newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. what to expect?

Hello. I am a 29 year old teacher from Georgia who was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I began taking synthroid (75mg) three days ago. I am curious about what sort of changes I will begin to see and how long it takes. I know that it will take some time to find the correct dosage for me and that my energy level should start improving,however I also have been dealing with possible fibromyalgia. I'm worried that it may keep me from feeling any positive changes with my thyroid. Should I be seeing a specialist instead of the family doc for my thyroid issues?

Hi Teacher 29.  My first thyroid medication was Armour (a natural desiccated thyroid med) and I

remember feeling better almost immediately. Everyone is so different. Since that time (about 4

years ago) my symptoms have fluctuated along with my lab results and I'm still trying to find

the right drug and dose combination. I have Hashimoto's so I'm trying to stop the autoimmune

attack by concentrating more on natural methods: trying to go gluten-free (that's a tough one),

increasing glutathione by taking undenatured whey, and taking selenium.

I don't know what to advise about doctors. Originally my family doctor said that my thyroid was

"going out" but we should just wait until it was gone and then take thyroid medication. That is

common among some doctors but I have since found out that that is a misguided way of thinking

about thyroid disorders. In fact, every doctor and naturopath that I have gone to each have

a different idea about how to treat thyroid problems and I'm finding out that a lot of them really

don't know that much about it. I would suggest that you do a bunch of research yourself (I can

give you some websites if you need) and consider seeing an endocrinologist.

Were you checked for Hashimoto's, in other words did your doctor check to see if you have thyroid

antibodies?  Also, did he check your free T4 and free T3 levels? Did he discuss adding a little T3

to your medication, either synthetic or in natural form?  A lot of people find that they benefit greatly

from adding T3. The site where you can get more information about that is

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/.  Have you noticed any difference from being on the

synthroid?

 

Hello,

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (hashimoto's) about 7 years ago. It was actually discovered by accident while I was being tested for other autoimmune diseases. I was started on 50 mcg of levoxyl right away. They got the dose right on the first shot, which was very fortunate. My story is similar to yours - I was fighting off my first ever rheumatoid arthritis flare.

It took me a couple of months to really notice a difference. My main symptoms were irregular menses, chills, brittle nails/hair, fatigue, and mood swings. I seem to remember it taking 2-3 months for everything to level out. Since then, though, my thyroid has been completely fine. (I still take 50 mcg of levoxyl/day).

I do think that the RA kept me from really noticing a difference sooner. The irregular menses, chills, brittle nails, and irrational mood swings cleared up in a couple months. The fatigue is what really stuck around - I think that was the RA.

When I first was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I saw an endocrinologist. Once my levels were normal, I switched to my family doctor. You might want to consider doing this, but I'm not sure I feel strongly either way. It depends on how you feel about the whole thing.

Your fibromyalgia might keep you from noticing a difference very quickly, but you will feel better! You can do it!

I hope that helped you. Please let me know if you have any questions!