Thyroid tests are normal?? Are you sure?

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by carrielyn

Thanks for your answer. I will ask about the FT levels when I go to my appt on the 30th.

Prior to the last week in August I was on 90 mg of Armour, then on the 75 into October. The endo has asked me to try the Synthroid (75mcg) and Cytomel (5mcg).

There would have been a 3 to 4 hour gap between my taking the Armour and the drawing of blood. I generally take my medications between 4-5 AM and I did not have an appointment until 9:30 AM.

I originally started with this endo because of high blood sugars but she's in the same group as my GP and he requested she take over my thyroid treatment. I have noticed an increase in my morning fasting BG since I started on the Synthroid/Cytomel which I find unusual. Might be coincidental. It appears I will probably have to take some medication if my readings are any indication. That has me worried, of the two most common meds, one can interfere with thyroid medication (according to their website) and the other has a weight gain as a side effect. Both are very bad.

Again, thanks for the info.

If it were me, I'd have stayed on the Armour for at LEAST three months (you aren't being given enough time to adjust to the Armour at any dosage so far, it takes at LEAST three months!). Try the Synthroid/Cytomel for awhile though and see how it works. You might want to go and research just how much corn/syrup base Synthroid has too (or try another synthetic T4) as far as BG readings. I would think 5mg. Cytomel would be too low to tell if it works though. Have they suggested testing your progesterone levels and maybe giving you a compounded progesterone transdermal cream at night? (Sometimes this can help 'ease' thyroid in and help morning BG readings too while on thyroid hormone). Just a thought, hope things level out for you soon.

Pam

[carrielyn]

Originally Posted by nonstickpam107

If it were me, I'd have stayed on the Armour for at LEAST three months (you aren't being given enough time to adjust to the Armour at any dosage so far, it takes at LEAST three months!). Try the Synthroid/Cytomel for awhile though and see how it works. You might want to go and research just how much corn/syrup base Synthroid has too (or try another synthetic T4) as far as BG readings. I would think 5mg. Cytomel would be too low to tell if it works though. Have they suggested testing your progesterone levels and maybe giving you a compounded progesterone transdermal cream at night? (Sometimes this can help 'ease' thyroid in and help morning BG readings too while on thyroid hormone). Just a thought, hope things level out for you soon.

Pam

I'll give the Synthroid/Cytomel a chance. Should know something by the end of the year I would think. I definitely will check on the base/filler of Synthroid. If it has any sweetener in it, it has to go.

Hmmmmm, I wonder if I should try the OTC progesterone cream at night. It's such a minor amount and since I'm post-menopausal it probably wouldn't hurt me. I will print out both your responses and make a list otherwise fuzzy head me will forget half of what I should ask and most of what I hear.

We had a beautiful w/e here in SE Texas hope you did also.

[nonstickpam107]

Well, you can try OTC Wild Yam cream (that's what it is) and keep in mind it 'binds' thyroid hormone (so if you have a tendency to go hyPER, it may help with that!) but do know that that Rx'd compounded progesterone cream is a thousand times better. If the OTC helps...but doesn't quite 'help enough'...you may want to explore the Rx'd compounded type in the future.

Pam

[Wolfpax24]

My old pcp, she was against me using the wild yam cream- she said there was no sure way of knowing how much of a dosage one was getting, because of several factors, i.e., thickness of skin, how much absorbed by skin, dosages in creams and the such.

[carrielyn]

OTC prosgesterone may not be a good way to go. I don't need anything binding my thyroid meds, and I may have been hyper when I was younger, looking back, but never tested for it, but not now.

And, I'm not real thrilled with the idea of self-medicating when I don't know what I'm doing.

I think I will just let whatever this endo has in mind run it's course for the next few months and see if I improve; if not, I'll talk with her about everything (I know she doesn't care for Armour) and if she's not willing to listen and work with me, weeelllll, she's not the only doctor in Houston.

Thanks for your input.

[Locarb4me]

Originally Posted by nonstickpam107

If you have NO hormones (post meno either surgically or naturally) you need progesterone (yes even if there is no uterus because one of the 'triggers' for thyroid disease/Hashimoto's is when a woman is going through perimenopause...you are losing progesterone, not estrogens...and hence the reason I feel 'bad' about the term 'estrogen dominance'...it's not really a 'dominance' it's an imbalance...progesterone drops quickly during perimeno and the thyroid 'tries to take over' the job of progesterone....and the thyroid ends up going downhill fast also), estradiol, free testosterone and estriol testing (salivary didn't 'work' for me....but does for some...I got better labs through blood testing and my endo is one of the 'pioneers' of bio identical replacement hormones for both men and women) and then decide how much of which hormone you need.

Big mistakes made when doctors think progesterone is only for sloughing uterine lining and don't bother giving it to women who don't have a uterus.

Pam

Excellent, clear explanation. Thank you!

[TinaBina]

Hi Pam

Mind if I pick your brain for a moment?

My Dr. wants me to consider going on progesterone - after all I have been through in the last couple of years the thought really scares me, can you point me to some reading (web or books) so I can educate myself and possibly feel better about this?

Thanks!

[Kona sunset]

Called the doctor yesterday. Leaving off the FT3 and FT4 was an oversight. She also wants T4, so I checked 'em all on the form. I'll go get that done tomorrow. Has to be fasting and before I take my meds. I forgot and took them already this morning. I'll get the Synthroid filled today so I can start it tomorrow after the labs.

That's interesting about the Westhroid. It makes sense that the doctor that originally Dx me would use that. His practice is primarily allergies so he has a lot of people that are allergic to all sorts of things. We had a foster daughter that I took to him. She was even allergic to beef! So, it makes sense that he would want to be super careful about fillers. It doesn't seem to be particularly expensive, though. My insurance covers it, but I haven't always had insurance and could still afford it. About $20 for a 3-month supply as I recall. I'm thinking I may be able to find more pharmacies that carry Armour, so that would be good. More convenient than it is now.

Thanks for the info.

[carrielyn]

I went on the Synthroid website and found out that they do use sweeteners and corn starch in their fillers. So I checked the Armour site and, guess what, they use sweeteners also.

I'm not opposed to eating sweeteners (at least I didn't use to be) I just want to be the one choosing. If I'm going to have something sweet I want it in the form of, oh my, cake, cookies and the list goes on. At least I'm going to enjoy it instead of sneaking by my mouth and my not even knowing it was there.

I think I'll go by the diabetic thread and see what is said about progesterone there. Maybe I should start using a small amount at night.

So many decisions so little knowledge to decide with.....

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by TinaBina

Hi Pam

Mind if I pick your brain for a moment?

My Dr. wants me to consider going on progesterone - after all I have been through in the last couple of years the thought really scares me, can you point me to some reading (web or books) so I can educate myself and possibly feel better about this?

Thanks!

I don't understand what you are 'afraid' of. If the doc gets blood levels and sends you to a compounding pharmacy, than you are 'good to go'. Unlike estrogen (and you may need that in the future too, and when you do, you'll also want compounded bio identical), progesterone has never 'caused' cancer, and if you get a little 'too much' you can cut right back. It can cause initial bloating a bit, but if you use a transdermal (rubbed on skin), you can always cut right back. Some women need to start with oral prometrium (that's bio identical progesterone taken by mouth) to bring levels up, but then switch to transdermal.

All you have to do is a google search for bio identical transdermal progesterone to get started on researching.

Pam

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by carrielyn

OTC prosgesterone may not be a good way to go. I don't need anything binding my thyroid meds, and I may have been hyper when I was younger, looking back, but never tested for it, but not now.

And, I'm not real thrilled with the idea of self-medicating when I don't know what I'm doing.

I think I will just let whatever this endo has in mind run it's course for the next few months and see if I improve; if not, I'll talk with her about everything (I know she doesn't care for Armour) and if she's not willing to listen and work with me, weeelllll, she's not the only doctor in Houston.

Thanks for your input.

OTC Wild Yam (aka progesterone) won't do much for you (or against you). You NEED progesterone to aid the thyroid and you'd be better off using a prescribed, bio identical compounded transdermal progesterone. So, um...calling using OTC progesterone 'self medicating' would be like calling taking a One a Day vitamin self medicating KWIM? It won't hurt, but it probably won't do much for you. I prefer having blood testing for hormones and THEN getting them bio identical and compounded by a compounding pharmacy. I had great luck with doing that.

Pam

[carrielyn]

Thanks, something else to add to my list of things to talk about on the 30th.

[TinaBina]

Thanks Pam, I've been looking into Prometrium, thats the one he said he wanted to put me on. I guess after everything I went through with the Mirena & hairloss, I'm gun shy. I do trust this Dr. very much though, he hasn't steered me wrong yet.

[Locarb4me]

Originally Posted by TinaBina

I do trust this Dr. very much though, he hasn't steered me wrong yet.

Gee, do you live near me? I'm starting to think most of my doctors are idiots.

[TinaBina]

Gee, do you live near me? I'm starting to think most of my doctors are idiots.

I spent two or three years going to idiots before I finally contacted the Broda Barnes Foundation, I paid $15 for their list of Dr.'s - but it was worth every penny. I travel to Connecticut from Long Island to see the Dr. But since nobody in my area seems to get it - thats just fine with me! (there were some Drs on the list in my area - but the woman that I spoke with at the foundation highly recommended this Dr. for Hashi's patients)

Good Luck!

[Carolina Rose]

Tina ~ I read your post and went to the Broda Barnes site. I'd be willing to pay for a listing of doctors too, but does their list include doctors in other parts of the country or just the Northeast? I'm in rural South Carolina and I'm searching for a doctor who will prescribe Armour (and knows what they're doing!).

I've found Dr. Roseanne Diehl, who is about 4 hours away from me. She has several terrific reviews on Mary Shomon's site, but after being burned by the Kimkins scam, I'm leary of reviews I read on the internet now!

ETA: I just adore your avi! That kitty is gorgeous!

[TinaBina]

CarolinaRose, they give you a listing of Dr's in your surrounding areas. There is a woman at the foundation named Pat - very nice lady, very helpful, after I e-mailed them, she contacted me & sent me the list.

Thanks! That's my kitty Dakota in my avitar, he's a Ragdoll.

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by TinaBina

CarolinaRose, they give you a listing of Dr's in your surrounding areas. There is a woman at the foundation named Pat - very nice lady, very helpful, after I e-mailed them, she contacted me & sent me the list.

Thanks! That's my kitty Dakota in my avitar, he's a Ragdoll.

I agree with the 'getting the BB list'..many have found that doctors trained in the Broda Barnes methodology are doctors that are caring and strive to help those with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

So THAT'S a ragdoll! My stepson says they have one and are getting another but I'd never seen one (they live far away). Cute kitty.

Oh, and the only 'drawback' to taking oral prometrium for some is the bloating it can cause...although if that happens, you may want to discuss changing to transdermal progesterone (once your levels get up to speed).

Pam

[Locarb4me]

Originally Posted by TinaBina

I spent two or three years going to idiots before I finally contacted the Broda Barnes Foundation, I paid $15 for their list of Dr.'s - but it was worth every penny. I travel to Connecticut from Long Island to see the Dr. But since nobody in my area seems to get it - thats just fine with me! (there were some Drs on the list in my area - but the woman that I spoke with at the foundation highly recommended this Dr. for Hashi's patients)

Good Luck!

Well, I'll give that list a try, thanks for the tip!!

[Kona sunset]

Pam, I was wondering when I could be expecting to notice an effect from the Synthroid? I had the labwork done yesterday and started the Synthroid immediately after along with my usual dose of Westhroid. I hadn't been eating the extra coconut oil in the form of bark for a couple of weeks and started back with that yesterday, too. I don't know that I had noticed any improvement in the way I felt when I was having the bark before. However, I have been feeling better today. It may be just a fluke. It's much faster than I expected results. In fact, I didn't expect results from the Synthroid at all.

Thanks so much for all your help!

[nonstickpam107]

T4 synthetic has a half life of six weeks...so it starts working in about six weeks....that's why you should NEVER test for thyroid levels until you've taken it at least six to 12 weeks. If you actually convert that T4 into T3 you may go a bit 'hyper' by the six week mark, especially if you are 'feeling it' already.

That was MY problem with adding any T4 with Armour (which is the same amount of hormones as Westhroid)...by the time it started to 'help'...I went hyper and had to back down on the T4. I do well on Armour alone (as long as I get enough..most of us take between three and six grains per day). I've never felt 'well' on high T4 levels/low T3 levels, I do best on FT4 blood level of about halfway of it's range, and FT3 at the very TOP of the range....and my doc doesn't 'dwell' on TSH.

Pam

[Kona sunset]

Thanks, Pam! We'll see how it goes.

[Tazcat]

7 days back on Armour - i feel so much better. Now if I can just get my hair to quit falling out

TinaBina - your cat is adorable

I have 4 Siamese (I'm a lousy foster mom )

[nonstickpam107]

Tazcat, the hair will grow back hopefully...many of us can 'judge' our levels just by our hair quality (unfortunately for those who lose hair). This is going to sound 'commercial' but one product that helped my hair grow back as my levels stabilized was Infusium...the leave in one. I had taken biotin, and vitamins/minerals etc. but that stuff was instrumental in helping my hair grow back in thick and full once my levels were stabilized. And again it helped after my recent cancer and treatment! Doesn't work for everyone, but it's worth the couple of bucks to try it for awhile.

Pam

[BluCrystal]

Just found out I will be having a hysterectomy sometime soon (will know when after the scheduling dept calls). The reason is because of painful fibroids. I just found out I was hypothyroid the end of July. Was doing well on the Levothyroxine, but the doctor put me on Inderal LA because I have a rapid heart rate and PVCs (instead of the usual slow heart rate in "normal" hypothyroid patients.) I go back at the end of December to see how my blood work looks after that.
The question I have is, how will having my hysterectomy effect my hypothyroid? I've read a little online about it, but I'd like to hear from some real people. I'm having ovaries removed, too, by the way. Since I'm 48, doc feels it's better to go ahead and take them too because there are no tests (or maybe it's symptoms) for ovarian cancer afterward. And since I'm having the abdominal surgery (b/c of scarring from 2 c-sections), I figure he might as well, and it's one less thing to worry about. I'll have to be on HRTs afterward anyway.
Any info you can offer would be great.

[TinaBina]

TinaBina - your cat is adorable

Thanks, Tazcat!