Arthritis and under active thyroid

[triciamary]

I have an under active thyroid after having RAI for overactive thyroid caused by non cancerous nodule. Currently on Levothyroxine 50 mg daily. My arthritis has flared up quite badly recently and wondered if there was any connection with my thyroid problem. I would welcome any comments. Thank you.

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Hello triciamary,

Do you have Hashimotos?

Once you have an autoimmune disease you are more predisposed to acquire others.

We are composed of tissue made of proteins with specific amino acid sequences. Sometimes the immune system identifies one protein as bad and attacks it. Other proteins with a very similar amino acid sequence may start getting attacked as well. This is why it is important to manage high antibody levels.

Autoimmune diseases that are commonly seen along side Hashimotos are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes Type 1, Pernacicious Anemia and to an extend Lupus, Addisons, and even Graves.

Hashimotos is identified by the presence or TOPAb or TGAb in the blood.

Flower

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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute u medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

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[shaws Administrator]

Hi

Maybe your dose of 50mcg of levo is too small and your pain may well be the result of too little.

Many doctors believe that once our TSH reaches anywhere in the 'normal range' that their job is done and any other symptoms which appear aren't due to underdosing.

We usually feel best when our TSH is around 1 or lower and some need it to be suppressed but the doctors wrongly believe suppressed will cause heart problems etc but that's not the case unless we are extremely frail with a heart problems.

To make sure that your pain isn't connected to hypo, ask for a new blood test. It should be as early as possible and fast (you can drink water) and leave about 24 hours between levo and the test.

If you've not had one for a while ask for a Full Thyroid Function Test which should include FT4 and FT3 (FT3 is important as it will show if it is towards the top of the range or the bottom (bottom of range isn't good). Some labs don't do the requested tests if TSH is 'in range'.

If you've not had a recent B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate ask for these to be done at the same time. Deficiencies cause problems too.

[triciamary in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your help I had a new blood test and TSH was 4.3 so my GP agreed to increase my Levothyroxine dose to 75mg for 6 weeks then to check again. So will see how I go.

Triciamary

[shaws Administrator in reply to triciamary]

Always get a print-out of your blood tests with the ranges and post for comments if you have a query.

For a blood test for thyroid hormones, the test should be the earliest and fast (you can drink water). Leave about 24 hours between levo and the test and take it afterwards.

I am really sorry you have RA as well and hope it is well controlled.

I have read that this herb can be helpful in Autoimmune Conditions.

authoritynutrition.com/top-...

naturalnews.com/040114_turm...

[Glynisrose]

I would say there is definitly a link. It has to be said that ANY joint pain is diagnosed as 'arthritis' whether it is or not!