Blood results shock

[Holly99]

Hi I've just joined the forum and hope to get some advice from members here.

During routine bloods my TSH came back ay 7.1. I was retested after 4 weeks and it had reduced slightly to 6.4. The thyroid antibody test gave 235 and on the form the note said that indicates autoimmune thyroid disease.

To start with my GP dismissed the result as not significant. He then looked at the guidelines and offered me a trial of Medstead of 25mg for 8 weeks then a review.

I went to see the doc with symptoms of tiredness and joint pain and stiffness. Was I right to start the meds and is this the correct dose? I'm female and 59.

[Holly99]

Sorry that should say meds not Medstead

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Holly99.

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_...

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.

It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working and 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.

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.

[greygoose]

You were right to start the 'meds' - thyroid hormone. If you have Hashi's, it is not going to go away by itself, it can only get worse with time.

There is no cure for Hashi's, all you can do is replace the hormones that your thyroid can no-longer make enough of, due to antibody damage.

However, a gluten-free diet can lower antibodies, as can taking selenium. And you need your TSH at zero, so insist on that with your doctor.

[humanbean]

To edit your posts, look at the bottom of your post and look for the small box with a v in it.

Click on the v and a few options come up, including Edit. Click on Edit, make the changes you want, then remember to Submit or Save changes (or whatever the wording is).

[Clutter]

Anna_Huysse,

NDT is not licensed for UK use so it is not an option for NHS patients. The British Thyroid Association state that "Levothyroxine is the preferred treatment option", a position that many patients vehemently disagree with. Most members using NDT have private prescriptions or buy it on the internet and self-medicate.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Plus the majority, do well on Levo.....provided the dose is correct, antibodies checked and under control, their vitamin levels are regularly monitored and supplemented if necessary....and if leaky gut /gluten issues are present that they are sorted by gluten free diet.

If/only consider other options (t3 or NDT ) when done all that, and given it good time to settle, if still not resolved .....and tests still show low T3.