Hi All -

I'm new to this forum, but on Psych Central for a couple months. I am having a hard time getting my doctors to treat me for thyroid problems I have had for decades. Tested lots of time through the years - always "normal" - couldn't believe it! Then I learned that Free T3 and T4 need testing. After 6 years of fighting my PCP (who relied solely on the TSH test) I convinced him to put me on meds. as I had nearly all symptoms of Hypothyroid. He gave me .025 MG Levothyroxine. Within 2 months, I dropped 50 lbs.! No other noticeable change.

After 5 years on that dose, My SHRINK finally ordered the Free T3 and T4. These are the results, August 2013:

Aug 2013: (on .025 MG Levothyroxine)
Thyroyropin 1.70 (Ref Range: 0.10-5.50)
Thyroxine.Free 1.0 (Ref Range: 0.7-1.6)
Triiodothyronine.Free 2.5 (Ref Range: 2.3-4.2)

Since my levels were low, I fought (and fought, and fought) with my PCP to increase the Levothyroxine, and finally he agreed and raised me to .050 MG in August. Wen retested in November. The results follow:

Nov 2013 (on .050 MG Levothyroxine)
Thyroyropin .043 Ref Range: 0.10-5.50
Thyroxine.Free .09 Ref Range: 0.7-1.6

There was no Nov testing for the Triiodothyronine.Free in November.

Seems strange that my Free T4 went down with an increase in Levothyroxine, and I think my Free T3 is way too low still.

My PCP gave me a consult to an Endocrinologist, but the Endo refused to see me, stating that TSH and T4 are better indications of thyroid function than T3. (I could slap him!!)

I still have the symptoms. The only noticeable change I experienced when he upped me to .050, is that my lifetime of chronic constipation and inability to have BMs went away!! I didn't even know that was related to my thyroid!

I had a Vascular Screening by my local county hospital. All fine there, but they found a node on my thyroid. I am scheduled for a thyroid sonogram on Jan. 21. Hoping this will give my PCP more ammunition to get better treatment for me. (I am a veteran and get treatment from the VA) He asked if I wanted to see another VA Endo. and I said "sure- if you have one who is a woman suffering from an autoimmune thyroid problem." They don't, so I will be fighting to see a local Phys. and have the VA pay for it. I've found a good one through a thyroid support group. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Additional information: My normal body temp is 95 degrees and BP 90/60.
Mother and her mother had bad RA, sister was Hyper, had a goiter and thyroid removed years ago.

Also a weird thing...all 3 of us women lost weight with pregnancy. ie, we would gain maybe 13 lbs. in total with pregnancy, then lose 45lbs. when baby was born. Was a joke - if we wanted to lose weight, we'd just tell each other to get pregnant again. This makes sense to me in a way - if the immune system is suppressed during pregnancy, perhaps our thyroid was actually working properly for a change....any thoughts??

I am so confused. I do believe I have an autoimmune thyroid problem. Please share your thoughts with me. I am so tired of fighting for proper care.

Thanks so much...

Hi If the spirit moves me,

I know absolutely nothing about thyroid but I know two people that have Hashimoto's. I will talk with them and see what they say about it.

Hope someone with info steps in quickly to respond to your concerns.

Thanks - I need the help!

Hi, maybe I missed it, but did you get your blood checked on antibodies?
Anti-TPO & anti-tg I mean.
These are the ones that need to be checked if you are likely to have hashimoto's.

(I have hashimoto's for 11 years now)

Btw, not to put your down, but losing weight or a change in BM becauce you start levothyroxine doesn't mean you're hypothyroid; it would happen to almost anyone.
I do however see why you think you have hashimoto's; especially your family members having a-i diseases as well. Did your sister was hyper because she had graves disease?

As for your blood results, this may be another sign. If i recall correctly (mind, it has been a while since i was "into" the thyroidworld), it sometimes happens when a patient finally starts levorhyroxine the thyroidlevels become even more hypothyroid.

My advice is to check the antibodies, but also be sure you do not overdose! Take it slow, checking your blood regularly.
I am not sure why, but whenever it's about diabetes doctors are way more helpful, they let you check your glucose very often. If you do however ask to check your thyroidlevels they tend to be less eager. That's my experience anyway. It seems like loads of them underestimate the immense effect an unbalanced, sick thyroid can have.
Wish you all the best.

By the way, I don't know why you see a shrink, but thyroidproblems very often cause mentalproblems too!

Hi Ravenclaw - thank you for replying! I am getting the antibodies checked and have a sonogram scheduled for Feb. 5. I see a Shrink for depression and ADD. I recently learned that depression may be a side effect of Hypothyroid, so am hoping that is helped with treatment as well.

My sister had a goiter when she was pregnant - also the buggy eyes. They removed her thyroid and she's been on Synthroid only and feels fine. I don't know if she had Graves. Mom had RA pretty bad.

We grew up in Mich - soil is deficient in selenium and iodine. That's the confusing thing to me, as in Hashimoto's you're not supposed to take iodine. I would think I would be deficient. I haven't had that checked, as I am having problems getting anything but TSH and T4 tested.

I am apprehensive about starting T3. If at all, we'll start slowly and build up as labs and symptoms get better. I am hoping to be able to see a good integrative physician locally, as our Endo. is clueless and condescending.

Thanks again for your reply..I learn more every day.