Guest guest Posted August 13, 2005 Report Share Posted August 13, 2005 Hi Lizzie, Welcome to our little family.... Hypothyroid is a situation where you have low levels of thyroid hormone... what you need to know is why... So I'm assuming this next round of tests will be to determine that, to give you they actual diagnosis. Each of us reacts differently to being low on thyroid as well as how our bodies react to getting the replacement hormone we need so it's hard to answer your question directly. Once they know what is causing your hormones to be low they'll most likely start you on a small dose of hormone. The best way to do this is to start small and then gradually work up to the dose that your body needs to be healthy. Signs that your doc knows what he's doing is that he'll have you coming back in about six weeks for more labs to see how you body is doing with the dose he's given you to start. The tests that I would expect to see this next time is: TSH Free T4 Free T3 and thyroid antibodies .... at the very least It would be nice to also see Ferritn If this gives the answer as to why your levels are low... most likely you'll just be stepping up your meds every 6 weeks or so until your get the amount you need. Provided the doc knows how to do that. I kinda bitter on this point, don't mean to start you off with my shadow, but you give the impression that you aren't want to sit back and say 'yes, sir' and want to know the real deal so that you can keep on top of it. If you have some time, we have a web page set up that runs through the hormones, the tests and the choices in meds.. a good base line as you keep reading emails and continue your research... www.thyrophoenix.com/thyroid_101.htm Not every one has massive hair loss... I wear my hair long and it thinned quite a bit during the years that I was being abused by docs, but once I found out how to do this stuff right and started treating myself my hair started filling in again. Where one of my hair bands had to be doubled to put my hair back in a pony tail and was still a bit loose, I was always snugging it up again I can now wear those same hair bands to wear pony tails and doubling them up they are now pretty snug. I had a receding hair line at my temples.. that has filled in too. It's also looking much shinier. In my opinion... the sooner that you get this stuff figured out.. how the hormones work and such, and keep on top of your doc to get things going and not just sit back and 'wait and see' the less damage is done to your body (and you) and the sooner you get things closer to normal. I say closer to normal cuz most likely you'll be taking daily meds for life and there are some foods that you should try to avoid, or at least limit. The top items on the list of bad foods are soy, high fructose corn syrup, both of which are found in MANY processed foods, you'll probably turn into a label ready like many of us... and the other goitrogens (foods that bind with the hormones in a way to make them unusable and/or reduce thyroid function) are vegies in the cabbage family. There are more but these are the most common. Lots to learn... I'll not be surprised to see you hitting us with more questions! Topper () On Sat, 13 Aug 2005 12:26:29 -0000 "" writes: I found out two days ago that I am hypothyroid and have been forat least 2 years. (Docs at the VA ordered the tests, found out I wasand never addressed it). I go for retest on Monday.I know very little about hypothyroid except what I've read on linethe last few days. I've been gaining weight, sluggish, etc., for quiteawhile.I'd like to know what to expect when I start on the meds and whatis the best way for me to deal with all this. I'm not one to sit backand say, "Yes, doctor, whatever you say." I want to know how bestto know if the meds are working, what kind of diet I should followto help start loosing weight, etc. I also have high blood pressure(recent change) and wonder if there is a connection and how todeal with both effectively.I've read about hair loss in other groups. What's the deal? I finally have myhair long like I'd like it, it's healthy (due to taking fish oil forseveral years now) and it just breaks my heart to think I'll loose my hair. :(What should I be reading that tells the real story and not the storythe drug companies want us to believe?Thanks for whatever info you can send my way.Lizzie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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