Palpatations getting worse...

[Debbie2012]

I started taking 20mcg T3 in March, and my T4 was dropped from 125 mcg to 25mcg. At the time my tsh was under 1.0. I started to feel great, aches and pains dissapeared, lost almost a stone in 2 months. But over the last month Ive had pains, weight gain and palpations. Had bloods checked 2 weeks ago, tsh is 17. GP has upped my T4 to 50mcg. I know it takes a few weeks to work, but Im getting worried as the palpatations are getting worse, couldnt sleep last night because of my pounding chest. Im back to see my endo in Sept, but wonder if its worth taking an extra 10 or 20mcg of T3? Aside from the normal symptoms and pals, I feel fine. Sorry, dont have the rest of my blood results. Any advice appreciated.

[radd]

Debbie,

Adding T3 to my T4 stopped all my palpitations and heart jumps.

Have you had iron tested ? For many, thyroid meds will only work well with optimal iron and nutrients. Iron is key for conversion of T4-T3 and low levels may decrease deiodinase activity resulting in conversion to reverse T3 ( rather than the active hormone). This action may prevent further meds from working well.

Having low iron can cause negative reactions like palpitations, nervousness, and anxiety in someone medicating thyroid hormone replacement that is unable to be utilised properly .

Ask your GP to test Vit B12, folate, ferritin, Vit D and post results complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment. Also any thyroid test results.

[Clutter]

Debbie2012,

20mcg T3 is equivalent to 60mcg Levothyroxine. Whoever dropped your Levothyroxine to 25mcg seriously undermedicated you as evidenced by your TSH rising to 17and the palpitations you are experiencing. I'd be inclined to raise your Levothyroxine to 75mcg.

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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.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

After your previous post Severn months ago, did you get your Vit D, folate, ferritin and Vit d levels checked (as advised by Greygoose)

These all need to at good (not just average) levels for thyroid hormones to work in our cells.

Also have you had thyroid antibodies checked? There are two sorts TPO Ab and TG Ab. (Thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin) Both need checking, if either, or both are high this means autoimmune thyroid - called Hashimoto's - most common cause of being hypo. NHS rarely checks TPO and almost never checks TG.

Make sure you get the actual figures from tests (including ranges - figures in brackets). You are entitled to copies of your own results. Some surgeries make nominal charge for printing out. Alternatively you can now ask for online access to your own medical records. Though not all surgeries can do this yet, or may not have blood test results available yet online, but all should be doing this with couple of years.

When you get results suggest you make a new post on here and members can offer advise on any vitamin supplements needed

If you can not get GP to do these tests, then like many of us, you can get them done privately

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Blue Horizon - Thyroid plus eleven tests all these.

This is an easy to do fingerprick test you do at home, post back and they email results to you couple of days later. Usual advice on this test, is to do early in morning, no food or drink beforehand (other than water) don't take Levo in 24 hours before (take straight after).

If you have Hashimoto's then you may find adopting 100% gluten free diet can help reduce symptoms, and lower antibodies too. Selenium can help too.

Assume you know that Levo generally should be taken on empty stomach and no food or drink for at least hour after. Many take on waking, some prefer bedtime, either as more convenient or perhaps more effective. No other medications at same time, especially iron or magnesium, these must be at least 4 hours away

vitamindcouncil.org/tag/aut...

[Debbie2012]

Thanks so much for the info. I had a full screen done a few months ago, and everything was within normal range, except low white cell count and slightly raised cholesterol. My endo said not to worry about the cholesterol. I had another screen done recently, but was so pleased that my tsh level was high, I forgot to ask about the rest of my results. Ive the test for Hashimotos and it was negative. I think my T4 dose was reduced too much, and I had felt good initially with the addition of T3, until,the T4 levels started to drop. Im piling on weight again and feeling a bit less perky. Got my endo appt in 4 weeks. Will try and get a copy of my results from GP.