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Worsening symptoms...menopause vs. complications of thyroid cancer
Thyroid Cancer | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
Thank you for sharing your experience. Have never tried anything but Synthroid as my original endocrinologist was adamant I NOT use a generic. Just a couple weeks ago my provider inadvertently renewed my Rx for Levothyroxine instead of Synthroid so will see if that makes a difference. I am at a higher dose of 125mcG 6 days/week.
I would like to get a second opinion from another endocrinologist. Original endocrinologist was in Sioux Falls and we moved to MN 4 years ago. Visited with local endocrinologist but he is planning to retire soon. Live in north central Minnesota, so not certain who a good thyroid endocrinologist is. I am willing to drive if I can get in with a reputable endocrinologist with thyroid cancer experience.
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I am curious, have you ever asked your doctor to try a higher dose of Synthroid? My t4 blood tests have always been in the normal range, it has been the symptoms/side effects that has caused me to change dosages. At one point I was prescribed 125 mcg 7x a week and I was miserable. The fact that I feel so much better on a significantly lower dose of medicine made me realize that the blood work cannot be the only driving force for medication; I had to reduce the negative side effects. In my opinion, it is worth trying raising and lowering doses (with your doctor) to see if the changes are improvements. I don’t know what is considered a high dose of Synthroid, however for someone without a thyroid your dose seems kind of low (My mother was on 125 mcg 7x per week and she has her thyroid!).
As for finding a new endocrinologist, maybe the Mayo clinic can advise. My newest Endocrinologist does Telehealth. Although we have to continue to get annual/semi annual scans to monitor for cancer, however you might be able to get an Endocrinologist who uses telehealth for your appointments. Talking about side effects and medication is something that can be managed by telehealth so you might be able to have a doctor who is further away.
After being miserable with my own side effects and having them reduced by medication/dosage changes, I would definitely encourage you to keep looking at your medication and your dosage before you assume the symptoms are related to menopause or some other aging event. Good luck!