Graves to hypo?

[Janey71]

Hi there I was wondering if anyone on here has any info on being in remission from graves for almost 6 months, to becoming hypothyroid? My levels are TSH 16.81 & free T4 6.9 which means nothing to me as I don't understand it! Desperate to know how soon the med's start working as I haven't been coping with things that normally wouldn't faze me and I'm really fed up! Any info in the simplistic of terms would be much appreciated, thanks

[Clutter]

Janey, your thyroid may be worn out from being hyperthyroid.

Pituitary gland produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) when it detects low circulating thyroid hormone. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (T4) for conversion to T3 which is the active hormone.

TSH > 10 with FT4 below range, which I suspect yours is, means you are overtly hypothyroid.

It takes 7/10 days for Levothyroxine to get into your system before you are likely to feel any improvement. You should have a follow up blood test in 6/8 weeks to check your thyroid levels and will probably need a increase from your starting dose. Dose increases are usually in 25mcg increments. You will feel some improvement as your levels improve but you may not feel fully recovered until you have been optimally medicated and stable for a few months.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Janey71 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks for the reply, I never really bothered when I had graves, I know that sounds silly but I didn't feel depressed and unable to cope like I do now! That's the worst part of this for me, along with the weight gain!

[eeng]

Your doctor should be aiming to get your TSH down to around 1. Some doctors are happy to get it to somewhere within the normal range, but that may leave you still with symptoms. Get your blood tests done first thing in the morning when TSH is highest to help avoid this. Also get your Ferritin, B12, Vitamin D levels checked as thyroid problems often leave people deficient in these areas.

[Janey71 in reply to eeng]

Thanks for your reply I have an appointment next week so will ask for the other tests,