Tsh 28 normal t4

[richard123]

Started 50mcg thyroxine one month ago, feeling lightheaded, heavy chest, fast heart rate, tired and really run down.

When will it get any better?

Thank you

[Clutter]

Richard123,

Probably not until your TSH is between 1-2 and your FT4 is mid range or higher. You should be having a thyroid test in 2-4 weeks as it's unlikely 50mcg will be sufficient dose.

[puncturedbicycle]

Sorry to hear you're not feeling well. How fast is your heart rate? Are they doing another blood test in two-ish weeks?

[richard123 in reply to puncturedbicycle]

My heart rate is around 80 resting and 120-130 when I'm moving around. Thanks

[puncturedbicycle in reply to richard123]

Ok, 80 isn't actually higher than the 'normal' range at rest though I appreciate it might feel wrong, esp if you're used to a hypo heartbeat. Your heart rate when active seems a bit high though unless you're having a run.

I think it would be a good idea to have a comprehensive tft (incl t3 and antibodies) in two weeks or so so you can see what the 50mcg has done for/to you. If your gp won't do all the tests you can have a private test done. Have your antibodies already been found to be high? I'm assuming that's why you're on treatment despite the 'normal' t4 - ?

On such a low dose it's hard to say why it is making you feel so unwell. You could find your tsh is rising due to the low dose or maybe your thyroid has rallied and you've got too much hormone in your system. Hard to say without a test. But rest assured once you know what's going wrong you should be able to do something about it. Many of us feel a lot better given the time, information and treatment we need.

[Ddbennett]

See if your doctor will change you to Armour Thyroid. I could not take synthetic. It made me feel like that and worse.

[CSmithLadd]

Hang in there, Richard123.

Your body is under a lot of stress and strain.

Some people are far more sensitive to thyroxine than others; some of us cannot tolerate it at all.

I think Ddbennett (above) is on the right track: Ask your doctor about NDT (Natural Dessicated Thyroid - Armour, etc.). I have a feeling you will feel much better, faster on an NDT product.

If your doctor balks at the thought, then you need to see a natural health practitioner (Naturopath). They will get you NDT and monitor your progress accordingly.

All the best to you!