Newbie- supplement help: Hi, I have been treated... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,182 members166,423 posts

Newbie- supplement help

Tkulaga profile image
14 Replies

Hi, I have been treated for hypothyroidism for nearly 10 years, after   suffering with symptoms for two years and my doctors just telling me to change my lifestyle and my weight increased they finally did a blood test. By that time I think I put on well over a stone in weight and no matter if I eat healthy and exercise I struggle with weight loss. I am now 3 stone overweight and not happy. Last year I complained to my doctor that I don't think my T3 is converting and showed them information on the other drug which helps T3. They said it didn't exist. Said my TSH levels were fine, but I said I have read that not necessarily are they converting correctly if my TSH levels  are ok. They called the phlebotomy department and asked them and they agreed with them. I contacted an endocrinologist to see about an appointment and they said won't see without a referral from GP but they won't refer. 

I have been looking at supplements, ie. Green tea powders and fat burners, as I think if I can boost my metabolism I may find I have more energy to exercise etc. But whenever I cross reference on Internet it says that ingredients effect thyroxine. 

Advice please I am 43 and have been on 125 thyroxine for all this time. I am due a blood test. So will book soon, and post my results. I read on one of the posts that someone asked for freeT3 and freeT4 to be tested. Is this worth a try asking or will I get refused.

Tracy

Written by
Tkulaga profile image
Tkulaga
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
14 Replies
Ruthi profile image
Ruthi

I have been a member here for a while and people regularly complain that the various supplements they have tried don't help. So without evidence that you need them I would say don't waste your money, save it for a visit to a sympathetic doctor!

But the first step is an educated look at your blood results, such as they are. Ask the surgery for a printout of your most recent results, and post them here for comments. My guess is that long before we worry about your conversion, we will see that you are 'normal' which is a statistical concept, but not optimal. You may need additional private tests to get a clear picture, but let's take it one step at a time.

Tkulaga profile image
Tkulaga in reply toRuthi

Thanks, I will arrange a test this week and post results. 

in reply toTkulaga

Hi. Make sure you take your test as early as possible and that you haven't eaten for about ten hours. You can drink water though. Leave about 24 hours between your last meds and the test. Take it after. This will give them a true reflection of your bloods and the tsh will be at its highest.

We don't get our t3 routinely done in th e UK, we have to fight for it. Some doctors only do tsh. I don't know what system you have there but we can get these tests done privately. 

I wish you luck, post your results here and people will help you to understand them.

Good luck! :-)

Ruthi profile image
Ruthi

Your most recent test will do as a start,  given that nothing much has changed recently. 

Tkulaga profile image
Tkulaga

Test booked for tomorrow morning, so hopefully will have results quite quick. Will be glad to have people's feedback as I haven't a clue really. 

Tkulaga profile image
Tkulaga

I will be calling doc this morning to see if my results are back. Feeling very low at the moment, just want to cry all the time. Without going down the antidepressant root; as I don't want to go there! Can anyone suggest anything over the counter that will help me?

Tracy 

Tkulaga profile image
Tkulaga in reply toTkulaga

After a lot of reading this morning I bought some 5htp lunchtime and will start it tonight. Hope I start to feel a bit better within myself. I like the fact it says may also help me to lose weight as I do struggle with that and I think that is also why I feel so miserable. 

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply toTkulaga

I do well on 5-HTP and have been taking it for about 5 years. I take 50mg per night.

Hope it helps you. :)

Tkulaga profile image
Tkulaga in reply tohumanbean

I hope so, thanks for replying 

Tkulaga profile image
Tkulaga

The other question I have is the problem with taking my other medications at same time as my thyroxine: every morning at the same time I take:

Micronor contraception 

120mg fexofenadrine antihistamine 

Will these stop my thyroxine working properly?

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply toTkulaga

The reason for taking thyroid meds separately is that it can get bound up with substances from other supplements and meds. Once this happens the body can't get access to the thyroid hormones in your meds. Some particularly bad ones are iron, vitamin D, oestrogen, and I'm sure there is something else but I've forgotten what. Iron and others should be taken at least 4 hours away from thyroid meds.

Tkulaga profile image
Tkulaga in reply tohumanbean

So I am better off splitting up my dosages will start tomorrow and see if I start to notice a difference. Starting 5htp tonight too so fingers crossed. 

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply toTkulaga

I don't know how you take your meds and supplements at the moment. One possible timetable is to take thyroid meds as soon as you wake up, then vitamins at lunchtime, then minerals in the evening. Iron is the exception, and should be taken at lunchtime with vitamin C.

Tkulaga profile image
Tkulaga in reply tohumanbean

I don't take iron, I did buy some well women sport fatigue vitamins to start taking but haven't started yet. I think they have iron in them.. My new lunchtime regime... My body is in for a shock

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

FT3 results!

Hi finally I have a result for FT3 I am now on Levo 125 but still not losing weight, dry eyes,...

T3

I usually have my print out of blood results from surgery this time she said they don t give them...
Piedo profile image

Hypo or Hyper I'm so confused

Please help I had a call from my endocrinologist telling me my cortisol test is normal. While he...
Hele1 profile image

Help with blood results !!

Hi, I am new here. I need some advice on my blood results. I was having hair fall out in clumps,...
2hope profile image

Struggling to loose weight with thyroid

Hi can anyone help me, I am currently taking 200mg of thyroxine and my tsh levels are 0.02 which...

Moderation team

See all
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.