Is it my hypothyroidism?

[Mamathyroid]

I have recently been diagnosed with an under active thyroid after giving birth 8 months ago. I am very new to all this and I believe it is post partum thyroidism and linked to the baby. I have been on levothyroxine for nearly three months, but I keep feeling very strange. I have a tingling sensation in my right arm and foot, my muscles seem weak, I am loosing lots of hair on my head, i am aware of my mouth and tongue and generally feel unwell.

I can feel perfectly normal and then rubbish for about 7 days. My doctor has said I shouldn't have the tingling now I'm on the tablets and I'm now worried it's something neurological rather than associated with my thyroid. Does anyone else have symptoms like this and are there triggers or connections to baby/Breast feeding that anyone knows of?

Thanks!

[jimh111]

You need to get copies of your blood test results from your doctor along with the reference intervals (the numbers in brackets following the result).

When your thyroid is failing its output can fluctuate. Thus they may need to do a blood test every couple of months or so initially in order to see if your levels are stable.

It does seem like you are simply undermedicated. Many doctors think that once your TSH falls anywhere within its reference interval all is fine. This is not so.

Get a copy of your results and post them here and we can comment on them. If you feel you need a family member or friend to support you then ask them. Now is not the time to be inadequately treated as you want to be with your baby and enjor this time of life.

[Heloise]

Hi mama, when you discover a thyroid problem, there are other factors that become involved. Because of slowing metabolism, digestion is off and neurological changes can come about. Levothyroxine may not be the best treatment, although it is the most common. Your body has to activate hormone and you need to have healthy levels of other nutrients like iron and magnesium especially for your muscle issues.

Have you had other blood tests done? Your options are to supplement possible shortfalls like B12 and folate and perhaps, ferritin or if you thyroid tests are below optimal, increase your T4 if you aren't at the right level. How low thyroid affects your entire body: youtube.com/watch?v=nZ_CP7l...(Not working as expected?)

[radd]

mama,

Welcome to our forum and congratulations on your baby.

Three months is still early days as your body is struggling to rebalance hormones and adapt to the rigours of motherhood.

Levothyroxine takes up to 6 weeks to initially saturate the body which will only tolerate small increases at any one time. Many members (including myself) experienced tingling and weird sensations when starting thyroid hormone replacement.

Has your doctor retested and adjusted your dose accordingly since you started ?

It is important to take your pill on an empty stomach with a glass of water, 1 hour before food, 2 hours before supplements and 4 hours before calcium, iron or vit D supplements.

The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status and for many that means TSH just above or below 1.0. Symptoms can lag behind good biochemistry by several weeks.

Let's hope your hypothyroidism is only temporary, so will resolve itself. Have you been tested for thyroid antibodies ? If you post any blood test results complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) members will comment.

[greygoose]

You absolutely need to get your vit d, vit B12, folate and ferritin tested. These are often low in hypos, and need to be optimal for your body to be able to use the hormone you are giving it. Unfortunately, doctors don't know this.

If your B12 is below 500, then it can cause neurological symptoms and damage. Tingling and pins and needles are symptoms. But, you can reverse it if caught in time. So, get those tests done as soon as possible. Post the results here, and members will be able to advise on supplementing.

[Mamathyroid]

Thank you for your replies. My doctor told me that my b12, vit D, folate and ferritin were all checked back in March and they were all normal!

I will try and post pics of my results from my first blood test back in March and the second one I had last week...I can't understand any of it so would be grateful of some help.

My muscles just feel so weak and tingly and I don't know whether it's my thyroid or not?

[Gerispice]

Hi Mamathyroid. I suffered from post-partum thyroiditis after my first baby was born. It was 23 years ago so I don't remember every detail. However, the exhaustion and muscle weakness/pain sticks in my memory. I was given Levethyroxine alone for 3 months and was well after that. Your symptoms should clear up as the post-partum phase is usually temporary. Please be aware though, that later in life it will return with a vengeance and will be permanent from then on. Be prepared. I was not I am now on T4/T3 combo therapy after 3 years of hell on Levothyroxine alone. Everyone is different. Do your own research and be healthy for your baby x