I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when I was 39 I am now 53 and still feel unwell also started the menopause same time.

[darb]

Have not had a period since, just lately I have been so low tearful, no energy, pain and now pain in my buttocks which I think is sciatica which is so painful. My recent TSH levels were 14,, I normal run between 2.3 - 2.4 they have upped my levothyroxine to 175mcg daily, this was I week ago and I still feel like crap!. I normaly take 125mcg any ideas what's going on here please ! thankyou

[Clutter]

Menopause can create havoc with previously stable thyroid symptoms because of the change in sex hormone levels. Are you taking HRT?

It can be 2/3 weeks before you feel an improvement in symptoms after a dose increase of Levothyroxine. Make sure you have a follow up blood test 6/8 weeks after your increase and don't take your medication until after the test.

I hope you'll feel better soon.

[darb in reply to Clutter]

thank you for your reply. No I have never been offered anything for the menopause and still all these years on still have the hot flushes etc., but it's my thyroid at present which seems to be the problem, will take note of all the advice thank you.

[shaws Administrator]

If you haven't had recent Vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate ask for these to be done. When you have your next thyroid gland blood tests, get a print-out of all your tests, with the ranges, and post for members to comment on them. Levothyroxine is not always the best for some people and maybe it's time for your GP to rethink.

[darb in reply to shaws]

Thank you I will, If I do not feel any better in the next few days will go to my Gp, get the feeling they do not understand the thyroid too well - there seems to be a lack of consistency in results and but they actually test - in my case only TSH levels. thank you for your advice.

[shaws Administrator in reply to darb]

I doubt very few doctors understand what we have to go through if levothyroxine doesn't work for us. It does for many but they wouldn't be looking at sites like this.

If you don't take your medication in the morning of the test (as Clutter suggests) and have it as early as possible your TSH will be at its highest. (Not that TSH should be used to diagnose, they should pay attention to our clinical symptoms).

Ask the GP for a full thyroid function test, don't beat about the bush, and tell him you are fed up of being constantly unwell. TSH (as we know is used for a diagnosis) and labs don't test anything else if it's within range. If they don't do it you may be better served to get a private test if GP is not forthcoming with the rest. This is a link and tell him you would like these done.

You have been neglected if your TSH has risen to 14.

This one is just for your own information as GPs don't recognise it.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

The one below would be good if your GP is willing.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[darb in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your reply, I will certainly being talking to my GP.

[darb]

Hi everyone , I have had some more bloods taken as at last reading TSH was 14 donot know what the others were! GP upped levo to 175mcg (was 125mcg). my new blood results came back today and spoke to GP, who was very what can I say - not very helpful, did not really want to give me each detailed result! even though I asked - so I pushed and requested my TSH 0.2 and was told to drop to 150mcg, now asked about others told normal but pushed once again and 25.2 TF4? other results could not tell me? said normal. What about my B12- 386 was told this is ok? folate and ferritin would not say what they were - just told me normal! I was quite cross as I asked the question am I not converting very well? answer possibly not - so what are they doing anything! Oh you will have to make an apt to see your regular doctor!!!!! so I said ok, I would like all my results printed out going back as far as I can so then I will put them on here and see what people think- I am sick of not feeling right constant pins/needles vibrations, headaches, funny stomach pains, tired, low in mood I could go on - But hey ho the GP thinks I'm normal!