If I may ask, what is your TSH and when was the last time it was checked? Armour is a bit iffy as it is dessicated pig thyroid -- due to the fact that it comes from an actual pig (as opposed to a relatively stable synthetic form), your dosage may be slightly higher or lower each time you take it. It's not bad, per se, but endocrinologists aren't fans of Armour because of its unpredictability. That said, you may need some T3 to boost the T4 in Synthroid -- ask your doctor at your next blood check.
Another question: Do you get your scrip from your general physician, or an endo? Also, do you get branded Synthroid at each refill, or does your prescription allow for generic substitution? If you're on a generic, there are all sorts of regulation issues that may be causing your roller coaster effect. I can give you more details on this situation, if you like.
FYI -- irritability is usually a sign of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). If your mood swings are linked to your thyroid (and they may not be), it could mean you need to LOWER your dose, not increase it. Do you feel speedy or otherwise like your body is in overdrive (losing weight, can't sleep, etc.)?
Thyroid! The super fun, mystery gland of intrigue and ridiculous sensitivity! Wheeee!
It was 12, then 9, then 4 at the last reading. I am currently gnawing my fingers off waiting for the last results.
I see an endo every six months which I don't think is enough. I think it should be every 3 but she doesn't agree. I get branded synthroid.
I would also say I veer wildly between very sad and very angry. I have Hashimoto's, if that helps. And, I'm definitely not losing weight and this winter I've been really tired/not wanting to get out of bed. I don't think I'm hyper, never have been, but it's possible.
I recently started taking selenium and evening primrose supplements and that seemed to be helping at first, but it's not. I may add L-tyrosine just for the hell of it.
Aha!!! Well, I would have your doctor lower your dose IMMEDIATELY to 50 mcg and see what happens. You may be one of those weird in-betweens who actually needs around 60-65 mcg to stabilize -- if that's the case, your doc can give you 50 mcg pills plus instructions on how to get an additional 12.5 mcg (usually through pill splitting, though you have to be careful about this).
I would also insist on a 3-month blood check, at the least, until you stabilize. If necessary, I can give you the number of my endo -- she's pretty great in these situations. Barring other complications, every six months is fine once your TSH is stable.
One more thought: Are you taking your pills in the morning first thing and waiting at least an hour before having breakfast/coffee, etc.? This is fairly important for proper absorption.
P.S. For what it's worth, it's possible that your thyroid/endocrine system is somewhat self-regulating itself. A starting TSH of 12 is pretty damn underactive for someone your age (mine was only 7.8 when I started treatment), therefore making stablization a bit more complicated. Small consolation, but there you go.
Another question: Do you get your scrip from your general physician, or an endo? Also, do you get branded Synthroid at each refill, or does your prescription allow for generic substitution? If you're on a generic, there are all sorts of regulation issues that may be causing your roller coaster effect. I can give you more details on this situation, if you like.
FYI -- irritability is usually a sign of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). If your mood swings are linked to your thyroid (and they may not be), it could mean you need to LOWER your dose, not increase it. Do you feel speedy or otherwise like your body is in overdrive (losing weight, can't sleep, etc.)?
Thyroid! The super fun, mystery gland of intrigue and ridiculous sensitivity! Wheeee!
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I see an endo every six months which I don't think is enough. I think it should be every 3 but she doesn't agree. I get branded synthroid.
I would also say I veer wildly between very sad and very angry. I have Hashimoto's, if that helps. And, I'm definitely not losing weight and this winter I've been really tired/not wanting to get out of bed. I don't think I'm hyper, never have been, but it's possible.
I recently started taking selenium and evening primrose supplements and that seemed to be helping at first, but it's not. I may add L-tyrosine just for the hell of it.
Reply
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I would also insist on a 3-month blood check, at the least, until you stabilize. If necessary, I can give you the number of my endo -- she's pretty great in these situations. Barring other complications, every six months is fine once your TSH is stable.
One more thought: Are you taking your pills in the morning first thing and waiting at least an hour before having breakfast/coffee, etc.? This is fairly important for proper absorption.
P.S. For what it's worth, it's possible that your thyroid/endocrine system is somewhat self-regulating itself. A starting TSH of 12 is pretty damn underactive for someone your age (mine was only 7.8 when I started treatment), therefore making stablization a bit more complicated. Small consolation, but there you go.
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