Hand pain

[Bestisyettocome]

1 week after being diagnosed and switching from 50 mcg Levothyroxine to 30 mg armor thyroid, my hands and feet feel swollen and hurt again..they went up 15 mg on armor when did you all go to an endocrinologist

[shaws Administrator]

I'm sorry you have hypothyroidism. The usual starting dose is 50mcg of levothyroxine with 25mcg increases every six weeks until symptoms are relieved.

Unfortunately NDT or levo doesn't act like a paracetamol - there's no quick-fix. Either should have a small gradual increase every six weeks (after a blood test which should be at the earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and test and take afterwards. NDT contains all of the hormones a healthy gland would produce.

Many on this forum self-medicate and may have given up on professionals altogether.

50mcg of levothyroxine is a starting dose but is increased by 25mcg every six weeks (after blood test) until patient feels relief of symptoms. The aim is a TSH of 1 or lower with a Free T4 and Free T3 in the upper part of the ranges.

It has taken months for us to be diagnosed hypothyroid so it also takes time to build up to an optimum dose that relieves symptoms. It may be helpful if you read the following link 'Safely Getting Well on Thyroid Hormones'.

naturalthyroidsolutions.com...

Also, all vitamins/minerals have to be optimal too. B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.

Thyroid hormones should be taken on an empty stomach (usually when we awake but some prefer a bedtime dose - stomach still has to be empty with one full glass of water. You allow a 1 hour gap before eating as food can interfere with the uptake of hormones.

[Bestisyettocome in reply to shaws]

Thank you I've been on levothyroxine for 8 years, last july thought I was going crazy, and they put me on 50mcg, my hand pain went away after 7 weeks, and showed it was normal..they only do tsh..my memory and concentration everything is so off so i had all hormone levels checked, total hysterectomy 16 yrs ago..that is where they said I had hashimotos and switched me to armor 1 week ago friday, and my hands are already hurting and my heart racing..they just act like your a pain in the ass for even calling..I know armor is supposed to work better for hashimoto's but I dont need my heart beating out of my chest..but she bumped it up from 30 to 45..Lord help us all

[shaws Administrator in reply to Bestisyettocome]

What was your very first dose of levothyroxine? I'm assuming it was 25mcg?

I am not medically qualified but I'd reduce the dose slightly at present as that might help your body to accept NDT as it has all the hormones a healthy gland would produce.

Gradually increase dose slightly every few weeks (you can use a cutter to split the tablet) concentrating on your symptoms. It might also help your heart to calm down. NDT is from animals' so should be more conducive to our bodies than a synthetic hormone.

I must also state I'm not medically qualified but also had the same struggle to find a thyroid hormone replacement that suits my body and makes me feel better. We are all different I know so it can be trial and error.

[Bestisyettocome in reply to shaws]

Thank you so much!

[Hidden]

A possibility for your hand problem is carpal tunnel syndrome, common with thyroid problems. One way to diagnose this is to hold your hands above your head, as if surrendering. If the symptoms get worse by doing his you should ask your GP for his opinion and a possible referral for tests. A simple and permanent solution with a 15 minute operation.

A possibility for your feet is gout which often affects just the big toes but can be anywhere on the feet. Again speak to your GP and read up about it as well. No easy cure as I well know!

All the best to you.

[Bestisyettocome in reply to Hidden]

Thanks!