Issues.....

[TeresaJ]

I have felt tired, achy and, of course, gained weight. My last blood test showed my TSH at 4.910, T4 at 1.01 and TPO at 177...my GP started me on 25 mcg of Synthroid....should I get an opinion from a specialist?

[Marz]

You are probably better off here - reading and learning as much as possible. That is what I did

How old are you ? - and do you have heart issues ? if not then your starter dose is far too low and could cause more problems than it solves. 50mcg is the usual starting dose and then you need another blood-test after 6 weeks to see how things are going.

I do not understand your T4 result - is that a Total T4 or a Free T4 ??

It would seem you have Hashimotos - so I am afraid we have to read and learn as much as possible for ourselves. You have not given a range - so I am basing it on others I have seen.

Happy to help more - but did not want to overwhelm you initially ....

Also have the following tested asap .... B12 - Ferritin - Folate - Iron - VitD. They need to be OPTIMAL - and not bumping along the bottom.

Welcome to the world of thyroid

i am not a medic so click onto my name and read my profile to understand how I have gained my knowledge - and still learning something new everyday .........

[TeresaJ in reply to Marz]

I am 59.....was treated four years ago for hyperthyroidism....after being treated for 6 months I was told I was normal......I have taken synthroid for three weeks....I still have achy arms and

legs....have been on vacation and can hardly walk due to what feels like a muscle sprain in the back of my leg.....going to try to see Dr. for that....feel like I am falling apart

[Marz in reply to TeresaJ]

Have you had the tests done that I mentioned in my reply to you before. It could be LOW VitD or B12 causing these pains ....

Not sure Doc will have many answers. Do ask for the other tests though.

[TeresaJ in reply to Marz]

Thanks...am going to Dr next week

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Teresaj.

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. 100% gluten-free diet may improve symptoms and reduce antibodies.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

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

It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working but it will take up to six weeks to feel the full impact of the dose.

You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.

Most people will find symptoms resolve after their TSH drops to around 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range but symptoms can lag a couple of months behind good biochemistry.

For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken 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 calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements and oestrogen.

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.