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| Wed, 10-13-2004 - 4:21pm |
Hi All,
I was hoping to get some insight here. I have been struggling with depression off/on for as long as I can remember. Seven months ago I went off my anti-depressant and was doing fine up until two weeks ago when I had to go back on.
I had bloodwork done for my thryoid and as usual my T3 came up abnormal according to the lab range. My doctor and one specialist said that my levels are 'normal' although I feel anything but. I've been doing some research and found a correlation between T3 levels being low and depression and that treatment with Cytomel in addition to an antidepressant can help the problem. Just wondered if anyone knew anything about this or has experienced it.
My levels on 3 separate tests are:
TSH: 2.83, 1.73 and 3.33 (normal according to lab report)
T3 uptake: 26.2, 25.9 (abnormal low according to lab report)
T3 total: 215 (abnormal high according to lab report)
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!
P.S. One thing I've noticed recently is that my hair is falling out ALOT. Can this be a symptom?
Christine
"What would you do if you weren't afraid?"
Edited 10/13/2004 4:26 pm ET ET by starente

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Hi again!
Can anyone tell me what I should look for in a specialist?
Christine
CL
My endo thus far I cant say I love. I am trying to wait and see what happens. I dont want to jump the gun, it doesn't mean I will be better off somewhere else. I am hyperthyroid, I am getting surgery. Then obviously I will be hypothyroid and have to try and get the right amount of medicine. He told me about 6months to a year is when I will START to feel better...I will gain a little weight... sigh! You want an Endo who will test your TSH, your Free T3 and T4, not just your TSH.
Good luck! I'd say just find a doc you like and go from there!!!
April
He's educated me about Graves's disease, answers my questions very patiently, and respects my decisions about my own body (I told him I don't want to be rushed into surgery or iodine treatment as long as the medication seems to be controlling my hyperthyroidism and he agrees with me).
I think any endocrinologist is qualified to treat thyroid disease, but you kind of have to trust your gut instinct about how well you trust them and how comfortable you feel with them.
Diane
Hi Christine,
Welcome!
Just a note about the hair falling out....that can be a sign of a thyroid disorder.
Although
Thanks everyone.
Christine
CL
There is a very strong connection between depression and hypothyroidism so you are right on target with that one. It is sometimes difficult to find a doctor that understands this, though, so start accumulating information that you can take with you to your appointment. It really helps when you have some info to back up what you say. I hope this helps! Hang in there til you get to see the doctor. I know that can be a really long wait and it's hard! Cathy :)
Christine
CL
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