Thyroid autoimmune

[Lp07]

Hello every one, I've just started levothyroxine 25mg since 6 wks approx. Today I had another test result and it said autoimmune what does that mean ? I also have urticaria since 2004 and this is also autoimmune i think. Since starting levothyroxine i must say i do feel better than what i did before. I do still have the odd few days a week where I just can't even do anything so tired and flat and just want to sleep all the time. Is this normal? Forgot to mention I also was given ferrous fumarate in march 210mg twice a day but off that now since last blood test. I believe that this was given from what I read because it's another symptom that can occurs with thyroid? Can anyone explaine to me about the autoimmune and can it get better? Thank s

[Hidden]

Hi Lp07, basically your immune system has decided your thyroid is an enemy which needs to be destroyed or some part of the gland is targeted. But the immune cells make an error in doing that. When your immune system becomes confused it can go on to target other organs like the stomach but almost any area of the body; there are dozens and dozens of autoimmune disease and if they test the antibodies they can determine where it's happening. Even the brain can have three different antibodies. The gut is usually the culprit and the trigger can be gluten or artificial ingredients and possibly even medications. Healing the gut and the thyroid is possible but it's fairly arduous. You need to increase that 25 mcgs. dose at certain intervals and may end up with 150 mcgs. or more. in a few months. It's important not to stay too low. They should test every six weeks.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You GP should have arranged a thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting dose.

Also would be very good idea to check levels of vitamin D, folate, B12 and to recheck ferritin

These are commonly low with autoimmune thyroid (also know as Hashimoto's)

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Don't take your Levo in 24 hours before, delay and take straight after.

Once you get results come back here for advice in a new post. Almost certainly your GP will/should increase dose up to 50mcg. Retesting againin 6-8 weeks time. This repeats until TSH is in lower end of range and symptoms decrease.

You may want to consider trying gluten free diet.

See The Thyroid Pharmacist website for masses of info about Hashimoto's

[Lp07 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you ever so much for the info. Means alot as I haven't got a clue what's happening.