Hello,
I have a question I hope a medical professional/doctor can answer. I am a 32 year old female; in 2001 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Since that time, I have taken Synthroid daily. In 2001, I started at 100 mcg of Synthroid, went down to 75 mcg, and for the past few years have been on 50 mcg of Synthroid daily. My symptoms of weight gain, fogginess, and depression seemed to be normalized and everything was ok except for my hair, which has been slowly but steadily thinning, falling out, and becoming more brittle.
In April of this year I started to feel “off” and on May 4th had my blood drawn at a lab. The results are as follows:
TSH: 6.491
Triiodothyronine, Free, Serum: 3.0
T4, Free (Direct): 1.19
My doctor suggested I stay on 50 mcg but add 2 additional pills (50 mcg each) per week. I physically felt better (more alert, less foggy, etc.) but around June 26th, I had an intense, persistent, generalized itching all over my body, especially concentrated on my arms and legs. Nothing would relieve it except a baking soda and water paste I created. It didn’t stop the itching, only made it less intense. I thought it might be linked to the increased dosage of Synthroid, so I cut back to only 1 extra pill per week. The itching subsided somewhat.
One week ago I stopped taking even the 1 extra pill and itching has completely stopped. Unfortunately now I am back to square one, feeling crappy. I have dry eyes; around them is redness, dryness, wrinkling, and sagginess. My skin in general is now very dry, flaky, and goose-bumpy. I find it hard to sleep at night and am aware that my heart is beating slowly.
Through internet research I read the optimal TSH levels should be between 1.0 and 2.0.
What do you suggest I do? What dose should I ideally be on? What should be the next steps medication-wise? Why did I start itching when my dose was increased? Would I benefit from trying a new medication (i.e., Armour)?
My doctor now has no availability for the next couple of months. I am at my wit’s end and am hoping you can help me. ANY good advice would be appreciated.
Thank you.