hypothyroid question

I was tested about 1 month ago, and one of my thyroid levels was low. I had low Iron and Vitamin D so those 2 things are being treated with supplements. 

I will be retested for Thyroid in a few weeks. 

If it is low again, and I have to go on medication for it, is it a difficult adjustment period for the meds? Do they make you feel bad or anything? Are the symptoms of hypothyroid treated quickly then? (I have a feeling that my results will be low again - just overall)

I am just wondering because I have a full schedule these next few months, and will go in for an earlier appointment if there is a complex medication adjustment period.

I'm no doctor, but I have had hypothyroidism since I was 12 (for more than half my life).  When I started taking medication (or had dosage changes), I never really noticed bad side effects.  I did notice things like weight that I had put on would come off easier after having my thyroid regulated.  Also, I noticed that the overall feeling of lethargy that I had felt was not as prominent.  For me, those have been the two biggest "side effects" and also the two biggest indicators that my levels were not properly controlled with the dose I was on.  I have never experienced a tough adjustment to a new medication or dosage - just that it is not instant.  It takes a few weeks to feel the full effects.

Hope this helps...good luck! 

Thank you - I will most likely go in sooner than later - as a first time low - thyroid patient, I am curious to know if my side-effects - which sound like yours - are really a thyroid condition or if it was just a freak reading. My schedule will not let up for a few months so, why not now.

I have been on thyroid mediation since 1987 and have to say it saved my life. I had suffered depression, lethargy, joint aches, and very bad eczema before my diagnosis. Within a week on getting on medication I felt like a new person. My dosage stayed the same until menopause and then I had to test every few months. Be sure that your T3 and T4 levels are tested as well. After getting on thyroid I was able to lose 30 lbs. The weight problem did not disappear but at least I can now lose weight if I apply myself. I have heard that some folks don't do well on generic synthroid but this has never bothered me. Good luck and don't be frightened...you will be amazed how much better you feel. It may take testing to arrive at proper dosage but worth the blood draws.

Thank you for your reply, and information.  I will try to move my appointment up a bit and see what the second thyroid test results will be. It was good that this doctor even tested for all of these things after explaining my symptoms - I totally had thought that I was just getting old or something.  I had originally gone to see her for seasonal allergies, and mentioned these other symptoms and she ran all of these tests... I never would have thought. 

I have had a hypothyroid problem now for a while.  I have the same symptoms that everyone else seems to have (e.g., the tiredness).  My medication has been regulated but I can't seem to lose any weight.  In the last two years I have gained 17 pounds.  I have been going to the gym 6 days a week doing a minimum of 45 minutes of cardio and lifting 3 times a week AND GAINED WEIGHT! 

However, since the medications have kicked in I am not as tired or moody.  I do like that but the weight doesn't seem to move.

Once I had my hypothyroidism diagnosed and started my meds, the weight came off slowly. I think initially I felt that I didn't need to make any changes and I should lose weight but my doctor informed me otherwise. I was finally able to take off weight but then regained because I didn't change my eating habits. You certainly are active enough.....is dosage correct? Have you had it re-tested since initial blood draw? My thyroid dosage began changing once menopause began so perhaps a re check would indicate something. Maybe.