What are brain/seritonin consequences related to the removal of the thyroid gland?"?

Question:

I am doing heavy research on this issue and need help from anyone who knows anything. I had my thyroid removed when I was 18 and I am now 41 years old. I have taken antidepressants for the last 10 years to curb obsessive thinking, but I am now looking at alternative forms of treatment because the antidepressants usually stop working every five years. I take Levoxyl .125 mgs and Luviox 100 mgs daily. Thank you for any help you may be able to provide!

Answers:
I can only speak from experience, I had my thyroid removed 3+ years ago, and I am more emotional, and anxious now. I also know when my dose was low I was depressed.

I know most people take just synthetic T4, but your thyroid also produces T3. Most people have know problem converting T4/T3 though out the body, but some do. I think the brain is one place this occurs.

Also there is a normal range for TSH, but different people feel better at different values in this range.

I know brain development is linked with thyroid hormones and the brain is still developing into your early 20's.

I just added 5 mcg cytomel (T3) a day, and I feel better but have more trouble sleeping.

There is no connection. You need Both the antideppressants and your thyroid replacement hormone. Do not stop taking your Thyroid meds!

When my thyroid ceased functioning I became extremely depressed. The physical symptoms of hypothyroidism are enough to depress anyone. I think there's definately a connection between the two.
My depression is corrected by Prozac and Synthroid, the two work together, and thankfully, have done so for years-I haven't experienced the 5 year loss of effectiveness you've described. Maybe you need a different antidepressent.

What are brain/seritonin consequences related to the removal of the thyroid gland?"?

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