I haven't posted for a while. I am so fed up. Very down. Need advice

[Joesmum]

I seemed to be doing really well on

100 mcgs T4 and 20mcgs of T3.

My FT3 level was 6.2 (3.1-6.8)

My FT4 was 15.8 (12-22)

TSH - suppressed

I was even managing to study again.

I felt so positive that I decided I should up my T4 and lower my T3 so that's what I've done. I upped my T4 to 125mcgs and lowered my T3 to 15mcgs.

Well I just feel rubbish.

The depression returned with avengence. And this is not slight depression. It's catastrophic and terrifyingly bad.

( I have spent my entire adult life on antidepressants virtually until taking thyroid hormones when I could eventually stop them)

I'm actually looking hypo again. I know this is odd but my eyebrows droop when I'm very hypo and my tongue swells and all this has returned. I've lost any joyous sensation that I had.

Can a small adjustment really make so much difference?

Before you ask - I changed my regime because I live in hope that one day I will be able to take ALL T4 without the T3. A foolish fantasy.

I just think I'm on borrowed time with the T3. The last prescription I had filled for T3 is virtually expired and I've only had it 2 weeks and it's supposed to last me 3 months. The pharmacist apologised and just said it's sitting on shelves because no one is prescribing it anymore.

I still haven't managed to get to a place with T4 + T3 where I wake in the morning feeling well. I literally lie there and drag my self out of bed to get my tablets. Does this ever go wth enough T4 or T3?

I know I sound very down. I'm sorry.

My gp thinks a low dose of citalopram would be good for me? Any thoughts.

I know I should just return to the 100 levo and 20 T3. And possibly add in 5 T3 before I go to bed to see me through till morning?

I've tried exercising on 100 levo and 20 T3 and after an hour I get this hideous sensation as though someone has pulled the plug. Like my entire body is winded. So weak I can barely make a sound to talk. It's quite frightening. Is that because I've used up all the T3? Or is it something else?

I know this is a long post. But I just need a friendly ear and someone to make sense of it all.

Xx

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Joesmum

"I seemed to be doing really well on

100 mcgs T4 and 20mcgs of T3."

In that case, I would be going back to that dosing.

If you have a prescription for T3 then use it. If you feel better on a combination of Levo plus T3 then that's what you need. Don't worry about being on borrowed time with your prescription, if you are already prescribed it and benefit from it my understanding is that it can't just be denied to you. And if the worst comes to the worst you can source your own T3.

Don't let your GP persuade you that you need citalopram, any low mood will be because you are still hypo because you're not on your optimal dosing.

And I wouldn't be bothering with any exercise that makes you feel like that at the moment, just stick to gentle exercise - walking, swimming, yoga.

[Marz]

I think I would go back to your previous dose. There are more receptors for T3 in the brain than anywhere else in the body - so lots needed Also do not forget that in days gone by T3 was used to treat severe depression ....

Do hope you soon feel stronger - just be kind to yourself and try to rest until you feel really well - then pace yourself gently ....

[Joesmum in reply to Marz]

Well, both those lovely replies have made me cry.

I suppose it's just about knowing someone will listen.

Thank you.

Back to the old regime I think. 😊

[ljk1]

If you feel you need your mood lifting for a while try SAM-e, it is not addictive and has no side effects I am aware of. I was on anti depressants for years and I find it much better! I buy it through Amazon.

[Hidden]

I hope you do go back to the previous dose as seaside Susie and marz suggested! Can I ask what your other levels are like (ferritin, D3 etc?). I've had a severe swing back into depression that showed up as low ferritin so am supplementing that. And I've also ordered 5-HTP as an additional boost after reading lots about it here. After years on antidepressants it's worth the effort to hit it with your best dose of thyroid meds as well as keeping your other levels where they need to be too. PS: Isn't this site great to have as a shoulder to lean on? XX Rusty

[Joesmum in reply to Hidden]

It's wonderful to have as a shoulder to lean on. Cannot imagine where I would be without it sometimes.

My ferritin is always a bit compromised but all else is good. My endo replaces estrogen, some cortisol and thyroxine as I am hypopituitary with hashimotos for good measure.

On 100 mcgs of Levo my T3 is not even in range. I'm shocked at how low my mood goes when my T3 levels drop or even my oestrogen levels.

I think the chronic nature of this illness is sometimes difficult to deal with at times, too.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Joesmum]

I also have an "extremely lazy" pituitary and I need progesterone as well - that's another feel-good hormone worth talking to your endo about. Testerosterone gves you get up and go (but also aggression in some cases).

[silverfox7]

Good advice above as nothing wrong with your bloods! If your T3 is withdrawn then we can cross that bridge if and when it happens but always have a little bit kept back should that happen to give time to resource.

[Joesmum]

Thank you so much for all the advice and support. X