Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 238206

Shown: posts 131 to 155 of 458. Go back in thread:

 

hypothyroid » BarbaraCat

Posted by katia on November 1, 2003, at 15:03:19

In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » fluffy, posted by BarbaraCat on October 31, 2003, at 19:31:09

HI Barb,
Thanks for your long post of reassurance.
I decided on a whim to take my temp in the evening and even the afternoon. It's 97.3 pretty consistently even now in the morning since it's gotten colder. What of this? I thought temps were suppose to be colder in the morning. I'm proving to be the opposite of this. I'm upping the Lamictal as my only med at the moment and see how that goes - maybe adding Li. However, I'd prefer to try Armour instead of Li. if we get to that point. I'm always so friggin' cold I can't stand it. As soon as the weather gets below 65 degrees. I lose it.
What does Madame Barbara thinks of this?
katia

 

Re: hypothyroid » katia

Posted by BarbaraCat on November 1, 2003, at 16:35:45

In reply to hypothyroid » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 1, 2003, at 15:03:19

Hi Miss KittyKatia,
Are you taking it orally or armpittedly? I've noticed about 1/2 degree less by armpit. I asked my naturopath about this and she said the verdict is out as to which is the better way to take it, but if yours is really less than 97.4 (and some say 97.6) then chances are you're hypothyroid. No matter what the standard TSH tests say. The TSH blood test measures pituitary/hypothalamus response to the level of circulating thyroid hormone but not what's actually getting into the cells. So even if your TSH is within normal bounds you could still be low. Another thing is that standard tests are just that, standard one size fits all. Many doctors think that as long as you're within the range, usually 0.2 to 5, then you're fine. Not so. Anything over 3 is too high, especially for people with mood disorders.

Some of us have trouble converting T4 into T3 and the active form isn't getting to where it counts. There's been some controversy lately about the need for T3 at all. Alot of doctors think that T4 always gets converted to T3 and this may be so for many people, but not for all of us. I do much better and need much less when I'm on the natural dessicated thyroid.

Something that you might find interesting with your consistent 97.3 temp is that 2-1/2 years ago when I was at a very low point physically and emotionally I was tracking my temp. It was 97.4 pretty consistently no matter how much I whipped myself into activity. Always a bone chilling cold, and spacey unreal depression and weeping. My fibro symptoms were much worse also. On days when I was feeling relatively good my temp was higher.

So, if you are hypothyroid (and your body temp is the best indicator of this) then you could truly be feeling ghastly. The thyroid is basically the spark of life for our bodies and everything you can think of is affected when you're off, either hypo or hyper. You'd think that axiety would be mainly a hyper thing and too much definitely causes sweating, anxiety, palpitations, tremors. But hypo also causes anxiety along with coldness, constipation, depression, bipolar swings, frequent colds, weight gain, muscle cramps and aches (is implicated in fibromyalgia), a bone sapping weariness, insomnia and extreme morning draginess. Also, the cells' little furnaces can't burn hot enough to detoxify so you get that yucky toxic feeling as well.

Don't be pursuaded into thinking more iodine is the ticket. I've had many many healthfood store clerks insist on this and it ain't true. Iodine deficiency will definitely cause hypothyroidism, but most of us get plenty of iodine anyway and if there's a metabolic dysfunction iodine won't do it. Ultimately it's a symptom of some other problem, probably in the hypothalamus, but until someone figures out how to heal the root cause we're consigned to taking pills.

If you are hypothyroid then you're on thyroid medication pretty much for life unless a minor miracle occurs. Something you might try before anything is taking L-tyrosine, B6 and C together in the morning. L-Tyrosine 1M, Vit B6 100mg, Vit C 2G. Tyrosine is the precursor to thyroxine and dopamine. One caveat is L-tyrosine can be activating to bipolars, but I've never found it to be so and get a nice lift from it. It sounds like you have access to good complimentary health care and sometimes the best way to judge is to start taking a small dose to see. You also might be one of those who do well on T4 alone. It's really an experiment until you get it just right - just like our head meds. - Barbara


> I decided on a whim to take my temp in the evening and even the afternoon. It's 97.3 pretty consistently even now in the morning since it's gotten colder. What of this? I thought temps were suppose to be colder in the morning. I'm proving to be the opposite of this. I'm upping the Lamictal as my only med at the moment and see how that goes - maybe adding Li. However, I'd prefer to try Armour instead of Li. if we get to that point. I'm always so friggin' cold I can't stand it. As soon as the weather gets below 65 degrees. I lose it.
> What does Madame Barbara thinks of this?
> katia

 

Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat

Posted by katia on November 1, 2003, at 18:02:42

In reply to Re: hypothyroid » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on November 1, 2003, at 16:35:45

Hi Barbara,
Thanks for the info. I'm so dizzy as well and nauseous. I just went for a walk in the afternoon and came straight back and took my temp - 97.8 after a walk in the sun. I'll monitor it straight for a month. My period just ended so that could have something to do with it.
I'll try the l-tryo since I have it and the b and c vits.
cheerio.
kits.

 

Re: hypothyroid » katia

Posted by BarbaraCat on November 1, 2003, at 20:39:36

In reply to Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 1, 2003, at 18:02:42

Jeez, that's a bit on the low side especially after exercising. Yeah, your period could have something to do with it. Wouldn't it be great if you were hypothyroid and that fixed it up? Or put it this way, if you are hypothyroid it's no wonder you're feeling like crap - cold crap.
-Barbara

> Thanks for the info. I'm so dizzy as well and nauseous. I just went for a walk in the afternoon and came straight back and took my temp - 97.8 after a walk in the sun. I'll monitor it straight for a month. My period just ended so that could have something to do with it.
> I'll try the l-tryo since I have it and the b and c vits.
> cheerio.
> kits.

 

Re: Way to go!

Posted by otter on November 1, 2003, at 20:51:56

In reply to Re: Way to go!, posted by Dalilah on September 25, 2003, at 11:24:14

> Hey Barbara,
>
> Yes, me too! Tried a lot of antidepressants and they were horrible for the most part. I've been keeping a mood chart for the first time and it's been incredibly helpful. I just found one online and printed it out.
>
> I'm only on 600mg of Lithium so my level's on the low side. Don't know if this makes a difference but anymore gets me shakey and thirsty. 125mg of Lamictal barely helped me. I had to get to 200mg before I had any steadiness in mood and still lots of break through depression. But more recently 225 and 250 have been incredible. More energy, more focused but most importantly - a normal to elevated mood. Oh, it's just so great after what I've been through.
>
> I had some itchiness at the lower doses, but after my body became aclimated I guess, I've had no itch. I always go up 25mg at a time. And at these higher levels I've had no itchies.
>
> -Dalilah


Dalilah-

Can you tell me where you found the mood chart online? I was diagnosed with Bipolar II today and given lamictal to take in addition to my Celexa and I am worried the lamictal will make me more anxious/agitated or depressed. Thanks!!

 

Re: Way to go! » otter

Posted by BarbaraCat on November 1, 2003, at 21:40:06

In reply to Re: Way to go!, posted by otter on November 1, 2003, at 20:51:56

>I was diagnosed with Bipolar II today and given lamictal to take in addition to my Celexa and I am worried the lamictal will make me more anxious/agitated or depressed.

**Hi Otter,
Are you going to be titrating off the Celexa? If you're BP-II SSRIs are contraindicated. In fact, the major criteria for BP-II could be is that it gets worse with SSRIs. As for lamictal, taking it with lithium has been the best combo I've taken in over 20 years of meds. Lithium seems to give Lam a real boost and offsets agitation. You might also want to give this book a try. It explained alot for me about why my dx of unipolar major depression wasn't right and why I hit the wall from taking SSRIs: "Why your depression isn't getting better" by Michael Bartos, MD. Lamictal is a very good med. I wish you the best of luck. - BarbaraCat

 

Re: hypothyroid » katia

Posted by BarbaraCat on November 1, 2003, at 21:41:35

In reply to Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 1, 2003, at 18:02:42

Hey Katia,
What was that Arvo CD you recommended? He's got so many! - Barbara

 

Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat

Posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 1:33:57

In reply to Re: hypothyroid » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on November 1, 2003, at 21:41:35

Ha ha. We're still on that!
I actually have to give it back. I "broke up" with a friend and it was hers. (it was a healthy choice to end the friendship).
Alina is the name.
I'll have to go and buy it now.
I ordered that Bartos book from B&N. I'll pick it up soon.
HOw're you otherwise?
I'm hesitant to start Li. if I am hypothyroid. I think I should try thyroid meds first before adding Lithium. I was so tired today. I don't get it. Maybe it's depression coming on - a bad one - I can feel the listlessness and the sallow rooms after the sun goes down so quickly. Everything is sallow. It's like the whites of my eyes go sallow and the lens' of my eyes do too. I feel stale and luke warm and shivering loneliness. This is a long lasting depression I feel enhancing itself. Not the couple day cyclic stuff, but a long going one. I can feel it. Taking the Depakote away has "reduced" my Lamictal; today I upped to 75mg, but with the way I feel I need more! in a week I go to 100. Quitting drinking is a bit of an downer too I think. really. whereas before in my depressed states, I'd mask it with alcohol. or in an exhausted/depressed state = alcohol booster did the trick. Even Styron didn't get his first depression until after his 50's and it was because he QUIT drinking! How's your sobriety?
take care,
katia

 

Re: hypothyroid

Posted by fluffy on November 2, 2003, at 11:46:58

In reply to Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 1:33:57

Hi you guys--

I just have to report this-- I've had 7 (!!!) NORMAL days!!! I know this is success, as I had been rapid cycling for at least 3 months (about a 10 day cycle), if not more mildly for the past year or so. I could even feel myself switch during the day...I'd look at my mood chart and go, "here I go again...like clockwork". Either the fish oil has kicked in, or the Trileptal is zapping the rapid cycling...either way, I don't want to mess with it. I also considered getting my thyroid checked out, i.e. asking what my level was instead of my pdoc saying...it's normal. My mom has Graves disease, and she's been harping on me for years to get it checked out.

I had a crazy halloween party two nights ago, and I indulged in drinking for the first time in months. I have to admit that it was REALLY FUN. I haven't paid for it yet. But I know it's a once a year deal...

Katia--I'm so sorry you're feeling crappy. As you did for me, I'm sending some TLC your way. If it is depression, just remember that IT GETS BETTER! Something I couldn't imagine a week ago. Also, if it helps...it took me about 3 months to pull out of a 3 month depression when I was first diagnosed, cycling pretty wildly after my stint on SSRI's. It seemed never-ending. Lamictal gave me some hope, but I felt my hopes being dashed again over the past 2 months or so. Now I'm back to hoping again. There's something to the saying, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." I know that you know that, but you sure helped me with your warrior mind-set not too long ago.

Best to you...take lots of care.
Stay in touch,

Katy

 

Re: hypothyroid » fluffy

Posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 13:30:42

In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by fluffy on November 2, 2003, at 11:46:58

HI Katy,
Thanks for your words. I'm feeling down yes. But so far it's a mild down. Like I went to a dinner(ish) party last night and it was torture. I was exhausted and people were too loud. And I wasn't drinking so that was no fun. Actually it wasn't hard not to partake; it was just hard because of my low mood. Part of this is me feeling sooooo dizzy and tired. My morning temps are low 97.3 I'm not sure what my blood pressure is.
If this doesn't improve, I'll put in a call to my doctor.
That's great your feeling tip top shape. It must have been about trying to adjust your meds. Glad to hear Trileptal works. I'll keep that in mind.
take good care,
Katia

 

Re: hypothyroid » fluffy

Posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 14:44:46

In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by fluffy on November 2, 2003, at 11:46:58

Yaaaaayyyy Katy!
Isn't it amazing how we can go from the absolute pits to feeling pretty darn good? It seems that having hope is the thing that gets us through the really bad times. I can go through just about anything as long as I have that ray of hope that it's temporary, or that no matter what, I can stand it. I may not like it, but I can hold on until things get better. One good thing about feeling bad is how great you feel when you come out of it. On the other hand, clinging to the good times brings misery too in fearing their loss. I guess even keel is what I'm shooting for even though I have to admit that some days still suck big time.

Trileptal, huh? That's very encouraging. It seems that for those for whom it works it works very well. That's one of the few I haven't been on. Guess I'll stick with lithium cause its working but I wish I could find something that isn't anti-thyroid.

BTW, you go get that thyroid checked out, girl. In fact, even before, start taking your morning temperature like Katia's been doing. It's not perfect but probably the best indicator of the state of how much thyroxine is being assimilated. The standard tests, even though sensitive, don't pick up how much of the hormone is getting into your cells.

In case you need instructions, here goes: if you can find a mercury basal thermometer, great, otherwise get a basal digital thermometer. A regular one is OK but digitals are notoriously inaccurate and basals are better. If mercury, shake down the night before. Take your temp (conflicting views on armpit or mouth, but mouth is easier and quicker) first thing when you wake up. Hold that pee and don't move around. Get the average for 5 days (wait til after your period). If it's lower than 97.6 you're probably hypothyroid. If lower than 97.3, definitely. I don't know what exact numbers for too high but probably around 98.4. Your Mom's Grave Disease is hyperthyroid which is a whole other kettle of fish that I'm not familiar with. But a bum thyroid either way will leave you miserable. So glad you're doing well.
- Barbara

 

Re: Way to go!

Posted by Dalilah on November 2, 2003, at 15:12:55

In reply to Re: Way to go!, posted by otter on November 1, 2003, at 20:51:56

Hi Otter,

I found the mood chart at http://www.manicdepressive.org/tools.html under "blank mood charts." This tool really helps me a lot.

Also, Lamictal did cause some agitation/irritation with the world but it went away pretty quickly. The tricky thing with this med is that you have to wait til you get up to a higher dose, in my experience, before you get the anti-depressant quality.

Good luck,
- Dalilah



> Dalilah-
>
> Can you tell me where you found the mood chart online? I was diagnosed with Bipolar II today and given lamictal to take in addition to my Celexa and I am worried the lamictal will make me more anxious/agitated or depressed. Thanks!!
>

 

Re: hypothyroid » katia

Posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 15:22:43

In reply to Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 1:33:57

> Ha ha. We're still on that! Alina is the name.

**I'm ordering it from Amazon TODAY so I don't have to keep bugging you.

> HOw're you otherwise?

**Pretty good. I just wish I were happier and less tense but am very grateful that I'm not in a crisis.

> I'm hesitant to start Li. if I am hypothyroid. I think I should try thyroid meds first before adding Lithium.

**Good idea. Lithium will just push it over and make you feel worse.

>>I was so tired today. I don't get it.

**Could be your thyroid. There's nothing like a low thyroid fatigue. It goes to the bones.

>>I can feel the listlessness and the sallow rooms after the sun goes down so quickly. Everything is sallow.

**Oh, that's a great way to describe it. Sallow. I know exactly what you mean about the sun and the sallow rooms. I've always gotten claustrophobic and depressed when I'm inside and the setting sun is coming in a west window. You probably know this one but it's always comforted me to know a great mind felt the same way.

There's a Certain Slant of Light

There's a certain slant of light,
On winter afternoons,
That oppresses, like the weight
Of cathedral tunes.

Heavenly hurt it gives us;
We can find no scar,
But internal difference
Where the meanings are.

None may teach it anything,
'Tis the seal, despair -
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the air.

When it comes, the landscape listens,
Shadows hold their breath;
When it goes, 'tis like the distance
On the look of death.

-Emily Dickenson

Grim, but isn't that how we feel at times?

>>I feel stale and luke warm and shivering loneliness.

**Even if it turns out not to be thyroid, this coldness is telling you something that's probably more to do with physical than neuro.

>>Quitting drinking is a bit of an downer too I think. really. whereas before in my depressed states, I'd mask it with alcohol. or in an exhausted/depressed state = alcohol booster did the trick. How's your sobriety?

**Pretty good. I went off the wagon twice now for a birthday party and a dinner party, but only had 1 glass and it was plenty. I went right back to abstinence easily. Oh, there are times when I'd love to have a snootfull, especially when I'm cooking dinner, but the memory of how bad it made me feel wins over. I have no doubt that my problem drinking days are a thing of the past. It just ain't worth it, although I've love to find an equal high that you don't have to pay back.

There are days when I feel great, refreshed and clear. But others when I'm consumed with anxiety and tension. In the past I'd head right for the bottle because that anxiety is real hard to deal with and a drink would immediately put me in a better mood. Not fair!

Without it I notice how I much I ruminate and worry. If one of my cats is out I imagine wild beasts lurking in wait for it. I worry about money and winter coming on and there's very little I can do to take my mind off it. Life can seem very dangerous without something to numb out on. I think exercising alot more will help. In fact, its snowing right now in Oregon and I'm about to hoist up my petard for a walk.

>>Even Styron didn't get his first depression until after his 50's and it was because he QUIT drinking!

**Yeah, it's got to have something to do with what it was masking and the process of detoxifying. But his sure was something else.

> take care

**You too. And hugs to your thyroid.
-Barbara
> katia

 

Re: hypothyroid

Posted by foodie on November 2, 2003, at 15:47:46

In reply to Re: hypothyroid » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on November 1, 2003, at 16:35:45

To Barbara, Kaia & and fluffy:

I too am attempting to get off effexor only because I want to see if I am finally normal, my blood pressure is too high and I would like to stop taking the micardis. I am also hypothyroid and take 2 grains of Armour daily. Barbara, I was wondering if you know if the L-Tyrosine is harmful to the liver. My liver enzymes are way too high and I do not know if it from the wine I love or other meds. Any thoughts? Thanks to all.

 

Re: hypothyroid » foodie

Posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 16:00:15

In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by foodie on November 2, 2003, at 15:47:46

Hi Foodie,
What were your symptoms for hypothyroid? And when were you diagnosed?
katia

 

Re: hypothyroid » foodie

Posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 16:00:44

In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by foodie on November 2, 2003, at 15:47:46

>>I was wondering if you know if the L-Tyrosine is harmful to the liver. My liver enzymes are way too high and I do not know if it from the wine I love or other meds. Any thoughts?

**Good question. I don't know how it affects the liver. If you find out please let us know. About wine, well, you know. It's not helping your depression or your liver. Makes you feel better in the short run but not the long.

 

Re: Way to go!

Posted by otter on November 2, 2003, at 16:14:04

In reply to Re: Way to go!, posted by Dalilah on November 2, 2003, at 15:12:55

Dalilah- Thanks for the feedback. I think the form will really help!

Otter

 

Re: hypothyroid

Posted by foodie on November 2, 2003, at 17:10:08

In reply to Re: hypothyroid » foodie, posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 16:00:15

I was diagnosed approximately five years sgo. My tests always came back low normal but my body temp was consistently 97.2, debilitating fatigue, cold hands and feet, weight gain, hair loss. The fatigue was the worst. After going through doctors like kleenex i finally found one who looked beyond the tests and considered symptoms too. I am now with a DO and he is great. The downside is that even though I take the Armour daily (and don't let anyone tell you synthetic is just as good - WRONG - unreliable) I did not see a drop in the weight.

 

Re: hypothyroid

Posted by foodie on November 2, 2003, at 17:13:09

In reply to Re: hypothyroid » foodie, posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 16:00:44

I know. But don't we always want to blame it on something else and not us? Shoot, Adam even tried to blame God because he ate the fruit Eve gave him ("it was the woman you gave me"). Thank you for the reminder.

 

Re: hypothyroid

Posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 17:51:35

In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by foodie on November 2, 2003, at 17:10:08

Hi,
See these are two symptoms I don't have: hair loss and weight gain. I flucuate between 115-130 for the past 15 years. I'm at 130 now :-( but that's because I have been eating more and not exercising like I was. 115 is too low and I"m rarely there. So I cannot attribute my weight gain in the past year to hypothyroid; well maybe some of it. But because of my decrease in exercise and increase in eating. Not that I"m eating that much; but I've been working in a restaurant the past year and eating late and fatty rich foods.
However, I have the other symptoms: cold hands/feet/bum/nose (all my extremities - yes bum is extremely extremity), low body temp, low blood pressure (today it's 85/69), dry skin, FATIGUE; dizziness and grogginess/space case in the morning with puffy eyes and bags and COLD.
The more I talk about it and hear about it, the more I think I could benefit by trying armour. And is there danger in "just trying it" if I"m not hypothyroid? anyone know that?
Can a psychiatrist write an RX for that?
katia

 

Re: hypothyroid

Posted by cupcake on November 2, 2003, at 20:11:48

In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 17:51:35

i've been reading the hypothyroid thread b/c i'm also hypothyroid (and new here!). i've been taking synthroid for about 2 years now. i'm also taking effexor xr for depression, and my p-doc just had me start trying a low dosage of strattera as well (for inattentiveness, difficulty concentrating).

tomorrow i'm getting a blood test at my endocrinologist's b/c i feel like i need to change something about the synthroid--either increase the dosage or change to another med. i've gained about 35 pounds over the last year (which is a huge weight gain for me), my hair's been thinning, i have been feeling really tired and out of it, and i have a hard time thinking clearly sometimes - like there's oatmeal in my brain. so i have a feeling it's definitely the thyroid probs.

i'm going to see if he'll let me switch to armour. but will l-tyrosine have a negative interaction with my other meds (effexor, synthroid/hopefully now armour, strattera, glucophage) if i take it as an additional supplement?

right now for supplements i'm also taking:
omega 3-6-9 pill with borage, flax, and fish oils;
vitamin b complex;
vitamins a, c, and e antioxidant vitamin;
and a calcium/magnesium/folic acid/selenium supplement
(because i heard that people who are hypothyroid tend to be deficient in selenium and vitamin A and have trouble converting beta carotene to vitamin A)

whew, too many pills!

 

Re: hypothyroid » katia

Posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 22:14:14

In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 17:51:35

Katia,
Not everyone gains weight. You're probably running around alot in the restaurant and probably in your late 20's, early 30's so it's not a big problem yet (hah, just you wait). My hair never thinned. The main symptoms are tiredness and cold, those are 'required'. The others vary from person to person.

It wouldn't be a very good idea to 'just try it' with thyroid meds. If you get tested your results won't be accurate. You don't want to screw around with hormones because if it's not what you suspect you'll feel alot worse. Also, taking thyroid can shut your own functioning down so you gotta be careful.

I totally agree about the synthetic brands. I was taking twice as much just recently of a generic Synthroid and not feeling like I was getting it. I used to take Armour but my naturopath has me on Westhroid which is basically the same but she thinks its more consistent and bioavailable. To me, it doesn't feel as jaggy as the Armour. - Barbara


> See these are two symptoms I don't have: hair loss and weight gain. I flucuate between 115-130 for the past 15 years. I'm at 130 now :-( but that's because I have been eating more and not exercising like I was. 115 is too low and I"m rarely there. So I cannot attribute my weight gain in the past year to hypothyroid; well maybe some of it. But because of my decrease in exercise and increase in eating. Not that I"m eating that much; but I've been working in a restaurant the past year and eating late and fatty rich foods.
> However, I have the other symptoms: cold hands/feet/bum/nose (all my extremities - yes bum is extremely extremity), low body temp, low blood pressure (today it's 85/69), dry skin, FATIGUE; dizziness and grogginess/space case in the morning with puffy eyes and bags and COLD.
> The more I talk about it and hear about it, the more I think I could benefit by trying armour. And is there danger in "just trying it" if I"m not hypothyroid? anyone know that?
> Can a psychiatrist write an RX for that?
> katia

 

Re: hypothyroid » cupcake

Posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 22:29:59

In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by cupcake on November 2, 2003, at 20:11:48

Hi Cupcake,
>
> i'm going to see if he'll let me switch to armour.

**Good luck. Most endos sneer at Armour or the other natural brands. In fact, its a rare mainistream doc who'll prescribe it, period. The old 'T4 converts to the active T3' is still the mantra out there but that's not true for alot of us. You might propose a 'trial, just to see'. The other thing he may do is prescribe Cytomel which is a synthetic T3. That's been successful for alot of people and seems to fly better in the mainstream medical world.

BTW, if you do get onto Armour or another natural brand, split the dose into morning and afternoon. Otherwise, the T3 spikes early and can cause hyper symptoms and then a letdown.

>>but will l-tyrosine have a negative interaction with my other meds (effexor, synthroid/hopefully now armour, strattera, glucophage) if i take it as an additional supplement?

**l-Tyrosine has an effect on dopamine synthesis but not hugely. DL-Phenylalanine is made from Tyrosine and has more of speedy effect. Not good for bipolars or anxious people and can raise blood pressure. I'd be more concerned taking it than tyrosine. You can try it and see how you feel. I don't use it every day cause it can feel agitating, but 1M every few days seems to do the trick.
>
> right now for supplements i'm also taking:
> omega 3-6-9 pill with borage, flax, and fish oils;
> vitamin b complex;
> vitamins a, c, and e antioxidant vitamin;
> and a calcium/magnesium/folic acid/selenium supplement
> (because i heard that people who are hypothyroid tend to be deficient in selenium and vitamin A and have trouble converting beta carotene to vitamin A)

**Good bunch of supplements. Thanks for the reminder about selenium. I'd forgotten about that.
>
> whew, too many pills!

**Ain't that the truth. Sometimes I wonder if I'm assimilating them. Lots of $$ to flush down the can.

Have you been to the About Thyroid website? It's fabulous. Everything you ever wanted to know about thyroid. Mary Shomon definitely leans towards the Armour camp. There's loads of very interesting articles too.

http://about.thyroid.com

Good luck and welcome to the Babble Buds. - Barbara

 

Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat

Posted by katia on November 3, 2003, at 0:36:31

In reply to Re: hypothyroid » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 22:14:14

If it's not good to just try the meds for it; then what other diagnostic tool do I have? The general thyroid test was normal. I've been taking my temp and blood pressure; so if there's a comprehensive test out there anyone know of one? Yes, I'm 33 yrs. old. I have to be careful about gaining weight. Even when I'm thin, I'm a fat person in a thin body if you know what I mean. I'm never happy with it and I'm always on the verge of losing it if I don't monitor it - like NOW! A lot of overweight people in my family.
katia

 

Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat

Posted by katia on November 3, 2003, at 0:39:22

In reply to Re: hypothyroid » cupcake, posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 22:29:59

Hey Barb,
I tried that website below and it didn't lead anywhere. Is it correct?

> http://about.thyroid.com
>
> Good luck and welcome to the Babble Buds. - Barbara
>
>


Go forward in thread:


Show another thread

URL of post in thread:


Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ


[dr. bob] Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD, bob@dr-bob.org

Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.