I was just recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

[Neoma]

I'm not worried about the disorder itself. I'm worried that the other medications I'm on will interfere with the treatment since I have endometriosis and bipolar to deal with. The meds I'm on messes with hormones already...

Anyways besides that, does anyone else have it and what's it all like? I'm at the beginning of the whole ordeal, seems like.

[Warpy]

1. Your lines of defense are your doctor and pharmacist

Between them, they'll pick up any problems. That's their job.

If you don't already have one pharmacist, do transfer your other drugs over to the best one you know. It helps the pharmacist to know everything you're on.

[Neoma]

2. Not on any new meds yet.

I have to wait a week until I'm treated for this.

I'd admit to hypochondria if I wasn't diagnosed with something new every 3-5 months. Pneumonia? I'll take loads of pills! Bronchitis? (3 times!) Okay, I'll take the pill. Kidney infections? Okay I'll take the pill. 6 centimeter cyst on my ovary? Okay, I'll have a painkilling shot and some surgery. Severe B-12 deficiency? Okay, I'll have shots every day/week/month. Spinal headache with spinal fluid leaking? Great! Collapse my vein with an enormous needle why don't you... My universe, and that's not all of it.

It's never a question of getting better. The question has always been, "So what's next?" and "Bring it on!"

I want a new body, this one's not working right...Sorry, had to rant.

[Warpy]

5. I lurch from disaster to disaster, also

I'm an RN so I'm able to keep close tabs on all drug interactions and contraindications. Were I not an RN, you can bet all my scrips would be at one pharmacy instead of two because different generics are cheaper at different places.

[marybourg]

3. Possibly once they get your thyroid

up to speed, some of your other ailments might improve.

[Neoma]

4. Maybe I'll have more energy.

I've wondered why B-12 shots didn't really boost me up like they said it would. Probably the hypothyroidism overiding. Also, sensitive to cold, and my memory is fuzzy sometimes...

I feel like a medical phenomenon sometimes. I get jealous of healthy people. You know, "damn their protein drinks and jog shorts."

[hedgehog]

7. "damn their protein drinks and jog shorts."

Boy - do I hear that one!

[hedgehog]

6. I know someone who had to go on Synthroid because of side effects from lithium,

so I think the mixture of medications must be fairly common. Most people get their thyroid medications balanced very quickly, so expect the best. Good luck!

[Neoma]

8. Never been lithium.

[kdmorris]

9. I was diagnosed in 2002.

I'm not sure what you are on for the bipolar, but the thyroid hormones shouldn't affect the meds. As Warpy said, try to use one pharmacy so that they can let you know of interactions.

I have found that as my estrogen and progesterone drop due to aging that I need less thyroid hormone. My understanding (loosely) is that estrogen and T4 use the same receptors in the cells. However, since you are already likely on hormones for the endo, they will adjust your thyroid meds until you are balanced out - so those will already be taken into account.

freezing, hair loss, loss of energy, weight gain - these were all my first symptoms. I would be so cold when it was 72 degrees.

For me, I think the biggest challenge was getting it stable in the first place... I kept telling myself I could have something terrible like cancer, so I really shouldn't complain. It didn't really help that much, but I kept trying to cheer myself up anyway.

I found out I had Diabetes at the same time - the adjustment to that was much more difficult.

[Neoma]

10. I have all those beginning symptoms.

The thing is, I'm so used to health problems, sometimes I barely recognize my own symptoms. And I can always blame bipolar for my problems. "Weight gain? Must be the new medicine I'm on." See what I mean?

[kdmorris]

11. I think anyone with a chronic health condition

Even a chronic mental health condition does that... For example, I start gaining weight.. new insulin meds? Not enough thyroid meds? when maybe, just maybe I've been slacking off on the exercise and stuffing my face with chips But I always look to one of my issues first.

[Neoma]

12. I had been on this weight gain mission for myself for years.

Now that I'm at normal range, I have to retrain myself on what to eat.

[MissV]

13. I was diagnosed one year ago

I have not had any problems with my thyroid meds interfering with my anxiety and blood pressure meds. It took approx. 6 months to get my thyroid levels to the correct level. My doctor believes that my thyroid condition is probably the cause of my anxiety attacks and high blood pressure. I have lost 50lbs and feel better that I have in years. You will be amazed how much better you will feel when your thyroid levels are normal.

[Neoma]

14. My doctor said I haven't had it for very long.

I had only just started gaining weight, getting forgetful, and being fatigued.

[MissV]

15. I am glad you were diagnosed early

I spent 5 years going from doctor trying to find out what was wrong with me. I gained over 50lbs in a year, slept 14 hours a day and I thought I was losing my mind. Finally a doctor did a thyroid test and I finally had the answer to my problem. I am glad you were diagnosed in time. My levels were so high, I had to be hospitalized because I was in danger of congestive heart failure. I haven't had any side effects from the medication. Just be careful when you take otc medications, some can affect your thyroid meds.

[Neoma]

16. Welcome to DU by the way.