Hypothyroidism advice please?

[BlueKeith]

Hypothyroidism.Hi. I've had Ibs for 20 plus years and had blood test for celiac which showed I had low thyroid hormone and probably caused by something called hashimoto auto immune disease. I've been put on levothyroxine 50mcg a day. Been on them for 4 week and ibs has disappeared completely. Any advice on hashimoto or hypothyroidism please. Doctor not really explain very well.

[Virgo-8]

I can relate. I have had hashimotos for years. It is an autoimmune disease which attacks your thyroid. Good news we can take levothyroxine for the hypothyroidism, which I have been taking for 30 years. You can have flare ups with hashimotos. Unexplained fatigue, mood swings but, they pass. How it relates to IBS which I have had approximately 40 plus years I am not quite sure as my IBS came first. Right now I am in a good place with both but, am coming off a couple of bad months with IBS symptoms. I try to minimize taking too many supplements and keep all food as natural as I can. I eat out minimally and of course avoid fried food. I must say getting upset over the IBS and creating anxiety over my heath makes everything so much worse. Walking & yoga help me and keeping busy with positive activities. It’s a process and acceptance that our bodies function differently. I wish you the best.

[BlueKeith in reply to Virgo-8]

Thanks virgo8. What does of levothyroxine are you on and do they adjust it often? Also(this may sound strange) but do you find that the sun and sunbathing cures your symptoms of ibs and lethargy . I do . I usually get away to canaries in winter and my symptoms go away but this year with lockdown not been able to and symptoms are worse.

[Virgo-8 in reply to BlueKeith]

I’m on 88mcg. Once the doc gets the correct dose, it is not tweaked too often. If you take any kind of antacid, they must be taken a minimum of 2 hours after levothyroxine as well as breakfast. At least one hour after dosing. The sun & sunbathing helps. Doesn’t surprise me, you are relaxed & on holiday. Most of IBS is anxiety related.

[BlueKeith in reply to Virgo-8]

Thanks again. Was concerned about taking levothyroxine long term but guess if you've been on for 30 years must be pretty safe and tested.

[Virgo-8 in reply to BlueKeith]

I’m 70 still very active. Good luck to you.

[BlueKeith in reply to Virgo-8]

Thanks very much I'm 46 and active but 14 stone and tbh got a decent size gut. . One last question if you don't mind and that is when you went on levothyroxine did you lose any fat.

[Rowyew]

Hi, I don't think you need to worry about the levthyroxine. My mum has been on 120mcg for over 50 years. She's 98 and going strong! I do know that Hashimoto's is pretty common, especially among women o f a certain age. I don't have that many friends but 3 of them have it and take levothyroxine without any ill effects.I suffer from IBS and my thyroid hormone production's on the low side - I think I push for levothyroxine if it might c ure my IBS.