Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Thyroid (Expert Forum)
Thyroid levels versus symptoms
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Dr. Mark Lupo. Topics covered include goiter, graves disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, thyroid cancers, thyroiditis, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
 |
Thyroid levels versus symptoms
by Sli, May 16, 2007 12:00AM
I was diagnosed with Graves Disease and had radioactive iodine therapy in 1983. Since that time I have been on Synthroid replacement (.1) Appoximately 5yrs ago it was changed to .5mg. I am a 57yr old F. My levels continue to remain low normal but I have gained approximately 30lbs am extremely tired all the time and my memory (especially short term is almost non-existent). So much so that it has begun to effect my job. My physician(FP)only follows my labs. I have developed sequella (exopthalmus) with orbit edema, nail and skin problems. Am I wrong in thinking these should also be taken into consideration in my replacement dosage?
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., May 18, 2007 12:00AM
, May 18, 2007 12:00AM
Do you mean 0.05mg or 0.5mg -- I assume it is 0.05mg which is the small white pill. This suggests a lower dose requirement than previously. The new eye symptoms are concerning. Would see a thyroid specialist to make sure there is no recurrent Graves disease or need for specific treatment of the eyes.
It is unlikely to develop graves hyperthyroidism again. But not impossible to get new eye problems even this far after RAI.
The TSH needs to be kept around 1.0 with replacement, so perhaps a dose increase is necessary.
Some patients may benefit from t4/t3 combination treatment (ie adding a small dose of cytomel to synthroid) -- but first would have thyroid expert eval.
It is unlikely to develop graves hyperthyroidism again. But not impossible to get new eye problems even this far after RAI.
The TSH needs to be kept around 1.0 with replacement, so perhaps a dose increase is necessary.
Some patients may benefit from t4/t3 combination treatment (ie adding a small dose of cytomel to synthroid) -- but first would have thyroid expert eval.
It is great that baroneesq has found the right treatment for her/him. But I have also read many stories where it has not been the answer people were looking for - many people find that they are too sensitive for the T3 in preparations like Armour and Cytomel.
Different solutions apply for different people. It's great to be aware that there are alternatives out there - but no one can say which one will be best for you.
Don't be fooled by Armour (and other desicated thyroid products) being touted as more 'natural' and better for you because they come from an animal product (dried pig thyroids) and contain both T4 and T3. Pigs do not share the same DNA as humans do they.
In fact synthetic T4 and T3 preparations such as Synthroid, levothroid, Cytomel are EXACTLY
In fact synthetic T4 and T3 preparations such as Synthroid, levothroid, Cytomel are EXACTLY the same as what the body would make - that would seems more 'natural' to me.
Recombinent DNA technology is used to produce the synthetic thyroid hormones. Basically they have inserted some human DNA containing the instructions/recipe for making the thyroid hormone into a bacteria cell. These bacteria cells then become thyroid hormone factories and produce the hormone exactly as the human body would have.
It can take just as long to find the right dosage no matter which thyroid preparation you choose to take; Armour or Synthroid. Armour is no magic cure all for thyroid problems.
I want to make clear that I am not attacking baroneesq - I only wanted to make some statements about the different options available. I believe the 'stopthethyroidmadness' site is very one sided - and shuns anyone who has had success with mainstream treatment. It is simply not true that everyone taking synthetic T4 such as Synthroid is not being treated properly - thousands and thousands of people are not wrong. Just remember this entire site is patient run and be sure to check your information with your endocrinologist.
Who do you trust? A doctor who has invested years in training and seeing many. many patients or someone who has their personal experience plus an internet education? Doctors are human too (we all make mistakes and are always learning) but I'd chose them ANY day over some of the people who pretend to be doctors at 'stopthethyroidmadness'.
You need to see a doctor who is willing to adjust your dose according to your symptoms. Although always remember it is entirely possible that there are other health issues that are contributing to your symptoms.
Best wishes!
After doing some research I asked my doctor about using Armour Thyroid Hormone. She agreed and this became a very successful treatment for me. I had never heard of using cytomel and Synthroid together. About a month ago when I went to have my thyroid prescription filled I was told that Armour Thyroid had been discontinued. I have been taking another natural hormone since then and my pain levels have gone through the roof. I definitely believe in Armour Thyroid hormone because it provides both T3 and T4.
If anyone knows for sure let me know if Armour Thyroid is still being made.