Chronic Insomnia Part 2

[Sami-M]

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Above is a link to my previous post from 3 weeks ago. I've now asked my husband to communicate in the group on my behalf, as my condition has worsened significantly. I'm struggling to function, walking is difficult, my speech is slurred, my heart feels weak and I feel like my body is disconnected from my brain.

Three weeks ago, I reduced my T4 dosage from 125 mcg to 112.5 mcg, and two days later, I lowered my T3 from 25 mcg to 18.75 mcg. Initially, I felt slightly better and managed to sleep 3-4 hours for two nights, but then the insomnia returned.

The insomnia is unbearable, and we're at a loss for what to do next. We're considering whether something like sodium oxybate (Xyrem) could help reset my circadian rhythm. Last night, I had a diphenhydramine tablet, a high dose of magnesium glycinate, apigenin, glycine, and a small amount of melatonin, but I still couldn't sleep. We're desperate for any advice or solution. Thank you and thank you to everyone who responded to my post 3 weeks ago.

[arTistapple]

Two questions/suggestions.

I see you are in the United Arab Emirates. Is this your place of origin or have you recently moved there from e.g. UK or The States?

Massive upheaval to your life moving home and/or to a country which tends to be high temperature and high humidity. That could mess with your medication levels. I know any time I went to Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates it always took me a distinct time to ‘acclimatise’.

Looks also to me that you have dropped both T4 and T3 too quickly (almost together). Doing this will increase your ‘state’. Reduction must be done carefully. Just as carefully as increasing.

sparkly previously suggested drop the T3, maybe even for a few days stop it altogether first, as it has immediate impact. I think that’s a good idea and reintroduce it at a lower level in a few days. T4 will take longer to notice any difference but may still need reducing.

However also give some thought to your circumstances. Has anything changed (that other non hypo people would take in their stride) that hypos must be more aware of?

[Bertwills]

I have had insomnia for decades & have tried many things. Some help more than others. I recently was prescribed 5 mcg of diazapam to help with muscle spasms. I slept much better than usual & had some dreams, something I haven’t done for ages so I think it improved the quality of my sleep. You might find it difficult to have it prescribed , benzos are very unpopular with medics but they’re excellent for certain conditions

[sparkly]

Could you possibly be going through perimenopause? It can start late 30's for some ladies.Why I say is because perimenopause played havoc with me. I was on t3 only and doing OK. Then no matter what dose I was on it just wasn't working. Upping, downing or stopping. I was very ill, couldn't function, struggled walking was very slow, very fatigued and absolutely horrible to live with 0-60 in 3 seconds.

I've always struggled falling asleep, 2-3am every night. Not insomnia as such but circadian rhythm completely out.

I was so ill I found a private endocrinologist who unbeknown to me was a prominent menopause specialist too. Neither my nhs endo or he's knew what was causing my issues.

She said I was perimenopause and this was causing my issues with thyroid meds.

So was correct, after some trial and error settled on oestrogel and utrogestan hrt. Got my life back and eventually settled back on t3.

If you are possibly in perimenopause then taking utrogestan could possibly help with insomnia. Utrogestan has a welcomed side effect, it can give ladies a sedative affect and make them sleep. I've gone from falling asleep 2/3am, to an hour or 2 after taking my utrogestan I'm completely knocked out and now sleep 7/8 hours.

Doesn't happen for everyone and some ladies cannot tolerate progesterone but if your at that age then worth looking into.

[Joiesmom]

I'm right there with you. I've been hypo/hashimotos for 25 years. Sleep has been bad that entire time. I've taken OTC sleep aids, antihistamines and even Xanax. Since menopause the problem is even worse. I'm seeing a psychiatrist on Monday to discuss medication since my primary has no suggestions and I'm at my wits end.