.00)
I felt better but want to feel great so we increased to 37.5 mcg. That lab adj was a little harder on me. I felt bad the first few weeks and then better. I won't continue to bore you with labs but I am so thankful for all of your help and just wanted to let you know I am steadily improving. I am at 50 mcg now for about 3 weeks. I am feeling pretty good. I knew I needed an increase when a few symptoms started to creep up. First one was bloating and my finger joints started aching.
I am just curious as to what symptoms were the worst for you and which ones were the quickest to come back? Once you find your sweet spot and optimal med dose is it easy to stay at that level? Thanks again for changing my life!
I had so many symptoms during the meds titration process that it's hard to say which were the worst.
Brain fog was really bad to me because it meant that I was messing up the management of my personal finances (like paying the wrong credit card....or the wrong amount) and, not surprisingly, screwing up at work. There were times I realized I shouldn't be driving.
The loss of energy/strength/stamina was especially frustrating since I'm an avid exerciser and active in general.
The first symptom to come back when my FT4/FT3 levels were heading too low for me was afternoon fatigue. If achy knees followed, I knew I needed to go in for labs.
My levels/dose were optimized in June of last year.
Since my thyroid has always been somewhat erratic, my doctor has me get labs every 6 wks.
She has adjusted my T4 dose a few times and my T3 dose once....this has maintained my optimal levels and kept me symptom-free.
(Yes, I had a few very, very minor symptoms each time my levels "strayed" from my optimal but, they were no worse than a headache one might have from too much time on the computer. The minor symptoms eased within 3-7 days tops after each dose adjustment)
This is what I always dreamed of and I'm thrilled it's my reality :)
Yes, slow and steady it is.....no matter how painfully slow it may seem - ugh.
Thanks so much for mentioning the need for people to have their Vitamin D levels checked.
Even though it's clear that most North Americans are deficient in Vitamin D, I'm amazed that doctors don't automatically check their patients' levels.
I asked my son's doctor to check his level and the doctor told me insurance might not cover it. I didn't care...and I'm glad we had it done. My son's level was below-range! I don't even want to imagine the implications.
In today's times, it seems that we all need to be proactive with our care if we stand any chance of staying healthy.