Self medicating confusion

[Pam70]

I was diagnosed with under active thyroid in USA about ten years ago using a 24 Hour cortisol test amongst others including bloods and reflex, I was started on a quarter of a grain of Armour Thyroid then we returned to the UK and my doctor here said I did not have an under active thyroid. I also saw Dr Skinner before I went to USA, he thought that I had an underactive thyroid but I can't remember what he advised as it is a long time ago. I buy the thyroid medicine from USA but the dose has never been changed as I can't find a doctor to talk to in this area, (Lincoln/Newark) I have had depression intermittently for 44 years and it has been permanent for the last three years. I think it could be related to my thyroid but can't get my doctors to even discuss it as they all agree in the practice that I do not have a problem based solely on the blood tests, all they do is prescribe antidepressants.  Also I feel dizzy in the mornings when I get out of bed, can this be related to a thyroid problem?

I think that the dose may need adjusting, can anyone help please. Is it worth having bloods done privately, I am retired and money is very tight so I do not want to use it on something unless it is going to be helpful.

[Clutter]

Pam70,

I think it would be very helpful to have a thyroid test either via your GP or private to check levels and guide dosing.

Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest.  Take NDT after the blood draw.

Homeblood tests can be ordered from Blue Horizon and Genova via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Pam70 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter, it will have to be private as GP says I don't need it.

[Pam70 in reply to Clutter]

Hi again, I forgot to mention that I sweat so badly that my hair is dripping wet. My GP says it is a side effect of Venlafaxine but I have taken it for years and it didn't always cause the sweating at this level.

[linlow]

Yes it would be worth having your bloods tested but don't take any meds for 24 hours before the test otherwise the results might be skewed. 

In the meantime you might get your GP to read this nahypothyroidism.org/thyroi... .  If you can get your thyroid hormones, vitamins and minerals sorted out all your other symptoms might disappear.

[Pam70]

Thanks, I also forgot to mention that I sweat so badly that my hair is constantly dripping wet.

[linlow in reply to Pam70]

sweating might be a sign that your thyroid problems are not under control webmd.com/skin-problems-and...