TWO QUESTIONS...

[1KJCRUSADE]

2 years ago, before I was diagnosed I noticed I was losing hair on the sides of my head.....I attributed this to the way I fixed my hair always in a barrett. So, I fixed my hair different hoping it would grown back. When I was diagnosed with Hashimotos I then attributed it to that. Went on meds, etc. Now, yesterday I happened to pull my hair back the way I used to fix it, and there is a huge bald spot on the side of my head, and the right side is a little bit smaller...is this typical of Hashi's and does hair normally grown back if put on the right meds? (Im apparently on too low of a dose) really freaking out about the hair loss. ):

Second, question which is REALLY bothering me and I've asked it before but I'll try again. Ever since getting Hashi's, I can't drive very far...like over 20 mins...

[1KJCRUSADE]

I e-mailed you. I really do prefer a doctor willing to work with natural approaches though.....Appreciate your advice, thanks! (:

[gimel]

An Endo isn't always what you would hope for.  Ignoring for the moment the possibility of finding adrenal problems and only focusing on thyroid, many Endos specialize in diabetes, not thyroid.  Many of them have the "Immaculate TSH Belief" and only want to diagnose and medicate by TSH levels.  Others will test further, but then insist that any test result that falls within the so-called reference ranges means that all is "normal" and nothing further is needed.  Actually, nothing is further from the truth.  The reference ranges are far too broad and need to be corrected as was done for TSH over 8 years ago.  As the ranges are right now, the ranges for FT3 and TT4  should only be considered as guidelines, within which to adjust levels as necessary to relieve symptoms.

What you really should look for is a good thyroid doctor that will test and adjust FT3 and FT4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  they seem to be hard to find.  I've been trying to keep a list of doctors recommended by members.  It is not very long, but if you will identify your location, I'll check the list.  If that doesn't work, there are other possibilities to look at.  

[1KJCRUSADE]

Thats what I was afraid of, believe it or not I have done my research and I knew you needed both, personally when I talked to the office they are pretty resistent on requests, and I wish so bad I could find a Holistic Endo, and Naturopath, or a holistic geared MD....not against meds, but someone who will work with Meds and Natural.......This endo told me if I try to do anything natural I could end up in a coma...now under my current diagnosis I could understand if I wasn't willing to take meds, but she acted like if I even try a natural approaches I'm a gonner. PERSONALLY, I think thats absurd. Will see if I can post the results when I get them, as well as possibly finding a different Endo.... Thanks alot.

[gimel]

Typical answer, but not right.  For a lot of patients, knowing FT4 is adequate to assume that the FT3 level will be consistent with FT4 level.  In other patients that do not convert T4 to T3 adequately, then the FT3 can be far lower in its range than FT4.  An FT3 test that is low in the range is frequently consistent with being hypo.  

Many of our members report that symptom relief for them required that FT3 was adjusted into the upper part of its range and FT4 adjusted to at least midpoint of its range.  FT3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Scientific studies have shown FT3 to correlate best with hypo symptoms, while FT4 and TSH did not correlate.  In view of all this why not just test FT3 and be sure?

So I would request FT3, along with the other tests.  If they resist, then just insist on it and don't take no for an answer.  Remember that you are the customer.

When test results are available, then I suggest that you get a copy and write on there your meds, and how you were feeling at the time. These become very valuable as future references.  Also, if you will please post test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report, then members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.

[1KJCRUSADE]

I'm sorry, I keep forgetting that. ): I called my endo..my bloodwork still isn't back yet. I called to see what they test for they test for TSH, FT4 and adrenal function...however, they do not test for FT3, they said that FT4 is the most reliable. Does that sound right?

[gimel]

A couple of things come to mind.  One is that you have Hashi's as I remember, and another is that you mentioned testing for adrenal function.  Excuse me if I didn't take enough time to find them in your prior posts, but I have yet to see any thyroid test results, beyond a TSH test, which is totally inadequate as a sole diagnostic for thyroid.  Tests for the biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4,would be a great help in interpreting your status.  Along with that,  I know very little about adrenal problems, but as I understand it, if you have adrenal problems, it is also advisable to get that addressed first.  

So, bottom line is that members really need to see additional test data on FT3, FT4 and adrenals.  Without that information, trying to diagnose causes for your symptoms, seems like shooting at birds in the dark.

[1KJCRUSADE]

oopss....sent without finishing.   Anyways, I can't drive very long, I get faint and extremely nauseated as well, as my ears get full and I feel like I could throw up. This all started with the Hashis...and to be honest, I have NO IDEAS what it could be. Any ideas? Its really upsetting me.