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Hello. I Am A 50 Yr Old Female. I Weigh
Question: Hello. I am a 50 yr old female. I weigh 100 lbs. I have hyperthyroidism and one hot nodule on thyroid. I’ve had it for 20 years and it has been easily managed with a low dose of methimazole up until a year ago. Now my tsh levels go up sometimes to a 6 and then back down too low. In August I was on 2.5 mg of methimazole 5 days a week. My levels were: TSH .801 - T4 1.02 - T3 - 2.9. Endocrinologist said continue with same dosage. Three weeks ago I started having frequent palpitations and twitches all over my body. Palpitations got worse and I went to the ER. My lab results were: TSH .080 - T4 1.12 - T3 3.1. They released me same night with diagnosis of PVCs, irregular heartbeat and hyperthyroidism. My regular endocrinologist has been away on vacation so I spoke to her fill in doctor. He advised me to increase methimazole to 7.5 mg per day. I also saw a cardiologist. She said my symptoms are likely caused by hyperthyroidism and menopause and I am currently wearing a holter monitor for one week. Since increasing the methimazole ten days ago, I am not feeling better. So my questions are: Do you think the current methimazole dosage is enough? Roughly how long will it take for me to feel better? Does this sound like Graves’ disease? How soon would you recommend I recheck my thyroid levels? Thank you for your input.
Brief Answer:
about hyperthyroidism treatment;
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I have gone carefully through your concern.
I agree with the curr3nt dose of methimazol too.
Every 6 weeks you need to check TSH,Ft4 and ft3.
To make the diagnosis of Graves' disease you need to check the antibodies ( TSI), if they result positive it is Graves and nodar goiter.
We ususally suggest treatmemt with methimasole for up to 18 months than surgery or radioactive iodine is suggested.
So once you have a normal hormonal balance you need to talk to your physiscian and decide for a definitive treatment.
Hope the information will help.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta.
about hyperthyroidism treatment;
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I have gone carefully through your concern.
I agree with the curr3nt dose of methimazol too.
Every 6 weeks you need to check TSH,Ft4 and ft3.
To make the diagnosis of Graves' disease you need to check the antibodies ( TSI), if they result positive it is Graves and nodar goiter.
We ususally suggest treatmemt with methimasole for up to 18 months than surgery or radioactive iodine is suggested.
So once you have a normal hormonal balance you need to talk to your physiscian and decide for a definitive treatment.
Hope the information will help.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
How long on average does it take for the heart issues to calm down after increasing the dose of methimazole? My cardiologist said my blood pressure is too low to take a beta blocker. Would they resolve quicker if I went up to 10 mg per day of the methimazole? Thank you.
Brief Answer:
about hyperthyroidism treatment;
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
It takes 2-4 weeks to see the clinical improvement after a dose increase.
Taking 10 mg temporarly may improve fqster the clinic symptoms but will not help to find the appropriate dose in longer terms.
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
about hyperthyroidism treatment;
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
It takes 2-4 weeks to see the clinical improvement after a dose increase.
Taking 10 mg temporarly may improve fqster the clinic symptoms but will not help to find the appropriate dose in longer terms.
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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