I wish I was better.

[atala]

Dear folk, difficult to start but know I need to. Been struggling with under active thyroid for 5 years. Cant get it right. I use to be confident and now I would say I am unstable mentally. I know this is due to the levothyroxine, I am very sensitive to changes in levels. Have asked for T3 in case that might be the way forward. Endo not great, but said yes. Doc say no because of costs. Started taking Iodine to supplement and encourage thyroid which is better. I'm complicated because of menopause. Please say iodine is a good thing.

[Clutter]

Atala,

Sorry, iodine can be quite bad for hypothyroid patients and can induce autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's) or cause flare ups in patients who already have Hashimoto's. Patients taking Levothyroxine should get the iodine they require from Levothyroxine and diet.

If you post your recent thyroid results and ranges members will advise whether you are optimally medicated on Levothyroxine.

It might be better to buy T3 online and self medicate than to take iodine. Greek and Turkish T3 is quite affordable and adding a quarter or half tablet to Levothyroxine often raises FT3 sufficiently for patients to feel well.

[atala in reply to Clutter]

what tests shall I get. I see so many here.

[Clutter in reply to atala]

Atala,

I meant you should post up a copy of the results and ranges from the recent thyroid blood tests your endo or GP did. If you don't have them to hand ask your GP receptionist for a printout of the recent results and ranges.

[atala in reply to Clutter]

will do

[atala in reply to atala]

14th nov 2016. TSH 2.7 B12 453 Haemoglobin 13.7 Red cell 4.54 Full blood count 137 White cell 4.5 Liver 14 Kidney 143

[shaws Administrator in reply to atala]

I would begin a new post and put up your results with the ranges. The rangs are important as labs differ and they're needed to comment on the results.

With a fresh post you may get more comments too.

[atala in reply to shaws]

are these results good enough or should I go back and start again, AND what tests should I get.

[shaws Administrator in reply to atala]

The problem is atala, that labs differ in the machines they use so, unfortunately, the ranges are different so it is important that the ranges are stated.

You have only given the results of your tests but if you do have the ranges as well you can either edit your numbers above by pressing the down arrow and selecting edit.

Ranges are always in brackets after the result number. This is an example taken from another member's post.

December TSH was 17.7 with no thyroxine, T4 6.8 (range 10.8-25.5)

[atala in reply to shaws]

ok. I see. Back to the phone

[atala in reply to atala]

TSH 2.07 (0.27-4.2) I'm taking Levo 112.

[Marz in reply to atala]

Many people here report feeling better when the TSH is 1 or under. Take a look at my post about the testing that would help you on your journey to wellness ....

[Marz in reply to atala]

atala You need the FULL Thyroid Profile tested - TSH - FT4 - FT3 and the anti-bodies - TPO and TG. Docs and labs are bad at doing the FULL Profile - possibly due to costs. Could you have the tests done Privately - a Home Testing Kit sent to your home ? If so let me know and I will send you the link - or you can go to the main website of Thyroid UK ...

thyroiduk.org

[atala in reply to Marz]

could you send me the link.

[Marz in reply to atala]

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

The link I gave you in my previous post is worth reading - lots to learn

medichecks.com/thyroid-heal...

Both companies are well used by people on this forum - medichecks has an offer on at the moment ....

[Clutter in reply to atala]

Atala,

You are under medicated to have TSH 2.7 while taking Levothyroxine. The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 1.0 or lower with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... Email [e-mail] if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your GP.

B12 453 is adequate but I can't interpret the other results without the lab ref ranges.

[Rapunzel]

atala

you were advised years ago not to supplement iodine

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

what has changed to make you believe that it may now help you ?

[atala in reply to Rapunzel]

you are right. despiration

[atala in reply to atala]

I have come back to this site after all this time, forgotten most things; I have only just reread my first communications. For now I feel better with the help of Iodine, wrong though it maybe. I couldn't string my thoughts together before. Maybe I will get the help I need here.

[greygoose in reply to atala]

Iodine stimulates the thyroid gland, which is why you feel better in the beginning. But it can't last. Stimulating a sick gland will hasten its demise. Quite apart from all the other nasty things that can arise from a surplus of iodine.

With a TSH of 2.7, you are very under-medicated. You need an increase in dose. And that might be all you need to feel well. But your endo and your GP oobviously know nothing about thyroid. You either need to find someone who does, or start to take charge of your own health. A doctor who only tests TSH, is adoctor to flee like the plague!

[puncturedbicycle]

I feel for you. A lot of us feel unwell for a while before we find the right dose of the right meds. The good news is that this may just be a matter of upping your meds as you do look undermedicated. Try enough levo first, then if you still don't feel well maybe a bit of t3 will help.