how long does it take for throxine to regulate my thyroid. I have been on it for 2 years and still feel tired all the time.

[Barber]

[PinkNinja]

Do you have your latest blood test results? If you do, could you post them here please. It could be that you need an increase in dose. If we can see your test results we will be able to let you know if it is worth discussing a possible increase with your doctor. Many people find that they need their TSH in the lower part of the range, which is Professor Toft's recommendation to GPs on treatment of hypothyroidism. Professor Toft is former chair of the BTA who are responsible for current thyroid treatment guidelines. The guidelines are unhelpful in a lot of cases but Professor Toft's article for GPs is much more helpful.

There are also other possibilities for why you are still tired. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are particularly common in hypothyroid patients. Consequently, it is a good idea to get the following tests;

Serum iron - should be well within the range and not near the bottom, for most people.

Ferritin - evidence suggests that many people feel best with this between 70-90 and certainly above 50.

Folate - If yours is significantly below 12 you may benefit from taking folic acid along with vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 - despite the NHS range going down to around 200, neurologists say it should be above 500.

Vitamin D - if below the reference range, this could be contributing to your symptoms.

Iron/ferritin is very important for your body to be able to use thyroxine. Folate and B12 are very important for energy release, healthy blood cells and neurological health. Vitamin D is actually a hormone involved in hundreds of metabolic processes and deficiency is rather common in the UK. The best way to get your vitamin D is through safe sun exposure but if yours is very low you may have to take vitamin D3 supplements. Your doctor will be able to advise whether you need to supplement.

You may also like to take a look around the main Thyroid UK website for more information

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/index....

I hope that helps a little.

Carolyn x