There are a number of guidelines on how to properly take thyroid hormone to ensure that you are absorbing the drug and receiving the maximum possible benefit. Twice-yearly tests at minimum during winter and summer months can help assess fluctuations and guide seasonal dosage modifications if needed. This seasonal fluctuation becomes more pronounced in older people, particularly in cold climates. Most, however, are not aware of this seasonal fluctuation, leaving patients suffering with worsening hypothyroidism symptoms during colder months, or going through warmer months suffering with hyperthyroidism symptoms due to slight overdosage. Some doctors adjust for this by prescribing slightly increased dosages during colder months and reducing dosages during warm periods. A number of studies show that TSH naturally rises during colder months and drops to a low normal or even a hyperthyroid level in the warmest months. One other little-known issue for thyroid patients is the seasonal variation in thyroid function.

She's feeling dramatically better. Allie finally saw another physician, who said she was being un-dertreated and upped her dosage of thyroid hormone replacement. When I told him that all of my symptoms were from a low thyroid problem and that the latest count just wasn't compatible with my body, and that I wasn't depressed, his answer was "I'll bet 95% of the people in the psychiatric ward say the same thing." He was quite adamant that my problem was not my thyroid, but that I needed to admit that it was depression and that I had all the symptoms. I insisted that, knowing my body, it was too high for me. Her symptoms continued, and she insisted on more blood work. She was finally tested and diagnosed as hypothyroid at age 48. Allie kept insisting on a thyroid test. Her doctor decided it was menopause and depression. She also had a laundry list of symptoms, including dry skin, hot flashes, memory loss, and low sex drive. Check your most recent blood test results and consult with your physician about whether a slight increase in medication dosage and a reduction in TSH would be better for your health.

So it's no wonder that if your TSH is on the higher end of normal for you, you may find it hard to lose weight. And the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has stated that TSH levels above 3 would be considered potential evidence of a developing thyroid problem. A study reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that the mean TSH level for people who don't have a thyroid condition is 1.5. While the normal range for TSH lab tests is established for each lab, where you personally feel best will vary. He said he would definitely keep me on the natural and that I am just one of the people that it works better for. When my doctor saw the results from my blood test, and my weight loss and my blood pressure, he was very impressed and very proud of me.