hypothyroid help

I have suffered from hypothyroidism for 27 years (since I gave birth to my only biological child). After I had him I suspected my thyroid was low and used a basal thermometer to check my temperature and it was low every morning. I am a 54 year old female. I am overweight, have great difficulty managing my body temperature (alternating too cold and too hot), have severe hair loss on my head and limbs (and yet grow dark facial hair in the beard area), have dry skin, dry brittle hair, and a poor immune system (I tend to get every flu, cold, etc. that is going around.) I am always low energy and have to focus my energy to get to work (I work part-time) and on caring for my children. I need a lot of sleep (9 to 10 hours) and have Seasonal Affective Disorder. My thinking is dull and I spend a lot of time sitting and reading because I lack energy. I have a fair amount of metal filings (which I would like to have removed if I could ever afford it). My mother and 2 of her sisters had/have hypothyroidism. I tried taking Armor for 3 months many years ago (out of desperation) but didn't want to stop my thyroid from working by taking this artificial thyroid medicine (and I ran out of money to return to the doctor). I am sluggish most of the time and have a desire to do much more (like gardening) but once the weather gets too warm (I live in North Carolina) I can't get outside because the heat drains what little energy I have. I often sleep at night with my head covered to try to stay warm. If I exert myself to exercise like yard work, I am often exhausted for days after the task. I try to gently walk each day for 30 minutes except if the weather is too cold and I cannot tolerate getting outside. After the walks I need to rest. I am weary and dull of mind. I'm sure I need a constitutional remedy but I'm very uncomfortable with anything beyond treating acute conditions. I don't understand dosing enough and am confused about my own symptoms.