What's the harm???

[aeroangie]

I know many of you here with Hashi's might know the answer to some of these questions. I see my endocrinologist again this Wednesday so I want to say the magic words to get some better medictions.

If my TSH is still normal but my hair is now shedding at an alarming rate, why can't I increase my Synthroid? WILL IT HARM ME IN ANY WAY?

I am currently on 50 MCG as a "back up" for when my thyroid actually decides to go kaput and I am not understanding this. Why - when I am having increasing symptoms of hypothyroidism - am I supposed to "wait" until my thyroid does a complete swan dive? Why don't they want to help me before I become half bald and fat? What must I SAY to get the help I need?

I know I sound desperate!

Thanks in advance and I just wanted to say I have missed you all! Have had serious sickness in my family so haven't focused on myself - but now it's time.

[Nancy LC]

If my TSH is still normal but my hair is now shedding at an alarming rate, why can't I increase my Synthroid? WILL IT HARM ME IN ANY WAY?
Not immediately. The harm is likely if you're massively hyperthyroid, you can get a ... thinking of the word, cytotoxic thyroid storm (something like that). But you'd have plenty of warning from hyperthyroid symptoms.

The harm your doctor will talk about is osteoporosis but there's only very weak evidence of that and you'd probably have to be long term very hyperthyroid.

Right now the standard of care is to under treat but these doctors don't realize how awful that is for the patients. You might want to put your complaint into words the doctor might sympathize with like, "Imagine getting up in the day and brushing your hair and seeing it fall out like crazy. Not having the energy to do my work. Gaining weight like mad despite a carefully controlled diet. This is what I am going through. Please help me." It might work! If you can put it into terms that make them realize the quality of your life is being degraded ... maybe it'd work. Promise them that you'll report any hyperthyroid symptoms immediately.

The other option is to find a different doctor.

Something I have done is experimentally take an extra half pill once every couple weeks or so. You MUST be cautious and go very slowly. It takes 6-8 weeks for it to take full effect and if you take a bunch quickly you're going to be very miserable and hyperthyroid a few weeks down the road. This stuff builds up! This is why doctors go slowly. I wouldn't really advise anyone to do this unless they're very knowledgeable about what it is like to be hyperthyroid. My disease made me hyper so I'm well acquainted with the experience and know what to look for. And if you get tested while you're doing this, your doctor might put you on a lower dose, so I had to back off before any testing.

[JAnn]

I would also ask to be tested for adrenal insufficiency which is often a problem when a person has a thyroid problem and it can cause hair loss. It is a saliva test that your doctor may not want to order but I would strongly advise it. You can get it from ZRT Labs.

[Marrin7]

Ditto on testing the adrenals!

[aeroangie]

Thanks for all your replies. If anyone has a link so I can read about adrenal insufficiency please post it for me.

Nancy, I have taken a few extra Synthroids - maybe like 3 over the past month. I did seem to feel better as far as my energy level, but then worried I could be harming myself. Should I tell the doctor this? I am between a rock and a hard place as far as changing doctors but have seen two endocrinologists. I am definitely thinking about seeing one recommended on Mary Shonnon's site that is a few hours away from here if I don't get control of these symptoms. I will post my blood test results soon so maybe I can get the information I need to help myself. Thanks so much!

[JAnn]

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info/

http://thyroid.about.com/od/drdavidderry/l/bl11.htm

http://thyroid.about.com/od/drsrichkarileeshames/a/thyroidadrenal.htm

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/shamesadrenal.htm

http://endocrine-disorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_thyroid_and_adrenal_connection (http://endocrine-disorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_thyroid_and_adrenal_connection)

Hope this helps.