Newbie questions (and intro)

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-16-2003
Newbie questions (and intro)
3
Fri, 12-08-2006 - 1:16am

Hi! I'm 48 years old and have had hypothyroid/Hashimoto's disease (diagnosed) since my early 20s. I've been on Levothroid, with blood levels being okay up until recently. Now the endo tells me that my tsh is 8 and that for some reason, my body is not absorbing the 200mcg. of Levothroid that I was on. She switched me to Synthroid, at my request, and also upped the dosage to 250mcg. I know this is a pretty high dose, and I've been on it about six weeks and still feel about the same. I just went for a new blood test today, in anticipation of an appt. with her next week.

I noticed when I went to the lab that she only requested the TSH test. Shouldn't she be requiring the t3 and t4 tests as well? I still have a lot of the symptoms, including dry, dry skin, fatigue/lethargy and cold intolerance. The only thing that has improved in the last six weeks is my memory, which I guess is a good thing!

So, should I ask for more tests to get the complete picture? Is it possible that after so many years on it the Levothroid is just not effective for me anymore? What other questions should I ask?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Mary

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-05-2004
Fri, 12-08-2006 - 2:17pm

Hi Mary,


I would push for the T4 and T3 tests along with the TSH tests. You can understand alot more while looking at all of them and their relationship. I have all of the symptoms you mentioned, stinks doesn't it. I was taking 150mcg of Synthroid until yesterday, when I was pulled off it. If you look at my TSH, T3 & T4, it shows they are all high, and now my pituitary is being checked. But in the past, only my TSH was looked at, and according to that along, I was hypo.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 12-08-2006 - 9:29pm

Hi Mary,


Welcome to our board.


Personally, I think the T3 and T4 tests should be included along with the TSH one.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-16-2003
Mon, 12-11-2006 - 2:46am

Okaaaay....I replied to you two nice ladies on Friday, but it never appeared? And of course I don't remember what I said because I'm old. LOL. In any case, thank you for responding to my questions. I see the doc on Wednesday, so I'll be sure to ask more questions and ask why she's not requesting ALL the tests.

Thanks again~
Mary