Hypothyroidism: What Now?

I am also suffering from the same. Doctors prescribed me 25 mg thyroxine tablet and later it was settled to 150 mg of the same medicine . I did not get any better. I eventually left all the medications and now drink holy water everyday instead of the pill.

Let's do one thing you pray for me and I will pray for you.

In Christ

*Vee*

Hey you two: I hope you'll both get better. Thyroid problems can be a real pain and are such a chameleon in the sense that hypothyroidism can cause such a wide array of problems. Fortunately, with the advent of laboratory testing, this condition is routinely diagnosed and can usually be treated very well with L-Thyroxin supplementation.

@Dark Walker: To answer your question - yes, it is possible and highly likely that you'll fully recover once your dosage of L-Thyroxin is sufficient. Physiologically, a hormone from the brain (called "TSH" or thyroid stimulating hormone is secreted that tells your thyroid gland (located in front of your voice box) to produce its hormones (T3 and T4). Your thyroid gland is obviously not producing enough of these hormones, which in turn causes your brain to secrete more of that TSH (because the brain thinks that by shouting at the thyroid gland, things will improve).
Because it's difficult to see exactly how every body responds to 25µg of your supplemented L-Thyroxin (which is T3), your doctor will check the TSH-levels in the blood and may increase the dose if the level remains high. This is just something that needs to be figured out over the next couple of weeks and you might have to be patient for your symptoms to fully improve.

As for the ailments you mentioned: exhaustion, brittle hair, and memory loss are all very typical symptoms of hypothyroidism - so, chances are that you're going to feel better in this regard, once you're adequately supplemented.

As for why hypothyroidism is dangerous: well, for a multitude of reasons. Two of these reasons are "serious business" - one being the increased risk of coronary heart disease. This is risky because it will cause a lot of problems later on in life: basically what happens is that cholesterol deposits in your arteries, clogging them up and causing a shortage of blood in the tissue. This is what is known as a heart attack, stroke or peripheral arterial disease (all are manifestations of the same basic problem). Coronary heart disease is a very, very common problem that causes about 15% of all deaths - as such, reducing a risk factor means you're investing in a healthy future.

The other, more acute killer is the risk of myxedema coma. This is a rare complication, but should be mentioned. Basically, what happens is this: you already have a low thyroid function - imagine what would happen if that last reserve of thyroid function is completely lost! Stress, surgery, trauma - anything could trigger your thyroid gland to momentarily stop producing enough thyroid hormones to keep your body going. The result is that your heart beats too slowly for your body to be supplied with enough oxygen, meaning that you slip into a coma.... sounds very dramatic and is extremely rare, and usually only found in patients that have a severe case of hypothyroidism and then also additionally had an infection.

Again, this all sounds dramatic and you shouldn't worry about it. Nonetheless, it goes to show that taking your thyroid medication is a hassle-free way to boost your physical and mental health.

I hope that this somewhat helps to clear up any questions you have. I tried to keep it as simple as possible - if you have further questions, please feel free to have a go. If there's a specific article that you're having trouble understanding, you can post that aswell and I'll see if I can have a look.

Either way, I hope you feel better soon!
By the way, 25µg is on the lower end of the dosage spectrum - so chances are good that the extent of your hypothyroidism is limited.

@Girly123 While I admire your faith, I do believe that it is useful to take your medicine as it is perscribed by your doctor. :/ But then again, it is your body and your decision and your responsibility.

Medication is mandatory of the treatment of Hypothyroidism. It isnt that dangerous disease.
Symptoms may include unexplained weight gain, Fatique, Slower heart rate, Thinning of hair,Puffy face.

When hypothyroidism isn't treated, signs and symptoms can gradually become more severe.
You'll also need to see your doctor for periodic testing of your thyroid function.

remember too that most food products contain soy flour(disguised under several different names too) and that is very bad. it is especially bad for thyroid. if possible see elaine hollingsworth info about soy, to protect your health and your thyroid.

maureen salaman's books are excellent also, published from medical reports and supported by about 100,000 licensed doctors in the usa in the NHF National Health Federation. the nutritional aspects are often not realized unless you really look into it yourself to find out what's been discovered in the past but isn't 'profitable enough' to be discussed in most official environs.
so in other words like in most cases you're "on your own" in a big wide field to find out what you can, and there's tons of both good and bad information out there, officially and unofficially.
pray a lot, and keep praying, seeking truth. Yhvh is always Faithful and won't let you down.

Hypothyroidism is very often caused by severe iodine deficiencies from what I've heard and read, according to Drs. David Brownstein and Jorge Flechas, leading experts in the field, among others. A person needs at least 12.5 mg/day, but most of us only get around 1 or 2 mg if we're lucky. Women need more because estrogen counteracts iodine in the body. Plus, their breasts require 5 or more mg alone, depending on size. Chlorine and bromine in bread also displaces iodine in the body, so try to limit your intake and exposure to both if you can.

The 150 mcg/day RDA for iodine is total garbage. Most doctors don't know this because the FDA doesn't want them to.

Iodine and selenium go well together. 12.5 to 20 mg/day of iodine and 200-400 mcg of selenium/day will suffice.

Lugol's iodine or nascent iodine are the best forms. They're available online. You may also google and youtube the doctors I quoted.

First off Senator Cheese gave a lot of good info. For me the thyroid is like a regulator, it get messed
up it affects other systems. I have Hashi's where my immune system attacks my thyroid. My doc
was about useless and I would give him info from various thyroid forums. I got on natural thyroid hormone (animal sources). I have been doing better on that and some supplements that helped get my energy
back(B12 for one). Docs. usually work from a TSH range and work from there. There are other thyroid tests to be done like antibodies. Using a whole thyroid panel gives more in depth info to be looked at. For me I found a GP that is also into alternative options and not the laptop and choose a drug like my last doc.
This guy looks into supporting systems like low iron and the like. I found you really got to do your homework today and find someone to work with you. Bob mentioned Iodine which if you have Hashi's can sometimes work against you. I tried that and my Hashi's flared up. Everyone is different, you have to find what works for you. My sister is hypothyroid also and just take a tiny synthroid and is doing great. BTW, for the OP, getting things regulated can help get your body back in order(like rough patches on my elbows cleared up).Diet also helps as some things we eat can hinder our thyroid. Like the word you have to read/study to get the benefits. God bless . Looking fwd to eternity where this achey mortal tent gets traded in..

Why is hypoT is dangerous? Please read the old book "Solved: The riddle of heart disease," by Broda Barnes. The symptoms you have, memory loss, mid day exhaustion and even hair loss, are these new? These are signs of low thyroid. How did you feel before and on what grounds did the doc deem you hypoT? Also, Synthetic T4 is frequently poorly converted to T3 in the hypothyroid liver so T4 can build up decreasing ability to use T3. Be sure to eat enough sugars and protein for the health of your liver and, subsequently, adequate thyroid hormone conversion.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/basics/complications/con-20021179

On the psych floor, one of the first lab tests we run is on thyroid function because thyroid issues can present like psychiatric problems.

I've been on thyroid since I was 22. A doctor thought it would help "rev up" my furnace. What it did was shut down my own! By the time I found that out, and tried to get off it, it was too late, mine wouldn't start back up. I tried several things to get of it, nothing worked and I would end up feeling horrible and gaining weight while trying. It isn't only soy you need to avoid, it's the cabbage family also--kale, broccoli. They interfere with thyroid absorption. Took me a while to discover that, but research is important, the doctors don't tell you everything. After more than 40 years I still have my hair--though I do have to take Biotin. I wish I'd known about it years ago. without it, my hair loss is much greater. When I stop it, my hair loss increases. It always be very fine, but I had a lot of it, and it is a little on the fuzzy, curly side, so it looked fuller. I've had a weight problem my whole life--my metabolism must be that of the South American sloth. I've often wished I could just take more thyroid to see if I could possible get some weight off, but they won't go above what they want to give you unless your blood work goes down. Besides, it was that kind of thinking that shut my thyroid down!!

You all really should take your medication, at least if you have a competent doctor. Getting you levels straightened out can take a really long time, like months.

If you are having issues talk things over with your doctor. If you feel the doctor isn't fixing it after a period of time, seek a second opinion.

Girly123 said:

I am also suffering from the same. Doctors prescribed me 25 mg thyroxine tablet and later it was settled to 150 mg of the same medicine . I did not get any better. I eventually left all the medications and now drink holy water everyday instead of the pill.

Let's do one thing you pray for me and I will pray for you.

In Christ

*Vee*

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I also have hypothyroidism and while I think drinking Holy Water is probably a good thing, we must remember that God gave us medicine for a reason. However, I still have symptoms and I'm on 75 milligrams on levothyroxine daily. Try cutting wheat out of your diet as well.

Bobinator said:

Hypothyroidism is very often caused by severe iodine deficiencies from what I've heard and read, according to Drs. David Brownstein and Jorge Flechas, leading experts in the field, among others. A person needs at least 12.5 mg/day, but most of us only get around 1 or 2 mg if we're lucky. Women need more because estrogen counteracts iodine in the body. Plus, their breasts require 5 or more mg alone, depending on size. Chlorine and bromine in bread also displaces iodine in the body, so try to limit your intake and exposure to both if you can.

The 150 mcg/day RDA for iodine is total garbage. Most doctors don't know this because the FDA doesn't want them to.

Iodine and selenium go well together. 12.5 to 20 mg/day of iodine and 200-400 mcg of selenium/day will suffice.

Lugol's iodine or nascent iodine are the best forms. They're available online. You may also google and youtube the doctors I quoted.

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Talk to your doctor before taking iodine. Sometimes it can cause more problems for the thyroid, especially if you are suffering from Auto immune thyroid issues. At least this is what my doctor told me.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2005 and never got the correct dose until this last year, 2015. For ten years I suffered from repeated bouts of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) which I finally linked to the flu shot. SAT is like having the worst flu ever except it's centered in your thyroid gland and also creates systemic symptoms. One time I looked like a chipmunk with a huge nut lodged in my neck. If I got the shot in my right arm within two months I had SAT in that side of my neck. Last year I opted for no flu shot and didn't get SAT. My tests stabilized for the first time in ten years with my TSH hovering between 0.75 and 1.65. I take 175 mcg/day.

I also take Vit B12, a B-complex, magnesium, and a multivitamin. I wait four to six hours after taking my thyroid med before taking any supplements.

Hypothyroidism caused problems with allergies for me. I was already allergic to certain things and now more have been added.

I was born with no thyroid but it wasn't detected until I was 9 months old. I have been on thyroxine since then. I have thyroid function tests every 6 months and now that I have lost 30kg I have had my dose reduced to 150 micrograms. I take my thyroxine when I get up for my walk at 5.30am and my Rhodiola which surprisingly doesn't react with the Thyroxine. I have breakfast when I get back.
Do you have an endocrinologist? Because I really recommend going to one.

mmksparbud said:

I've been on thyroid since I was 22. A doctor thought it would help "rev up" my furnace. What it did was shut down my own! By the time I found that out, and tried to get off it, it was too late, mine wouldn't start back up. I tried several things to get of it, nothing worked and I would end up feeling horrible and gaining weight while trying. It isn't only soy you need to avoid, it's the cabbage family also--kale, broccoli. They interfere with thyroid absorption. Took me a while to discover that, but research is important, the doctors don't tell you everything. After more than 40 years I still have my hair--though I do have to take Biotin. I wish I'd known about it years ago. without it, my hair loss is much greater. When I stop it, my hair loss increases. It always be very fine, but I had a lot of it, and it is a little on the fuzzy, curly side, so it looked fuller. I've had a weight problem my whole life--my metabolism must be that of the South American sloth. I've often wished I could just take more thyroid to see if I could possible get some weight off, but they won't go above what they want to give you unless your blood work goes down. Besides, it was that kind of thinking that shut my thyroid down!!

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Don't ever give up ! You found out a lot many people never know by doing your own research. There are medical clinics in the usa and neighboring countries that 'might' have some helpful info. (can't publish or advertise in the usa).

My thyroid has pretty much packed up after me suspecting it for a decade. 3 years ago I had all symptoms of fybromyalgia and hypothyroidism. Except depression, the weight gain wasn't that significant either, just a 3 inches. Even taking a shower hurt, the water felt like being beaten up by a weak person.

Eventually got diagnosed after not even being able to eat anymore without it making me shiver and not being able to breath enough to speak a sentance one day. Blood test said my TSH was well off the scale. Was above 150... should be under 10. Less in a medicated person.

It took nearly a year at full dosage for the bone and muscle aches to stop. Two years since diagnosis I struggle with fatigue only when I haven't been active enough for a couple of days or not had full night sleep. Going to bed a little late too often with out enough full night sleeps.

Intolerance to cold is the most bothersome symptom and my hair has never recovered its richness in tone.

If you don't feel better soon, rest assured you might feel a lot better in future. I'm due my yearly blood test soon and hope my meds need increased a little, I think with an increase I might have the feeling of optimum health.

mmksparbud said:

I've been on thyroid since I was 22. A doctor thought it would help "rev up" my furnace. What it did was shut down my own! By the time I found that out, and tried to get off it, it was too late, mine wouldn't start back up. I tried several things to get of it, nothing worked and I would end up feeling horrible and gaining weight while trying. It isn't only soy you need to avoid, it's the cabbage family also--kale, broccoli. They interfere with thyroid absorption. Took me a while to discover that, but research is important, the doctors don't tell you everything. After more than 40 years I still have my hair--though I do have to take Biotin. I wish I'd known about it years ago. without it, my hair loss is much greater. When I stop it, my hair loss increases. It always be very fine, but I had a lot of it, and it is a little on the fuzzy, curly side, so it looked fuller. I've had a weight problem my whole life--my metabolism must be that of the South American sloth. I've often wished I could just take more thyroid to see if I could possible get some weight off, but they won't go above what they want to give you unless your blood work goes down. Besides, it was that kind of thinking that shut my thyroid down!!

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This is the risk with pretty much any hormone replacement therapy, especially when you're young. If you're deficient in a given hormone and attempt to increase it synthetically(by replacement hormone or stimulating hormone) from an exogenous source, it will always have an effect on the mechanisms involved in the natural production of said hormone. Many hormone production pathways work off of what is called a "negative feedback" mechanism, which means once enough of a given hormone is produced, the body(usually within the brain/pituitary) will signal to stop production of stimulating hormone(s).

This is why not all cases should automatically be treated with hormone replacement unless its deemed necessary by an endocrinologist. I've heard of people using thyroid hormone just for the sake of weight-loss when there really wasn't anything significantly wrong with their natural TH levels(although the doctors would claim otherwise just for the sake of prescribing a pill and making their patients psychologically "feel better"). What ended up happening is they permanently shut down their natural TH production and ended up having to be on it for the rest of their life.

seayhere said:

Talk to your doctor before taking iodine. Sometimes it can cause more problems for the thyroid, especially if you are suffering from Auto immune thyroid issues. At least this is what my doctor told me.

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In California since the nuclear big wave in Japan the
Lugol's Solution has become available again over the counter without a prescription THANKFULLY ! (it used to be available by signing for it as a schedule V medicine, then was not avaible at all without a prescription for some number of years)...

It is highly used and recommended anytime there is a radiastion fall-out from big boom or melt-down,
like at chrnobel/ fukshima/ etc etc

Only one drop a day in a full glass of water is often enough to make a difference
both (when there's radiation)
to avoid cancer/ thyroid deficiency/ damage
and
as directed by doctors when there's other thyroid issues also.

It is inexpensive, and some clinics won't bother with it perhaps for that reason, but a lot of information is widely available about it at the library and so forth.

It is also VERY concentrated, so must be handled with more care than most food or supplements, do not let kids get to it.(remember the little bottles of VERY RED mecurichrome!? decades ago used for scratches etc )

I started a diet for Hashimoto's (which is usually what hypothyroidism is). I did a ton of research when I started thinking I had it (I was in the process of finding someone to do the tests for a long time).

Hypothyroidism ultimately means that your cells are not being stimulated to heal and regenerate, so your body will just slowly break down. Hashimoto's means that your immune system is attacking your thyroid, and therefore your thyroid is not producing enough T4 hormone, which is then converted to T3 and T3 is what stimulates your cells to function.

Medication can improve T3 or T4 levels with synthetic variations, but you can only address Hashimoto's via diet and stress management. The best Hashimoto's diet is probably going to be a variation of a nutrient-dense paleo diet, as grains, dairy, processed foods, imbalanced blood sugar etc are most likely to be the culprits.

Personally I follow the autoimmune protocol, but I am hoping to get close to regular paleo in the end. I take no medication at the moment, but my levels were balanced by the time I got testing done. The diet works for me though!