Wellness

[Sassycoco]

Hello, I was just diagnosed this today after routine blood tests.
My Dr. thought it was just menopause. But you know when you feel "off" ....I've been really tired and weak .Just not feeling myself .

Anyone else, have this condition? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated 😊

[Kachina624]

@Sassycoco   You'll probably get medication and hopefully soon be good as new.  Fingers crossed for you.

[Sassycoco]

@Kachina624

Thank you ! Yes ,I'm picking up Levothyroxine tomorrow!
I've been researching everything I can about this condition! I feel overwhelmed 😕
I appreciate your kindness...

[Icegoddess]

I've been on Levothyroxine for years.  Your doctor should check your numbers again in a few months to make sure you're on the correct dosage.  Some people have to go back every few months, but I've been stable for years and only get mine checked once a year at my Annual.  Hopefully, the Levothyroxine works for you.  I know some do better on Synthroid and some swear by Armour (pig's thyroid) and they all seem to think the one that works for them is the best.  I say whatever works for you is the best.  

Also, you might have your doctor check your vit. D.  That's another one that can cause fatigue.  I'm on maintenance prescription D now.  I can't go off it without getting extreme fatigue.  I think that may have something to do with the thyroid disease too.  

[Sassycoco]

@Icegoddess

I will check about Vitamin D

Any side effects to the medication? If you don't mind ,sharing?
Thank you 😊

What I've read ,hairloss seems to be #1 ...Taking the med on an empty stomach and no coffee at least an hour after taking.

[Icegoddess]

I didn't have much in the way of side effects.  I've always had fairly thin, baby fine hair.  I do take Biotin for hair growth, but if you take Biotin or a hair growth supplement that contains it, you have to remember to stop taking it for a few days before any bloodwork as it can interfere with the results.  I lost the tails to my eyebrows which is a common indicator of hypothyroidism, not a side effect of the medication.  And, I have cold intolerance, but I've been cold natured my entire adult life.  

I just take my med in the morning and go about my business.  

[coconut1818]

I have been on it for years. A few years back my nurse told me to be sure and take it with a full glass of water. I had never been told that before. After being on the same dosage for years, my last lab showed it was not in the normal range anymore. He adjusted the dosage and all is good now. Best of luck. 

[CritterKeeper]

Many years ago I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. I was very low. It was right after I had my first baby and everybody kept saying it was postpartum. I knew something was off. Plus it runs in my family. It took several tries to get my medication dose right. I had to have blood tests every couple of months until things leveled out. I have been on the same dose for several years now. I have bloodwork every year to check.

It may take some time but be patient. You will get to feeling much better soon.

[sunsetbeach]

I've been taking Synthroid for over 30 years.  Don't worry about taking this medication for hypothryroidism, I have no side effects at all.  I did find that I functioned better on the brand, as opposed to the generic.  I take it about an hour before breakfast with a glass of water on an empty stomach.  I get checked once a year with no issues. 

[BlueFinch]

@Sassycoco You should be just fine. Hypothyroidism is a fairly common issue. It's important to take the medication as prescribed, but it's not complicated. 

The key is to find the right dosage. My mom was on Levothyroxine for several decades and her TSH levels held constant. And, she cheated sometimes, not taking her pill on an empty stomach, but still, her levels barely fluctuated.

Then I was diagnosed and not as lucky. It took several follow-up visits and labs to find the right dose. I have 100mcg and 112mcg tablets, with the 100's four days a week and the 112's three days a week.

I hate that I have to have two different dose scripts, but it's what I have to do to keep my TSH number where I need it, to stay in the normal range and feel my best. Once a year labs is all I need for now. Hope it doesn't change. 

After you work out the dosing that's best for you, you will relish feeling like your old self again. You'll also be joining a club with many members with hypothyroidism :-). You're far from alone. Good luck.