I am a 50 yr old male and I went to my GP 2 weeks ago as I was exhibiting many of the classic Hypothyroid symptoms: terrible sleep pattern, very fatigued in morning, sleeping 4 hrs during day just to function, apathy, depression, foggy brain, very short temper,anxiety, felt the cold easily(having been a person who wears shorts and sandals in the winter!), developed Carpal Tunnel in both hands, dry skin, wounds healing very slowly,serious memory problems etc. Guess what? My GP ran a blood test for Thyroid function and I get a phone call a few days later telling me all normal. I had to press to get the actual number and reference range which was 1.8 (0.5 to 4.5). I went in to see him and asked why am I feeling so terrible. What's causing this? He abjectly refused to consider Hypothyroid treatment and was actually suggesting anti-depressants!! but I already knew from my research what I was suffering from. I decided to try Hypotrol supplement and can't believe the effect it has had on me. After 3 days I woke up so refreshed and energised I actually started to do housework! Because of my memory problems the GP had, once again, gone down his standard route of treating individual symptoms, and arranged for a memory nurse to visit. She duly arrived and I was so lucid by then, she actually questioned why this had been requested. I explained the remarkable affect the Hypitrol had had on me and she knew about the L-Tyrosine and said that made complete sense!! I'm pleased she came because it's documented in her letter. All my other symptoms have cleared up including the Carpal Tunnel in my left hand. I've annoyingly had my right hand operated on needlessly because, once again, the NHS has treated that symptom in isolation without anyone looking for an underlying condition! I'm now going to the gym, losing weight and feeling very good, just by taking this thyroid boosting supplement. I've now realised that there is a huge conspiracy surrounding treatment for this condition and I sympathise with everyone who is struggling with this problem. It's clear to me that GP's either don't have the knowledge to deal with thyroid issues or are following NHS guidelines which are deliberately drawn up to keep the lid on Pandora's Box in this instance. It's obvious to a small child the cost implications for the NHS would be huge if this condition Waac treated properly with all that would entail. This doesn't just apply to GP's but Endocrinologists as well. I'm very relieved my condition is stable for now but not because of my GP and quite frustrated by his position on this.
Best wishes to all,
Rich
Written by
Rich2112
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Welcome to our forum and am glad you've found some relief at present but I've looked up the product you are taking and I'd be wary because if you need thyroid hormones you can source your own. The following link will tell you what blood tests your need and we have private labs which will do them - they are home tests and many of our members have been happy with results.
I, too had carpal tunnel in both wrists (long before I was finally diagnosed) and was lucky to have a doctor whose physiotherapist's treatment solved the problem.
Doctors and Endocrinologists appear to be very poorly trained - know no clinical symptoms which used to be the priority before the introduction of blood tests and so many people are suffering unnecessarily and given other prescriptions for the symptom instead.
Blood tests for thyroid hormones should be at the earliest possible, fasting, and allow 24 hours gap between last dose of hormone replacement and the test and take asfterwards. A full test is TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. Your GP should check your B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.
Post results with ranges and members will respond.
To give your doctor his due, he could not have justified treating on the basis of that TSH alone. What he should have done was more extensive testing. He should have tested at least the FT4 - FT3 if possible - because they could have been low, even though the TSH was 'normal'. In central hypo, where there is a problem with the hypothalamus or the pituitary, the TSH will be low normal, but the Frees will also be low in their range. You cannot know if you have central hypo just by testing the TSH.
He should also have tested your antibodies. If antibodies are high, you will have symptoms, even if your TSH is low in range.
As for your supplement, I would be very careful, if I were you. Things marketed as 'thyroid support' and usually 'thyroid stimulating'. And, if your gland is sick, stimulating it is not a good ideal. The feel good effect you get will not last because the stimulants will just hasten the glands demise. Ashwagandha and green tea are stimulants. Iodine also stimulates the gland, and it is never a good idea to take iodine without first getting tested to see if you need it. Excess iodine will cause more problems than it solves - if it solves any, that is.
It only contains two B vitamins, which is also not a good idea. The B vits all work together, and should be kept in balance. It contains copper. Hypos usually have high copper, so taking more is not a good idea. You should get tested first. Same for vit D.
I have researched this a bit on internet, and nowhere can I find a list of ingredients that specifies how much of each element the supplement contains, nor in what form. If they are in the wrong form, you will not be able to absorb them, and it will be a complete waste of money. The same goes if there's not enough of them. IMHO, you would be far better off spending your money on inclusive tests, so that you know what's really going on with your thyroid.
Blood tests should be the earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and if you were on thyroid hormones you'd allow 24 hours between last dose and the test and take afterwards.
We have recommended labs which do home tests if you prefer as GP usually only tests TSH and T4.
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