methimazole and ginko

[chickamin]

I am on 20mg. of methimazole for over active thyroid. My guestion is can I safely take the herb ginko on this drug? Also, can a person safely take ginko if  thyroid is under active? I have been told that my blood test show my medication to be working and that levels are now normal so that there is no need for more blood work for another 6 months. Does this sound normal? I have also now been told I no longer have graves disease that now I have an under active thyroid. I am totally confussed. Should'nt I still be tested? I was told to continue on the methimazole and come back in 6 months? To date I was told almost 5 months ago I had graves disease and I have been real sick. Now I am told my thyroid has gone the other way and that I may soon be able to get off medication but that I still might need thyroid surgery if symptoms continue. I still get sweats or periods where I get over heated. Still get really  fatiqued If I over exert myself at all. I also still have difficut swallowing and it feels like things get stuck in my throat. I have put on alot of weight even though I eat a healthy diet and watch carbs. and limit food intake.I am unable to exerise much do to injuries of knees which really limits me. esp. where walking is concerned. I still have breathing problems and spells where I feel pretty dizzy at times. I am just wondering could all of this relate to possible other health problems. All tests show everything else checks out normal as far as liver, kidneys you name it. I have talked to my doctor about my concerns but he seems to feel that I should be feeling better now in which in alot of ways I am. I know that this might all sound totally confussing but anything in which you might help me to understand would be grately appreciated. Six months seems along time to go with alot of unanswered questions. You have certainly been helpful in answering my questins in the past and I don't mean to waste any of your time so anything will help. Thankyou

[GravesGirl]

yes, on 20 mgs, you can't wait 6 months, you are probably (from your symptoms) already too hypo. Meds for anti thyroid have to be monitored more carefully.I don't know about the ginko.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

20mg is still a high dose of methimazole.  We would usually check every 2-3 months in this setting and try to lower the dose if possible to keep thyroid function testing normal.  If this is not working or there are side effects of the medication, then definitive treatment with surgery or radioactive iodine is offered.

You have a lot of symptoms, so 6 months is quite a while to re-evaluate.