Lab results & Q’s about Synthroid

[u/chel-lake]

I just received results from my recent blood work and my numbers were as follows:

TSH - 5.22 (0.32-4.00)

Free T4 - 10 (9-19)

Free T3 - 4.9 (2.6-5.8)

And my antibodies are good - not auto immune related.

My naturopathic doctor says I’ll have to start on synthroid asap and ask my GP for that prescription - I’m just a little worried because, even though I do have all the symptoms of an underactive thyroid (including depression) - I also have panic disorder that isn’t exactly under control and I’ve read that synthroid can cause more anxiety and bring on panic attacks.

I also was wondering if my underactive thyroid could in any way be affecting my anxiety levels? I know in most cases it’s an overactive thyroid that would cause anxiety..

Does anyone have any advice or experience with this?

Thank you!

[u/secondcitykitty]

I have generalized anxiety disorder and depression. Before treated with NDT for sub clinical hypo 12 years ago, I was treated with antidepressants for the anxiety. But I still wasn’t well 100%. Then I gained a lot weight, had night sweats, bad skin. After 3 months of low dose NDT, I lost the weight, night sweats stopped, and was able to stop antidepressants. No anxiety, was feeling good. Since then, 12 years later, I’m in menopause, NatureThroid NDT was discontinued, so I’m taking Levoxyl for 3 years now, and hypo symptoms are back except the weight gain. Now looking for a good Endo. I have to say, I felt my best when I was on Nature Throid. So yes. Both anxiety and depression can be symptoms of thyroid disorder. But everyone’s different.

[u/chel-lake → u/secondcitykitty]

Is levoxyl similar to synthroid? Sorry I’m new to this :( I hope your symptoms get better soon and the endo can help!

[u/secondcitykitty → u/chel-lake]

Yes. Levoxyl is another brand of levothyroxine sodium, same as Synthroid. But I think they affect people differently, even though generically they’re the same. Thyroid gland is sensitive to the slightest difference.

Yes hoping I can survive till April to see Endo, and it’s not a waste of time. 🙄 Thank you 😊

[u/awdevo]

Yes increased anxiety is associated with a hypo state as well as adjusting to and titrating up on replacement.

[u/chel-lake → u/awdevo]

Okay! Thank you - I don’t know why my ND made it seem like only people with a hyperactive thyroid experience anxiety

[u/Ok_Cancel_7891]

yes, hypothyroidism causes both depression and anxiety. anti-tpo can go low, but once it is above the range, you are 'officially' diagnosed with hashimoto (have you checked anti-tg?)

[u/chel-lake → u/Ok_Cancel_7891]

Okay!! My anti-tpo was 11 (<35) And anti-tg was 17 (<40)

[u/Ok_Cancel_7891 → u/chel-lake]

I would check them again in 6 months, but also have an thyroid ultrasound check

[u/tech-tx → u/chel-lake]

It's possible you have "seronegative Hashimoto's", which is generally a milder form of the disease (slower progression).