levothyroxine

[Sunny-time]

Diagnosed eight weeks ago underactive thyroid even though I had no symptoms. 25mg given and 12 days later reduced to 12.5 as I was so ill. 4 weeks later I was bedridden, severe headaches and unable to urinate so took myself off them as Surgery would not respond. Informed Surgery what I had done they responded 8 days later. I have seen Doctor four days ago who didn’t know what to suggest so I have asked for Consultant appt also I have just contacted Medicheck for blood test for T3 which I discovered on this Forum so thank you. I cannot describe how ill I feel and I am losing weight. I have also yesterday started Gluten Free Diet. Thank you I no longer feel alone after joining you all this morning 🌻

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Welcome to the forum Sunny-time

So we can offer better advice, can you tell us more about your thyroid condition, eg what led to you being diagnosed, plus blood test results (with ranges in brackets) for:

TSH

FT3

FT4

Plus any antibody and key vitamin tests (ferritin, folate, vitamins D and B12)

If your GP is unable to complete all the above (eg if TSH is within range, some surgeries may not be able to access FT4 and FT3 tests), you could look to do this privately, as many forum members do, for a better picture of your thyroid health:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

What brand of Levo were you given? Some members report that certain brands give them adverse symptoms.

I also lost weight when first diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Eliminating gluten works for me and is always recommended as a trial to see if it benefits you. Key nutrients are so important; do get these checked if you haven’t already.

Keep posting; we are here to help and support 🤣

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Extremely common as we get older to develop lower stomach acid and this will lower vitamin levels, especially B12

And being hypothyroid often results in even lower stomach acid

Politely insist GP test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Your GP should test thyroid antibodies too for autoimmune thyroid disease

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high TPO and/or high TG thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies (thyroglobulin)

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

I have just contacted Medicheck for blood test for T3

Hopefully you chose this one that includes thyroid antibodies and vitamin testing as well

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Link for money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee