Mary Lynn's Status Updates

sorry to hear you are dealing with this. If you feel you need to send an endocrinologist, you should follow your feelings. We are not allowed to give any medical advice. You always have the right to get another opinion. Vickie W., Team Member

3.95 isn't really "low normal", but it's well within the established accepted range. I've actually got my doctor trying to optimize my TSH level, as I've found that I feel best when it's somewhere around 3.5, and it has been just north of 4. And during the winter months, I generally have to up my dosage of synthroid just a hair to maintain an optimum TSH level due to seasonal fluctuations, fluctuations in weight, etc. If you feel frustrated by what you believe are constantly fluctuating TSH levels, then by all means, you should do as you see fit in getting an appointment with Endo. It is a pretty frustrating thing to deal with. Another thing to take into account is any supplements you may be taking, as many supplements are listed as having an affect TSH levels.

thank you as always for sharing your experience with Mary Lynn. Vickie W., Team Member

, I'd be delighted to be at a 3. A year ago, my level was 3.07. I'm currently at 0 point 395 (0.395) and I don't feel good. I think my family doctor is allowing for too large of swings.
I see my rheumatologist next month. I'm going to run this by him. I do think I should schedule with an endocrinologist. I've been on thyroid medication for decades and have never been referred to one.
Any information on what people consider stable would help me. I think a 3 to a .3 in a year is too drastic given that I am exhausted, constipated and have hair like straw. Sigh.

I am sorry to hear that you are not happy with the care that you are getting. This is where I would certainly seek another specialist or a second opinion from another doctor. I feel very strongly about advocating for oneself. It is a super important thing to do.

Keep us in the loop on what you decide to do and how you are feeling.

In the meantime, are you able to do some hot oil treatments or hair masks, maybe use some coconut oil to relieve the dryness of your hair?
Eating, garlic and beetroot regularly, keeps me regular. Being constipated is one surefire way to feel horrible. I also find that a good water intake helps.

How is your PSA managing through all of this?

- Clair ( Team Member)

I think some people's systems are just more sensitive to these small changes. I have found that with biologics for my PsA, my dosage needs constant monitoring, and has even had to be significantly lowered twice, because the IL-23 inhibitors have dramatically lowered my TPO antibody count, and that has caused my thyroid to function better. But, I do not know if the TPO antibodies remain lower as I get toward the end of my 12 week injection cycle. When I was first diagnosed with PsA in 2010, my doctors also just happened to order a full spectrum of labs for my thyroid, and my TPO antibody count was 1,000+. Last year, after being on Skyrizi for a year, my endocrinologist ordered thyroid labs, and my TPO antibody count was in the high 200's, a dramatic reduction. So I'm suspecting that there's more to how one feels that's dependent upon more than just the TSH level alone, at least in respect to Hashimoto's.

, I'm doing some good self-care to manage these symptoms. Thanks though for your suggestions. I see my rheumatologist soon, so I'll get his take on my thyroid levels. He prescribes Prolia for my osteoporosis in addition to my RA/PsA medications. When I started on Prolia he mentioned that I would need closer thyroid monitoring. When I mentioned this to my family doctor, who I generally like, he dismissed it. I think that's why I'm irritated. I'd like for my family doctor to take me seriously when I think my dose needs adjusting. GGGRRR 😀

, thanks so much for your input. It's so true that a change in biologics can affect our thyroid function. As I mentioned to Clair, I'd like my generally laid-back family doctor to be a little more proactive in managing the Hashimoto's, especially when I tell him that I don't feel right. I know my body pretty well. He should trust me 😀

I hear you, ! Wanting to have your laid-back family doctor take you seriously and be more supportive (and proactive) makes perfect sense. As you point out, it's you're body, and you know it well. I feel very frustrated for you, and I hope your discussion with the rheumatologist goes well. Please, if you're comfortable, keep us posted and let us know what he says, and what you find out. Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)