I am a 5'8", 198 pound, 48 year old female. I went to a doctor with the following symptoms: hot flashes, dry skin, fatigue, severe brain fog, constipation (bowel movement once every 4-5 days), hair falls out by the handful in the shower, and I have always struggled with my weight (the only way to lose is a 500-600 calorie diet and I have to eat less than 1500 calories just to maintain). He tested hormones and thyroid levels and these were the results:
FTSH1.470 Range: 0.450-4.500 (uIU/mL)
FT4,Free(Direct)1.10 Range: 0.82-1.77 (ng/dL)
FTriiodothyronine,Free,Serum 2.7 Range: 2.0-4.4 (pg/mL)
He started me on Progesterone and estradiol which have almost completely cured the hot flashes.
After a month, he started me on naturethroid, 65mg. One month later, I had all the same symptoms, so he up the nature-throid to 81.25mg.
Another month later, I returned for more tests and received these results:
FTSH1.030 Range: 0.450-4.500 (uIU/mL)
FT4,Free(Direct) 0.92 Range: 0.82-1.77 (ng/dL)
FTriiodothyronine,Free,Serum3.0 Range: 2.0-4.4 (pg/mL)
He then changed the dose to 113.75mg. Another month went by and no change in symptoms. I can say that my hair feels alive again - much softer - but is still falling out. He has now changed my nature-throid dose to 162.5mg.
I have been taking the new dose for about 5 days. About 2 days ago, I started having a lot of pain in my knees - they feel as though I have fluid on them,
Over the course of this treatment, I have gained about 10 pounds. My eating and exercise habits have not changed, but over the last 6 months, I have gained a total of 20 pounds. Most of the weight is in my stomach, hips and thighs. My thighs feel very swollen.
Can anyone tell me what is going on? Does this doctor not know what he is doing? I just want to feel good, have a memory, and be able to fit in my clothes. Thanks for any responses!