Dr. Carnahan and Hypothyroid Mom Facebook Q&A Question 1: ‪Brianna Wyckoff‬‬‬-My hair is constantly falling out, but I'm not at all going bald. My home is covered in hair. I get fistfuls in the shower. No doc seems to care. My husband hates it. Why??? Alopecia has many causes, ask your doctor to check thyroid function, kidney, liver function, adrenal function, hormone levels, zinc and biotin among others to determine the underlying cause

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Alopecia has many causes, ask your doctor to check thyroid function, kidney, liver function, adrenal function, hormone levels, zinc and biotin among others to determine the underlying cause.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom:Brianna, I had a terrible time with thyroid hair loss. As Dr. Jill mentioned the various possible causes, in my cause it turned out to be a combination of issues with thyroid, adrenals, sex hormones (including testosterone and dihydroxy testosterone), and nutrient deficiencies including iron/ferritin, D3, zinc, biotin. Thank goodness my doctor was open to looking at the bigger picture that saved my hair. In terms of thyroid, my hair loss improved with a switch to natural desiccated thyroid which is pig thyroid that contains both T4 and T3. T4 only Levothyroxine drugs are the most common prescribed and while these work for some they don't work for all. Here are the various thyroid medication options: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/which-is-the-best-thyroid-drug…/

Question 2: ‬‬‬‪Karren Haley‬‬‬-I've been on 1 grain of nature thyroid for almost a year and my labs are good and I feel good most of the time. I've read over and over that 1 grain is just a starting dose and not enough. My doctor says I'm fine on the 1 grain. Thoughts?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan:Hi Karren – Have your doctor test your TSH -optimal range should be approximately 0.3-3.0. Sometimes it's not the thyroid but other things like your adrenal function making you feel poorly.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Karren, most important thing is how you feel. We are all individual in terms of what dosages and where in the ranges we feel our best. Karren, I had a saliva cortisol test done as Robyne mentions and it was so helpful because it showed my cortisol levels over the course of the day (each of us may have a different pattern of cortisol level). Adrenal support has been life changing for me. I personally take Nature-throid. It wasn't a quick fix for me. It took about 6 months of my doctor retesting my levels and upping my dosage until I felt great. For this happened when my Free T3 reached top quarter of the normal range. For me there were multiple pieces of the puzzle that needed to be addressed including adrenals, sex hormones, iron/ferritin, food sensitivities (in particular gluten), and nutrient deficiencies including D3, B12, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Here's a chart of the basic recommended labs with optimal ranges from thyroid advocate http://on.fb.me/1l7iVXN

Question 3: ‪Karen Messer-‬‬‬ I've been trying to loose weight for 6 months bit I'm gaining it and not losing it why?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan:There are many causes of weight gain besides thyroid dysfunction, have your doctor check labs to determine if normal. If your gut isn't healthy you may also have trouble losing weight even if thyroid is normal.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom:Karen, the thyroid gland plays a major role in metabolism so one place to check is whether you are optimally treated for your thyroid. Here's a chart of recommended labs and optimal ranges. What thyroid medication are you on?

Question 4: ‪Andrew McMeekin-‬‬ What's the ‘Prize' = A Cure?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Thank you ‪Suzy Cohen Healthy Lifestyle‬‬‬ for your generous gift! Please “like” ‪Suzy Cohen Healthy Lifestyle‬‬‬ for great holistic health info and check out her new ThyroScript supplement for optimal thyroid health!!

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: I wish Andrew It's pharmacist Suzy Cohen's new ThyroScript supplement for thyroid support along with her great new book “Thyroid Healthy”

Question 5: ‪Staci Dick-‬‬‬ I am taking meds at 100mg and am very very tired STILL…I'm wondering how often it would be safe to check your levels?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: If you're changing doses, you can check ever 6-8 weeks.

Question 6: ‪Jacob Connie LeBlanc-‬‬‬ I have terrible pain in my joints in my knuckles and feet. Why is this and what can I do to help alleviate the pain? I am on synthyroid 100mg.

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Joint pain has more to due with your genetics and leaky gut than hypothyroid. If your hypothyroid is autoimmune in nature (i.e. Hashimoto’s), that it also may be caused by a leaky gut or imbalanced microbes. Check this out for more info on connection… ‪https://www.jillcarnahan.com/…/leaky-gut-syndrome…/‬‬‬ I also suggest 100% gluten-free diet (you might also want to eliminate dairy, sugar, soy, corn & alcohol)

Question 7: ‪Meghan Cimini Boden‬-‬‬ I've had Hashimotos for 15 yrs. For the last few years I've been on 100mcg daily of levothyroxine. I've been tested a few times this year and t3t4 tests show in normal range. Despite that I still have symptoms and have good days and not so good days that I push the through. Any tips yo increase energy and weight loss would be great! \

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Hi Meghan – sounds like you have the right attitude about “pushing through” but it doesn't make it any easier, does it? Support your mitochondria with CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Resveritrol, B vitamins, and magnesium….

Question 8: ‪Carol Ricchio Nelson-‬‬‬ What are your views on compounded thyroid?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: I rarely compound thyroid because there are great alternatives available by prescription. Since thyroid hormone is so tiny, it's very easy for pharmacy to make a mistake that could be deadly if off by a factor of 10. The only way I would do that would be patients who have tried all the natural alternatives and failed and with a compounding pharmacy that I trust.

Question: ‪Robyne Seigworth:‬‬‬ Can you please explain about ReverseT3? Signs/symptoms one may show, and what result are you looking for on lab results? Thank you!

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Hi Robyne, Reverse T3 if high indicates the body is under stress and converting T4 to reverse T3 instead of free T3. Best solution is to decrease stress. The body does this as a protective mechanism to avoid overstimulation in stressful times.

Question 9: ‪April Weaver:‬‬‬ I'm in armour thyroid and cytomel my levels are better and I feel so much better except I have palpitations now. Should I take them at same time or maybe one morning and the other at night?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: If you have palpitations, that is worrisome and potentially dangerous. I suggest stopping cytomel and getting your doctor to adjust the T4/T3 combo so that you no longer experience heart palpitations ‪

‬‬‬Question 10: Pretty Bones-What test should I ask my doctor to check for? I'm always tired, depressed, anxious and sever joint pAin now?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: TSH, free T4, free T3, CMP, CBC, TPO, TgAb

Question 11: ‪Elizabeth Schwartz-‬‬‬ My levels are fine, yet I'm exhausted with “brain fog” all the time. Is this normal? Also are thyroid and rosacea related? Thanks for your time.

Answer-Dr. Carnahan:Rosacea and hypothyroid are often caused by SIBO or yeast in the gut, so is fibromyalgia and brain fog. Get your gut healthy by eliminating processed carbs, gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, corn and soy. You might want to ask your doctor to check adrenal function and do a comprehensive stool analysis to check the gut. more on leaky gut ‪https://www.jillcarnahan.com/…/leaky-gut-syndrome…/‬

Question 12:‬‬ ‪Laura Patricia Avendaño-‬‬‬ I had partial removal in January, I get my blood work checked every month and my dose (mcg) have increased from 25 to 125 now my calcium levels have dropped and now on calcitrol plus the calcium with d that I take. Today I went to the er for an anxiety attack and have been depressed this past month…what is going on? I just want to be normal, how long after surgery does ones levels get back in normal order? ?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Hi Laura, Sounds like you may have had damage to your parathyroid gland during surgery. Ask your doc to check PTH, phosphorus, magnesium, 25(OH) Vit. D and Calcitriol to see if you have hypoparathyroidism ‪

Question 13: Christine Moore‬‬‬- What are your thoughts on adding DHEA for hashi/hypo patients?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan:It depends. I recommend checking DHEA-S in serum first and then treat if low. Women may tolerate 5-20mg daily but not higher doses.

Question 14: ‪Diane Coley Thompson-‬‬‬ I was on synthroid for 15 years and it didn't help at all . I have been on 120mg of Armour thyroid for 3 months and I still don't feel any better but they say my levels are fine.

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: That's quite a high dose and I suspect you have gut microbial imbalances like SIBO/yeast or malabsorption. Read more about leaky gut, SIBO and yeast here – ‪https://www.jillcarnahan.com/dr-jills-blog/‬‬‬

Question 15: ‪Crystal Perry‬‬‬- How does hypothyroidism affect bone healing?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Parathyroid has a more direct effect on calcium metabolism and vitamin D than thyroid does but hyperthyroid can cause bone loss due to increase in metabolism of bone. ‪

Question 16: Marge Irwin Bury-‬‬‬ I just had an OB/GYN write a script for Armour Thyroid that is not made from animal products. What is in it? The compounding pharmacist wasn't clear. Should I see the same benefits as Armour? I have been on Synthroid for 3 years.

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Armour thyroid is glandular so I am not sure what you are talking about unless it is a synthetic T4/T3 combination (but that is not the same thing as Armour thyroid) ‪

Question 17: Angela Poppy Fields Jones‬‬‬ My 7 year old daughter has recently been diagnosed with hashimotos thyroiditus. I feel like her Dr only treats her lab results and not her symptoms she is on synthroid .75 I want to find route cause of this. I have read that it could be a underlying GI issue,please help.

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Most important thing is to eliminate all gluten from her diet and test for food sensitivities and other triggers. 1:3 young people with Hashimoto's are triggered by gluten in diet…. this means absolutely zero gluten, but it may really help her! ‪

Question 18: Kellie Babbitt Bradshaw-‬‬‬ My 13 yr old has Hashimoto's and was diagnosed 3 yrs ago. She has gained quite a bit of weight starting a little before she was diagnosed. She plays tennis, takes 50mcg of synthroid daily, but wt is a huge issue. Wondering if there is something else we can/should be doing?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Yes, Kellie – have her see a functional doc in your area to assess gut function, get her off all refined carbs and sugar onto a more paleo style diet and check hormone levels and adrenal function as well. yeah for you! So proud you're looking into paleo – here's a quick start guide for you – ‪https://www.jillcarnahan.com/…/a-quick-start-guide-to…/‬‬‬ ‪

Question 19: Aliah Kinney Ammon-‬‬‬ What are the symptoms if a 4 year old boy has Hypo? Are they the same as an adult?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Not always but may be sluggishness, fatigue, constipation, weight gain or loss. Have your pediatrician check his thyroid labs.

Question 20: ‪Kathy Mernin Miller‬‬‬- What is normal tpo? Number came back 5000.

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: That’s very high. Try eliminating gluten and see if your TPO goes down…

Question 21: ‪Suzanne Recore-‬‬‬ I wanna know why since being diagnosed with hypothyroidism almost 2 years ago during pregnancy then continued after why it just continues to worsen and my dose is always changing and now I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I feel as if I will never be better what is the best option to help myself. I have 5 children and these things aren't working for me I need the energy and to lose the 108 lbs I've gained since and continue to gain.

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Hi Suzanne, because it may not be your thyroid… read this – ‪https://www.jillcarnahan.com/…/6-signs-sibo-might-root…/‬‬‬ Imbalanced gut microbes can cause hypothryoid and fibromyalgia. ‪

Question 22: Barb Charles-‬‬‬ When I was diagnosed with hypo, my TSH was 132 and after adjusting meds several times, I have it at 0.22 on 150 mcg Levo? Your thoughts? Too low?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: I don't go by numbers alone but by how the patient is feeling. If you are feeling fabulous, it's probably ok. If you are anxious, have insomnia or palpitations, weight loss or nervousness, probably too high of dosage.

Question 23: ‪Elna Nielsen Smith-‬‬‬ I take Synthroid 1 50mcg per day 6 days and 2 on the 7th day. Do you think I need the extra dose?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Hi Elna You need to have your doctor order TSH, free T3, free T4 to determine appropriate dosage… I always have patients test in am right before they take thyroid medication to get trough level…

Question 24: ‪Debbie Novakovich-‬‬‬ I'm a breast cancer survivor with Hashimotos. How can I lose weight when I'm on letrozole/femara to reduce recurrence of B/C and have Hashis (100mcg of Synthroid daily). Thanks!!

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Hi Debbie Novakovich – I'm a 12 year breast cancer survivor, too! Best way to lose weight is eliminate refined carb, sugar, sweeteners, alcohol, all processed food and eat a clean paleo-style diet of protein, healthy fats, low-glycemic fruits and lots of veggies! Skip the grains, gluten, dairy, corn, soy, sugar and alcohol and anything that contains these ingredients. You'll look and feel amazing! see my “quick start” guide here ‪https://www.jillcarnahan.com/…/a-quick-start-guide-to…/‬‬‬

Question 25:  ‪Rachel Offenbach Smith-‬‬‬ Any tips on getting my doctor to move me to a t3/t4 combo? I am on 125 of levothyroxine daily after a TT for papillary carcinoma and still my t3 level was 92, he won't up my dosage as I am in the normal range, but my hair is falling out in clumps! My iron is always low, I am thalassemia beta and just got diagnosed with LADAKH last month, could the insulin be compounding the hair loss?

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Rachel, if your current doctor is not listening find a doctor who will and who will do comprehensive testing to help you with your symptoms. Resources to help you locate a good doctor: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/top-10-resources-to-find-a…/‬‬‬

Question 26: ‪Kelly Williams-‬‬‬ How do you find a functional doc?

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom:Hi Kelly, The Institute for Functional Medicine provides an international list of practitioners who have trained with IFM: http://bit.ly/VpYad7 ‪

Question 27: Annie Inigo-Metcalfe‬‬‬- I Have Hashis and just started gluten free – I'm wondering what affect having a little gluten here and there will have on me overall:)

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Hi Annie, in this article you'll read about the importance of being 100% gluten-free for Hashimoto's from Dr. Datis Kharrazian: http://bit.ly/1pbAGUY

Question 28: ‪Suzanne Recore-‬‬‬ When they test thyroid levels what should they be testing?

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Hi Suzanne, this article here will give you a list of basic recommended labs: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/top-5-reasons-doctors-fail-to…/‬‬‬

Question 29: ‪Elizabeth Gonzalez-‬‬‬ Ive recently been to the doctor. Very disappointing! Im fed up and just want to give up! Extremely frustrating we have to fight so hard for a doctor to listen. I felt great after having my son but now 5 months have passed and I feel like I did before I found out I had thyroid cancer. Sick,dizzy,exhausted just cant get the energy to do anything.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Elizabeth, it's frustrating to find a good doctor but they are out there. Resources to help you locate a good doctor near you: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/top-10-resources-to-find-a…/‬‬‬ ‪

Question 30: Debbie Hendrickson-‬‬‬ I have headaches on and off still.. On 30mg armour.. Thinking it's too Low? Have hashimotos.. Also super tired??

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Debbie, chronic headaches are a red flag that my thyroid meds need adjusting. Amazing book by pharmacist Suzy Cohen that goes over causes of headaches including thyroid, adrenals, sex hormones, and nutrient deficiencies including magnesium. Great read: ‪http://amzn.to/1gk8xJB‬‬‬ ‪

Question 31: ‪Elena Lozano-‬‬‬ Why every time someone says they want to loose weight the answer is: ask your doctor…….. My doctor doesnt believe I starve myself only to see the weeks passing by and the scale not moving, he insists I must be overeating, its frustrating. Isn't there pill or something for people with hypothyroidism that helps?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan:Hi Elena – it does start with a clean (gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free) diet, no processed foods or chemicals. BUT… if your gut is not balanced it's impossible to lose weight no matter who you eat. Get a good functional medicine doc or naturopath to check your gut and work to heal any imbalances in the immune system.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Elena, the thyroid gland plays a major role in metabolism so you bet if you're thyroid is not optimally treated (which sadly so many thyroid patients are not optimally treated) then you bet they can have weight issues. For me switching to a combination of T4 and T3 meds (in my case Nature-throid) resulted in weight loss along with a switch to gluten-free.

Question 32: ‪‪Rebecca Brown-‬‬‬ Anyone with ht have issues with kidneys? I have chronic kidney stones ( have about 6-8 in left kidney right now ranging from 3 mm and smaller) that are stuck and already had lithotripsy done last year for a quarter size one.. I have constant chronic kidney inflammation and pain..

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Rebecca, I landed in the emergency room with 2 kidney stones and it was thanks to the ER doctor for testing my thyroid that I discovered I had hypothyroidism. Here is information on the connection between the thyroid and kidneys. Since being treated with a natural desiccated thyroid I haven't had any recurrence of kidney stones, also my chronic bladder infections have improved: ‪ http://1.usa.gov/1uU2r5l‬‬‬ ‪

Question 33: Kellie Frederick‬‬‬- How closely related is your thyroid levels and your menstrual cycle?

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Hi Kellie, I can speak from personal experience that my thyroid and menstrual cycles are so connected. I believe I've had undiagnosed hypothyroidism since I was a child that worsened at puberty. My menses were always heavy painful and irregular. Once I got treated my menstrual cycles improved. Our sex hormones, thyroid and adrenals are all closely connected. I personally notice a worsening of my symptoms just before my period is ready to start.

‪Question 34: Irene Laverty-‬‬‬ I have low thyroid and am taking levoxyl for it . Been on it for at least 20 yrs. What else can I do for it?

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: How are you doing on Levoxyl Irene? We're all different in terms of what's right for us. If you are still symptomatic despite years on your meds, then know many of us do better on a combination of T4 and T3 meds. levoxyl contains T4 only. Here's more about this: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/which-is-the-best-thyroid-drug…/‬‬‬ ‪

Question 35: Dawn M. Rajsl Barajas-‬‬‬ My daughter and I are hypo do you think my son's could be too?

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom:It's possible Dawn since there is a hereditary factor in hypothyroidism. Do your sons show symptoms? ‪

Question 36: Tara Schutt-‬‬‬ I have been left out of family activities because I am so drained. It's sad when my 7 year old says we didn't tell you because you're tired all the time.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Oh that's sad Tara. I will post your question on my page so you can hear from others and be reminded that you are not alone. I'll post this on Friday at 9PM ET.

Question 37: ‪Heather Beckman Braun-‬‬‬ How is mthfr and thyroid related or are they related?

Answer-Dr. Carnahan: Here's some more tips for anyone with MTHFR mutation… ‪https://www.jillcarnahan.com/…/health-tips-for-anyone…/‬‬‬

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Hi Heather, Dr. Ben Lynch and Dr. Alan Christianson did a great presentation on the connection between MTHFR and thyroid in this video included here: ‪http://mthfr.net/mthfr-and-thyroid-disorders/2013/07/18/‬‬‬

Question 38: ‪Deb Hedemark-‬‬‬ Is armour safe to take?

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom:Hi Deb, I'm on a brand of natural desiccated thyroid called Nature-throid and doing great. We're all different in terms of how our bodies react to the different brand names.

Question 39: ‪Lina Matter‬‬‬- I'm on synthroid for 15 years but I think it's not working for me I live in UAE I want yo start taking Armour can you please tell me where could I find it in UAE as I asked in pharmacies but no one has it.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Thanks Lina, have you tried locating compounding pharmacies to ask for the names of doctors that prescribed compounded thyroid meds including natural desiccated thyroid?

Question 40: Janet Blair-‬‬‬ Is there anything to take that's natural to support the thyroid and prevent hair loss? I take synthyroid 50 mcg 1x per day but if I'm not mistaken it can also cause hair loss…

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Aliah, it's interesting you mention that because I've heard from many readers who found major hair loss with the start of one or other thyroid drug brand. Our bodies are all different in terms of how we react to the different fillers, binding agents and dyes.

Question 41: ‪Laura Scheunemann-‬‬‬ How does taking iodine (or supplements like ThyroScript which contain iodine) impact you if you no longer have a thyroid due to RAI? Most literature only discusses the impact – both positive and negative – of iodine on your thyroid and not the impact on a hypo patient without a thyroid.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom:  I'm taking Suzy's ThyroScript and loving it.

Question 42: ‪Laura Scheunemann-‬‬‬ I appreciate that Dana, I really do. But I guess I confused the question by using ThyroScript as an example. I'm NOT asking if I should take that supplement – I'm asking about iodine impact on thyroid health if you no longer have a thyroid. Every article I've read on the matter says iodine impacts thyroid function… but what if your thyroid isn't functioning? Does it impact the way your body USES thyroid hormone or only the actual gland?

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Hi Laura, I see my confusion. I saw ThyroScript and with trying to address as many questions as possible thought the question was more about the giveaway. I too am confused about the whole topic of iodine. I've read those that say people with no thyroid should still take iodine. According to those I read, you no longer need iodine to create thyroid hormones if you have no thyroid but the rest of your body needs it. It is necessary for breasts and prostate (second largest storage sites after the thyroid). It is also used by the adrenal glands, paritoid glands, mucosal lining of the intestines, uterus, ovaries and many more. It is a necessary nutrient in maintaining healthy cell life cycles. I would love to know Dr. Carnahan's views on iodine and hopefully she will get to your question. ‪

Question 43: Wendy Blankenship Catron-‬‬‬ I started armour a few weeks ago. I can see some differences in how I feel. How long does it take for armour to take full affect. I had a thyroidectomy due to Graves. Don't know what normal feels like.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Wendy, I take Nature-throid and it took about 6 months of my doctor retesting my levels and upping my dosage to reach optimal. In my case this happened when my Free T3 reached top quarter of the normal range. Here's more about this: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/the-thyroid-worlds-queen-t3/‬‬‬ Recently I had an article on my site specifically for those struggling with hypothyroidism since treatment for Graves with important things to know: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/you-have-graves-disease-and…/‬

Question 44:‬‬ ‪Julie Prestholt Gobeli‬‬‬- I have had hashimotes for 16 years I suspect I have a adrenal problem also cause never have been able to take full dose of meds-my question is can you help someone like me who has had this problem for so long I seem to be getting worse.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Julie, for me taking saliva adrenal test that measured my cortisol at 4 points in the day was so important in my healing. I discovered that I had an adrenal issue from that testing and adrenal support has been key in my healing. The first step is to get tested.

Question 45: Noemi Romano-‬‬‬ Dana, if you happen to see this. What so you take for adrenal healing and maintenance? My daughter was put on A- Drenal. Is there anything else I can do? I'm already taking supplements like L- Tyrosine, iodine, selenium and a great liquid vitamin. No gluten dairy and very rarely sugar.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Noemi, great you have a doctor who is looking at your adrenals because many doctors do not. There are different treatments depending on the individual case. I've been thinking of trying the A-Drenal you mention so I would love for you to keep me updated on how your daughter is doing on that product. I personally take another adrenal support product by the brand Gaia which contains many of the same adaptogenic herbs as A-Drenal. A few other things to consider are testing a full iron panel including ferritin. There are two common reasons why some people react as you do on T3 and natural desiccated thyroid: adrenals and iron issues. Also in my case there are additional pieces of my thyroid puzzle – sex hormones, and nutrient deficiencies including D3, B12, magnesium, and zinc.

Question 46: ‪Tiffany Moody Miller-‬‬‬ I still have not been able to be put on meds for my Hashimoto's . They say my labs are normal..but I have tons of symptoms . Thoughts??

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Get a second medical opinion. Here is an article about how treating Hashimoto's when levels are normal can slow down the autoimmune attack: http://abt.cm/1mNOiBr his is a controversial topic but worth it for you to get another medical opinion. Resources to help you locate a good doctor: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/top-10-resources-to-find-a…/‬‬‬

Question 47: ‪Heather Hall-‬‬‬ Thank you for talking to us. I have been hypo for 5 yrs last year gotten worse recently went to a endo for the first time he diagnosed me with Hashimoto thyroid disease said all my blood work looks healthy but D is low. I have major constipation issues he thinks my synthroid may not be digesting properly and I have bad brain fog/dizziness in spells? While I have spells my eyes also bother me red all the time and dry. Also have ear issues but that specialist says my ear is not the problem. My endo says my thyroid is not causing the fog/dizziness. Starting to give me panic attacks while driving. Idk what is what anymore?!?!

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Heather, Synthroid contains T4 hormone only and while some do well on it many of us do not. Many of us do better on a combination of T4 and T3 meds. Here's more about this: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/which-is-the-best-thyroid-drug…/‬‬‬ Also with Hashimoto's there is more to it than thyroid meds. It is an autoimmune condition and the thyroid meds are not addressing that part of it. There is a great book that goes over the treatments for Hashimoto's including diet and supplements by Dr. Wentz: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/hashimotos-thyroiditis…/‬‬‬

Question 48: ‪Brianna Coffey Arnold-‬‬‬ I was diagnosed with hashimotos in January. I'm seeing an endo but still feel terrible Pros and cons to complete removal. I talked to a surgeon today about the surgery and know the risks are pretty bad (loosing your voice ect)

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Brianna, surgery is a major decision. It would be worth it to get multiple medical opinions including seeing a functional medicine doctor like Dr. Carnahan to see if they can you with the underlying autoimmune issue with Hashimoto's. Here is a list of resources to help you locate a good doctor including a resource to help find a functional medicine doctor: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/top-10-resources-to-find-a…/‬‬‬ There is a great book by Dr. Wentz that goes over lifestyle changes including diet and supplements to help the autoimmune issue in Hashimoto's. Worth a try to see if you can help yourself without surgery: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/hashimotos-thyroiditis…/‬‬‬ ‪

Question 49: Connie Crane Butts-‬‬‬ What kind of diet should I be on for hypothroidism?

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom:Hi Connie, there isn't necessarily the perfect diet for everyone since we're all individual. Food sensitivities such as to gluten and dairy are common for hypothyroid people. I hear regularly from followers on my page who rave about gluten-free and Paleo for their hypothyroidism. Here's an article with websites full of recipes to try: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/weight-loss-tips-for…/‬‬‬ ‪

Question 50: Britt Covin Ward-‬‬‬ What are good sayings to tell people who don't understand the fatigue, foggy brain, low motivation…? I hate using Hypo as an excuse, but until I get my levels and adrenals worked out, I don't know what else to say. This is more of an emotional issue, but maybe anyone can weigh in. My four kids and husband have the energy of 20 horses! I think they get frustrated that mom doesn't want to do anything.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: You ask a good question Britt. I will post your question on my page tomorrow at 2PM ET so you can hear from everyone on my page what sayings they use. It's absolutely frustrating because unless someone has lived thyroid disease they can't imagine what it does to us. ‪

Question 51: Zurama Garcia-‬‬‬ hello, very nice to have some answers. One of my concerns is, me being tired, but not every day, very often. I am on Levo 100 mc and I very curious about Armour and Cytomel, Last week I did my lab work and my T3 was 2.7, my doctor told me that was ok, so he didn't add anything else to what I am taking right now. Is that a good number? if it is, why am I get too tired sometimes, to the point of being in a conversations with friends and I can't keep my eyes open. Thank you I forgot to mention that I am gaining weight fast.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Zurama, On your lab results you will see the normal reference range listed for Free T3. I personally do not feel well when my Free T3 is low or even middle of the range. I feel my best when my Free T3 is top quarter of the normal range. Here's a chart of recommended labs including optimal range for Free T3 .

Question 52: ‪Jenn Gorham-‬‬‬ Hello. I am currently experiencing hypo and hyper symptoms. My TSH is 4.15. My Dr. Only tests TSH. I am extremely fatigued, dry skin, cold intolerance, insomnia, depression, and agitation. I currently take 88 mcg and the dr won't adjust my dosage. I was wondering why I am dealing with symptoms of both hypo/hyper?

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Jenn, I often hear from readers with Hashimoto's who have a combination of hypothyroid and hyperthyroid symptoms. The thyroid autoimmune condition Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism yet thyroid antibodies are not routinely tested. Two tests to have done: Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies and Thyroglobulin Antibodies. Hi Jenn, knowing if you have elevated thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto's is important because if that's the case you would know the cause is the thyroid autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's. There is more to hashimoto's than taking thyroid meds. There is an underlying autoimmune issue that needs to be addressed and there are many resources explaining how to help. There is for example a fabulous book by Dr. Wentz that goes over lifestyle changes for Hashimoto's including diet and supplements. There is much you can do if you know you have hashimoto's: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/hashimotos-thyroiditis…/‬‬‬ Jennifer, take a look at the normal reference ranges on your lab results to see where your scores fall in the ranges. Each lab may use different units of measurement. Elevated antibodies above the normal reference range are used to diagnose Hashimoto's. If your levels are above the normal range then you should read Dr. Wentz's book on hashimoto's: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/hashimotos-thyroiditis…/‬‬‬ ‪

Question 53: Debbie Hendrickson-‬‬‬ I was just wondering if I should up my armour.. On 15mg 2x a day and having headaches still esp during my period… Also super fatiqued.. Armour worked great in the beginning.. Thinking I need to up it.. I have hashimotos.. Tpo at 86. Oh and my hair is falling out too, not horrible but praying it grows back with armour.. How long did it take u? I'm 43 yrs old too! I've only been on armour for 3 months.

Answer-Hypothyroid Mom: Hi Debbie, Armour didn't work well for me (although I hear from many on my page doing great on it, we're all different). I'm on Nature-throid and it took about 6 months of my doctor regularly retesting my levels and upping my dosage to reach optimal. In my case that happened when my Free T3 reached top quarter of the normal range. Here's an article about this. Also important for me was testing and treating my adrenals, iron/ferritin (ferritin is particularly important for hair loss), sex hormones (perimenopause has recently wreaked havoc on my health), and nutrient deficiencies including D3, B12, magnesium, zinc, and selenium, and food sensitivities including gluten: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/the-thyroid-worlds-queen-t3/‬‬‬ There is more to Hashimoto's than thyroid meds. There is an underlying autoimmune condition that needs to be addressed. Dr. Wentz wrote a great book that goes over it all: ‪http://hypothyroidmom.com/hashimotos-thyroiditis…/‬‬‬