Hi all,
This is my first post on here. I have read many others posters questions/ advice/ responses and have gained a lot of very useful information, so thank you all for that and thank you in advance for any advice you can offer me!
I am looking for advice on a number of issues. Like many I was eventually diagnosed hypothyroid after repeated doctors visits, at the point when trying for a baby and a change of doctor, I pointed out that the range is reduced for those trying to conceive. I have, since November 2013 been taking Levothyroxine which has been upped and reduced and upped again. I am currently taking 200mg in the morning as I find this for me is better than at night. This was last increased after my latest results from 2.14.15. I gave birth to my second child 7 months ago and am aware that post baby hormone levels can fluctuate wildly but I would be interested in any observations on my results. I actually felt the best I have done in a long time between October 2014 - January 2015, since then I have been getting progressively more fatigued as well as other symptoms. I eat well and exercise fairly regularly. Regular walking, pilates and running around after two children!
Although considered in normal range, I do not feel normal. Fatigue, brain fog and at times low mood due the aforementioned and these seem to be getting harder and harder to manage. I also get cold, have dry skin, dry eyes, my hair is falling out (this could be post baby), headaches and other aches and pains, particularly in my feet. My weight in the last few months has fluctuated (again likely post baby) however I am currently losing.
My doctor has recently worn me down and prescribed Sertraline. Something I have up until now refused. If anybody has any experience of this combined with Levothyroxine, I would appreciate your experiences, positive and negative.
I take the following supplements.
Selenium
Zinc and copper
Vitamin D3
Vitamin K2
Magnesium
Results
24/11/2014
Free T3 6.6 pmol/L (3.8 -6.0) "high"
Free T4 18.8 pmol/L (8.4 - 19.1)
TSH 0.02 mIU/L (0.30 - 4.80) "low"
14/01/2015
Free T3 4.9 pmol/L (3.8 -6.0)
Free T4 12.4 pmol/L (8.4 - 19.1)
TSH 0.10 mIU/L (0.30 - 4.80) "low"
Vitamin D 50 nmol/L which was classed as an insufficiency hence supplement.
02/04/2015 - latest results
Free T3 was not tested. The note on my file said to test in 6 months, presumably because I was within range.
Free T4 11.6 pmol/L (8.4 - 19.1)
TSH 0.40 mIU/L (0.30 - 4.80)
Perxidase antibodies 404.6 iu/mL (<9.0) "High"
Thyroglobulin Antibodies were not tested. Are these necessary to confirm Hashimotos?
My doctor does not think the high antibodies are an indication of Hashimotos and said that someone with hypothyroidism would have high antibodies - would you be inclined to agree?
Could the reduction in my T3 mean I am not converting? I am currently looking into DIO2 gene, where you do not convert the T3 but it does not show in bloods.
I am in the process of writing to my doctor to request an alternative to T4 only, whether that is the addition of T3 or a natural desiccated hormone. I am also going to request the following tests be done at my next blood test due in 4 weeks.
TSH
Free T4
Free T3
Reverse T3
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb)
Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)
B12
D3
Folate and ferritin
Thank you for taking the time to read/ respond to my rather lengthy post (with probably too many questions!), any advice will be gratefully received.