hypothyroidism and treatment

NatureGrrl

I'm all done with treatment (woo hoo!) and have been through a slough of tests post-treatment to check various parts and pieces. The only thing that's really turned up is hypothryoidism; I just started Synthoid yesterday, so I'm hoping it helps with fatigue...

So if you are being treated for hypothyroidism, do you remember how long after you started meds that you noticed a difference?  I asked the pharmacist and he said "pretty quickly" but didn't define that.  I know it's a fairly common post-chemo thing to be treated for and thought you all might have some input for me!

I'm not impatient (well, not too impatient!) , just wondering...

Anonymous

I've had Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (an autoimmune form of hypothyroidim) forever and each time they need to change meds or dosages, it takes about 3 weeks to feel the full effect. Depending upon how severe your disease is/was and what dosage you start out with, you may experience some relief within the week, I should think.

Good luck...thyroid hormone can make all the difference in the world!

~Marin

1WonderWoman

Nature-

I have hashimoto's as well.  You should notice a difference in 2-3 weeks but, all things considered, the difference, at least for me, was not that much.   Working out, and working out a LOT, is about the only thing that ever made me feel more energetic and healthy since the thyroid problem started in 2005. 

By work out a lot I am thinking 1 hour cardio and some lifting.  Toss in a few yoga sessions and as much cardio, over and above that 1 hour, daily, is best.  I moved 1.5 miles from my job just 5 months ago so I could start walking and riding my bike to work as a way to reclaim hours wasted in traffic and to try get more exercise daily.   Of course, I am in CT and the weather has not been so accomodating and now bc!  I hope later in the summer and next spring/summer I get way more exercise getting back and forth to work.

Thyroid is such a small, tiny gland and such a PITA once your immune system decides it is not good and tries to kill it!   And the beat goes on...!

Liz

NatureGrrl

I don't know what form of hypothyroidism I have... all I know is I had bloodwork a few weeks ago and my T4 was normal and my TSH was elevated, so my oncologist put me on Synthoid. I still need to find and see a PCP.  Sheez, I'm sure hoping it helps more than a little, I'm spending way too much time sleeping, and even 30 minute walks wear me out.  Of course, some of my fatigue is post-treatment, too... before I was dx a year ago I actually felt really great and energetic.  Well, I'll give it a few weeks and see what happens!  One way or another I plan on getting better   Thanks for the replies!

kcshreve

Nature, A few years ago my energy kept going downward, even though I was determined to push through.  After months of this, I decided to have thyroid checked out.  Our bodies need both T4 and T3 for different reasons.  I found a doctor who was well versed in thyroid since he himself is hypothyroid.  It took a few months to find my personal best dosing level, since the starting dose if often not your final dose.  the site www.thyroid.about.com is excellent in helping gain a good foundational understand of thyroid nuances.  You're on the right track. Hang in there.  Feeling better is a minimum of 3 weeks.  Keep at it.

NatureGrrl

Thanks for the replies.  It's been about... 2 weeks now? and I do believe I'm feeling better, although some nights I sleep so poorly that I'm going to be tired the next day no matter what!  I'm on the schedule for a follow-up in a few months so hopefully at that time we can make any adjustments that need to be made.

Onward and upward....

abbie10

I've  been treated for low thyroid 15 yeras before breast cancer.  Tried many things and a lot going on in the thyroid pill market . There is a great site to find and learn and ask. Name is:

Stop The Thyroid Madness. 

You are correct we need T3 for me it is brain fog stopper and an achy body  Another clue ERFA from Canada. The only one I would recommend for you to take of the dessciated thyroid.  They changed Armour and all the others ( the filler). starting 2009.  Does not break down in body as it use too.  Stay away from Synthroid. Why?  Man made and T4 only.  You will never fell or be healthy as you could be.  Learned all this the hard way.  Once again, Erfa made in Canada, is your best chance to become normal as before thyroid slowed down.

My husband also low thyroid.  He too would tell you the same thing.  Finally getting back on track after becoming ill not knowing companys had made a change in the old formulations.  Armour, Westhroid and Nature Thyroid is same as Westhroid.  Been on Erfa about 4 months.  Takes time for body to repair damaged caused.   And find dosage that is right for you.  Do not take the syntheic medications is doing yourself a favor.  Most doctors are not interested or informed enough to treat thyroid issues.  You are gone to need to do some reseach and educate yourself.  Just the way it is on low thyroid and what to take for repacement.

I hope those that read this will find the site I named. They respond just as this org does.  But, most or all re people that have been there done that or just learning about the illness.  Thay will help you.

abbie10

I've  been treated for low thyroid 15 yeras before breast cancer.  Tried many things and a lot going on in the thyroid pill market . There is a great site to find and learn and ask. Name is:

Stop The Thyroid Madness. 

You are correct we need T3 for me it is brain fog stopper and an achy body  Another clue ERFA from Canada. The only one I would recommend for you to take of the dessciated thyroid.  They changed Armour and all the others ( the filler). starting 2009.  Does not break down in body as it use too.  Stay away from Synthroid. Why?  Man made and T4 only.  You will never fell or be healthy as you could be.  Learned all this the hard way.  Once again, Erfa made in Canada, is your best chance to become normal as before thyroid slowed down.

My husband also low thyroid.  He too would tell you the same thing.  Finally getting back on track after becoming ill not knowing companys had made a change in the old formulations.  Armour, Westhroid and Nature Thyroid is same as Westhroid.  Been on Erfa about 4 months.  Takes time for body to repair damaged caused.   And find dosage that is right for you.  Do not take the syntheic medications is doing yourself a favor.  Most doctors are not interested or informed enough to treat thyroid issues.  You are gone to need to do some reseach and educate yourself.  Just the way it is on low thyroid and what to take for repacement.

I hope those that read this will find the site I named. They respond just as this org does.  But, most or all re people that have been there done that or just learning about the illness.  Thay will help you.

iodine

I was low normal till the age of 59 and got a new doc.  His advice is that if it's a very low normal, the thyroid is struggling to produce enough and your body needs the additional to function.

I will encourage Anyone who is beginning thyroid therap to be aware that it takes time to find the correct does.  Having said that: you should have blood work about every 3 mos. to determine if you're on the right does and if not, change it.  So---many docs forget to make that 3 mos. appt.  I had to do it on my own and my doc was really apologetic for not making the appt in his notes.  Don't wait for a 6 mos followup or something.

survivormom09

I had a thyroidectomy, a gift from the BC, in Jan 10 and had to do Radiation Iodine.  I started Synthroid after that I have gone from 125 to 150 to 175.  I noticed a huge difference when I went to 150, not so much when I went to 175, hoping to go to 200 in two months.  I am still tired and if I overdo it I am exhausted for a couple of days.  I want my energy and stamina back.  NOW!!!!!