Still so tired :(

[jo_c_2001]

I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid 1 year after having my daughter. It has been 4 years now and I still struggle with tiredness. I used to talk to my doctor about it but was always told my thyroid levels are fine so thought it must just have been me. I have recently found out about zinc being needed to change the T4 from my medication into T3 so did a zinc test which I came out as quite deficient on. Not surprised as i dont eat alot of foods with zinc in! Spoke to the doctor about this and was told to start taking zinc supplements and see how I feel. Is this normal?? I'm a little annoyed cos they don't really seem very helpful. It would be nice to have some guidance on how much zinc, how long for, info on copper needing to be taken with zinc etc as I'm not an expert on all this but they dont seem to want to help. I'm booked in for a thyroid check next week as overdue one but am expecting it to be the same as normal. Going to ask for the results this time though! Just looking for any advise anyone has as new to looking into all of this.

[greygoose]

It's quite common for hypos to be low on zinc. On the other hand, they usually have high copper, so best to take the zinc on its own. You could also ask for your copper to be tested, though, if you have a doctor willing to do tests.

They aren't helpful with that sort of thing because they know nothing about it. They don't 'do' nutrition in med school.

[jo_c_2001 in reply to greygoose]

Ah ok. Glad you've said about not needing to take the copper as thought I needed to. I will ask for a copper test as well and see what they say. Also going to ask for an iron test as have been low in that in the past. Is there any other tests it would be worth asking for do you think? I'm not really very hopeful they will say yes to any extras tho (apart from the iron) as they aren't particularly willing to unless you keep going back to them a few times first.

[greygoose in reply to jo_c_2001]

Have you had vit D tested? How about vit B12?

[jo_c_2001 in reply to greygoose]

I have no idea. If i have it would have been years ago when diagnosed. I have just been reading that it's a good idea to have B12, folate, ferritin & vit d3 tested so shall I ask for all these? Not sure if maybe vit c too? Also read I should be taking vit c supplements I think. I'm really interested to get any results now once tests are done to see what everyone thinks. My doctors seem to only do the minimum and haven't helped when I have told them I still don't feel right in the past. I have just started taking a range of vitamin supplements in a bid to feel better for the last 3 days so concerned now that could mess up any tests I will have done on Thurs.

[greygoose in reply to jo_c_2001]

What have you been taking? If your test is Thursday, best to stop them all, now, anyway. If you've been taking B12 in anything, that could skew the B12 test. But, if you've only been taking them for a few days, stop them now, and it should be alright.

It is a good idea to get those four done, because if they're not optimal, your body won't be able to use thyroid hormone. But, no point in testing vit C. It's water soluble so any excess will just wash out. Just take some. You can take up to 5000 mg quite safely, throughout the day. But, best to start low, in case it affects your bowels. Although, if you're constipated, that can be a blessing! lol

[jo_c_2001 in reply to greygoose]

It's was a 2 week trial I signed up for online and there's 4 tabs with tons of stuff in! Lol Very expensive to continue it if that's what I wanted but was curious to see if it helped. I've done another post you have commented on and am going to cancel Thurs test and re-make it for a morning one. Will stop these vitamins for now as well. Should my doctor accommodate my requests for these tests then cos I am hypo but still tired etc? Just want to be prepared for if they say no with some reasons/excuses which is what I am expecting! Thank you for your help with this!!