Also, since Hashi's is autoimmune, you can swing from hypo to hyper based on when the attacks are happening and how your body is responding. That's one of the reasons that it can be so frustrating to treat, especially with blood tests alone. You also may simply not be responding that well to synthroid. Many of us with Hashi's tend to do better on the natural options -- the natural dessicated thyroid seen in Armour, Nature-throid, etc. It's not clearly understood why, but it may have to do with the fact that the naturals have T3 in addition to T4 as well as T1 and T2 (which they don't know what they do or not).

Also, you could be having a reaction that is not directly, but indirectly, related to the thyroid.

Unfortunately, a lot of this is trial and error and can take a while to figure out. Are you taking any other supps? If so, which ones? How are your other numbers -- for your adrenals, blood sugar/insulin, Vitamin D, etc.?

MKwose -- that is concerning that the doc has never tested your adrenals. If your adrenals need to be functioning properly for the thyroid meds to help -- if they're not, you can even feel worse with thyroid meds. Many women with hashi's have low DHEA -- it's very commonly seen together, likely because the body is trying to compensate for the sluggish/defunct thyroid. Also, not uncommon for us to develop insulin resistance (which can turn into diabetes if it worsens). I had both and was pretty shocked by it as even at my heaviest I was only 30 lbs or so overweight, always in normal sized clothes, etc.

Plus deficiencies in things like the adrenals, insulin resistance, low Vitamin D, low magensium, etc. can have a LOT of overlapping symptoms -- like difficulty losing or maintaining weight, fatigue, etc. I definitely felt much better after finding a true thyroid specialist that looked for all of these interactions and found much more than just the thyroid. It's been a night-and-day turn around for those of us that aren't lucky enough to have just a wonky thyroid.

My recommendation is to go to an MD who focuses on integrative or functional medicine and specializes in thyroid and/or metabolic issues including thyroid. This way you know that they're still legitimate doctors (whether an endo or not) but that they look at things from a much more holistic/integrative and functional view. If the person is still an MD and getting highly recommended in your area for thyroid, that's probably a good place to start.

I personally go to an MD that focuses on an integrative/functional approach, and yes, unfortunately, he doesn't take insurance. And that's a big bummer. However, depending on your insurance, you still may be entitled to some sort of reimbursement (I've got a PPO and get some reimbursement) or any tests he/she may order may be covered under your insurance just like any other MD would be. My initial visits and testing cost me about $1500 or so out of pocket (some of which I was ultimately able to get reimbursed for).

As much as that hurt, it was the best $1500 I'd ever spent. I first suspected symptoms 10+ years before and saw a total of 5 different insurance paid docs over the years (3 PCP and 2 endos), and none of them helped. One doc (one of the PCPs) knew something was off, but didn't know what. He recommended me to an endo that ultimately wasn't very helpful -- he only relied on TSH and didn't check for any other the other issues my current doc checked for (thyroid antibodies, adrenal issues with DHEA, cortisol, etc.; liver enzymes, blood sugar/insulin issues, common vitamin deficiencies -- D, magnesium, iron, iodine, etc.). It's pretty upsetting that none of the other previous insurance docs checked for ANY of these issues -- but I've found my story to be a sadly common one. So, the extra out of pocket costs was the best money I personally ever spent -- and I wish could have had 10+ years of crazy making back.

mkwrose - Have you ever received a complete hormone analysis? This is a highly subjective field of research, but it appears that you have a competing hormone (RT3 possibly?) With all hormones there is a long delay of activity, so while you may feel a change, the physiological effect will not be experienced for 3-7 days after adjusting meds. What Synthroid dose are you currently on?

I know a great DO in the Atlanta area - sending you her contact info.

You may want to work with your doc and review alternating day dosage as a variable to see how your heart responds. This may be driving anxiety or could be driven by it.

I'm very biased and we had the same gross anatomy professor - thorough isn't a strong enough word to describe her. Hope everything works out and best regards to you and yours.

I have Hashi's. I had heart palpitations and panic attacks when I was overmedicated.