Synthroid dose for those with half thyroid lobe

[Meadowsmom]

For those with only 1/2 thyroid lobe and taking Synthroid, what dose are you taking? I know it varies individually but I am curious because I know my dose will have ho b increased from 25mcg to get real relief. Doctor started me out on low dose Synthroid after I had terrible afib reaction to Amour low dose.

[Heloise]

Hi Meadowsmom, I'm not sure that information is going to help you. there are so many factors involved. I see you were hyperactive in Sept., had cancer in Oct. and hypothyroid in Dec. Sometimes the body will compensate even when part of an organ is gone. I don't know what happens with the thyroid but your TSH is obviously going up but it's only been a month or two. Is that enough recovery time? I know iron and hair loss are related. Other factors from health.howstuffworks.com/hu...

"vitamin D levels need to be between 50 to 70 ng/mL for thyroid receptors to respond properly. Iron also plays an important role in thyroid hormone synthesis. Thyroid peroxidase activity depends on iron; therefore, iron deficiency could lead to hypothyroidism. Ferritin levels may need to be in the range of 90-110 to achieve proper thyroid function" [Source: Paoletti].

[rer2904]

Hi Meadowsmom, I’m taking 50 mcg levothyroxine + iodine (a German brand, Henning). I had a hemithyroidectomy in Sept 2016 and went hypo a few months later, started levo in May 2017 (25 mcg for 10 days, then increased to 50). However, I felt incteasingly worse and, after months of going to different doctors and trying to get an answer, it turned out my B12 and iron levels were low. I also had high cholesterol and triglycerides, which seems odd since that was never an issue before. I strongly recommend getting a full blood check and making sure you have no vitamin deficiencies, as for me taking iron supplements made a big difference.

[Meadowsmom in reply to rer2904]

Rer2904,thanks for your response! I am seeing an integrative doctor in conjunction with my other doctors, and have gotten tons of blood lab. In fact, I am getting another blood lab done tomorrow to see if my dose needs adjusting. I suspect that it will because I am having a lot of hair loss, insomnia, muscle weakness and dry skin. Doctor is also checking my iron levels since having hair loss. Praying that it gets better soon.

[Meadowsmom in reply to rer2904]

Rer2904, did the Levo cause hair loss for you?

[rer2904 in reply to Meadowsmom]

I think I had diffuse hair loss but since I have thick curly hair and shed a lot anyway it’s hard to tell! However, I actually developed alopecia areata since having the op - I noticed a bald patch around the size of a 10p coin last September. I don’t know if it’s connected to my thyroid, but it was very strange and just appeared out of nowhere. A friend of mine has Hashimoto’s and she finds that following a gluten-free diet helps minimise her hair loss, but I don’t know if that works for post-operative hypothyroidism.

My main symptoms were fatigue, feeling down, muscle aches, low energy, and being short of breath. Even when my thyroid levels were within range I still felt rubbish until I started taking iron supplements, and while I don’t feel 100% normal just yet I have noticed a significant improvement - I have more energy and feel a bit more *normal*!

I can of course only judge by my own life experience but I really believe it takes some time for your body to adjust to the levo and the best thing you can do it be kind to yourself and give it some time. I found it helpful to keep a list of my symptoms and when I had a doctor who didn’t take me seriously (she claimed my symptoms we’re psychosomatic without even testing my blood) I went and found another one who was more inclined to listen.

How long have you been on levo?

[Meadowsmom]

One month and I have sustained major hair thinning. It is very scary. My hair was shedding and losing volume prior to Synthroid but nothing like what has occurred in the last month. My once thick hair is now pencil thin. I am really in shock. Don’t know whether to continue or try something else. Armour doesn’t work for me. Thank you for your response!