Recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

[JNaughton]

After feeling unwell for a good while, hair loss, tired all the time, weight gain, muscle weakness and cramps, depression pins and needles in my arms and tops of my legs. does this ever pass? i feel so unwell and struggling at my job due to the pysical side of it.

[Denabennett]

Sorry you're going through this I've had hypo thyroid diseases for the last 8 years it actually turned back into hyperthyroid disease lost a lot of my hair and first I gained a lot of weight but it gets better I still have my days where I'm tired but as far as the weight loss I lost all 30 pounds of it I just hit the gym hard I work out a lot so for people to tell you you can't lose weight you can 100 MCG levothyroxine

[JNaughton in reply to Denabennett]

I have only been put on 50mcg Levothyroxine since friday 13th jan. have to stay on that dose for 3 month then another blood test. I currently have no energy, and find myself very upset and tearfull most of the day.

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, JNaughton.

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. Symptoms may lag behind good biochemistry by several months.

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.

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.

[JNaughton in reply to Clutter]

My doctor said to have another blood test in april, yeah i take my tablet every morning, just want to be myself again!! i know now that probably wont happen. thanks for your advice.

[Clutter in reply to JNaughton]

JNaughton,

Given time you should feel like yourself again. If you aren't feeling any better in 6-8 weeks request another blood test as dose may need increasing.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

JNaughton As Clutter has mentioned, have your re-test in 6-8 weeks, don't wait 3 months, following her advice about early morning blood draw, fasting and leaving off Levo for 24 hours. You need your TSH as high as possible for an increase in your dose or to avoid a reduction.

As for your muscle weakness and pins and needles, these can be indicative of low levels of nutrients. We need optimal levels of vitamins and minerals, not just in range. Ask to have tested (or get them done privately) the following:

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

And it would be an idea to ask for thyroid antibodies to be tested as well to rule out (or in) autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's.

Come back with any results, including the reference ranges, and members will comment.

It will take a while to find your optimal dose of Levo. Make sure you are retested 6-8 weeks after every dose change.

The aim of a treated hypo patient is for TSH to be 1 or below or wherever it is needed for FT4 and FT3 to be in the upper part of their respective reference ranges if that is where you feel well. Don't let your GP dose by TSH alone, make sure you inform him of any lingering symptoms and tell him that you expect all your symptoms to abate once you're on the correct dose. Too many doctors only go by TSH being somewhere within the range without taking into account how the patient feels.

[JNaughton in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you. i Don't have my results because i opted for a phone consiltation thinking bloods would be normal, but next time i'm going to see him.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to JNaughton]

You can ask for a print out of your results, you are legally entitled to them under the Data Protection Act. Just ring and ask for them, either get them to tell you over the phone or tell them you will call in for them.

[JNaughton in reply to SeasideSusie]

ok ty will do.

[bluebug in reply to JNaughton]

Also if you ever feel depressed the most probable cause is that your hormone levels aren't optimal either due to the dose of levo or because you are vitamin/mineral deficient.

Do not tell the doctor that you are depressed particularly if you have other symptoms, as they will ignore these other symptoms and won't treat the underlying cause. Instead you will be given anti-depressants.

Once you are on anti-depressants the doctor will have an excuse to blame all your symptoms on your "mental health problem" rather then look into the underlying cause.

[JNaughton in reply to bluebug]

he only knows about the tiredness and hair loss.

[bluebug in reply to JNaughton]

If you have nail problems, skin issues or oedema make sure you show him.