Do I Need to Take Thyroid Meds?
 

My TSH, T3, T4 and antibodies all came back within the low/normal range. Although I've been told I have an auto-immune disease it has not been confirmed that I have Hashi's although my sister does and it is, in fact, genetic.

At any rate, here is my dilemma: The endo found that I have a nodule on each side of my thyroid. Although, he previously said he was not going to put me on meds, he then changed his mind and put me on 25 mcg of generic synthroid. My guess is he's using it to try to shrink the nodules. Well, I've been on the protocol now 5 days and today I was have some heart palpatations, my left arm felt odd (not painful, just "off" ~ not sure how to explain it). My sister, who has Hashis, said that maybe having the HCG along with the thyroid meds is causing me to be hyperthyroid. I have not told the endo I'm doing the HCG diet because I just know by his mannerism, so far, that he's going to tell me to not do it and that's not an option in my book. I'm now wondering if I should half my pill or stop taking it altogether. I've been on it over a month and the nodule I can feel on the left side does not feel any smaller, so I think it's futile. Should I tell my endo I'm on HCG instead and refuse to quit and ask his opinion? Can he refuse to treat me further if I defy his orders? Not knowing what to do right now.

I will comment in more detail when I get off my treadmill. :p Hang on 'til then! :laugh:

Ok, first of all, I am NOT a fan of Synthroid. Too many people have too many issues with it, not of the hyper kind, but more of the "it doesn't work" kind. I would really encourage you to reach out to some online patient advocacy groups so you can really understand what is going on with your thyroid for yourself instead of guessing what your doctor is doing (and I think he is "guessing" right along with you!). Please check out eaware.org for the most up to date information about endocrine issues. Stop the thyroid madness is also an excellent site for thyroid patients. Treatment of your thyroid isn't futile--but treatment with Synthroid may very well be!

That said, the hCG protocol is very stressful to the body, generally. It's a big adjustment and can tax your adrenals, which significantly impacts thyroid uptake and could cause the symptoms you are experiencing. Basically if you don't have enough cortisol (which is made by the adrenal glands) to handle the stress your body is experiencing (the diet is physically stressful), thyroid medication can't be processed correctly so it floats around in your bloodstream and can make you feel exactly like you've described above. It's not the Synthroid OR the hCG, per se, it's just the stress of the diet. Unfortunately, most doctors do not advocate the use of hCG (or hhCG) and he COULD very well, "fire" you as a patient.

I can't give you medical advice (as I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV! :D ) but if I were you, I would call your doctor and tell him the symptoms that you are experiencing. It's up to you whether you tell him about the hCG or not--but be prepared, if you DO tell him, to meet with resistance. Personally, I wouldn't but again, it's your choice. In either case, he will probably guide you to do exactly as you have said above, either reduce or stop your thyroid meds. He seems to be already guessing what you really need to treat your thyroid so my thought is that your symptoms would prompt him to tell you to reduce/stop your dose. Worse comes to worst and he "fires" you, you can go to another doctor or decide for yourself whether to stop taking the meds.

HTH!

Shelby- you are so thoughtful and introspective.. just wanted you to know how much I appreciate that in a person. =)

DeDee.. I have to completely agree with her as far as Synthroid.. it never helped me and I wasted years using it. Most doctors seem to think that if your TSH numbers are in range, which Synthroid will accomplish, that you're all hunky-dory. Far from it!

I would never dream of advising someone to stop taking their meds- but, I certainly believe that no one cares about your health more than you do. Research, research, research and then find a doctor who knows at least as much as you do.

I highly recommend this series of videos; they are full of clear and concise information regarding Hashimoto's and it's reversal. I've had beautiful success with Dr. Haskell's protocol and even taught my Naturopath a thing or two about our syndrome. It's the best few hours I've spent in my research! He is a ROCK STAR in my world!!

Thank you both. I'm at work right now, but when I get a chance I will take a look at the suggested sights. I, only took a half of my pill this morning and am still experiencing the odd feelings. I wonder if I do quit my thyroid meds how long do they take to get out of my system. I shall have to look into that also. Again, thanks.

As far as how long the meds take to get out of your system, your levels should change or "normalize" within 24-48 hours of stopping them. Thyroid meds are very short-lived in the bloodstream.

Doing the HAPPY DANCE!! Spoke with my endo today to tell him I didn't think the meds were helping the nodules at all and that I was on day 3 of the HCG diet. He agreed and said I can discontinue taking them. I guess I'll find out at my next appointment in October what his next plan of action is, if any. Sooooo, on with the protocol! YAY!

So glad you have the go ahead from your doc!! That is awesome!! Onto P2 for you!!!

Good job in consulting with your doc.. at the very least, you can proceed without worrying every day!