Anything to treat fatigue/tiredness??

[jodes9709]

I'm 16 and have known about my underactive thyroid for 3 years but was never told what it was/what to expect when diagnosed. Lately, been getting extreme fatigue although I always take my medication. Just wondering if theres any tips you could give me.

[rosetrees]

Have you had a blood test for your thyroid function recently? I'd guess that you have grown since you were first diagnosed, so it's likely that your dose of thyroxine will need increasing. Go back to your doctor and ask for recent tests. You don's say if you are male of female, but make sure that you also ask for your Vit D, Vit B12, iron, folate and ferritin levels to be tested. Iron is especially important if you are female as heavy periods can quickly cause anaemia.

When you have up to date tests, ask for a print out of the results (with ranges) and then come and post them here.

Ask your doctor to explain to you about hypothyroidism and what you can expect.

[Jubes]

Poor you it's rotton to feel that fatigued I know I've been there too. Make sure you aren't taking anything like calcium supplements with your thyroxine or within 4 hours as these reduce effect, if you continue to feel worse ask your GP to test your thyroid levels again, you are a growing girl and you might need a dose adjustment, I hope you feel better soon

[Hennerton]

Have you had a recent blood test for thyroid function? If so, please post results with reference ranges, so that people can comment. You may need an increase in your dose. If it some time since your thyroid was tested, ask your GP to test and ask him to include Vit D, ferritin, iron, B12 and folate. All these need to be optimal in hypo people. Again post results with ref range. Finally what dose are you on currently?

[Moggie]

My extreme tiredness was caused by low iron and low vitd so I agree with others that you should get these checked as they are often low in thyroid patients.

Moggie x

[jodes9709 in reply to Moggie]

Had a appointment this morning and they said it could be low iron, having blood tests soon to check. Thank-you x

[Moggie in reply to jodes9709]

Thanks for the update.

Moggie x

[Clutter]

Follow the excellent advice above and make sure to take your levo with a full glass of water an hour before food and drink or two hours after. Levo needs an empty stomach to achieve maximum absorption.

You also need plenty of sleep. Adults are recommended 8 hours sleep but hypothyroid adults need 10+ hours sleep. Teenagers need a lot more sleep than adults - that is a scientifically proven fact.

Your diet should be healthy too. No yo-yo dieting and cut out as much fizzy drinks as possible.

[shaws Administrator]

On the morning of your thyroid gland blood test, take your medication after your blood test as it can skew the results. Take your meds afterwards. Have the test as early as possible as that's when your TSH is highest. It fluctuates throughout the day.

[Jubes in reply to shaws]

That is such good advice. I didn’t do that in the early days and there was always debate about the number. I now miss it until later in the morning and it’s more stable.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Jubes]

Yes, You will get more accurate results.

I hope you feel much better soon.

[Marz]

Did you have your anti-bodies tested when you were diagnosed ? Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg are the ones. If you have raised levels then you may have Hashimotos Thyroiditis. It is the most common form of thyroid illness in the world but Docs seem to resist testing due to expense. I think you deserve an answer.

I am not wishing to add to your problems but the younger you are when it is found the better as there are lots of things you can do to help yourself. I have Hashimotos but it was not diagnosed until 2005 when I was 59. Following the advice on this site has improved my health greatly.

Will look out for your nest post....oh and about the tiredness - I used to have siestas every day - but since improving and tweaking with supplements and vitamins I rarely need one....hope you soon feel better....

[jodes9709 in reply to Marz]

Never had my anti-bodies tested, just blood tests. Had an appointment this morning and they think I have low iron too so more blood tests soon.