Newly diagnosed with Hashimoto's. Advice on levo dosage appreciated.

Hi all. After 2 years of increasing tiredness, massive weight gain (+20kg in less than a year), swollen feet and basically feeling overall unwell, I finally got a diagnosis. Had been missing periods for 6 months and went to a private gyno. She thought it may be my thyroid and ordred TSH, FT3, FT4 and antibodies. Results, although not too bad (TSH 4.4, FT4 15, FT3 5.07, TGab 286.7 and TBOab 90.57), indicated Hashimoto's. Have been on levo 25 mg for 6 weeks, just got my new results (TSH 2.57, FT4 15.7, FT3 5.80, TGab 257 and TBOab 81). Can you comment on the results please? I do feel better although not 100% yet (period still missing). Should the levo dosage be increased? Thank you!

[greygoose]

Yes, it should. You want your TSH down to 1 or under. Can't comment on the Frees, though, because you haven't given the ranges.

[Hidden in reply to greygoose]

Thank you! Ranges for the latest test as follows:

FT4: 12.4-20.4

FT3: 3.66-6.72

[Hidden in reply to greygoose]

Based on your experience, would 50mg be a desired dosage or even higher?

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

OK, so your FT4 is under mid-range, when it should be in the top third. And the FT3 is only just about mid-range when it should be in the top quarter.

50 mcg is a starter dose, nothing desirable about it - except when you're starting out. 6 weeks later, it should be increased to 75. Then 6 weeks later to 100. It's very rare that people feel well under 100 mcg. Some people even need more than 200 mcg.

[Katepots]

Hi,

25mcg is a very low starting dose so yes it should definitely be increased.

Research Natural Dessicated Thyroid. I was not well for decades until I switched to it.

With Hashimotos you need to be gluten free. It will really help with your weight. By switching I lost over a stone (14lb) in three weeks In nearly 100% of Hashimotos cases leaky gut is present.

Kris Kresser website has lots of information.

Dr Datis Khazzarian (Hashimotos God) his books are great.

The Immune System recovery plan by Susan Blum is good.

Are you in UK? Have a list of good gluten free things after trial and error!

[elabgud in reply to Katepots]

Hello, I wondered if you would be kind enough to send me your list of gluten free things please? Many thanks Elaine

[Anthea55 in reply to elabgud]

The coeliac UK website is useful for gluten free info

coeliac.org.uk/home/

[elabgud in reply to Anthea55]

Thank you for your reply. I will check out the website you have suggested. Kind regards Elaine.

[Katepots in reply to elabgud]

Schar ciabatta rolls are delicious (pop in oven for a few mins) as are Genius English muffins (lightly toast) there's some nice wraps too but the other breads I've found aren't as good.

BFree sweet potato wraps

Nairns whole grain crackers.

Schar cream crackers

Schar crispbreads

Tesco free from battermix is good.

Tesco free from brown sauce and ketchup.

(Watch sauces a lot have malt vinegar in which is barley)

All the Knorr gravies and stock pots are gluten free.

Kallo gravies are good.

Dove farm flours(in shops and online)

Nairns oat muesli

Natures path mesa sunrise cereal in free from section

Birds eye now do gluten free fishfingers

Tesco free from onion rings in freezer section.

Schar shortcrust pastry

There's some really good pies but I can't remember who they're by. I'll add when I next see them. Found I was really missing pies and stodge!

Sainsbury free from cherry and almond slices, yum!

and the chocolate brownies

Wellabys hummus chips

Eat real humans chips chilli and lemon mmmm

I also bought a nutri blender so have a lot of shakes which has helped gut loads. The recipe book you get with it is really good.

I've found as well as dairy I've had to cut out chilli, potato and tomato as all have inflammatory responses.

Good luck.

[elabgud in reply to Katepots]

Thank you for your reply. The list is very helpful and I am looking forward to trying some of the products you have mentioned. Kind regards Elaine.

[Treepie]

It can take up to a year to get rid of most symptoms.Going gluten free appears to be best for Hashimotos but not all need to including me.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Yes, when increasing dose it should be increased in 25mcg steps. Most people feel when TSH is around 1. Testing again 6-8 weeks after increase.

Usual advice on ALL thyroid tests, is to do early in morning, ideally before 9am. No food or drink beforehand (other than water) If you are taking Levo, then don't take it in 24 hours before (take straight after). This way your tests are always consistent, and it will show highest TSH, and as this is mainly all the medics decide dose on, best idea is to keep result as high as possible

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

You do not need to have ANY obvious gut issues, to still have poor absorption or gluten intolerance