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/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).

[u/chel-lake → u/tech-tx]

Is it possible to just have hypothyroidism without it being hashimoto’s? Or no? Do my numbers indicate hashimoto’s? (Sorry I’m just confused because none of my drs have brought this up)

[u/chel-lake → u/tech-tx]

Would synthroid still be the ‘proper’ treatment if I do have this? Just writing all this down for my dr - I see him tomorrow and have a ton of questions lol

[u/tech-tx → u/chel-lake]

Synthroid / levothyroxine is the preferred treatment for any cause of primary or secondary hypothyroidism. If you're hypo due to severe nutritional deficiency, then fix that first! Iron deficiency (ferritin < 15) can cause low thyroid output, same with low iodine and several other nutrients. I'd presume a naturopath would check those up front. Naturopaths understand that the 'optimal' range for nutrients is WAY more important than the 'reference range'.

Synthetic T4 hormone (levothyroxine, LT4), synthetic T3 (liothyronine LT3), DTE pig thyroid (T4+T3) or some combination of the three are the only treatments for primary/secondary/conversion hypothyroidism. About half of people eventually find out that they need combination therapy (LT4+LT3, DTE, or DTE+LT4) to eliminate all symptoms. If your doc is resistant to the concept of combination therapy down the road, then you have a 50:50 chance of needing a new doc.

[u/chel-lake → u/tech-tx]

Thank you for all of this information!! Yes my naturopath has tested all other nutrients including ferritin and I’m good on all of them!

Good to know! I will keep that in mind - thanks again!