TSH too high, meds too low (seeing Endo) = depression

[Elizabetha3]

I am seeing an Endo. He is trying to figure what right dose of Armour. Need to wait 2 more weeks for another blood test. In addition to fogginess etc, I am now starting to get depressed, with a very short fuse. Any suggestions??

[Nanaedake]

Are you newly diagnosed hypothryoid or can you give a bit more detail?

[Elizabetha3 in reply to Nanaedake]

Have had hypo for 19 yrs. "Numbers" with the other insurance said I should decrease from 175 levothyroxine to 150 levo..I did all that 5 yrs ago for one solid yr. Was a lethargic mess~ went back on 175 levo...New Ins a/o Jan 2017..Again, numbers pointed to a decrease in levo to 150. Nope. Referred to a Endo.. My TSH was 7.6 with T3 & T4 in normal range. Enco started me on Armour 90..after 8 weeks, the TSH was 7.6... Have no clue what is was before then. Since July 20, been on Armour 120. The lower dose has caught up with me, and I'm in a constant foggy state. Have split sec black outs, once ever 1-2 days. Cannot retest til another 1.5 weeks.. Nurse knows all of this. Doc is on vacation till Aug 23. I think I just have to wait it out. I don't like depression, as I was in a 3 yr mourning after my Mother passed, so I do know depression well. Just wonder how to feel like me again, while I wait and wait..All other tests with body functions (heart, diabetes test, EKG, are all normal)...For those of you hat have heard some of this in other postings, I apologize.

Elizabetha3

[Nanaedake in reply to Elizabetha3]

As suggestions above, I can't say more, you need to get onto the right dose of thyroxine and check out your vitamin levels. In the meantime, you'll have to deal with the low feelings but you'll get back on track once your dose of thyroxine and vitamin levels are right I'm sure.

[Elizabetha3 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thanks for your input. I know it will get better.. I've just come so far moving forward with life, that I don't like this set back. It sucks

[Nanaedake in reply to Elizabetha3]

I know, it's ups and downs with thyroid disease and it can wear you down.

[Clutter]

Elizabetha3,

High TSH means you are undermedicated and dose needs to be increased.

[Elizabetha3 in reply to Clutter]

Ya, but I switched from levo 175, then to Armour 90, and now Armour 120 since July 20th. I know I am undermedicated..I think Endo wants more of a true reading on this new still very low dose...I trust him...just don't like feeling so blah

[Clutter in reply to Elizabetha3]

Elizabetha3,

While he's faffing around you will continue feeling blah because you are undermedicated. If you were optimally dosed on 175mcg Levothyroxine he should have switched you to 180mg Armour or titrated Levothyroxine down as he introduced and raised Armour.

[Elizabetha3 in reply to Clutter]

Clutter.. I totally agree with you...T3 & T4 said I should be on levo 150..175 levo made me feel 'normal' I would have actually preferred a higher dose than I75 levo... I don't think TSH was even tested with former Ins. I knew nothing about Armour when Endo put me on 90, on June 1, 2017. Not much 411 in the USA. I thought I read on this site that 160 Armour was equal to 175 Levo. I'm a bit confused cuz you said 180mg = 175 Levo.. I've gained 3-5 lbs since being on these low doses! I really appreciate yr input. I know there is light at the end of the tunnel. Just feel so 'stuck in a haze' in the meantime. Thanks

[Clutter in reply to Elizabetha3]

Elizabetha3,

Whether 175mcg is equivalent to 160mg or 180mg Armour you are undermedicated on 120mg.

[Elizabetha3 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you. Yes, I know I am undermedicated. I want to be able to communicate with the Endo, when I finally do see him. I want to know my homework..wondered if the next increase will be 160mg or 180mg.

[Clutter in reply to Elizabetha3]

Elizabetha3,

It looks like he is increasing dose in 30mg increments so I expect the next increase will be to 150mg.

[Elizabetha3 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks. Where can I find a chart that lists the increments? I've google it, in many different forms, to no avail. As I mentioned before, not much info in USA. I don't know why that is, however, I am so grateful for this site, and all of the input, and feed back!

[Clutter in reply to Elizabetha3]

Elizabetha3,

I'm not aware that there is any such chart but NDT dose increases are usually in 30mg increments.

[Elizabetha3 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter..Endo back from vacation today. The office called and said I could take a blood test forthwith, so that's what I did. Results should be in tomorrow. Can't wait for an increment, even though it might be a few months (hopefully, eventually a couple of increments) before I'm feeling better.

[Clutter in reply to Elizabetha3]

Elizabetha3,

Write a new post with the results and ranges and I'll look out for it.

[Elizabetha3]

reallyfedup123...I don't know most of those answers..not low on Vit D3 or B12..No gluten probs that I am aware of. I see the Doc on Sept 14.. Thanks

[Elizabetha3]

reallyfedup~ I will ck into all the above mentioned. Thanks