Is it safe

Hi was wondering if I could supplement with l-tyrosine along side levothyroxine am trying to feel better as gp refused to increase my levo on 50mcg daily tsh level 2.7 (0.27-4.20) free t-4 15.5 (13.1-21.3)

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Your GP doesn't know how to treat hypothyroidism. Have you discussed Dr Toft's article in Pulse magazine with him?

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... > Treament Options

"The appropriate dose of levothyroxine is that which restores euthyroidism and serum TSH to the lower part of the reference range - 0.2-0.5mU/l.

In this case, free thyroxine is likely to be in the upper part of its reference range or even slightly elevated – 18-22pmol/l. Most patients will feel well in that circumstance.

But some need a higher dose of levothyroxine to suppress serum TSH and then the serum-free T4 concentration will be elevated at around 24-28pmol/l."

You can obtain a copy of the article by emailing [e-mail] print it, highlight quesion 6 to show your GP.

Also, Dr Toft has written a booklet for patients, published by the British Medical Association, "Understanding Thyroid Disorders" which states

Many people do not feel well unless their levels are at the bottom of the TSH range or below and at the top of the FT4 range or a little above.

The book is available in pharmacies and from Amazon £4.95 so that may be worth getting to show your GP.

Rather than supplementing with l-thyrosine, you ought to be getting your thyroid levels optimal with the correct dose of Levo.

[Hidden in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you ordered understanding thyroid disorders will take to gp and hope he will finally listen to me I am fairly new to site and still confused by blood test results etc and took GP decision as final he told me not to take information obtained from site seriously as I have schizophrenia and depression and told me it was my medication making me feel the way I do but iv been on medication (same dose) for15 years I tried telling him I know my body and how I feel started on 50mcg levo march had 1 blood test July 21 results in last post told got to wait till November till next one thank you once again

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Hidden]

You can tell your GP that you have taken advice from ThyroidUK which is NHS Choices recommended source for information on thyroid disorders.

If you are taking any other medication, take it as far away from Levo as possible. Some medication and supplements can affect it's absorption so it's advised to leave at least two hours, some need four hours and some just as long as possible.

It's unusual to be on the same dose for 15 years with no changes. And your results do show that you need an increase. Most of us feel best when TSH is 1 or below and FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of their ranges.

[Hidden in reply to SeasideSusie]

Sorry meant too say same medications (different doses) for 15yrs thank you for your info much appreciated

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

So were you on a higher dose in the past?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

His response is condescending and without merit given the supporting evidence to the contrary supplied above. But many GPs are utterly clueless in treating Thyroid - no consolation to you at this moment I know but just know you are not alone as we often see this sort thing of here 🙁 .

Any chance you could see another GP at that practice who might actually a. know something about Thyroid and b. Isn't an arrogant arse?

And it would be great to get your nutrient levels posted here so we can see what's happening with those. Our Ferritin, folate, Vit D and B12 results are often deficient as we tend to have malabsorption problems and gut issues. When this happens we see poor conversion of our dosage and ongoing symptoms (like depression, fatigue, brain fog etc etc...) . Many here adopt a GF diet in order to help reduce antibodies as well (that's my next step 🙂 ).

Don't be bullied/cowed by a GP who is ill informed about treatment OK. You deserve better health and better results! A little tip: sometimes it is worth a try to bring an advocate or fiend in with you as some GPs do tend to behave better. x Rusty

[Clutter]

812814334,

I would avoid L-Tyrosine as you are hypothyroid and taking Levothyroxine. You should check interaction between L-Tyrosine and any other meds you are taking too and if you have manic episodes or high blood pressure.

google.co.uk/search?q=l-tyr...