Thyroid Problems - Des Plaines,IL

I had the same problems for a long time when I was on Synthroid.
My TSH would come back normal but I still had hypothyroid symptoms.
It got better when I switched to Armour Thyroid.
Synthroid is pure T4 and some people do not convert T4 to T3 which is the active form that your body needs to function.
Armour Thyroid contains both T4 and T3 and it made a world of difference for me.
When I talked with my Dr I told her all this time we'd been keeping me at the higher end of the normal TSH range. I wanted to try being kept at the lower end of the range. Normal is a broad range and the lower end is just as valid as the upper end. This helped me, too. I feel much better when I'm kept very close to almost hyperthyroid levels.
My Dr wanted to monitor me closely at first to make sure I was not getting heart palpitations and hyperthyroid symptoms, but I did great and have been feeling much better ever since then.
I was very fortunate that I have a doctor who was willing to work with me to find my optimum range. Not every doctor is willing to try, so you might have to find a new doctor if your current doctor will not work with you.

good luck im in ur shoes reading ur story was like my on the dr says my thyroid is working and im on meds to help it work but i cant get the weight off i keep constipation:( hair falls out i dont know what to do either if u come up with something please let me know and i will do the same for you:) have a good day!!!

Have you been checked for Epstien Barr Virus/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Also, has your kidney function and adrenals been checked?

Two other things to look into with what you are describing.

I have a great doctor, but he's in MN. He has 2 daughters that have had thyroid issues (one had thyroid cancer), so he truly listens. I have been tested and fell within the "normal" range, however I knew my body and I knew my dose of meds was too low. He listened to me and increased my dose and it made a world of difference. He said some people's normal range is not within the clinic's "normal" range. I've actually seen clinics have different "normal" ranges as well, some have a much larger "normal" range than the one I'm at now.

I've also learned that if you're dehydrated and you have your bloodwork done it can throw off your numbers. I'm not sure how true that is but my chiropractor has also said the same thing. He's seen lots of young girls that come into his office that are dehydrated and it's throwing their thyroid off.

I know that doesn't really answer your question of a good endocrinologist, but I wanted to share what I learned about dehydration. I make sure I drink TONS of water every day and especially on days when I'm going to have bloodwork done so I can get accurate readings. I'm to the point now where I know my body, as soon as I'm sort of dragging for a few weeks/months I know I have to go in and get tested as my thyroid levels are off again.

I'd continue to check around to various clinics and ask them what their "normal" range is for the TSH and T4 levels. The places that have really narrow numbers would probably be your best bet to find a doctor. I'm not sure you need an endocrinologist, but maybe just a good doctor that will listen to you.

Hope you get relief soon, it's never fun feeling like you are.

I have tumors on my thyroid, I loved my endocrinologist but he was in Springfield MO. I had the same problem but in reverse with a Endo in St Louis. She wanted to put me on meds when I was having no side effects. If you know a good natural market or such you can usually find pretty good supplement to boost you're thyroid production. If you are unsure, try a Chiropractor. I know that sounds crazy but my husband is one and he knows a heck of a lot more about balancing the body out than most MD.s

Hi S. S.
I have the same problem as you!!!!! Finally, pregnancy threw my numbers out of range but like you I had problems even when they read normal....I have a great nutritionist to get you off to the right start..She deals with this specific problem..In fact I need to go back to here as I really want to be off thyroid medication and get my thyroid back on track naturally. If you are interested PM me and I can provide you with all the information. She is located in Nortbrook and probably about 25 minute trip for you.

What is the normal range your doctor is using? Where do you fall in that range? If you are not in the uppermost part of the "range", can't you ask you doctor to up your dosage to get there? There is a reason that a "range" is a "range"... because for some people, the lower end is too low. ;)

Make sure that you are taking real synthroid, not a generic. Take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with an 8 oz glass of water. Wait at least an hour before taking any other medications. I am hypo from RAI treatment 12 years ago and recently had the right side of my thyroid removed after several inconclusive biopsies as the nodules were becoming very vascular (it was fortunately not cancerous). I switched endocrinologists a couple of years ago and she immediately switched me from levothyroxine to synthroid and I lost 15 pounds right off the bat after years of struggling with weight loss. Since surgery, I am once again sluggish so I know what you are going through. Keep looking for a doctor who will work with you!