How do I increase my energy levels?

[hairyfairy]

Iv`e been taking 50mg of Levothyroxine for a few months now, & apart from a momentary increase in energy levels, I`m still more sluggish than I`d like, I also want to increase my endurance. Should I take more Levothyroxine, or should I look into supplements. Has anyone tried a supplement?, & did it give you more get up & go?

[Hidden]

Hi

Sorry you've had no replies, people tend to get a better response in the Questions section...

This will push the post back onto latest activity and hopefully you will get a more helpful reply...

L

x

[Jackie]

Hi When you start treatment for thyroid, it can take a long time, there should be frequent retests of tSH, T4 and Free T3 before any alteration in the meds. This often takes a year. Always have a print out of any bloods with ranges ( differ), from the receptionist, sec at hospital. Keep. In this way you can see exactly what is happening. Quite common to need the addition of some T3, only the blood results can safely tell you that. In the meantime, check your vit D, if low corrected calcium. If that in range, treatment with D, Endo or GP best, retest in 3 months as D can cause calcium to rise. There are other tests too. Especially Iron/feritin, be sure to include the absorption % in that test. Needs to be well in range. See TUK for other tests.A good multi vit and mineral, the best, was recommended by my Endo.

I hope that helps, it all takes a while but you will feel fine in time.

Not sure if you know if you wish to reply to a post, click on reply directly under that post.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[celticlady]

Hi-I found that selenium boosted my energy. It helps with T3/T4 conversion apparently. Try some-they come in 200 or 100 mcg. If on 200mcg take alternate days. I take 100mcg most days. Also been told by doc to supplement my iron as ferritin levels are low. Also I'm taking vit D and calcium supps.as now no sun we're more vulnerable to viruses.

At 57 I also feel a bit flat and lethargic but sometimes wonder if I'd feel that way anyaway -no oestrogen. late 50s etc-I'll never know. I have a friend -60 yrs old not hypo/hyper andshe lacks energy. She uses selenium/star flower oil and omega 3 fish oils to boost her energy levels.

Hope that helps-let me know how you get on with the selenium. It's available at Morrisons now! Or lots os online vitcompanies.

Best Wishes, Moira

[galathea in reply to celticlady]

Moirai, are you sure you have no estrogen.. Have you had it measured? ItS progesterone which winds down at menopause.... Have you though about getting some serenity cream? Have a look at progesterone.co.uk. Xx

[Hidden]

How much exercise are you able to take? A daily walk? I know (and how) that sometimes it seems an awful long way, but it does get the blood (and ... er ... bowels) moving, gets whatever Vit D is out there into your system, etc. Sometimes I just have to apologise to my collie and we turn for home. Five years on I still have little energy or stamina. I'm lucky - I have the dog to get me out of the house (I work from home). I also pump girly weights about twice a week. You can do that lying down! The supplements sound like a good idea (I may add them to the increasing pile of dails tabs myself) but don't forget to keep moving.

[brimstone]

if you don't fancy supplements, brazil nuts are packed full of selenium and a nice big mug of ovaltine chocolate is full of vitamins including all the b vits and calcium plus it tastes nice too

[Guillemette in reply to brimstone]

Thanks for this,will try it.Fed up swallowing pills.

[brimstone in reply to Guillemette]

so glad to be of help hugsxx

[Desperate1]

Ummmmm like that advice brimstone. X

[galathea]

When you were started on levothyroxine didn't the doctor explain that you should have tests every six weeks or so with a view to increasing you meds, until the tsh is below 1 and the free t4 is at the top of or just over range?

50 mg is a starter dose, a more realistic replacement is nearer to 150. True you will probably need some selenium, but if there is not enough t4 in the first place, it makes no difference if you convert it to t3... You will still be short of hormones...

Make an appointment for a thyroid function test with your doctor, and DO NOT take your thyroid meds in the morning before the test. Make another appointment to see him a week after the test and ask him for the results...... You want proper results, with numbers... And reference ranges..... Post them on here and we can comment....

Xx. g

[foxglove]

Selenium helped me, and if (like me) you have a problem with yeast Baldwin's do a yeast free variety Also of course brazil nuts as suggested - even the chocolate coated ones count...YUM YUM!!!

[Chippysue]

You should be having your thyroid blood tests every 6 weeks and have your dose increased.

Yes, many of us take supplements. I would ask for your B12, vitamin D, ferritin and folate tested because if these are low you will experience similar symptoms to hypo ones.

You can ask the Receptionist at your doctor's surgery for a printout of your blood test results a couple of days after blood was taken. They can also tell you what the lab ranges are. You are entitled to this information. Let us know what your results are and the ranges, say for free t4 ideally it will be towards the top of the lab range.

Read as much as you can on thyroiduk.org as there is a lot to learn, joining Thyroid UK is an advantage too.

I use a different progesterone cream which was recommended

[hairyfairy]

I have enough trouble having blood test twice a year, There`s no way I`m getting stuck with a needle every 6 weeks!