Hi new here, my girlfriend was diagnosed with Hashimotos (she thinks that's what she has) in 2014 and since 2013 has struggled with levothyroxine on and off. At first she thought she felt better and as time has gone on she has been feeling incredibly worse.
She is taking 150mcg levothyroxine and her symptoms are tiredness, upset stomach, pins and needles, joint aches, eczema, weight gain, heavy periods, black circles under eyes.
Thanks
Aug 2017
TSH 3.50 (0.2 - 4.2)
Free T4 15.2 (12.0 - 22.0)
Free T3 3.9 (3.10 - 6.80)
TPO antibodies 504.5 (<34)
TG antibodies 289.3 (<115)
Written by
Adma77
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Your girlfriend is undertreated to have a TSH of 3.5. The aim of a treated hypo patient generally is for TSH to be 1 or below or wherever it is needed for FT4 and FT3 to be in the upper part of their respective reference ranges when on Levo only. She needs an increase in dose, retest after 6 weeks, and if still symptomatic a further increase and another retest after 6 weeks.
TPO antibodies 504.5 (<34)
TG antibodies 289.3 (<115)
High antibodies mean that she is positive for autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's which is where antibodies attack the thyroid and gradually destroy it. The antibody attacks cause fluctuations in symptoms and test results.
She can help reduce the antibodies by adopting a strict gluten free diet which has helped many members here. Gluten contains gliadin (a protein) which is thought to trigger autoimmune attacks so eliminating gluten can help reduce these attacks. You don't need to be gluten sensitive or have Coeliac disease for a gluten free diet to help.
Supplementing with selenium l-selenomethionine 200mcg daily can also help reduce the antibodies, as can keeping TSH suppressed.
Some of her symptoms are indicative of low nutrient levels. Has she had vitamins and minerals tested, if so please post results with ranges for comment, if not it's best to ask for them to be done (or do them privately) as thyroid hormone can't work properly unless they're optimal
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Test results on Levothyroxine 
Underactive thyroid test results 
Partners blood test results. 
Help with test results please
New Blood Test Results 
