Aa
Synthroid to tirosint
I have been on synthroid for 13 years. I was slightly hypo after having my daughter. I am also on cytomel. I exercise and eat right. I switched to tirosint about 4 months ago because i thought it was more pure. I was ok on synthroid no big side effects. In June I started getting strange side effects. Hair thinning and breakage and a terrible aches in my joints to the point that I have stop running. My tsh is .33 and my ft3 and t4 are in range but leaning toward hypo. I am really concerned. I am worried about switching back to synthroid and feeling worse now. Anyone have this experience. Is my dose too high or is this just a period of adjustment. Any advice is appreciated!
Hello!
I am new to this community and am trying to absorb all your wonderful information. I have Hashimotos with the antibodies above 1000, diagnosed about 12years ago. I am not doing well and can give you all the particulars, but just wanted to be sure you are still here.
Sincerely,
MsCharlie
I am new to this community and am trying to absorb all your wonderful information. I have Hashimotos with the antibodies above 1000, diagnosed about 12years ago. I am not doing well and can give you all the particulars, but just wanted to be sure you are still here.
Sincerely,
MsCharlie
COMMUNITY LEADER
What are your actual FT3 and FT4 levels? Just because they are in the normal range, doesn't mean they are good for you.
Brain fog and depression are also hypo symptoms and if you have hypo symptoms, either the med or your dosage is not right.
Brain fog and depression are also hypo symptoms and if you have hypo symptoms, either the med or your dosage is not right.
I am a 58 y.o. Woman. I have been on synthroid .150mcg for the past 35 years and then the synthroid .150mcg plus 45mg of Armour thyroid for the past7-8 years. I'm still always tired, brain fog, depression, among the usual hypo symptoms. and feel it hasn't worked for a long time. Labs of free t4 and free t3 are in the norms and tsh is just a little high, which my last two doctors said was ok. Do you think since I've been on it so long that switching to levoxyl might be a good idea, or make any difference?
I have read these postings for the first time and am amazed how much info I have garnered in such a short time! Had thyroid problem for 3 yrs. and still haven't sorted it all out as yet. Finally I may get educated.
thanks much!
thanks much!
Sounds like you have a number of hypothyroid related issues. You would not expect much difference switching from Synthroid to Levothyroxine. The synthetic T4 is the same, it is only a difference in fillers/binders used to make the pills. So I would be more interested in seeing your thyroid related lab results, and reference ranges, from before and after the switch, and also after eliminating Cytomel.
Also, since hypo patients are frequently too low in the ranges for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, if tested for those please post results and reference ranges. Low levels of any of the 3 can cause symptoms, and low D and ferritin can affect metabolism of thyroid hormone.
Also, since hypo patients are frequently too low in the ranges for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, if tested for those please post results and reference ranges. Low levels of any of the 3 can cause symptoms, and low D and ferritin can affect metabolism of thyroid hormone.
COMMUNITY LEADER
It could... Some people don't do well on generics, but my guess is that you need an increase in your dosage. Various digestive issues are common with hypothyroidism... What type of digestive issue are you having?
How about posting your most recent thyroid hormone levels from your lab report, including reference ranges, so we can see what your actual status is. That will give us a better idea of what's going on.
In all honesty, the parathyroid gland removal shouldn't affect your thyroid levels all that much, since thyroid and parathyroids are not related, other than their location in the body... They have totally separate functions.
We'll be able to respond more fully, once we see your actual thyroid hormone levels.
How about posting your most recent thyroid hormone levels from your lab report, including reference ranges, so we can see what your actual status is. That will give us a better idea of what's going on.
In all honesty, the parathyroid gland removal shouldn't affect your thyroid levels all that much, since thyroid and parathyroids are not related, other than their location in the body... They have totally separate functions.
We'll be able to respond more fully, once we see your actual thyroid hormone levels.
I have had a parathyroid gland removed because it was enlarged seven years ago. I was on synthroid 100 mg and cytomel 5 mg for the past seven years. We went through financial difficulties and I switched to the generic Levothyroine because it was $4 a month and the generic cytomel.
That was six months ago. I have gained 15 lbs, feel achey, tired, muscle spasms, hair loss and holding water. Went to the doctor, he put me on Tirosint because he found out I have digestive issues. I quit cytomel due to panic attacks that I was having.
I am a very active healthy person. I am feeling like over the past six months I have been restless, anxiety, swollen, and just plain not feeling good. Could it really make that much of a difference to go off the synthroid?
That was six months ago. I have gained 15 lbs, feel achey, tired, muscle spasms, hair loss and holding water. Went to the doctor, he put me on Tirosint because he found out I have digestive issues. I quit cytomel due to panic attacks that I was having.
I am a very active healthy person. I am feeling like over the past six months I have been restless, anxiety, swollen, and just plain not feeling good. Could it really make that much of a difference to go off the synthroid?
COMMUNITY LEADER
Walgreen's should not have any trouble getting Levoxyl. I don't use them, here, but I've talked to them, because I'm thinking about switching to them and they tell me they can get it without any trouble at all. I think the employees at your branch, simply didn't want to take time to deal with it.
No, when I switched to Levoxyl from Tirosint, I did not have any side effects, nor did I feel worse, though it's not usual for symptoms to worsen or for new ones to appear when changing dosages or meds. I did both... I went from 88 mcg Tirosint to 100 mcg Levoxyl and it worked great, but that's not to say it will do the same for everyone.
No, when I switched to Levoxyl from Tirosint, I did not have any side effects, nor did I feel worse, though it's not usual for symptoms to worsen or for new ones to appear when changing dosages or meds. I did both... I went from 88 mcg Tirosint to 100 mcg Levoxyl and it worked great, but that's not to say it will do the same for everyone.
Thanks Barb,
It's just good to know that switching to something other than Tirosint still works out. I am in Illinois and I use Walgreens. I'll check a couple other places around here and see what they say.
When you switched to Levoxyl from Tirosint, did you have any side effects or bouts of feeling worse before better? I just feel so normal now I don't want to chance it. I lost hair and got hives on Synthroid (I am really really allergic to grass and then found that the filler is acacia, a type of grass).
It's just good to know that switching to something other than Tirosint still works out. I am in Illinois and I use Walgreens. I'll check a couple other places around here and see what they say.
When you switched to Levoxyl from Tirosint, did you have any side effects or bouts of feeling worse before better? I just feel so normal now I don't want to chance it. I lost hair and got hives on Synthroid (I am really really allergic to grass and then found that the filler is acacia, a type of grass).
COMMUNITY LEADER
I can't tell what to do; that's between you and your doctor. Tirosint was not covered at all, by my insurance, so if you're getting it for only $70, you're doing good... it was costing me almost $150/mo, which is why I went off it.
I don't know where you're located, but I've never heard of a pharmacy that can't get Levoxyl, which is what I switched to, from Tirosint and I've done very well on it - maybe even better than on Tirosint, but then I'm on a higher dosage. Levoxyl is not "quick release"; it's a T4 med, just like the others, but it seems that everyone who takes it, does well on it. If your pharmacy says they can't it or can't guarantee they can give it to you, you need to go to a different pharmacy. Make sure your doctor specifies on the script that you want name brand Levoxyl and not generic.
I don't know where you're located, but I've never heard of a pharmacy that can't get Levoxyl, which is what I switched to, from Tirosint and I've done very well on it - maybe even better than on Tirosint, but then I'm on a higher dosage. Levoxyl is not "quick release"; it's a T4 med, just like the others, but it seems that everyone who takes it, does well on it. If your pharmacy says they can't it or can't guarantee they can give it to you, you need to go to a different pharmacy. Make sure your doctor specifies on the script that you want name brand Levoxyl and not generic.
Oh, by the way, I tried having the dr and pharmacy give me Levoxyl because it sounds like it is also a quick release, and no matter what I said, I still just got a generic levo, I believe from Mylan, and they told me that they can't get Levoxyl or guarantee that they can give it to me.
Hi everyone,
I am trying to decide what to do with my medication and I think you guys can help. I had a TT in Jan 2013, Synthroid was awful so I switched to Tirosint. Better, but not great until the last 2 months (after a year) I am finally doing good with good labs. However, my ins just changed and I have to now pay $70 for tirosint! Synthroid is a no for me, but should I try generic? Should I stick with tirosint even with the cost? If I try generic will my hair fall out and for how long? The more I think about it the more scared I am to try generic, but it is so expensive! And the pharmacy won't take coupons with insurance, I tried.
I am trying to decide what to do with my medication and I think you guys can help. I had a TT in Jan 2013, Synthroid was awful so I switched to Tirosint. Better, but not great until the last 2 months (after a year) I am finally doing good with good labs. However, my ins just changed and I have to now pay $70 for tirosint! Synthroid is a no for me, but should I try generic? Should I stick with tirosint even with the cost? If I try generic will my hair fall out and for how long? The more I think about it the more scared I am to try generic, but it is so expensive! And the pharmacy won't take coupons with insurance, I tried.
COMMUNITY LEADER
What are the reference ranges for your FT4 and T3? Is that T3, Free or Total T3? It should indicate on your lab report. If it's Free, it will say Free T3 or FT3 or something. If it's just T3 then it's total T3, by default. Total T3 is obsolete and doesn't tell much of anything, but we'll need the reference range anyway. Ranges vary from lab to lab and have to come from your own report.
Forget about the TSH - that's irrelevant when you're on thyroid replacement hormones, especially, one with a T3 component, like cytomel.
Your symptoms sound hypo and your labs most likely confirm it, but the reference ranges will decide that - are you still having weight gain? Any constipation, hair loss, cold intolerance, etc?
Forget about the TSH - that's irrelevant when you're on thyroid replacement hormones, especially, one with a T3 component, like cytomel.
Your symptoms sound hypo and your labs most likely confirm it, but the reference ranges will decide that - are you still having weight gain? Any constipation, hair loss, cold intolerance, etc?
thanks for all of your great info. Graves and hyper years ago. Changed endos when he kept insisting I was overeating when I gained weight---wasn't the case at all. Fast forward to this year, 4cm nodule on right lobe, smaller on left lobe, new endo recommended total thyroidectomy. Surgery 4 months ago. 150 mg synthyroid. Changed after 1st labs, tsh 1. Next labs, tsh dropped to 0.01. Synthroid changed to 100mg, cytomel 10 mgs added. Since surgery, felt great at 150 synthroid. when dosage changed, feel horrible, tired, heart palpations, joint pain, etc. Labs two weeks ago...FT4 1.3, T3 1.4, tsh 0.02. Endo changed medication to 15 mgs cytomel, 75 mgs triosint. Have taken a day off here and there from work, and may need to take more as I feel awful...
Thoughts??
Thoughts??
COMMUNITY LEADER
I hope you had a good time with your kids and grands... we have to do that now and then - get away from it all and not think this stuff...
Okay - I went back over our conversation - I don't really have much/any doubt that you have an autoimmune disease; the question is, which one(s). Based on the TPOab, I'd say Hashimoto's, but that can present in small amounts most of the autoimmunes. So - here's my recommendation:
There are actually 2 antibody tests that can diagnose Hashimoto's - TPOab is one of them. The other is Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb). If you had that, I'd think you would have posted results, so I'm going to assume that you didn't have it. Some people with Hashimoto's have high TPOab, some have high TgAb and others have both. Since you're already positive for TPOab, I wouldn't normally recommend TgAb, but since your TPOab is only marginally elevated I think it's important. You should ask your doctor to test that.
The other thing is that once you have one autoimmune disease the chance of getting another are much greater. Your joint and body pains smack of either hypothyroidism, RA or Lupus. It's not usually "that" bad with just hypothyroidism, so from my experience, I'm thinking you have more than one thing going on.
When you go back to the doctor, ask for TgAb, RA factor and ANA. Also insist that next time she does FT4 and TSH she orders FT3, so we can "really" see what's going on.
Iodine - is contraindicated with Hashimoto's because it can make the autoimmune reaction worse, so I wouldn't recommend it until Hashimoto's has totally been ruled out. In my opinion, that's one of the issues you have, even if your doctor is denying it; she's not doing all the testing.
Cytomel - is a T3 only medication, whereas your Tirosint and Synthroid are both T4 only medications. Typically, the first line of defense is treated with a T4 only med, because that's what the thyroid naturally produces the most of. The thyroid produces very little T3.
T4 is not used directly by the individual cells; it's a storage hormone that must be converted to T3 prior to use. Of the total T4 produced, approximately 90-95% is bound by protein and is unusable (will not be converted). Only the Free (unbound) T4 can be converted to T3.
T3 is the hormone used by individual cells, but like T4, the majority of it is bound by protein and can't be used. Therefore, we have to test Free (unbound) T3 to find out what's available for use.
When one is on a T4 only med - like your Tirosint - and Free T4 levels get high in the range, Free T3 levels stay low, and symptoms aren't being alleviated, we often figure that one isn't converting properly and might need to add a source of T3 in the form of cytomel or generic T3.
You have 2 problems... 1) your FT4 is very low in the range indicating that your med dosage might not be high enough and if FT4 isn't high enough there's not enough to convert to T3 and 2) you haven't been tested for FT3, so we don't know if your FT3 level coincides with your FT4 level or not. That's why I'm adamant about insisting that you get FT3 testing every time you have FT4 and TSH.
Okay - I went back over our conversation - I don't really have much/any doubt that you have an autoimmune disease; the question is, which one(s). Based on the TPOab, I'd say Hashimoto's, but that can present in small amounts most of the autoimmunes. So - here's my recommendation:
There are actually 2 antibody tests that can diagnose Hashimoto's - TPOab is one of them. The other is Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb). If you had that, I'd think you would have posted results, so I'm going to assume that you didn't have it. Some people with Hashimoto's have high TPOab, some have high TgAb and others have both. Since you're already positive for TPOab, I wouldn't normally recommend TgAb, but since your TPOab is only marginally elevated I think it's important. You should ask your doctor to test that.
The other thing is that once you have one autoimmune disease the chance of getting another are much greater. Your joint and body pains smack of either hypothyroidism, RA or Lupus. It's not usually "that" bad with just hypothyroidism, so from my experience, I'm thinking you have more than one thing going on.
When you go back to the doctor, ask for TgAb, RA factor and ANA. Also insist that next time she does FT4 and TSH she orders FT3, so we can "really" see what's going on.
Iodine - is contraindicated with Hashimoto's because it can make the autoimmune reaction worse, so I wouldn't recommend it until Hashimoto's has totally been ruled out. In my opinion, that's one of the issues you have, even if your doctor is denying it; she's not doing all the testing.
Cytomel - is a T3 only medication, whereas your Tirosint and Synthroid are both T4 only medications. Typically, the first line of defense is treated with a T4 only med, because that's what the thyroid naturally produces the most of. The thyroid produces very little T3.
T4 is not used directly by the individual cells; it's a storage hormone that must be converted to T3 prior to use. Of the total T4 produced, approximately 90-95% is bound by protein and is unusable (will not be converted). Only the Free (unbound) T4 can be converted to T3.
T3 is the hormone used by individual cells, but like T4, the majority of it is bound by protein and can't be used. Therefore, we have to test Free (unbound) T3 to find out what's available for use.
When one is on a T4 only med - like your Tirosint - and Free T4 levels get high in the range, Free T3 levels stay low, and symptoms aren't being alleviated, we often figure that one isn't converting properly and might need to add a source of T3 in the form of cytomel or generic T3.
You have 2 problems... 1) your FT4 is very low in the range indicating that your med dosage might not be high enough and if FT4 isn't high enough there's not enough to convert to T3 and 2) you haven't been tested for FT3, so we don't know if your FT3 level coincides with your FT4 level or not. That's why I'm adamant about insisting that you get FT3 testing every time you have FT4 and TSH.
Forgot to ask, I'm reading a lot about Cytomel? Never heard of it and was was never offered it..........I'm going to google it but would like to know more about it.......
NG7
NG7
Hi Barb,
So sorry I haven't replied. Went away to visit my kids and granddaughter and just wanted to not think about anything but them. Now I'm back -
Still have full boar aches and pains not totally alleviated by Aleve. Aleve used to totally alleviate my aches and pains but not anymore. I'm waiting to do my new blood work and urine test next week preparing for my Dr.'s visit on the 15th. I don't know where she gets Cushing's either - and am not really thinking anything will show up re: autoimmune - but we'll see. It's these full joint pains and body aches that put me down and I just have to find someone who thinks 'outside the box' creatively to figure all this out. It's ridiculous that Dr.'s today are not good diagnosticians.................don't get me started.....I used to be a scrub nurse in the OR from mid 70's thru mid 80's and during cases I would absorb so much info by hearing the docs talk back and forth. They sure did do things differently than they do here and now......
So, I'm playing it her (the endocrinologist) way this time round and will have a major talk with her when I go in on the 15th to get the results........
What are your thoughts regarding Iodine pills?
NG7
So sorry I haven't replied. Went away to visit my kids and granddaughter and just wanted to not think about anything but them. Now I'm back -
Still have full boar aches and pains not totally alleviated by Aleve. Aleve used to totally alleviate my aches and pains but not anymore. I'm waiting to do my new blood work and urine test next week preparing for my Dr.'s visit on the 15th. I don't know where she gets Cushing's either - and am not really thinking anything will show up re: autoimmune - but we'll see. It's these full joint pains and body aches that put me down and I just have to find someone who thinks 'outside the box' creatively to figure all this out. It's ridiculous that Dr.'s today are not good diagnosticians.................don't get me started.....I used to be a scrub nurse in the OR from mid 70's thru mid 80's and during cases I would absorb so much info by hearing the docs talk back and forth. They sure did do things differently than they do here and now......
So, I'm playing it her (the endocrinologist) way this time round and will have a major talk with her when I go in on the 15th to get the results........
What are your thoughts regarding Iodine pills?
NG7
COMMUNITY LEADER
Yes, I do have my own opinions, but mostly, they're backed up by my own experience, the experience of others, here on the forum or research I've done over the years.
I'm not sure where your doctor is getting Cushings for the joint pain - I don't even see that on the list of symptoms... Here's a list of the most common symptoms of Cushings, taken from Mayo Clinic's site:
"Common signs and symptoms involve progressive obesity and skin changes, such as:
Weight gain and fatty tissue deposits, particularly around the midsection and upper back, in the face (moon face), and between the shoulders (buffalo hump)
Pink or purple stretch marks (striae) on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms
Thinning, fragile skin that bruises easily
Slow healing of cuts, insect bites and infections
Acne
Women with Cushing syndrome may experience:
Thicker or more visible body and facial hair (hirsutism)
Irregular or absent menstrual periods
Men with Cushing syndrome may experience:
Decreased libido
Decreased fertility
Erectile dysfunction
Other signs and symptoms include:
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Depression, anxiety and irritability
Loss of emotional control
Cognitive difficulties
New or worsened high blood pressure
Glucose intolerance that may lead to diabetes
Headache
Bone loss, leading to fractures over time"
Do you have any other symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as weight gain, constipation, facial puffiness (especially under the eyes), hair loss, swelling/edema of the hands/feet, etc.?
I'm not sure where your doctor is getting Cushings for the joint pain - I don't even see that on the list of symptoms... Here's a list of the most common symptoms of Cushings, taken from Mayo Clinic's site:
"Common signs and symptoms involve progressive obesity and skin changes, such as:
Weight gain and fatty tissue deposits, particularly around the midsection and upper back, in the face (moon face), and between the shoulders (buffalo hump)
Pink or purple stretch marks (striae) on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms
Thinning, fragile skin that bruises easily
Slow healing of cuts, insect bites and infections
Acne
Women with Cushing syndrome may experience:
Thicker or more visible body and facial hair (hirsutism)
Irregular or absent menstrual periods
Men with Cushing syndrome may experience:
Decreased libido
Decreased fertility
Erectile dysfunction
Other signs and symptoms include:
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Depression, anxiety and irritability
Loss of emotional control
Cognitive difficulties
New or worsened high blood pressure
Glucose intolerance that may lead to diabetes
Headache
Bone loss, leading to fractures over time"
Do you have any other symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as weight gain, constipation, facial puffiness (especially under the eyes), hair loss, swelling/edema of the hands/feet, etc.?
wow, good things to know. I've had these aches and pains so long and was blaming the hep c which also presents with those symptoms that I didn't consider thyroid before as I had been maintaining, (at least I thought I was) on .50mcg for about 2 yrs. The endo was thinking Cushings disease, that's why she was wanting the 24 hr urine deal......
Good thoughts on the overmedication opinion - I was also wondering about that since I read that Tirosint was a gelcap and absorbed more easily. For now, though, I'm hoping I reach some proper medication level to see if that helps my major body aches......
Thanks for your feedback and I like that you have your own opinions....
Nancy
Good thoughts on the overmedication opinion - I was also wondering about that since I read that Tirosint was a gelcap and absorbed more easily. For now, though, I'm hoping I reach some proper medication level to see if that helps my major body aches......
Thanks for your feedback and I like that you have your own opinions....
Nancy
COMMUNITY LEADER
With the range you gave, the FT4 is only at 22% of the range. Most of us find that we have to have FT4 at about mid range, so you, obviously, have a way to go before you get there, but keep in mind that you've only been on the increased dosage for 3 weeks and it takes at least 4-6 weeks for it reach full potential, then it can weeks after that for your body to start getting well. The body tends to heal the most important things first - that would making sure heart rate and body temperature, etc are where they should be; once critical functions are restored to normal, the body can move on to healing other things that might be thyroid related. Nothing that's thyroid related works quickly. It all takes time and patience.
One thing your endo did not take into consideration when she prescribed 125 mcg Tirosint, so soon after the increase to 100 mcg Synthroid, is that because it's a gelcap, it's absorbed so much better than pill types of thyroid hormones, that many people find they have to start at a lower dose, not a higher dose. This and the fact that you hadn't been on the 100 mcg of Synthroid long enough for it to reach full potential could be a concern. The saving grace here could be your low levels. I do advise you to watch carefully for symptoms of over medication.
TPOab is, typically, the basis for a diagnosis of Hashimoto's and we'd assume that's what you have, since it's the number one cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world. but since TPOab can also be present with other autoimmune diseases and joint pain is common with several others, it's prudent to check those out as well.
I'm not sure what other autoummunes your doctor hopes to find with a 24 hr urine test, unless she's looking for adrenal issues. IMO, she'd be better off doing and RA factor blood test, ANA and other blood tests to look for various antibodies that could signal other autoimmunes.
The hair loss and aches that others talk about, being on Tirosint are not caused by the medication; those are hypo symptoms, caused by inadequate dosing or improper conversion of the storage hormone FT4 to the usable FT3.
One thing your endo did not take into consideration when she prescribed 125 mcg Tirosint, so soon after the increase to 100 mcg Synthroid, is that because it's a gelcap, it's absorbed so much better than pill types of thyroid hormones, that many people find they have to start at a lower dose, not a higher dose. This and the fact that you hadn't been on the 100 mcg of Synthroid long enough for it to reach full potential could be a concern. The saving grace here could be your low levels. I do advise you to watch carefully for symptoms of over medication.
TPOab is, typically, the basis for a diagnosis of Hashimoto's and we'd assume that's what you have, since it's the number one cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world. but since TPOab can also be present with other autoimmune diseases and joint pain is common with several others, it's prudent to check those out as well.
I'm not sure what other autoummunes your doctor hopes to find with a 24 hr urine test, unless she's looking for adrenal issues. IMO, she'd be better off doing and RA factor blood test, ANA and other blood tests to look for various antibodies that could signal other autoimmunes.
The hair loss and aches that others talk about, being on Tirosint are not caused by the medication; those are hypo symptoms, caused by inadequate dosing or improper conversion of the storage hormone FT4 to the usable FT3.
Hi again, Barb,
I reread your post and realized I didn't answer some of your questions.
I went back into my medical portal from my Dr.'s office and these are the only labs I found to date. TSH reflex to free T4 was on two occasions:
48.9 and 53.1 with the range being 0.5-4.7
The free T4 was 0.91 with the range being 0.73-1.95
and the thyroid peroxidase AB was 64 with the range being <9.
UGHHHHHHHHHHH
And I was worried about the hair loss and aches others were saying about Tirosint. I hope I didn't do myself a disservice switching.......
I reread your post and realized I didn't answer some of your questions.
I went back into my medical portal from my Dr.'s office and these are the only labs I found to date. TSH reflex to free T4 was on two occasions:
48.9 and 53.1 with the range being 0.5-4.7
The free T4 was 0.91 with the range being 0.73-1.95
and the thyroid peroxidase AB was 64 with the range being <9.
UGHHHHHHHHHHH
And I was worried about the hair loss and aches others were saying about Tirosint. I hope I didn't do myself a disservice switching.......
Hi Barb,
Thank you so much for your reply. You said a lot of things that the endo doc told me; you're very knowledgeable. Based on what I was reading about other peoples symptoms on Tirosint, it worried me that I changed. But since I was on Synthroid (brand only - for some odd reason, I couldn't take the generics) for so long, I thought perhaps a change was in order due to all my aches and pains. I'm desperate to find a reason for my major aches and pains and this doctor is going to do blood work for other auto-immune diseases when I do a 24 hr. urine test for her in 3 weeks. At that time I will be on the new dose for 6 weeks and hopefully, she'll be able to tell something!! Actually, I'm on 1.25 right now - so I'll have had 3 weeks on 100 and 3 weeks on 1.25. ughhhhhhhh,,,,,,,,,
thank you so much for your response! I appreciate hearing from you!
ng7
Thank you so much for your reply. You said a lot of things that the endo doc told me; you're very knowledgeable. Based on what I was reading about other peoples symptoms on Tirosint, it worried me that I changed. But since I was on Synthroid (brand only - for some odd reason, I couldn't take the generics) for so long, I thought perhaps a change was in order due to all my aches and pains. I'm desperate to find a reason for my major aches and pains and this doctor is going to do blood work for other auto-immune diseases when I do a 24 hr. urine test for her in 3 weeks. At that time I will be on the new dose for 6 weeks and hopefully, she'll be able to tell something!! Actually, I'm on 1.25 right now - so I'll have had 3 weeks on 100 and 3 weeks on 1.25. ughhhhhhhh,,,,,,,,,
thank you so much for your response! I appreciate hearing from you!
ng7
COMMUNITY LEADER
Goolarra must not have seen your post yesterday or she'd have responded, so I hope you don't mind my coming in instead.
First of all, 3 weeks on a new med dose (100 mcg of Synthroid) isn't long enough for it to take full effect, as it takes 4-6 weeks for the med to get into your blood and reach full potential. Then it takes time after that for your body to begin getting well. You've been ill for a very long time.
We don't know the reference range for the FT4 of 0.90 (ranges vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report), but from all the range we, typically see, your level is very low, so you don't even have much FT4 to start with.
Have you ever has a Free T3 test? Free T3 is the thyroid hormone that is used by the individual cells, while Free T4 is a storage hormone that must be converted to FT4 prior to use. Some of us don't adequately convert FT4 to FT3.
I'm not sure I understand your question about switching from the Synthroid to Tirosint. Tirosint is a very good medication. I was on it from August, 2009 until August 2014, when I stopped taking it because the price got way out of line and my insurance wouldn't cover it. I did very well on it. I've since switched to Levoxyl and am doing equally well on it.
As I said, 3 weeks on the 100 mcg of Synthroid is not enough time to know if it work or not. Since your symptoms are those of hypothyroidism, and you've had them for some time, it's very unlikely that the Synthroid is causing them.
There are 2 other issues to consider. One is the drugs used for your hep C. I don't know what they were, but I know some of those can leave effects that last for some time.
Another is your age and the possibility of either osteo or rheumatoid arthritis. With your slightly elevated TPOab, you might want to have your doctors look into RA.
There's a lot more we can talk about, but this should get you started.
First of all, 3 weeks on a new med dose (100 mcg of Synthroid) isn't long enough for it to take full effect, as it takes 4-6 weeks for the med to get into your blood and reach full potential. Then it takes time after that for your body to begin getting well. You've been ill for a very long time.
We don't know the reference range for the FT4 of 0.90 (ranges vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report), but from all the range we, typically see, your level is very low, so you don't even have much FT4 to start with.
Have you ever has a Free T3 test? Free T3 is the thyroid hormone that is used by the individual cells, while Free T4 is a storage hormone that must be converted to FT4 prior to use. Some of us don't adequately convert FT4 to FT3.
I'm not sure I understand your question about switching from the Synthroid to Tirosint. Tirosint is a very good medication. I was on it from August, 2009 until August 2014, when I stopped taking it because the price got way out of line and my insurance wouldn't cover it. I did very well on it. I've since switched to Levoxyl and am doing equally well on it.
As I said, 3 weeks on the 100 mcg of Synthroid is not enough time to know if it work or not. Since your symptoms are those of hypothyroidism, and you've had them for some time, it's very unlikely that the Synthroid is causing them.
There are 2 other issues to consider. One is the drugs used for your hep C. I don't know what they were, but I know some of those can leave effects that last for some time.
Another is your age and the possibility of either osteo or rheumatoid arthritis. With your slightly elevated TPOab, you might want to have your doctors look into RA.
There's a lot more we can talk about, but this should get you started.
I've been taking Synthroid for about 15 yrs the last 3 yrs at .50mcg. I had a long history of aches and joint pain but found out last year I had Hep C. I was told my joint pain could have been from that. In January I was treated for the Hep C with excellent results but am still suffering from major aches and joint pains. I used to be extremely physically active before but this past 2 yrs has brought me down with the hep c and now my thyroid issues. on 8/21 the TSH reflex to free T4 was 53.1, free T4 .90 and thyroid peroxidase AB 64.
I had been maintaining on .50mcg for a few years but had many other symptoms, i.e. joint pain mostly, fatigue - but again, were they hep c, menopause or thyroid related? who knows - I think I had the triple whammy -
So now, I have the hep c out of the way, I'm supposed to now be postmenopausal, but suddenly I'm experiencing major fatigue and worse joint pains - got an ultrasound, the radiologist read it incorrectly as a multinodular thyroid...... per the surgeon I was sent to she ultrasounded me right in the office and said no, I have only l nodule and it's small and on the left side. (she was disgusted with the radiologists) I knew of that one years ago and had it biopsied a few times - benign. So, she upped my thyroid to 100 mcg. and referred me to an endocrinologist. I have been taking the 100 mcg now for 3 weeks while awaiting my endo appt.
Saw the endocrinologist and asked if I could try Tirosint since I had just heard about it and was wondering if Synthroid was causing all my joint pain so now I'm on Tirosint 1.25 -as of 2 days ago. She's also testing for immune difficiency disorders as she doesn't understand the joint pain. Seems joint paint is typical with thyroid disorder per what I've read so far......
My question - Should I resume Synthroid or try Tirosint - I've had enough hair fall out, my joint pain has been constant for at least the last 2 yrs and I'm now sick of everything and all doctors!!! I don't know how to figure out my fatigue with joint pain - I'm 61, used to ride my horse, weight lift 3 x wk, and swim for exercise.....I can't stand all this and am not used to being the 'sicky' person I've become - I also can't work cuz I don't know how I'll feel from day to day .........any suggestions - you seem to be very knowlegable......
thanks,
ng
I had been maintaining on .50mcg for a few years but had many other symptoms, i.e. joint pain mostly, fatigue - but again, were they hep c, menopause or thyroid related? who knows - I think I had the triple whammy -
So now, I have the hep c out of the way, I'm supposed to now be postmenopausal, but suddenly I'm experiencing major fatigue and worse joint pains - got an ultrasound, the radiologist read it incorrectly as a multinodular thyroid...... per the surgeon I was sent to she ultrasounded me right in the office and said no, I have only l nodule and it's small and on the left side. (she was disgusted with the radiologists) I knew of that one years ago and had it biopsied a few times - benign. So, she upped my thyroid to 100 mcg. and referred me to an endocrinologist. I have been taking the 100 mcg now for 3 weeks while awaiting my endo appt.
Saw the endocrinologist and asked if I could try Tirosint since I had just heard about it and was wondering if Synthroid was causing all my joint pain so now I'm on Tirosint 1.25 -as of 2 days ago. She's also testing for immune difficiency disorders as she doesn't understand the joint pain. Seems joint paint is typical with thyroid disorder per what I've read so far......
My question - Should I resume Synthroid or try Tirosint - I've had enough hair fall out, my joint pain has been constant for at least the last 2 yrs and I'm now sick of everything and all doctors!!! I don't know how to figure out my fatigue with joint pain - I'm 61, used to ride my horse, weight lift 3 x wk, and swim for exercise.....I can't stand all this and am not used to being the 'sicky' person I've become - I also can't work cuz I don't know how I'll feel from day to day .........any suggestions - you seem to be very knowlegable......
thanks,
ng
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