Synthroid

Nervous · 03-06-2015, 02:41 PM

My doctor recently recommended that I go on Synthroid. I'd like any information regarding this treatment, esp. side effects, contraindications, and general long-term dangers. I ask because I'm not someone who takes drugs if they can be avoided. My doctor says that there is no diet or behavior change that I can make that would substitute for the Synthroid.

Thanks.

My Most Recent Test Results:

TSH w/Reflec to FT4: 4.87
T4, Free: 1.3

mrsD · 03-06-2015, 04:01 PM

Synthroid is thyroid hormone T4....RX only. It is to raise your levels to a more normal reading.

You should start slowly....what dose did he give you? Typically people start at 25mcg or 50mcg and then get retested and raised a bit if needed then. If he has you start at 100mcg cold...I'd be concerned.

Nervous · 03-06-2015, 05:31 PM

He gave me free samples. They are 75 mcg.

When I asked him about Synthroid, he said, as you did, that it is a hormone, not a substance that is foreign to the body (like a prescription medication), and that there would be no danger if, after taking it for a while, I decided to stop.

Can a break these tablets in half?

mrsD · 03-06-2015, 05:35 PM

Yes, you can. You could start with them though, and if you get any rapid heart beats, call him back. That would be a sign to
get a lower dose to start.

T4 is not active in the body..it has to be converted to T3 in the tissues. There is usually a slight delay therefore before it works.

Nervous · 03-06-2015, 05:42 PM

Thanks, mrsD.

Tell me, do those test results that I posted above look like they need to be addressed with hormone supplementation like this? My doctor's argument was that hypothyroidism is insidious and is never addressed early enough.

mrsD · 03-06-2015, 05:57 PM

I think it is worth a try. Your thyroid will adjust to any higher amounts not needed by shutting down the thyroid a bit. It is a feedback loop so not really dangerous.

Make sure you take that on an empty stomach though ...it won't get absorbed properly if food is present (just like B12 oral).

If he gave samples, then you did not get the handout from the pharmacy. You can go in there and ask for one though if you want.

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