Posted by KaraS on August 18, 2004, at 4:18:10
In reply to Questions for the thyroid experts, posted by Cecilia on August 18, 2004, at 3:16:45
> Several people here seem to know a lot about thyroid issues, so maybe someone can answer my questions. I`ve been depressed virtually my whole life, but every time my thyroid was checked it was reportedly "normal." I did try a low dose of levothyroxine once in an attempt to "augment" whatever AD I was on at the time but couldn`t stand the side effects. In May my TSH was 12, hypothyroid, so my doc started me on 0.05 mg levothroxine. After 2 weeks I called her saying no way can I stand this-same awful side effects-palpitations, anxiety etc. She told me to cut the dose in half and check a level in 6 weeks. My TSH after 6 weeks on 0.025 mg was 5.2, still hypothyroid from what I`ve read, my understanding is that TSH should be between 0.3 and 3. So I asked her if I should try taking 0.0375 and she said no, 5.2 was normal. Apparently my HMO still lists 0.5 to 5.5 as the normal range. I know this is outdated, but I`m terrified to argue with her, doctors can be so arrogant and patronizing. And I don`t know whether increasing the levothyroxine that little bit would make any difference anyway. No amount of thyroid is going to cure my life long depression, and I HATE the way the stuff makes me feel, but on the other hand maybe if I could titrate to an amount I can stand that would put me closer to the normal range it might help a little bit. Would going from 0.025 to 0.0375 be enough to make any real difference? Even though my TSH was elevated my T4 was in the normal range. Cecilia
Cecilia,
I am also hypothyroid. (In my case it's caused by Hashimotos.) I am surprised that you have such strong reactions to the thyroid hormone when you're still at such a high TSH. I'm wondering if you wouldn't do better on Armour thyroid - it's natural hormone which comes from pigs. Maybe something about the synthetic brand is bothering you. Admittedly, it's a long shot but maybe worth checking out though very traditional doctors are reticent to prescribe it.You might want to bring your doctor a written copy of the new guildelines on TSH levels. I don't remember who issued the guidelines. It's easy enough to find out though. Of course then she might end up doing something to make your life more difficult there. Who can say though if 0.025 to 0.0375 would be enough to make any real difference for you personally?
poster:KaraS
thread:379005
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040817/msgs/379008.html