Help please

[kjon]

Hi everyone, I'm new here. I'm looking for a little help and advice. I had my blood results back on Friday and my dr advised that my thyroid reading slightly high. I've been suffering from anxiety, weight loss, nausea and tiredness, he has prescribed me Citalopram to help with anxiety and I have to go back for another blood test at the end of the month.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank You

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

kjon Anxiety is a symptom of hypothyroidism. It could very well be that you don't need the Citalopram and treating your hypothyroidism is all that is needed. Unfortunately, doctors to prefer to dish out antidepressants like sweeties rather than get to the crux of the matter. If you haven't started the Citalopram it might be worth holding off for now.

If you post your results, members will comment. I expect your doctor is repeating the tests to see if they come back the same. That's usual because a non-thyroidal illness can cause hypo-looking results and he just wants to make sure.

[shaws Administrator]

I agree with SeasideSusie and would take her advice.

I shall give you a list of clinical symptoms and you can tick them off for your next appointment/blood test.

We are entitled to have a copy of our blood test results by Law. Always ask for a print-out from now on for your own records. If you have a query, you can post them.

Some hints:-

Blood tests should always be at the very earliest time possible, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours from your last dose of levo and the test and take afterwards. Always take levo with one full glass of water.

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

In other countries if our TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) reaches 3+ we will be given a prescription for levothyroxine (also known as T4). In the UK doctors have been directed to wait till it reaches 10.

At the next blood test ask GP to test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate and you can tell him you've taken advice from Healthunlocked Thyroiduk.org.uk. The thyroid hormones he should test are T3, T4, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies.

He or lab may not do all of them and the ones that aren't you can have a home blood test from one of our private labs.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after. Many take on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable. Have you recently had a different brand?

Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription.

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and if taking Levo don't take it in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after.

Essential to get vitamin levels tested (vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12) and thyroid antibodies