I know the pain you are experiencing. I've seen it time and again with patients, and and experienced it personally. It's like fighting a losing battle at times. I had a hormone imbalance that fought my weight loss efforts and still disturbs my vision, causes thinner hair and other symptoms.
Lab tests should include at least:
T4 4.6-12 ug/dl
T3 80-180 ng/dl
TSH 0.5-6 uU/ml (see below)
In 2003 the acceptable range for TSH changed to 0.3 to 3.0, (vs. 0.5-6.0)This may not yet be reflected on lab value forms.
For a lot of info on thyroid testing, test explanations, treatment options etc go to:
http://www.endocrineweb.com/tests.html
If your doctor does not explain your lab results or provide the actual numbers, will not return your phone calls, insinuates that this must be in your head, or be related to stress or PMS or menopause; or if the Doctor's changes make matters worse but he refuses to acknowledge any connection or re-adjust it is time for a second opinion. The exception to the adjustment factor may be if he has concerns that treatment at the earlier level was causing serious harm to another organ; or if your level is high normal despite your symptoms. Otherwise, your everyday symptoms should outweigh a borderline number.
Keep a journal of day to day health and well being, symptoms, diet, sleep, etc. in addition to a list of meds, recent labs and questions to ask at next appointment.
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct is the site listing the current clinical trials: it is a good place to monitor advances, newest options and those studies recruiting patients. (a trial drug helped save my mother's life)
Supplements for stimulating weight loss:
Omega-3 fatty acid (fish oil)
Green tea extract
Iodine (balanced amount), Vitamin E, C, B12, and Zinc are supplements you should consider in addition to regular multivitamins.
Sites including diets engineered for those with hypothyroid:
http://www.drpodell.org/alternative_thyroid_treatments.shtml
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/losingweight.htm
I hope this helps. Hang in there-let me know if I can help more.
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