A good website I found years ago that describes the symptoms of both hyper and hypo is www.endrocrineweb.com. Remarkably some are the same regardless of which you go.

Before anyone has radiation, one is supposed to get a full thyroid test to determine THEIR normal. This should include TSH, T3, T4, etc. Your former TSH level is what you want to be as close to normal for weight maintenance and fatigue and overall feeling well after treatment. It has a wide range so don't let the dr say 'it's within range' if you are having fatigue or 'woofing down calories but not gaining weight' or still freezing or roasting', get the numbers.

I have been on synthroid since 2001 when they removed half of my thyroid. I have no side effects from meds. I was told NOT to take anything with Calcium or iron at the same time. It could either be taken two hours after or 4 hours before. I take it in the morning with all my other meds and some vitamins and Zinc.

I started on synthoid 75, upped to 88, and now on 100 once a day. Full TSH, T3 etc. test run every 6 months. More often if I have problems. I can usually tell I will be tired or eat eveything in sight with no gain.

I don't want to scare anyone, but if your thyroid goes either Hyper or Hypo TOO far, it can be fatal. So learn the symptoms and keep on top of your docs to get the tests run. Some synthroid just might help some of you to 'perk up'. The trick is getting the correct dosage.

Take care,
Eileen