Feel hypo again, numbers say different
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Feel hypo again, numbers say different
| Fri, 09-07-2007 - 12:29pm |
Hi
I lurk here.
For the last couple of months I have definately felt like my thyroid rx needed to be increased. I'm only on .75 of levoxyl.
I have all the usual classic symptoms with a new one, my hair is falling out--this has never happened before. I have been under a little more stress than usual but I have never lost my hair.
The Dr. called today and said my thyroid numbers were fine, but my folate/b12 were low.
I don't have the numbers yet, should get the results in the mail today or tomorrow.
Phooey, I'm so tired of feeling like crud!!! Has anyone increased their dose on their own. I have enough of the 50mcg levoxyl that I could split to raise my dose to 100. Just maybe to try it?
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Dana

Hi Dana,
If it helps at all, my numbers have always been within the "normal" range but my syptoms are very clearly hypothyriod (nodule, body temp of 95.5, among all the others including thinning hair). After many Drs telling me I was fine, I found a Dr. who listened to how I felt and I worked with him now for a year. In that time we have increased my medicine (I take Armour) gradually from 30 mg now up to 120. Only now am I starting to feel right.
So my advice would be, if you don't feel right trust your instinct and push for more and keep trying until you hit the right spot. It seems doctors are so overly cautious about thyroid you have to really push for what you need.
Another tip I found on a board that was hugely helpful was to break my meds up and take twice a day. Within 3 days of doing this I felt a huge improvement. But as you probably know taking meds twice a day makes it harder to plan meals (so you don't eat, have calcium or soy within 1-2 hours around your meds) which is a nuissance but I found its been well worth it. Anyway, I hope that helps. Best of luck!
Liza
Hi Dana,
I would suggest that you know your numbers and be proactive in your treatment.
Cris, mommy to Catherine
Thanks for the advice.
My Dr. only tests TSH it was 3.56(range .34-4.82)
Key Thyroid Function Tests
Laboratory Values and Interpretation
(Note: These are general values/averages. Lab values can vary somewhat from lab to lab. Always check to find out what the specific normal range is for the test value at YOUR lab.)
Test / Name
Normal Range
Interpretation
"TSH" Test -- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone / Serum thyrotropin
0.4 to 6
0.3 to 3.0 (as of 2003)
Under .4 can indicate possible hyperthyroidism. Over 6 is considered indicative of hypothyroidism. Note: the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has revised these guidelines as of early 2003, narrowing the range to .3 to 3.0. Many labs and practitioners are not, however, aware of these revised guidelines. (See Endos Say Normal TSH Range Now .3 to 3: Millions More at Thyroid Risk)
Total T4 / Serum thyroxine
4.5 to 12.5
Less than 4.5 can be indicative of an underfunctioning thyroid when TSH is also elevated. Over 12.5 can indicate hyperthyroidism. Low T4 with low TSH can sometimes indicate a pituitary problem.
Free T4 / Free Thyroxine - FT4
0.7 to 2.0
Less than 0.7 is considered indicative of possible hypothyroidism.
T3 / Serum triiodothyronine
80 to 220
Less than 80 can indicate hypothyroidism.
Cris, mommy to Catherine