anawesomeblossom

I switched from synthyroid of a combination of bio identical hormones about 3 or 4 months ag. My family doctor was reluctant to give me any more synthyroid even though I was still extremely fatigued because I was in the low, normal range. So, I was very excited to switch to a doc who prescibed the bio identical hormones. He felt twice as much of the synthyroid would not be enough and said I was low in T3 as well. But, my blood work has been consistently getting worse and so they believe I am just not absorbing the new medication. I have been feeling worse and worse. Should I just go back to the synthyroid and forget about T3 or natural hormones. Two of my doctors have very different opinions on this. Where it stands now is that I am supposed to go in after 4 wks for another blood test after taking the med first thing in the morning with at least an hour before I eat, drink, or take other meds. I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

nobimbo

Can you please explain what you mean about bioidentical hormones? Do you mean you are taking some sort of natural thyroid (is it Armour?), or are you taking bioidentical progesterone/estrogen?

Have you had your ferritin (iron stores) tested?

It's a good idea to make sure you take your thyroid meds apart from eating, especially anything with calcium in it (i.e. dairy) or iron, since both calcium and iron can bind thyroid hormone. If you are taking BCP's, the estrogen in them can also bind thyroid hormone.

If you are not converting T4 to T3, all the synthroid in the world isn't going to make you feel much better. You'll need to take either Armour (natural thyroid hormone) or a synthetic T3 med (Cytomel) along with the synthroid or other T4 med.

Linda

__________________
dx pcos 1984, type II diabetes 2001, also hypertension
Met 2000mg since 2001, started Glucophage XR 4/22/04, then switched to Met ER 6/04; also: multi, Vit. C, Vit. E, B12/folic acid combo, fish oil & borage oil combo, garlic capsules, cinnamon, Vitex, calcium with magnesium/zinc, biotin, CoQ10, selenium,iron
Other meds: Verapamil and Altace(for blood pressure)
Started laser hair removal 7/29/03, completed 3/04 (it works!)
UAE for fibroid 3/24/03 and 3/16/04

anawesomeblossom

It is a combination of levoth(T4) and lioth(T3) 75/15mcg. I have cheese and eggs usually for breakfast along with caffiene. I'm not on birth control but I am on Wellbutrin for depression and I was taking it along with the thyroid medication. I appreciate your help and answering my post.

nobimbo

I don't have any advice for you in terms of the meds you are taking, but I want to refer you to someone who may be able to help. She is the resident thyroid expert over at lowcarbfriends.com. Her name is Pam (user name is Nonstickpam), and she is a thyroid patient and patient advocate who has helped many people with their thyroid questions. If you post a question on this thread (link below) to her, she will more than likely have some words of wisdom for you (also read through the thread when you get a chance; there is so much helpful info there):

http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=71576

Linda

__________________
dx pcos 1984, type II diabetes 2001, also hypertension
Met 2000mg since 2001, started Glucophage XR 4/22/04, then switched to Met ER 6/04; also: multi, Vit. C, Vit. E, B12/folic acid combo, fish oil & borage oil combo, garlic capsules, cinnamon, Vitex, calcium with magnesium/zinc, biotin, CoQ10, selenium,iron
Other meds: Verapamil and Altace(for blood pressure)
Started laser hair removal 7/29/03, completed 3/04 (it works!)
UAE for fibroid 3/24/03 and 3/16/04

anawesomeblossom

Thanks so much for your help! I will give her a try.

Rosie1028

I was on levoxyl and I felt like garbage. It is a T-4 synthetic thyroid replacement. I went to my doctor and told him that I would like to try Armour thyroid. It is a natural thyroid replacement with T3 and T4 in it.

In ideal situaions, your body is supposed convert your T4 into T3, but he thinks that I am not a good converter. From what I understand the T3 is where you get your energy from.

I am sorry you are having such a hard time finding a dose and med that works for you. I have been there and it is no fun.

Keep us posted on how you are.

__________________
Rosie~33
Happily Married with 2 Children
Highest 240/current 227 and losing!! /150 goal?

Dx PCOS, Hashi's

1500 mg Met
100 mg levoxyl

anawesomeblossom

Thanks, Rosie!