***UPDATE***
After taking levothyroxine for several weeks, I began to notice a gradual decline in energy level and motivation…returning almost to where I was before I started taking it, only I could still think more clearly. I called my doctor and we did blood tests again, the TSH test and A1C. I mentioned what I had found about metformin possibly causing thyroid levels to decrease but the nurse said “No, it doesn’t do that.” I find this interesting, because it was just like when I started taking metformin to begin with…initially I felt better (getting my blood sugar under control, I’m sure, was the factor there) but then after 4 to 6 weeks or so, I began to once again become lethargic and completely unmotivated and the mental fog began to increase again, after having subsided noticeably. The same thing happened here when I started taking the levothyroxine…and guess what? At the same time I started taking that, she increased the dose of metformin I was taking. A coinicidence? Maybe…but I have my doubts. What I had read about the connection between metformin and lower thyroid levels was, of course, theory and more study is needed but it seems to me, in my case anyway, that there may be a connection.
My thyroid test showed a slight increase in thyroid hormone, which of course would account for the overall improvement in how I’m feeling, but since I’m still experiencing symptoms she went ahead and increased my dose. While I don’t have that same level of energy I had when I first started taking it, over all, I feel better and hope this increase in dose will do it. At least she was happy with my A1C reading and didn’t increase that dreadful metformin. I can’t wait to get off of that!
Rebecca says
This is so great. I was on Synthroid first & have heart problems & it made them worse. Then my hair started falling out in handfuls, and my skin was so dry it cracked. I’ve only been on bovine thyroid this week and my hair & skin are MUCH better !! .
King's Daughter says
Thanks for the comment, Rebecca! Fortunately, I have not had any problems with the Synthroid. I actually take the generic form, levothyroxine. So far, I’ve noticed that my hair has quit falling out and my skin is better! I don’t have heart problems, maybe that makes a difference somehow? I’ve heard of bovine thyroid, but haven’t checked into it really. I will check out your link, thanks!
I appreciate you reading my blog and taking the time to comment, thanks so much!