Query??: Hi. Could someone please tell me if... - Thyroid UK

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Query??

Tateanne profile image
9 Replies

Hi.

Could someone please tell me if once the thyroid starts to deteriorate does the deterioration carry on or level out?

The reason why I ask is im hypo and I've only just started my journey this year. I'm due for another blood test in 2 weeks. Although I can feel some benefits of levo I'm still not 100%.

Thanking you in advance 😊

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Tateanne profile image
Tateanne
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shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

Don't worry too much and unfortunately there's no quick fix for us as hormones will have to be taken for life.

Initially, when first diagnosed and given a dose of levothyroxine we should have a blood test around every six weeks with increases of 25mcg.

Always make a blood test appointment for the earliest possible time, fasting (you can drink water). Also allow 24 hours gap between your last dose of levo and the test and take afterwards. This helps keep your TSH at its highest and prevents (hopefully) GP from reducing your dose. The idea is to increase to an optimum dose i.e. that you feel well with relief of symptoms. A TSH of around 1 or lower is thought to be best.

If you've not had B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate checked ask for these to be done too as we are usually deficient.

Always get a print-out of your results with the ranges and post if you have a query.

puncturedbicycle profile image
puncturedbicycle

I don't think it is a straightforward thing. It depends on age, autoimmune activity, whether or not you're optimally medicated (which can slow autoimmune response) etc.

Marz profile image
Marz

Do you have Hashimotos ?

Tateanne profile image
Tateanne

Hi no I don't have hashimotos and in the summer my levels were in normal range for my autoimmune. However im awaiting to see a neurologist as there seems to be a problem with nerves in my legs and eye coordination.

Heloise profile image
Heloise

Hi anne, so many dysfunctions can cause low thyroid. It's NOT your gland itself but factors that can interfere with your output. You said you did not have Hashimoto's which is attacks on your gland by lymphocytes measured by testing for antibodies. Did you have those? (TPO and THS) The other reasons have to do with your adrenal gland causing a reduction of thyroid hormone which can be T4 which has to be converted to T3. You can have a problem in converting T4 to T3 which is caused by a cortisol deficiency or high cortisol and a ferritin deficiency. The problem is that many doctors do not look at your particular situation but a doctor like this does and those doctors feel you can improve the condition.

youtube.com/watch?v=nZ_CP7l...

So you see there are many causes for what appears to be deterioration of your gland.

Tateanne profile image
Tateanne in reply toHeloise

Hi thank you for your reply. I have been on antidepressants for the past 6 years so my serotonin is I suppose in a 'good' range. My t4 was low and my tsh was raised that was all the Drs said was an issue. I'm just wondering as time goes by will it deteriorate further as in will levo be increased in future? But I suppose that is an question that can't really be answered. They are also looking for MS atm too as there is an issue with nerves. It's seems in the last year my body has deteriorated and I'm trying to understand.

Heloise profile image
Heloise

Antidepressants reduce the impact of your levothyroxine and you shouldn't really need them once you get your thyroid numbers where they should be. If the doctors can't confirm what is causing your low thyroid (notice, that video mentions 24 of them) than you have to keep adjusting your dose to keep your TSH at 1.0 and your FT4 at the upper third of the range. In the range is not enough.

You mention autoimmune so if that's the case you may have a gluten sensitivities. If you want to go gluten free you may find improvement from that. You should have those antibody tests if you are going to call this autoimmune.

B12 is very important for nerve function. When you are hypo, you also have low stomach acid which you need to get nutrients like B12 and also amino acids. Your B12 should be at the top of the range and then your folate is used in tandem with B12 so that should be high in range as well.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/l...

lindabcampbell profile image
lindabcampbell

i read where it could stop and repair it self i never had a chance to see if it might work i was referred to a doctor that put me on syn. replacement and it won`t help your thyroid because it can absorb it i`am on amour thyroid it`s what they used year ago before they made syn thyroid it is still used and works i weas told i was hypo in 2012 it took 2 1/2 years and 5 doctors before i found doctor that would listen and let be try amour and it brought my tsh down to what is normal for me and normal can change between different doctor i go to stanford their normal tsh is 0.40-4.0 for me 6.24 and its a safe number and the endo doctors is ok with it it bet if a group of people all took a blood test they all would have different tsh number and are all ok always find A DOCTOR THATLISTENS TO YOU it took me 5 doc

lindabcampbell profile image
lindabcampbell

just forgot i only have to take 60mg

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