Here is a great article to possibly explain why your numbers are still so high. I realize you’re not going to be happy waiting in the morning to drink your coffee, but it could really make a difference!
Although the Synthroid site does not specifically state coffee, it does say to take it on an empty stomach, for up to an hour. . .
http://www.synthroid.com/Prescription/Tips.aspx
Also, it may take quite a while for your body to adjust to medication. For some people, it is only a few weeks, for others it could take up to 6 weeks. Another option is taking the medication at night, before bed. Again, for some it works much better, for others it does not. Also, make sure you are getting the same medication from the pharmacy. Many pharmacies will substitute a generic for Synthroid, unless the RX specifically states Synthroid. Some people, including myself, cannot tolerate the generic. It put me in a tailspin of hypo problems, and in the middle of August I was still wearing three coats!
If you are still having trouble getting back to normal, perhaps looking into a T3 medication as well would be helpful. Here is an article on that http://thyroid.about.com/cs/t3controversy/a/NEJMT3study.htm.
What you are on with the Synthroid is a T4 medication only (Thyroxine), and there is a synthetic T3 called Cytomel available as well. Some doctors are leery about working with T3, but if you’re not feeling better, it may be worth looking into.
Another option is Natural Desiccated Thyroid, which is what they used before the invention of Synthroid. It has both T3 and T4 in it already, along with T2, T1 and calcitonin, all the hormones your thyroid would have been making. For some people, it has been a great improvement.
All in all, keep researching the different methods of treatments, and if one doesn't work for you, know that there are other options. And learn about the interactions, because I have learned from experience that many doctors are not aware of these interactions, as well as time of day and fasting options for TSH. . .
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Mark,
Here is a great article to possibly explain why your numbers are still so high. I realize you’re not going to be happy waiting in the morning to drink your coffee, but it could really make a difference!
http://thyroid.about.com/b/2008/09/03/coffee-thyroid-drugs.htm
Although the Synthroid site does not specifically state coffee, it does say to take it on an empty stomach, for up to an hour. . .
http://www.synthroid.com/Prescription/Tips.aspx
Also, it may take quite a while for your body to adjust to medication. For some people, it is only a few weeks, for others it could take up to 6 weeks. Another option is taking the medication at night, before bed. Again, for some it works much better, for others it does not. Also, make sure you are getting the same medication from the pharmacy. Many pharmacies will substitute a generic for Synthroid, unless the RX specifically states Synthroid. Some people, including myself, cannot tolerate the generic. It put me in a tailspin of hypo problems, and in the middle of August I was still wearing three coats!
If you are still having trouble getting back to normal, perhaps looking into a T3 medication as well would be helpful. Here is an article on that http://thyroid.about.com/cs/t3controversy/a/NEJMT3study.htm.
What you are on with the Synthroid is a T4 medication only (Thyroxine), and there is a synthetic T3 called Cytomel available as well. Some doctors are leery about working with T3, but if you’re not feeling better, it may be worth looking into.
Another option is Natural Desiccated Thyroid, which is what they used before the invention of Synthroid. It has both T3 and T4 in it already, along with T2, T1 and calcitonin, all the hormones your thyroid would have been making. For some people, it has been a great improvement.
All in all, keep researching the different methods of treatments, and if one doesn't work for you, know that there are other options. And learn about the interactions, because I have learned from experience that many doctors are not aware of these interactions, as well as time of day and fasting options for TSH. . .
http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/tshtests.htm
There is a lot to learn about being a thyroid patient, but in the end it is worth the time it took to help you feel better!
Best Regards,
June 16, 2011 - 9:29amAuntlello1
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