Hi, I have just been told that I am being under medicated for my hypothyroidism, and the Dr wants to up my dose from 50mcg a day to 75mcg.

[Allidey1]

Should I be asking to be tested for other things too, as I am so lethargic and fed up of this interfering with my life. I also have bi-polar disorder, and it is a struggle to be positive at times?

[shaws Administrator]

Hi Alliday

You don't give details on your profile of your history. Have you recently been diagnosed?

It is usual to have your meds increased gradually until you reach an optimum level which makes you feel well. Some members take up to 200mcg and sometimes more. Everyone varies but it does take time.

Always get a copy of your thyroid gland blood test results for your own records and post them here (complete with the ranges) if you have a query.

If you haven't had a vitamin B12, Vit D, ferritin, folate and iron, ask for them as the first two are usually deficient in hypo.

[Allidey1 in reply to shaws]

Thanks for your reply Shaws. I have filled out my profile history now, and I was diagnosed 4 years ago with hypo. I started on 25mcg, then 50mcg and now 75mcg, possibly 100mcg. I am going to return in 6 weeks for the results to see if my levels have risen, and will ask for the B12, Vit D, ferritin, folate and iron to be checked also. It is good to know that this forum exists to get advice and support, thanks again :}

[shaws Administrator in reply to Allidey1]

Dr Toft ex of the British Thyroid Association recommends a TSH of below 1 but many GP's believe it is o.k. for us to remain within the reference range which doesn't always make us feel better and we may still have clinical symptoms.

[PinkNinja]

If you are undermedicated, that won't be helping your bi-polar disorder, and I am speaking from experience. Hopefully the increase will help but you may need a further increase after this. When you are on the right dose you should feel noticeably better. This might result in your TSH being at the bottom of the range or slightly below, which is absolutely fine provided it doesn't go below 0.03

There are other things that you should get tested. It is important to have good serum iron and ferritin (stored iron) levels because iron is needed for effective use of thyroxine. Serum iron should be well within the range and ferritin around 70-90 for optimal health.

People with hypothyroidism are often lacking in vitamins and minerals because of lower stomach acid (which sometimes feels like too much stomach acid). Important ones to check are vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D. The reference ranges for B12 and folate are far too low for optimal health (particularly if you have a chronic illness) so a B12 above 500 and a folate of around 12 are recommended. If they are in range but below these values, it would be wise to supplement but, depending on the NHS, you may need to supplement yourself. Vitamin D is also very important. You might want to look up the symptoms of deficiency as they are many, including fatigue and depression.

I hope this helps point you in the right direction. Hopefully the increase of thyroxine will help

Carolyn x

[Allidey1 in reply to PinkNinja]

Thank you Carolyn, I will see how things go and top up my Vit D, Folate and B12 :}

[PinkNinja in reply to Allidey1]

It's best to get the vitamin D tested first. It's a good idea to take vitamin B12 and folate supplements though. I take a B12 supplement (as methylcobalamin) and a B complex that contains folic acid

[mg51 in reply to PinkNinja]

CarolynB, your reply to alliday1. I was interested in the mention of the lower stomach acid (which feels like too much acid) that sums me up at the moment...any suggestions please

[PinkNinja in reply to mg51]

Firstly getting your thyroid properly treated should help. Some people find taking vitamin C before a meal, in the form of ascorbic acid powder dissolved in water or juice, helps. Others take apple cider vinegar (diluted, I think) before meals. I suggest you post your own question so that you get more answers as I don't really know much about this and can't really help

Carolyn x

[Allidey1]

I'll take your advice and do as you suggest Carolyn. .. thank you

[Hiphypo]

Hi there Allidey1,

I also have Bipolar and having control of the hypothyroidism is a big, big, factor in staying well for me.

Since I have been getting treatment for the thyroid, the bipolar has become easier to manage - to the extent where I am now med free, great - but I appreciate that not everyone can go without them.

Best of luck in your search for treatment.

[roslin]

Hi Allida

I just want to mention that I read about psychiatrists treating bipolar with T3, might be worth looking into.

Roslinxx

[Allidey1 in reply to roslin]

Hi roslin, thanks for your reply. . . I feel that the Dr doesn't listen too good, because I have bi-polar so it's a double whammy for me at times. This has lead me to not ask questions and take their advice at face value. At the moment my meds have just been put up but I am having awful headaches and feel pretty rough. I was adviced to return in 6-8 weeks to check if my levels have gone up, but basically feel fobbed off that the Dr isn't going into things in more detail. Think it's time I was more pro-active with my health, and have had some good advice about vitamins and minerals to take from people on the site. I'm still shocked at how awful my hypo makes me feel, and how it has effected my life in recent years