Need General Endocrinologist recommendation to get TSH under control (Hypothyroid)

[Anonymous]

These are my latest thyroid test results. I currently take a 100mcg of levothyroxine everyday for hypothyroidism. Both my RE and PCP worry that increasing dosage would lower my TSH but probably throw my T4 off. The RE recommended I see an Endocrinologist to see how I can get my TSH lower. I would highly appreciate Endocrinologist recommendations in Maryland.

THYROID PEROXIDASE(TPO) AB - 55 (0.00 - 35.00)
RBC - 4.71 (3.65 - 4.69)
TSH - 4.510 (0.282 - 4.000)
Free T4 - 1.91 (0.84 - 1.62)

(Also, if you have any diet/nutritionist recommendations, I would love to hear of it too - not as a replacement to being treated by the Endo, but as healthier lifestyle choices).

[Anonymous]

Capital Diabetes and Endocrine

[Anonymous]

Dr. Linda Liu or Dr. Shabina Ahmed, but it’s typically a months-long wait for a new patient appointment.

[Anonymous]

Dr. Ahmed is good, but all endos will have a wait-list.

Your numbers indicate that you need a dose increase before you conceive. Typically, endos want you below 2.5 or 2 in TSH.

Also, I recommend that you switch to Synthroid, because the brand manufacturer is a lot more careful in weighing out exact doses of hormone, and your T4 and TSH will be kept more stable as a result. Generic batches can vary quite a lot in the amount of hormone they have in their pills. I could not stabilize when I was given levothyroxine, but managed to stabilize with Synthroid. It will take a few months to know what dose of Synthroid works for you to keep your TSH below 2, so make the switch ASAP.

[Anonymous]

I was also told to go on name brand for TTC and pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

My endo wanted me below 2.

[Anonymous]

Be sure you are taking name brand medication and taking it one hour before eating every morning. Doing both of these things made a huge difference for me, and I didn't even have to change the dose.

[Anonymous]

Agree that brand-name Synthroid is very important. Insist on it. My doctor told me to either take it first thing in the morning or last thing at night, separated from food by at least one hour.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dr. Linda Liu or Dr. Shabina Ahmed, but it’s typically a months-long wait for a new patient appointment.

OP here. Dr. Linda Liu has retired apparently. Dr. Ahmed has a long wait. I was able to get in with Dr. Suzanne Rogacz. Anyone have any reviews for her?

[Anonymous]

Been on Synthroid since my 20s after radiation. After 25 years on thyroid meds here are some tips:

Take the name brand! The dosing is much more precise. There are also some coupons online to help lower the price.

I know it says make sure to take an hour before or after eating. This is true; however, for maximum benefit take it at least an hour from dairy. Calcium binds with the drug so you absorb less.

You do not have to take it in the morning! You just need to take it at the same time everyday. I actually take mine before bed. This way it is very far from my last meal (dinner) and my bedtime is more consistent than my wake-up time.

Some have luck adding T3, particularly if you have Hashimotos. T3 generic seems to work okay for me. Though my situation is a little different.

Most endocrinologist are not that willing to experiment so good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Been on Synthroid since my 20s after radiation. After 25 years on thyroid meds here are some tips:

Take the name brand! The dosing is much more precise. There are also some coupons online to help lower the price.

I know it says make sure to take an hour before or after eating. This is true; however, for maximum benefit take it at least an hour from dairy. Calcium binds with the drug so you absorb less.

You do not have to take it in the morning! You just need to take it at the same time everyday. I actually take mine before bed. This way it is very far from my last meal (dinner) and my bedtime is more consistent than my wake-up time.

Some have luck adding T3, particularly if you have Hashimotos. T3 generic seems to work okay for me. Though my situation is a little different.

Most endocrinologist are not that willing to experiment so good luck!

OP here. Thank you, this was informative!

[Anonymous]

You need T3. Insist on a script for Armour Thyroid and try that. I only felt better once I was on comprehensive thyroid replacement.

As for doctor, I see Dr. Coo in VA but I don’t think he’s taking new patients.

[Anonymous]

+1 on using Synthroid. And I also take it spaced at least 3 hours apart from my prenatal.

[Anonymous]

Linda Liu retired LONG ago! And based on all the horrible reviews I've seen of her on other sites, you'd have been a fool to go to her in the first place!

[Anonymous]

My RE recommended Dr Michael West, and I’ve seen him for a couple years, through 2 pregnancies. I was able to get my first appointment with him quickly. He’s busier now but not as much as other endos. He’s in DC but I’ve never been in his office. I do it all telehealth.