I just went to the doctor for a physical and he said I am in fantastic health except that my Thyroid is underactive (moderate condiditon). He said he is not too concerned because I work out regularly and am not overweight. I have to go back in a month for another test and get medication. Medication I will have to take for the rest of my life!! I am a little upset about this and concerned about taking new meds.
Anyone know anything about this?
Kathy116
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
I do know an underactive thyroid causes hair loss, and sluggishness. That's all I know.
Before you take the meds. be absolutely sure you have this disease, because the tests are not always 100% diagnostic, there are a number of tests that are done to diagnose this: TSH stimulation, T4, Free T4, TSH level, and so on. Find out what tests your MD ordered, and possibly go for a second opinion before you put yourself on medication for life that you may not need.
Also, labs have been known to make errors, it wouldn't hurt to have the bloods done again.
Chloegirl
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
I have to go back in a month to run those additional tests. Then he said he will determine what type and dose meds I should take. I will probably go for a second opinion. Thanks for the info!
swags1016
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
Please make sure you get a second opinion. My father has thyroid disease. He has been on both sides, which is possible. He was just on steriods because the overactive thryoid was causing heart papls. and they killed off his tyroid and he is still having this problem!
Also take a look at webmd there are a lot of good articles on there.
ChristineC68
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
I was treated for an overactive thryroid condition that has led to an underactive thryroid. I take synthroid everyday to maintain the proper levels. It's not that bad and it's fairly common among women.
You should definitely go for a second opinion with an endocrinologist. There is a full screening of blood tests to be done to accuratley diagnose your condition.
endlessluv429
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
I have an underactive Thyroid--been on synthroid since I was 13. It made me lose weight! WOOHOO! but besides that it's not a big deal--it took a few attempts and a lot of blood work to figure out the right dosage level--they think mine was caused by a virus--all the sudden my neck was so HUGE i couldn't button a shirt & i had horrible hot flashes and now that it's regulated I am always FREEZING!!! But now I just go once a year to get my blood taken to test levels--in the beginning not to scare you but I lost of hair and was SOOO Tired I bearly was functioning in school--but like I said they think it was a virus so not everyone reacts like that--I also skipped periods but I'm pretty much fine now--just something you have to stay on top of! totally don't freak out about it-
Also--keep in mind that there is HYPO AND HYPER (OVERACTIVE) the overactive thyroid condition is much more dangerous and deals with the heart and stuff like that--so if you 'have' to have one the underactive is the lesser of the two evils
Chloegirl
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
Thanks for all the replies...I will sleep a little better tonight. I guess I have some research and doc. appts aheah of me...i'll keep ya posted!
stacey7-13
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
In August I had to have my thyroid removed so I now take synthroid to 'replace' my thyroid. I am still in the process of getting my levelsregulated and in that process I have gained 15 pounds However, what gets me through it is knowing that once my thyroid is regulated all will be back to normal. My docotr just switched my dose and I feel like a new woman.
The Best advice I can give you is to see an endocrinologist even after you have those tests from your regular doctor. I have become quite knowledgeable on this topic since my experience in the past year so if you have any questions feel free to FM me
dandj
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
Stacy - I had my thyroid removed three years ago and the process after it was horrendous... but now with the Synthroid things are perfect. I actually have a doctors appt. today to check my levels. I hardly ever think about it. Just curious... who did your surgery?
Being on Synthroid is not a bad thing. At first I was freaked out about it, but you do lose weight on it, which is always a plus. And if you forget a day it's no big deal, I just take two the next day.
LizD
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
I too am another underactive thyroid lady. I have been on Synthroid since 1989 and it really isn't bad at all. I must agree with the other ladies, it is best to see an endocrinologist for this, not just an md.
alina
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
If I am not mistaken a regular MD has to refer you to an endocrinologist anyway to administer synthroid and other meds like that...
I was like you as well, I have no symptoms of underactive thyroid and one wouldn't know it unless there was a blood test. I was also pretty reluctant to start taking drugs, but in the end, the consequenses of not taking them are much worse (and I can't remember what they are, I just remember being scared). But someone has mentioned that supposed synthroid/etc has some negative effects on pregnancy, and I have my appt next week, so I'll ask, but its important that you ask too prior to taking medicine.
stacey7-13
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
Dr. Pollack in Manhattan did my surgery, I had it done at St. Luke's. I loved him. I had my last follow-up visit with him last week. He said 'please don't take this personally, but I hope I never have to see you again!'
On the other hand I hate my endocrinologist. can anyone recommend a good one in NYC?
alina
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
Stacey, I go to Dr. Edward Merker on 35 E. 86, at Park Ave... Have gone to him for a few years, no complains and I use him to get general medicine advice too. He has 2 certifications, one in Dermatology and one in Internal Medicine.
endlessluv429
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
Definetely see an endocrinologist-they are more knowledgeable about this condition! I always thought that you weren't supossed to take a double does under any circumstances! I was told if you miss one dose-just wait till the next time--I actually just started taking mine in the morning on an empty stomach--the dr. told me it didn't matter when you took it as long as it was the same time everyday-i always took it @ Dinnertime but because of my work hours I am hardly home for dinner @ night-so I switched to the morning because I am always home in the morning! I also would love to know the effects of it on pregnancy-not that I want kids in the before the next 5 years but it does cross my mind--also what are the effects when you are on the pill?
stacey7-13
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
I was also told to take the pill on an empty stomach and if you miss a dose just take 1. I take my synthroid in the AM and BC in the PM.
as far as getting pregnant, I was told that a lot of women cannot conceive bc they have a thyroid problem that they do not know about. But since I am aware of my thyroid (or lack of a thyroid ) problem this will never be a problem because my thyroid is under constant observation. Not that I plan on getting pregnant anytime soon.
jenny11.9
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
Chloe I have a SEVERELY underactive thyroid. I had no idea although I was exhibiting all the symptoms. Ridges in my nails, extremely dry skin and terrible lethargy. What finally got me in for a checkup was that I was falling asleep at red lights and stop signs! And I couldn’t hold my arm up to blow dry my hair! It’s really incapacitating. The meds are FINE. My thyroid produces nothing on it’s own and I am on a very high dosage of levoxyl for it. You’ll lose a few pounds if your thyroid level was low enough – that’s good news! Otherwise, I have been on it for 5 years and am totally fine. Only if I skip it do I find the symptoms start to creep back. You have to be very responsible with it and make sure to take it. Your menstrual cycle may change as well. Keep in mind your thyroid controls a tremendous amount of functions!
Good luck! Any questions let me know!
nylisa
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
I am another underactive thyroid patient. I go to an endrocolongist in Staten Island and have been on synthroid since 1998. I do go for regular blood tests every 3 months. It is being regularted and taken care of. I would definetely go see a specialist besides an MD.
LizD
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Re: Underactive Thyroid....
I have never heard that Synthroid would be bad to take during pregnancy. I have to check that out further. I have heard that you can have a hard time getting prego with an underactive thyroid as well.
Edited to add information: PREGNANCY: Thyroid hormone therapy during pregnancy is usually safe but should be supervised by a physician.
NURSING MOTHERS: Thyroid hormone therapy in nursing mothers is usually safe but should be supervised by a physician.
