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...
From my recent thyroid blood tests, I apparently have hypothyroidism. I'm scheduled to go to Mayo Clinic but not until July 26. My primary care doc and my neurologist are both clueless about thyroid. I have "new patient" appt. with an internist that I am told is a very good doctor but it will be mid August before I can see her. What is my best course of action? Find another doctor who can perhaps put me on thyroid medication or wait until July 26 when I go to Mayo?
Also, some of the stories here of finding the correct dosage is frightening. What can I expect? Thanks
Also, some of the stories here of finding the correct dosage is frightening. What can I expect? Thanks
If a doctor knows how to medicate properly, he/she will start you on the recommended starting dose - either 25mcg levothyroxine (Synthroid or other brand) or 15mg desiccated thyroid (Armour or other brand).
Then, you will get labs in 6 wks. - if both your FreeT4 and FreeT3 levels are above mid-range at this point, the doctor would send you on your merry way with instructions to get labs in another 6 wks. Hopefully, your symptoms would start to dissipate.
If either level needs help, the doctor would make a small dose adjustment and you would get labs in 6 wks.
You would continue to get labs every 6 wks. and appropriate dose adjustments made until you are free from thyroid symptoms.
When this happens your FreeT4/T3 levels will most likely be in the upper half of the range.
This could happen within 6 months or as long as a year (or slightly longer).
In the meantime, it's possible for symptoms to worsen or new ones develop. However, as we near our optimal levels, symptoms start to ease.
Some people experience improvements within a week of starting their optimal doses. Complete symptom elimination can take a little longer....and a lot seems to depend on how long the person wasn't receiving treatment.
The reasons people could wind up in the emergency room could be due to a too-high starting dose.....or a very rare allergic reaction to the fillers used in synthetic thyroid hormone preparations.