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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety While On Armour

Had thyroid removed in 2014 because of cancer was diagnosed with hashimottos. . Was using synthroid. Had many anxiety symptoms. Switched to armour. Worked well for about 8 months now haveing same symptoms. Anxiety, depression, very nervous etc. many issues. Armour stopped absorbing in my body so dr put me on 90 mg. then I was hyper now back on 60 mg. for about a week still hyper. Any suggestions.
Fri, 16 Sep 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
Anxiety symptoms might be side effect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy (armour) but is not the only cause of it. Anxiety is a separate diagnosis also.
In your case because you do have a thyroid problem which might make you prone to anxiety it is important to check thyroid function first. TSH is the best test to check thyroid function. So I would recommend:
1. Check TSH. If it is lower than 0.5 it means you are having more medication than you need and need to reduce the dose of it.
2. If it is higher than 5 it means your medication dose is low and you will need to increase it. The value we aim is TSH 0.5-5.
3. If TSH is between those values (0.5-5) than thee symptoms of anxiety are not caused by thyroid and no medication dose adjustment is needed.
4. If thyroid is OK than unrelated anxiety is the diagnosis and you will need to speak with a doctor in best treatment options in your case. Some options I will mention:
- Behavioral therapy- is found to be very effective for anxiety and is the only needed intervention in mild forms. There are people that can help you with behavioral therapy.
- trying to have a balanced life is healthy in general especially for the mental health. Try to not work more than 8 hours a day, rest as needed. Involve yourself in activities like sports, time with friends or family. Go for walks, have and active life with at least 30 minute exercises every other day. Find a close friend or relative that you know is a good listener and can keep secrets and set regular times with him/her to speak on what concerns you.
- avoid coffee and energy drinks, cola has cafeine also and should be avoided.
- avoid smoking
- avoid alcohol drinks
Medications for anxiety. Most used ones are SSRI. Your doctor might need to prescribe one for you if he finds it needed.


Hope this is helpful to you and answers to your questions

Best regards

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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety While On Armour

Hello, Thank you for asking at HCM. Anxiety symptoms might be side effect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy (armour) but is not the only cause of it. Anxiety is a separate diagnosis also. In your case because you do have a thyroid problem which might make you prone to anxiety it is important to check thyroid function first. TSH is the best test to check thyroid function. So I would recommend: 1. Check TSH. If it is lower than 0.5 it means you are having more medication than you need and need to reduce the dose of it. 2. If it is higher than 5 it means your medication dose is low and you will need to increase it. The value we aim is TSH 0.5-5. 3. If TSH is between those values (0.5-5) than thee symptoms of anxiety are not caused by thyroid and no medication dose adjustment is needed. 4. If thyroid is OK than unrelated anxiety is the diagnosis and you will need to speak with a doctor in best treatment options in your case. Some options I will mention: - Behavioral therapy- is found to be very effective for anxiety and is the only needed intervention in mild forms. There are people that can help you with behavioral therapy. - trying to have a balanced life is healthy in general especially for the mental health. Try to not work more than 8 hours a day, rest as needed. Involve yourself in activities like sports, time with friends or family. Go for walks, have and active life with at least 30 minute exercises every other day. Find a close friend or relative that you know is a good listener and can keep secrets and set regular times with him/her to speak on what concerns you. - avoid coffee and energy drinks, cola has cafeine also and should be avoided. - avoid smoking - avoid alcohol drinks Medications for anxiety. Most used ones are SSRI. Your doctor might need to prescribe one for you if he finds it needed. Hope this is helpful to you and answers to your questions Best regards