Levothyroxine

[BaldyblokeDave]

I had mt thyroid removed 6 years ago, since then I've been on Levothyroxine. My surgeon recommended I started on 250 mcg daily according to my weight. GPs have always measured TSH, (which I have always struggled to get my head around) and I'm now on 100/125 alternating days. For the last 5 years I've suffered with a breathless feeling like I forgot to breathe and feel I need to really gulp the air into my lungs. Reasons for this have varied from Asthma, COPD to being fat. Over the last year I've suffered with lethargy, aching limbs, mood swings, neck ache, and every evening I get a feeling of pain across my back, shoulder blades shoulders and arms. It feels like I've been battered. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Are there any resources I can access to help me when I see the doctor? Any ideas how I can ease this? I'm being treated for depression with Mirtazapine, and take my thyroxine at night after discussions with a pharmacist.

[Marz]

Think we need to start with some basics....have you had the following tested ? - B12 - Ferritin - Folate - Iron - VitD. When these are OTIMAL then some of the symptoms you describe should lessen. Post the results with ranges when you have them - in a new post - and people will comment....as your doses will depend on results.

You need good levels of Ferritin for the T4 you are taking to convert into the ACTIVE hormone T3. Low VitD can cause the aches and pains and low mood. Low B12 = Low mood and whole lot of other problems.

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

vitamindcouncil.org

Click onto Health Conditions on the above link and be amazed !

The thyroid control moisture levels in the body and Asthma can be due to low levels of moisture in the lungs. Have you had your anti-bodies tested - for Hashimotos ? They are Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg. These really need to be done.

[Hillwoman]

Hi Dave, and welcome. Just a quick thought about your breathlessness: this is sometimes due to low B12, which often afflicts the hypothyroid person. It's best to get this as high as possible, and bear in mind that the 'normal' lab range may not be normal for you, especially as NHS tests don't measure 'active' B12, only the serum total. I recommend Solgar sublingual methylcobalamin 1000 mcg as a good supplement.