Links to IBS and gluten intolerance

[Siobhanac]

Hi

I've been reading posts on here for a few months and found out an awful lot! Diagnosed with under active thyroid 13 years ago and taking 100 mcgs of thyroxine, i've had to fight to keep it at that level recently as docs suggesting that I'm over medicated for my age 55, although I have many symptoms similar to those posted here and extreme tiredness. Does anyone have any information/advice about IBS or gluten intolerance links to the condition?

[Clutter]

Siobhanac,

What are your thyroid results and ranges? Dosing isn't according to age so it isn't possible to be overmedicated for your age 55.

If your hypothyroidism is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's) many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies. Gluten free may help with bloating, constipation and/or diarrhoea.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Siobhanac in reply to Clutter]

Hi, thank you for your reply and the interesting article. I have never properly understood my results from blood tests but am getting a clearer picture since joining this forum.

Here are my latest (15 may) results from bloods taken when I was on 75mcg and felt awful:

FREE T4+FT3+TSH no test result on my print out

SERUM FREE T4 : above range 21.1 pmol/L (10.0- 19.8) above high ref rate

SERUM TSH level: below range 0.04 mu/L (0.3-5.5) below ref limit

SERUM free triiodothyronine level 5.8 (3.5-6.7)

Apart from one doctor, (female) who initially diagnosed my condition about 14 years ago, none have explained anything clearly and I feel certain this is due to a lack of knowledge on their part or sadly, simply disinterest. This same attitude continues every time I go to a doctor for advice. I have never understood how I got the condition. Is it Hashimoto's? Auto-immune? extreme stress? I have had a stressful, busy job as a teacher for about 30 years and am now just working a few days casually, which obviously helps me self manage my health better. Reading posts from fellow suffers is so helpful!

In the past, I have been prescribed ant-depressants and took these for several years due to extreme tiredness and other common symptoms of over active thyroid. I stopped taking these 3 years ago and am also gluten free ( my own decision, not docs.) and luckily feel a lot better and less concerned about my health. If you can help me anymore with these read outs, I will be very grateful.

[Siobhanac in reply to Siobhanac]

I meant to put that i have an under active thyroid NOT over! Gluten free diet has certainly helped with constipation and painful IBS.

[Clutter in reply to Siobhanac]

Siobhanac,

TSH is suppressed (ie it is very low), FT4 is mildly over range, and FT3 is high in range so you appear to be optimally dosed. GPs are inclined to say that suppressed TSH means you are overmedicated but as FT3 remains within range you are not. 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.

90% of hypothyroidism is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's). You'd need to ask your GP whether thyroid peroxidase antibodies have been tested to determine whether or not you have Hashimoto's.

If you have residual symptoms it is worth asking your GP to test ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate which are commonly low or deficient in hypothyroid patients and can mimic some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

[Siobhanac in reply to Clutter]

Thank you so much for your quick helpful reply!

I did ask about B12 other tests last time I went after reading similar advice on here, but was told these were not necessary. Doc then said I could take B12 myself but it would not make much difference to how i feel? Now i have more direct advice from you, I will ask again. Thanks again.

[genegenie]

Hi Ive just joined this site so just now looked at your post. I was treated for years by various doctors for stomach ulcers but eventually found out what was wrong with me by reading a magazine article and realising the symptoms were the same. I cut out gluten and within a few days many of my symptoms improved. The next time I went to the doctor I mentioned this and was told that I should have been offered a test as soon as I presented with stomach problems as coeliac disease and thyroid disorders often go hand in hand.

Having dome some research I came across an American article which indicated that it is quite possible that the gluten intolerance actually comes first and there needed to be further research to look at the possible cause and effect between the two issues.

I have had tremendous benefits since I eliminated gluten from my diet including much greater joint mobility and healthier gums. Try it and see if your symptoms improve.

[Siobhanac in reply to genegenie]

I have suffered from mouth ulcers and sore gums for years, and never associated this with my thyroid condition. For me, this too has improved since going gluten free. I still have very painful/knee and stiff joints though. Thank you.

[brighter84]

As soon as I had my (hyper)thyroid removed, I developed IBS. It's been up and down over the years but looking back it's always been worse when I've been undermedicated (because they were trying to get TSH in "range" etc ugh) and better when they've whacked my dosage up I.e. when I was pregnant. I believe this is to do with low stomach acid, which is caused by being hypo. Low stomach acid also fuels things like low B12, low iron, low ferritin etc because absorption is reduced due to the low acid. It's what is happening to me right now and I'm having to work on bringing my thyroid levels to optimum (NOT just at the bottom of the range) and sort my stomach acid out.