I've recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism?

Question

I had a TSH blood test in OCtober and just now found out the results. My endocrhinologist told me to start takign the sample medicine she sent with me. She gave me this BEFORE she got the results of the TSC, and told me she'd let me know if I should take it. She gave it to me becasue she thought It likely I had hypothyroidism.

Anyway, I've started taking it, but I'm concerned... I found out it is almost the lowest dose this company manufactures.. only 75 mcg (synthroid). I don't have another appointment with her until January.. Shouldn't we try to find out if this dose is high enough??.. I have struggled with my weight for years, and I am hoping that I have found an answer (and some help with weight control)..

Should I reccomend a re-test in a few weeks to see how it's affecting my thyroid levels?? Because.. maybe this dose wont be high enough.. I really wouldn't want to wait till Feb (my appoitment is Jan 30) to find out that I need a stronger dose!!

My TSC was 7.6

The reason I am so anxious is because I've had a LONG..hard.. VERY depressing battle with my weight, and it's affecting my mental health.. I was hoping I might have a little help in the battle. Also I've been losing hair for several years now and it's gotten to a very sad state..

I meant my TSH was 7.6.. not TSC.. typo...

Firstly, I sais 75 mcg was ONE OF the lowest doses.. if you are going to correct someone, be sure that you read what they said carefully..

Secondly.. I never said that I expected thyroid replacement to make me lose weight on its own. I am hoping that speeding my metabolism (From low to normal) will help me lose weight with sensible dieting and exercise. And to enable me to eat normally without gaining (which is my current problem.. I cannot eat suppers, any pasta (at lunch), basically more than one very low-cal meal a day without gaining. I did not say I thought synthroid was a magic pill.. but clearly something about my metabolism is abnormal.. I'm looking for it to "normalize" it..

Answer 1

75 mcg's is a reasonable starting dose. When I got diagnosed, I started on 50 mcg's of Levoxyl. Usually you start out on a dose and retst in 6-8 weeks. You say you don't have an appt until January.....what about requesting lab work once you have been on the 75 mcg's for about 6-8 weeks? Then you can retest again if needed around your time of the January appt. When you do retest, make sure its a first thing in the morning test because TSH changes throughout the day and you want to catch it at its high point. If possible, also get a free t4 and free t3. The free t3 will tell if you are converting the T4 into T3. Basically fre t3 level should be at least midrange. If its not, then you may not be converting enough T4 to T3 and would require a T4/T3 med.

Weight loss is extremely difficult while hypo. On Synthoid, the TSH needs to be around 1.0 of weight loss will be almost impossible. Also, you have to be converting enough T4 into T3.

While you are having blood work, you might want to also have a fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Many who have gained weight from the hypothyroidism, develop insulin resistance and insulin resistance is another condition that makes weight loss difficult.

I am hypothyroid and have insulin resistance. I took care of one thing at a time. I didn't lose weight on thyroid meds, but I lost about 15 pounds when I got the insulin resistance treated. I gained 55 pounds from the hypothyroidism and I'm down 30 pounds now, so 20-25 more to go. I will give you a link to a thyroid exercise and diet forum. I highly suggest you join some sort of thyroid group, as there others can offer you advice.

Answer 2

First off 75mcg is NOT the lowest dose. 25mcg is and some people start off with half that amount, 12.5mcg.

Secondly, thyroid hormone is a very powerful medication and should not be started at a high dose. The usual starting dose is 25mcg. There can be complications by starting at a higher dose if you have any underlying, hidden heart problems. And many times they exist and are hidden by the hypothyroidism symptoms.

I was one of those people with an underlying heart problem which manifested itself after my thyroid gland crashed for the second time.

Third, it's best to titrate the dose up to a higher level at a slow pace. It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the blood levels to be affected. The patient may notice changes within 2 to 5 days, that still doesn't mean the dose should be increased.

Fourth, you need to have your TSH, Free T3 and T4, and antibodies tested to know exactly where you stand. After that your doctor can test your TSH, Free T3, and Free T4 every 6 to 8 weeks to determine your proper dosage of thyroid replacement. When you are stablized on the proper dose testing is performed yearly or more often if you have complications or other diseases and conditions.

Fifth, it takes 6 months to 1 year before you are stabilized on thyroid replacement.

Sixth, thyroid replacement will NOT make you lose weight. It only makes it so you can lose weight because you'll have the energy needed to exercise and therefore the appetite to eat. You need both exercise and a normal appetite in order to lose weight and keep it off. Both of these are effected by hypothyroidism.

Seventh, even when you're on the proper dose of medication, you might need Cytomel or T3 in order to feel better. Read: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Hypothyroidism. Many people with hypothyroidism cannot convert T4 to T3. T3 is used by the brain, heart, and other organs and muscles. How will you know if you're one of those people? Your T3 level will be much lower than your T4 level. Normally the two levels will be about the same levels in their respective ranges, usually both near the top of their ranges.

Lastly, if I were you, I find a new doctor, because this one has already done something very careless by giving you 75mcg of Synthroid to start. That's dangerous!

Answer 3

I’m sure you are well aware that there’s no shortage of information on the internet, especially when it comes to Hypothyroidism.

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Answer 4

I have hypothyroidism too. I take 25 mcg once per day (I'm pretty sure that is the lowest dose), I was just retested and the TSH level is just over 5. My doctor has me taking an extra dose twice a week for three months. I will then go back to be retested.

I would take the recommended dose and go back in January. It takes time for this stuff to have an affect.

Answer 5

Hi Shelley, it's best to start on a low dose of Synthroid and titrate up slowly. I would ask if you can see her a month earlier (when I started, the doctor had me on it for two months). It takes awhile for the medicine to start working to affect your TSH and Free T$ and T3 (which should also be tested). 75 mcg is the usual starting dose. I know you are anxious to feel better, but the weight control effect will be that you have more energy to exercise, and Synthroid is not a magic pill (unfortunately). I now take 150 mcg which is a fairly high dose, and it's important not to get too HIGH a dose as it can cause serious problems. Good luck!

Answer 6

Be patient, your endocrinologist will retest as they see fit. Even though 75 mcg is a low dosage, it might be the appropriate one. Everyone's requirement for it is different and your body might be making enough that with the 75 dosage you will be at the level you need to be. You should take it daily, first thing in the morning at least 1 hour before eating anything. Take it with a full glass of water, not juice or milk and take it every day, get that level up and keep it steady for the best results.

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
I've recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism?
I had a TSH blood test in OCtober and just now found out the results. My endocrhinologist told me to start takign the sample medicine she sent with me. She gave me this BEFORE she got the results of the TSC, and told me she'd let me know if I should take it. She gave it to me becasue she...

Answer 8

With thyroid issues it can take time to get the dosage correct, which is why you're going to visit your doctor again in a few months so he/she can follow up to see where your thyroid levels are after some time on the medication. You wouldn't want to start with a very strong dosage if you don't need it, but if you do need it your medication will be adjusted when you have your follow-up. Thyroid medication needs time to work and adjust your thyroid levels. I know it is hard to be patient, but getting the dosage just right for thyroid treatment takes time.

Answer 9

Thyroid disease is one of the most common health problems we face today. From a practical standpoint, there are many ways to approach this issue. Learn here https://tinyurl.im/aH6tE Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a very common problem, and there are many reasons for this, including drinking chlorinated and fluoridated water, and eating brominated flour. Chlorine, fluoride, and bromine are all in the same family as iodine, and can displace iodine in your thyroid gland. Secondly, many people simply aren't getting enough iodine in their diet to begin with. The amount you get from iodized salt is just barely enough to prevent you from getting a goiter.

Answer 10

It will takea while to get your dosage to where they want it to be. It is very common that they put you on a low dosage first. Is is better to be not getting enough than too much. Your Dr knows what they are doing. You should be tested on your next couple of visits to see if there are any adjustments that need to be made. I am glad that you were able to get a diagnosis.
Good Luck and God Bless!