I have high TSH and on 75 thyroxine. I am having symptoms. Can anyone tell me the connection between the two please

[Shahrzad]

Just don't understand how it all works and doctors don't have time to explain.

[helvella Administrator]

Suggest you could start by reading the main Thyroid UK website:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Rod

[Shahrzad in reply to helvella]

Thank you

[Shahrzad]

Thank you very much. I was told of my test result:" FT4 level is now optimum - 17.4, but the TSH (which doesn't relate to symptoms) is elevated at 14.3, which is a little surprising". I have symptoms like tiredness, heavy eye lids, red dry eyes, dry mouth, palpitation, poor concentration. Instead o f weight gain I have weight loss with poor appetite. I've started taking my thyroxine in the evening instead of the morning and alternate 75 with 100 mcg hoping it will help. What do people think?

[Shahrzad]

Thank you reallyfed up 123. I had graves but was allergic to anti thyroid meds so only had propronol for my palpitation for a few years. Then in Dec '13 had RAI. Came off propronol and in Feb '14 started on 100 levo and felt very ill for weeks. Levo was reduced to 75 and then started feeling ill again and now started alternating 75 and 100 and switched to taking it at night. I am under a hospital doctor. Your comments have helped and this site is very helpful. What we all need is the right type of support and this site is excellent.

[cc120 in reply to Shahrzad]

have you ever tried natural desiccated thyroid / NDT ? Also as Clutter suggests T3 could help.

[Shahrzad in reply to cc120]

cc120 thanks. I never knew about it. I will talk to the doctor about it. I guess it has to be prescribed.

[cc120 in reply to Shahrzad]

Has to be prescribed to obtain in the UK, but can purchase via online pharmacies, as I and many others have done.

[Clutter]

Shahrzad,

There is recent evidence saying patients without a thyroid don't always do well on Levothyroxine alone and benefit from the addition of Liothyronine (T3). Your elevated TSH indicates you are under medicated and as you aren't tolerating an increase in T4 you ought to ask your doctor to prescribe you T3 in combination.

I self medicated with T3 after being very ill and mostly bedridden on T4 for 18 months. I felt poisoned. I'm now recovering and prescribed 100mcg T4 + 40mcg T3 as the improvement in my health was undeniable.

If your doctor won't prescribe T3 it is readily available on the internet and you'll get guidance here. PM me if you want a link.

ps getting my vitamin deficiencies corrected and continued supplementing made a huge improvement in my health and well being too.

[Shahrzad in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter very helpful I am learning loads here and feeling better for the support. I'll keep you posted. I had not even heard of Liothyronine or combination therapy.