Sorry if I start to ramble but this is my first post and I would really appreciate any advice as I am feeling really lost and confused. For a bit of back ground I am a 47 yr old woman and have been putting on weight for the last few years but as a comfort eater there was no surprise there. However the last couple of years have been particularly stressful having nursed and now lost both parents to cancer. In June with on going stomach pains, anxiety issues and perimenopause symptoms I bit the bullet and went to the doctors.
After scans and a blood test I was called into the doctors to be told I had an under active thyroid. In a 3 minute consultation I was told I have to take a pill for life, I get free prescriptions, everything will be fine come back and be retested in 10 weeks and by the way yes you are entering the menopause. I didn't know what to ask and left the surgery prescription in hand for 50mcg of levothyroxine and a piece of paper outlining hypothyroidism.
I hate making a fuss and with low self esteem I find it really hard to talk to my doctor so finding this forum has been a godsend. I started taking B12 3 weeks ago having read somewhere it can help with energy. I then decided to get a private blood test done. Obviously I can see I don't need to supplement B12 but I would appreciate your thoughts on my other results.
Armed with what I have read in other posts I know next time to get a print out of my results but I have no idea what else I should be discussing. One final thing having been a complete bread addict for years I have cut down and plan to cut out gluten as my stomach pains and bloating has definitely eased as I cut out bread.
Written by
fruitbat114
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
CRP is slightly raised, this could be because of inflammation somewhere. I expect BH said something in their comments.
Ferritin is good, ideally it should be half way through range to 100.
B12, as you said there's no need to supplement.
Folate should be at least half way through range so yours is good.
TSH way too high indicating you're not on enough Levo. Generally needs to be around 1.
FT4 not high enough, generally should be in the upper third of range so around 19.
FT3, surprisingly quite high considering your TSH and FT4.
Anti-Thyroidperoxidase antibodies are high so positive for autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's. Gluten free is the best thing you can do for this to try to reduce the antibody attacks. Supplementing with selenium also helps reduce them, as does keeping TSH low or suppressed. Some people find they need to be dairy free also.
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 and can also help with weight loss.
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.
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.
Thank you for your advice. Except for an inability to lose weight I have had vague varying symptoms and wasn't sure if I was fixating on something that is not a big deal. I feel like a fraud as I have quite a physical job which I cope with (just) but find myself exhausted and unmotivated when I get home. I just want more energy and am willing to give up my beloved bread if it makes me feel better. As a newbie I have gained so much, from reading all the posts and advice. Now I know I can do more to help myself than just pop a pill.
It's quite insidious the way weight, fatigue and other symptoms creep up on one. There's no use pretending that what has undoubtedly been creeping up on you over a few years will be fixed quickly. You will start to experience some improvement in a few weeks but you will probably need a dose increase before you are optimally medicated so it is likely to be months rather than weeks before all your symptoms resolve.
Unexplained weight gain is also a clinical symptom of hypothyroidism. If you haven't read this it is a link I posted a little while ago and I think it will give you hope.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Help from a confused newly diagnosed 
Help with results
Help with interpreting test results
Please help with new blood results
