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New to thyroid medication, feeling funny

Hello!
I've just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (TSH 8.4) and have been on Levothyroxine 25mcg for about a week. I have a history of this in my family: both parents and my grandmother are hypo. But they've been on meds for so long they don't remember starting them. Anyway, I've been feeling pretty weird and was wondering if that was normal. Yesterday I was totally amped up and today I'm exhausted and feeling very emotional and having anxiety. It's been like this since I started the medication, kind of like a rollercoster. I'm hoping this is just me getting used to the medication. Any thoughts?

Also, I've been having a dull headache and been feeling kind of foggy and sometimes I feel really intense.
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Avatar universal
From now on, make sure your doctor tests FT3 and FT4 EVERY time your TSH is tested.  TSH is a pituitary hormone, very volatile, and subject to many influences other than thyroid hormone levels.  TSH should never be used alone as a basis for diagnosis and treatment.

I think many of us who have been hypo for a long time don't know quite how to act when we initially feel good again.  There's also an element of "it's too good to be true" about it.  Don't worry, nobody's going to pinch you and wake you up!
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Avatar universal
I didn't get the FT3 or FT4 test. I went to see the doctor for something unrelated and she ordered a TSH test.  The nurse called and said my thyroid was a little low and they were calling in a RX. It all happened so quickly. I think it is an adjustment period. It's just weird to think I've been miserable for a long time and I just thought it was my fault. There's a psychological component to this that I haven't been able to find any advice on. If you've felt awful for a long time and then you start to feel good, it's a good thing, but it kind of messes with your head a little. I don't know. Maybe it's just me. :) Thanks everyone for responding!
Helpful - 0
1451850 tn?1293853543
I'm so sorry :(  I have the same problems every time my endo increases my meds, I feel like I'm having a heart attack one day and can't sleep the next.  Feel better soon, best wishes!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Most likely, you're in a period of adjustment.  If you've been hypo for a long time or if your FT3 and FT4 levels were very low when you started meds, it can take your body a while to get used to having the hormones available again.

Do you have FT3 and FT4 results as well?  If so, please post reference ranges from your own lab report along with them.

Do you know if you have Hashi's?  Sometimes, in the early stages, that can cause the rollercoaster effect as well.
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