Fed up and low energy

[ERF169]

Feeling fed up and low energy doctor wants to prescribe antidepressants - they don't work for me, I feel like I did before hypothyroid was diagnosed 

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum ERF169.

You have given no thyroid history in your Profile which is helpful to members without asking repeat questions.

When were you diagnosed? What has been prescribed for you? What dose? and if you've had a recent blood test do you have a copy from the surgery with the ranges? Do you follow a particular routine when blood test is due, i.e. the earliest possible one, etc.

If so, post them. If you don't have them request a copy from the surgery on Monday and make sure the ranges are stated.

If you've not had a recent blood test request a Full Thyroid Function Test, which is the best for giving a fuller picture. Most labs wont do it if our TSH is within range and they may also do a T4. You might have to get Free T3 done privately. Also request vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate as we can be deficient which also causes problems.

Most times the patient isn't given sufficient levothyroxine as GP thinks anywhere within range is fine, when it's not. Fine is when we have no clinical symptoms and feel well. Levothyroxine has to convert to T3 which is the active hormone required in all of our receptor cells and we need an optimum dose to relieve symptoms.

[AnitaApple in reply to shaws]

Hi I was in was in similar situation and felt instinctively that anti depressants were not the answer though my dr wanted me to start a course . I trusted that the levothyroxine would do its work which it appears to have done and I feel much better . I have had several weeks off work and am beginning to feel that I might be able to go back soon . I'm really glad now that I didn't go down the antidepressant route ! 

[ERF169 in reply to shaws]

diagnosed 1996, was on 250mcg Levothyroxine since moving home 150 and recently 125

[shaws Administrator in reply to ERF169]

ERF169, You've been hypothyroid long enough to be much better but not if the doctors have been adjusting your dose up/down/up/down according to the TSH alone and not bothering with your thyroid hormones, i.e. Free T4 and Free T3.

Ask for a new blood test and tell the doctor you want an M.O.T   for your thyroid gland as you've been unwell for twenty years! Tell him also that thyroid hormones are supposed to restore you to full and healthy life and you now feel you need proper testing.

Full Thyroid Function Blood - TSH, T4, T3, FT4 and FT3 and antbodies, Vitaminin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. Get a print-out of the results with the ranges and post on a new question.

(the lab may not do all of these if your TSH is 'in range' so you might have to get your own if you can afford it.

The blood test should be the very earliest possible and allow approx 24 hours before the blood test and levo and take it afterwards. Also also don't eat before the blood test.

You have to read/learn/ask questions and members will help you along this unsteady path. Levothyroxine which is the only hormone replacement allowed by the British Thyroid Association isn't the best for some people (I am one of them) but take first things first. Get a print-out with the ranges and post them on a new question for members to comment on them.

If your doctor is reluctant and thinks the TSH alone is fine. Ask him to name the thyroid hormones in your body. If he says T4 and T3 ask which is the active one. If he says T3 - say why have I never had a yearly test to check my Free T3 otherwise how do you check that I am able to convert T4 to sufficient T3?. T4 (levothyroxine) is supposed to convert to T3.

The only way is up. Tell your doctor that if you've been undermedicated for years that could lead to other more serious health issues. They are mistaken if they think one pill taken daily will fix our thyroid glands if it is insufficient in dose.

[ERF169 in reply to shaws]

Thanks and thinking about it my GP at the previous practice did full bloods this practice is a poor one I have a test booked on the firm free FT4E:S TFHE,S

[shaws Administrator in reply to ERF169]

I am not sure what this means?

I have a test booked on the firm free FT4E:S TFHE,S

[ERF169 in reply to shaws]

I have a test booked on the form - test for free FT4E:S TFHE,S

[shaws Administrator in reply to ERF169]

I know what FT4 is but not E:S or TFHE,S. Maybe will someone will enlighten me.

[Marz]

I have posted two articles this morning which may be of interest to you - have a read and see what you think   One about Thiamine and another about anti-depressants.

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Hi ERF169 you don't give much information, however, I too have been prescribed anti depressants, and it is worth either giving them time to work or asking your doctor to try you on another type. There are many kinds of these tablets, I have had to try different ones in the past and am currently on Venlafaxine since December 2015 + so far feel they have been useful, as well as trying to exercise more, fresh air can help, so can eating well. Have you been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid? I was myself, some years ago, and put on Carbimazole, currently now 2mg per day. Still, don't know much about you, go back to your doctor you think, or see another one. Or, you could try writing down how you feel plus your symptoms. Hope this helps,

Take care, Debfigroll xxxx take one day at a time and be kind to yourself,

Depression is awful, I know! In itself. And low energy is one of its symptoms.