Posted by Pfinstegg on July 9, 2004, at 12:57:33
In reply to Re: Cytomel vs. Synthroid, any opinions? » Pfinstegg, posted by gardenergirl on July 9, 2004, at 0:44:39
Oh, O.K! If your TSH was as high as 6, you should definitely be taking T4 and T3. I think the upper limit of normal has recently been revised downwards, so that a TSH of even 3.5 or 4 may be indications for treatment. Levels that high can definitely contribute to infertility, so that's a good move on the part of your doctor. If you have a TSH of 2- that's completely normal. It could even safely go to about 1.
I have atypical depression, like you. I was also hypothyroid -TSH of around 5. I took synthroid at first, but after reading the NEJM article, I asked my endocrinologist if I could take half of the replacement dosage as Cytomel. I think it really helped, although it's hard to say, because I also started taking a combination of low-dose Lexapro and Wellbutrin, had several courses of TMS, and began psychoanalysis! But, in any event, the depression is under excellent control now. I really thank God for Babble, as it's where I learned about TMS and Cytomel, as well as about people who were taking sub-therapeutic doses of AD's and finding them side-effect free and helpful enough.
I do hope to hear that the replacement T4-T3 helps in your goal to become pregnant. As a note of encouragement, I did not have any difficulty getting pregnant when my thyroid was normal- it got abnormal after my son was born. I think your doctor is doing exactly the right thing.
poster:Pfinstegg
thread:363672
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040704/msgs/364423.html