Do I need T3?

[MissFG]

I've been on 50mcg for 3 weeks and although the swelling on my neck has reduced I've seen no other improvements and actually feel worse as time goes on. My thyroid scan Wednesday showed I had harishamoto thyroiditis so my GP rang an endo for advice as my appts not til may. The endo recommended increasing my levo to 100 straight away and bloods again to closely monitor me. From what I've read can levo not work if I need T3? Will this show up in blood tests? I'm just wondering if I see no improvement could this be the reason why and would my GP or endo prescribe this for me? Thanks

[jimh111]

You are unlikely to need T3, only a minority do and it's too early to be thinking about it.  Levothyroxine is easier to monitor and gives a steadier dose.  50 mcg levothyroxine is a small dose and in view of your situation upping it to 100 mcg is a sensible move.  This should help and you should feel a benefit in a week or two.  I'd make sure your next blood test is before your endo appointment, that way the endo has some information to go on and you won't have to wait for another blood test result.  From what I've seen from your earlier post your hypothyroidism came on quickly, consequently it's possible that your thyroid output has fallen futher since you were put on 50 mcg.  The 100 mcg dose is closer to a full replacement (not quite there) and so should work better.

[MissFG in reply to jimh111]

Thanks I've my second lot of bloods on Wednesday which will have been 4 weeks since the last lot. I'm not seeing an endo til may so think I'll have a few blood results to take with me. Maybe I'm struggling with it all as it came on suddenly and knocked me for six! I'm very down n tearful as I'm struggling just functioning and getting a shower let alone work kids & uni. It's all very overwhelming n I'm just fighting being sick :/ 

[Clutter in reply to MissFG]

MissFG,

It will knock you for six and it may be worth considering asking your GP for a sick note until your thyroid levels respond so you can rest while the kids are out of the house.

There was research showing that TSH >20 could impair driving reactions more than being over the drink drive limit so you can see how badly low thyroid hormone can affect you.

[Clutter]

MissFG,

TSH is high because T4 and T3 are low.  Levothyroxine replaces low T4 which converts to T3.  It will take a few months for T4 and T3 levels to improve and for TSH to drop.

At the moment you need more Levothyroxine and should find that increasing to 100mcg starts relieving some symptoms in a couple of weeks.  It's likely you will need a further increase in a few weeks so ask your GP to test thyroid levels about a week before you see your endo.  Arrange the blood draw early in the morning when TSH is highest and fast (water only) as TSH drops after eating and drinking.  Take Levothyroxine after the blood draw.

Make sure you take Levothyroxine with water 1 hour before or 2 hours after food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from iron, calcium and vitD supplements and oestrogen.

100% gluten-free diet can be helpful in reducing Hashimoto's symptoms and antibodies.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

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

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

[jimh111 in reply to Clutter]

Just a reminder, never take levothyroxine with coffee, it has a big effect on absorption.

[Stourie]

Another reminder that is not to take your levo till after your blood test which should be early in the a.m.   Only have water too before the test.

Jo  xx

[MissFG]

Next bloods are Wednesday so not taking my levo or supplements from tomorrow and not eating until after although doesn't help my appt is at 12!