question for everyone

[olsolo0]

I have been on levothyroixin for about 6 years.  I have read so many posts and comments from many different sources saying how badly they feel on levo medications and they switch to natural meds.  I actually feel pretty good taking levo. But now I am feeling guilty about it and wondering "do I really feel good?"  So my question is, does anyone know ANYONE who feels good on levo?  Will it harm my body?  I know its a weird question, and I am a big heath freak.  But I wonder, should I mess with something if I am feeling good?
Thanks so much!

[stitch]

Hi, I went on levothyroxine going on two years.  My dr. has me on 2 different dosages.  .15 & .125, I switch off every other week. 
 
So far I haven't felt bad.  If I do, I know I haven't drank enough water or am not eating right, or I might not have exercised for that day. 

[Mo]

Hello olsolo0,

Stitch made a very good point. Sometimes there are other factors to why we don't feel that good including diet, sleep, emotional stress, physical stress, etc. It's good to come at symptoms from a well rounded point of view. However, in answering your question, my thoughts are "if it ain't broken, don't fix it".

On the other hand, there is some clear indication that the synthetic drugs can have an affect on bone mass as we get older. But, I think right now it's a good bet to keep researching while you are feeling well, watch your test results, and if they are in a good range, it may make a lot of sense to stick with the meds you are currently on.

When you say "you feel good", does that mean you don't have any serious symptoms but have more subtle issues like feeling tired, food sensitivities, etc.? Or do you really just feel "normal" most of the time and can basically keep up with others?

Just wondering - sometimes I wonder if I know what it feels like to feel normal! LOL But there are many days I just feel good but they are sandwiched between hard days so in that case, I would expect other factors may be in place rather than just blaming my dosage of meds. (meaning stress level, food sensitivities, sleep deprivation, etc.)

It's great to know that you feel like you are being treated properly with your meds. I hope that keeps up for you. I switched to natural dessicated thyroid after about 10 years on Synthroid. One thing I am certain, stabilization is not a common find among Hashi patients so it's really good to hear.

Take care,
Mo

[olsolo0]

Yes I do feel really good most days (if i am not sick).  I went through a period postpartum where it was really fluctuating, now I feel like I am in a really good place and am really trying to eat better and I am exercising almost every day.  I really think that is the key to a lot of it.  So Mo, I guess I am trying to take your advice and look at the bigger "health" picture and take care of myself!  I think it is paying off!  I do have 3 small children, and I feel like I can keep up with them.  I couldn't say that about 6 months ago.  Mo, I have ordered that new book you emailed us about.  I am anxious to read it.  I would really like to get on natural medication, but if I go off of medication my TSH will shoot up to 125+.  So I am scared of feeling like crap and going through the adjustment stage.  Although I know that Hashi's can fluctuate at any point.  Would love to hear others and if they also feel good on Levo meds.

thanks everyone!!!

[Mo]

I'm hoping this doctor that wrote that book will also eventually be able to recommend doctors in our areas so we can have a chance to get different care. He is supposed to be putting some doctor references up on his website soon he said.

Do you think it is your diet and exercising that has caused your symptoms to improve? It sounds like you were on the same thyroid dosage 6 months ago so there must be something to the diet and lifestyle changes that can result in better over-all health. Sounds obvious but believe it or not, there are many people out there that just want the magic pill and don't want to work on changing their lifestyle.

Good for you! Keep it up!

Mo

[olsolo0]

Well I think the exercising does help greatly, but I was also postpartum 6 months ago and I think it has taken me a year to feel like my hormones have finally leveled off.  I still do have palpatations, but they are barely noticeable.  I am also trying to take my vitamins regularly and am getting a lot more sleep than I did 6 months ago too.  Such a combination of things.  I asked my endocrinologist about the nature thyroid meds and he for some reason did not believe in them.  (I can't remember the reason)  I think my new endo would be open to it, but as long as I am feeling good, I am not going to switch.  I just wish others would feel better, because I know how it is to feel like crap and try to function like you feel good:(
Thanks!