Hypothyroidism - TSH back to normal?

Was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in january when I was screened for lithium for my depression. Now my TSH levels are back in the normal range but I still feel unwell - fatigue etc. Have asked doc to refer me to a endcrinologist but he says that I a cured. Should I push for a referral? Also can I go onto lithium with my condition?

Your TSH can be in the normal range and you can still be hypothyroid. You need to be tested for antibodies, as well as T-3 Free and T-4 Free. A great website with lots of info is www.stopthethyroidmadness.com.

the withdrawl symptoms of the tablets that you were taking for the thyroid problem can not show there signs after many months. it could just be that.

I can't answer the lithium question, but you might want to ask for tests for iron deficiency/anemia and adrenal fatigue.
Normal ranges are only a guideline, not a rule. The fact that you don't feel well indicates a problem.

No lithium is a side effect to cause people thyroid conditions , I recommend maybe lamictal , depakote , seroquel

Short answer: lithium can "cause" hypothyroidism (I don't want to confuse you with medical jargon). You might want to try another antidepressant. Fatigue has many causes, depending on your age and sex. If your insurance allows, please see a psychiatrist. If depression is causing your fatigue, then medication + therapy will help you.

Hypothyroidism is low levels of the thyroid hormone. It regulates every system in your body. The depression and fatigue are symptoms of it. Also if it continues your hair will begin to fall out and your skin will get extremely dry and your nails will get brittle. You will have trouble concentrating. I know because I have suffered through all of it. You will also have an unexplained weight gain because of low metabolism. Your libido will also tank.

The only thing that will reverse your thyroid level and raise it again is for the doctor to prescribe SYNTHROID (that's the only medication that really works). There is a generic out there but my doctor said he wouldn't prescribe it. Keep after your doctor to send you to an endocrinologist so you can be well again. Why shouldn't he care that you get well no matter who the doctor is? It took me 6 months to get back to normal after I started taking the medication. I've been on it for 10 years and will be on it until I die. One little tablet a day can make all the difference in the world.

If you will get your thyroid levels regulated you probably won't need the Lithium for depression. Getting back to normal after you start the Synthroid will take a few months so don't give up.

There are NO withdrawal symptoms for Synthroid other than you go right back to what I've written above.

Lithium is a hardcore anti-depressent and it does strange things to people, fatigue can be one of those things.

I'm against pharmacuetical anti-depressent use because of all the unwanted side affects and in my opinion, antidepressents do more damage than they do good.

Hopefully by now someone has counciled you on the extreme importance of dietary requirements and the need to cut out coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and other vices. Make sure you're getting adequate sleep and if you're overwieght, lose the wieght.

Also, be aware of the fact that Lithium can cause insomnia, which in some people can become a lifelong problem, even after the lithium is stopped.

Lastly, are you taking any thyroid meds now? TSH testing isn't much use when you go on hypo thyroid therapy. Whats important are the T3 and T4 levels.

Hi Nicky. Not clear if you have had lithium before, if you have then the literature that comes with your lithium should tell you that drowsiness is a side-effect of lithium and also a feature of hypothyroidism (another know side-effect of lithium). These are two of the reasons why you should be having regular lithium level checks and regular thyroid function tests (every 6 months?). Lethargy of course is also a feature of depression.

Your doctor is unlikely to refer you to an endocrinologist if your thyroid function tests are normal....don't forget you can always speak to the pharmacist who dispenses your prescriptions for advice.

good luck

Insist on the referral...