Hypo but now have antibodies and unwell again.

[didi30]

Hi there. I've been hypo for about 6-7 years now. I felt like my old self after a few years of treatment and changing doctors to one who is really good. Everything was fine until recently. I had baby number 3 in 2013 and only issue with that pregnancy was my son being 6 weeks early. 6 months later I discovered I was expecting number 4. Only issue with that one was a big baby (now 7 months old). I've had antibodies checked several times including at the beginning of each pregnancy and none were shown onthe test. 2 weeks ago my gp tested everything again and only issue was that my antibodies were very high (I didn't write down all my results) shw wants to check again on4 weeks and see Iif anything has changed if not possibly refer me to an endo. Could it be I feel unwell because of the new antibodies or could 2 children in 2 years have just taken it's toll on my body. I've been on the paleo diet for several months now and lost a lot of weight so don't think that is the issue anymore andy stomach feels a lot better. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Clutter]

Didi30, Having two babies in quick succession undoubtedly has a toll on your body but it is more likely to be the autoimmune attacks on your thyroid which are making you unwell. It's not uncommon to feel hypo and hyper at the same time as when lymphocytes attack the thyroid cells are killed off and dump hormone into the blood as they die.

There aren't many GPs or endos who understand the impact of autoimmune thyroid disease (thyroiditis or Hashimoto's) and how it can adversely affect quality of life when thyroid levels are normal. Gluten-free diet helps many members reduce Hashi flares and antibodies and being on sufficient Levothyroxine dose to suppress TSH can also reduce flares.

It's a good idea to ask for printouts or make a note your results and lab ref ranges as GP's 'normal' usually means anywhere in a very broad range.

You might ask your GP to check ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate as deficiencies/low levels are common in hypothyroid patients and can cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms. Post the results in a new question and members will advise whether to supplement. Unless levels are deficient NHS won't prescribe but you can supplement to optimise levels.