posted
Background: Male, 45 years old, got Lyme last spring, went undiagnosed for a few months, killed it with high-dose Doxy. Have had worsening symptoms of thyroid problems: major hair loss/thinning, total loss of libido, circles under eyes, facial acne, depression.
Last July when I had full-blown Lyme, my TSH was 3.25. On December 15 it was 4.25. On December 31 it was 5.15, with my free T4 at 1.06. After that test, the doctor would not write me a thyroid med prescription.
I went to a new doctor last week and got the following test results: TSH 6.10, free T4 of 1.38, free T3 of 3.2, testosterone of 556, serum cortisol 13.5. Symptoms have been worsening during last few weeks.
Today that new doctor told me my free T4/T3 levels, testosterone, and cortisol were all within normal. She said she would write me a prescription for Synthroid only, and only because I have a high TSH combined with symptoms. I asked about T3 meds and she said no.
I am considering ordering Nature-Throid over the internet. I see it comes in "grains" which is confusing. If I order it, what dosage should I consider (half grain, full grain, etc)? Can I take it with the Synthroid or is it good enough by itself? Any advice appreciated.
Posts: 3 | From CT | Registered: Oct 2010
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posted
If I were you and you want to self-treat I would check out realthyroidhelp.com or stopthethyroidmadness.com, both sites have so much info. on how to self treat.
They will even let you know where to get it. But your cortisol, if was taken early in the am is on the low side.
If you want to use natural thyroid, you gotta have good working adrenals...listen I been there and done that if you have ??? PM me. Good Luck
Posts: 151 | From south east | Registered: May 2010
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posted
What is the reference range on your test for Free T3?
Not everyone does best on armour/natural thyroid, by the way. If your T3 is actually normal, you may get all jittery from adding extra.
I see an endo who does prescribe armour, but only uses it when testing indicates it's needed. I suggest you get your antibodies also tested and get an ultrasound too, to check for nodules.
If it was me (and I do have hashimoto's, so was in a somewhat similar situation) I'd go for the synthroid (or equivalent) first and see how you do before self-treating.
Posts: 584 | From NY | Registered: Feb 2009
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Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
It's hard to find doctors who will prescribe T3 (Cytomel). Nature-Throid is the same thing as Armour thyroid. It used to have less fillers but they have reformulated it so they are pretty much the same now.
No, you don't take synthroid with Nature-throid or any other dessicated thyroid replacement.
Synthroid is only T4. Nature-throid is both T4 and T3, as is armour but many, such as myself, take armour plus cytomel (T3).
posted
Lots of good information here. Definitely make sure adrenals are in good condition. If you have Hashimotos chances are they are not. Get antibodies test if you aren't sure.
I have been down the T4 Synthetic road and I will have to disagree on this one. If you are hypothyroid your thyroid is obviously not working properly and is inactive. If you take a synthetic T4 only you are relying on your body to convert to the active most important T3. Now common sense should tell you there are going to be issues there?
Armour and Nature Thyroid have changed formulations with more fillers. I am on ERFA from Canada. I get a Rx from my doc and upload it to universaldrugstore.com. Very happy thus far
-------------------- IgM- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgM- 41+
IgG- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgG- 41++ Posts: 610 | From Lymeville | Registered: Nov 2010
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You might try the Synthroid and see how you do on it (???).
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Abxnomore
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posted
I agree, many people cannot convert T4 into T3 and I don't think synthroid is such a great option. I think dessicated thyroid that contains both T4 and T3 is the better option and adding additional T3 (cytomel) if needed.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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Abxnomore
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posted
Fuel1212 Can you tell me about the medication you are on. Did you switch to it after armour reformulated? Are the initials you listed the full name of the medication.
How are you finding it to be better. I've been contemplating making a switch since they reformulated Armour and would appreciate your input.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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It is ERFA Thyroid, and I believe it is on the main page of that site I mentioned (universaldrugstore) I originally was on the original formulation of Nature Thyroid, which was great I might add. I then ran out of that and got the new formulation. From there started feeling really bad and researched to find out that fillers were added and stuff. I had been a part of a thyroid forum on Medhelp for a long time and came to conclusion that people really liked the ERFA Thyroid product.
I also supplemented the adrenals with Pure Encapsulations ADR. The adrenal can take a long time to get in order, so be patient. I also take a Iodine Forte daily.
Let me know if you need any other info, I am more than happy to help
-------------------- IgM- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgM- 41+
IgG- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgG- 41++ Posts: 610 | From Lymeville | Registered: Nov 2010
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posted
Oh yeah one more thing...I tried the Cytomel also, but it is so fast reacting that I felt like a yo yo hyper, then hypo and got tired of it.
-------------------- IgM- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgM- 41+
IgG- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgG- 41++ Posts: 610 | From Lymeville | Registered: Nov 2010
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Lymeorsomething
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16359
posted
You may still have lyme sorry to say. Hormonal issues have been some of my most noticeable symptoms.
No amount of thyroid tweaking will pay off unless you clear any and all infections (in my case at least).
I was reading recently that H Pylori uses cholesterol. This may be one reason why hormones can be affected with HP infection.
Lyme most likely works in similar ways...Dr. B refers to receptor blockade. Every infection has unique ways to use our bodies against us.
Regardless backfilling with hormones may prove futile with any singular infection acting under the radar.
I would dig a little deeper. Maybe bolster nutrition and check for other infections before trying too many hormone combos, especially sex hormones.
As far as thyroid, the synthroid/cytomel combo works best for me and I've tried all manner of thyroid meds (T3 only, dessicated, generic). You name it.
Everyone is different though.
Good luck. If you find the magic bullet, let me know. I need to borrow it
-------------------- "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong." Posts: 2062 | From CT | Registered: Jul 2008
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Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
Fuel212, thank you very much for that information. I had seen reference to this Canadian product on a thyroid site, too. Good to hear of someone using it with good results.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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tricia386
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29623
posted
anyone try bioidenticals?
-------------------- Lyme activated in April 2010 by gardasil vaccine. DX: Lyme,Babs,Myco,Bart 11/10 Treatment Started: 3/28/11 Posts: 1752 | From Albany, NY | Registered: Dec 2010
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