Stomach problems on levo

[Dsal]

Hi I have hypothyroid found after I had many unexplained symptoms 5 years ago. I have been getting stomach problems on levo, burning in the pit of stomach and in my gullet. Hypothyroid symptoms continue, taking 125mcg levo. Thanks in advance

TSH 3.89 (0.2 - 4.2)

Free T4 13.1 (12 - 22)

Free T3 4.0 (3.1 - 6.8)

[queridalady]

Hi Dsal. Many knowledgable people believe that stomach/acid issues are due to low stomach acid caused by being hypo. I am not knowledgable enough either way to comment. The only advice I can give is that from personal experience, do not ignore stomach problems and burning. See your GP and get checked out. Maybe an inflammation blood test etc. I didn't take much notice of these issues and now have severe erosive oesophagitis. I was taking a low does of omeprazole which masked any pain or burning. So I didn't appreciate what was going on. Hopefully your situation won't be anything like mine! But always worth getting checked out to be sure. Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

[Dsal in reply to queridalady]

Hi inflammation markers have continuously been negative or low despite high antibodies. There must be inflammation somewhere if I have thyroiditis, it baffles me. Thanks for reply

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How long have you been taking 125mcg and are those blood test results done at least 6 weeks after last dose increase.

Tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting, and do not take Levo in 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after

Low stomach acid is extremely common. Don't let doctor assume it's high acid.

You can put a post up specifically asking about low stomach acid. Plus search old posts on here - masses. Though the search facility is a bit rubbish

Do you know if you have Hashimoto's (high thyroid antibodies) also called autoimmune thyroid disease

In UK about 90% of hypothyroidism is due to Hashimoto's so it's likey, especially as Hashimoto's affects gut causing low acid, low vitamin levels and very often gluten intolerance

Have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested. These are often too low stopping thyroid hormones working. Always get actual results and ranges

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms and eventually start to lower antibodies. Very very many of us here find it really helps and is essential to be gluten free

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

Low stomach acid

Lots of posts on here about how to improve with Apple cider vinegar or Betaine HCL

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

Other things to help heal gut lining

Bone broth

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

Probiotics

carolinasthyroidinstitute.c...

Great film definitely shows why just testing TSH is inadequate

drbradshook.com/understandi...

[Dsal in reply to SlowDragon]

I have been taking the 125mcg for a month, all bloods done fasting and early morning and I leave 24 hours between dose and blood draw. I have high antibodies and I supplement as well thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dsal]

Good on the blood tests

If you post your vitamin results on a new post and say what supplements you are taking SeasideSusie the vitamin guru will no doubt take a look

Are you on gluten free diet. If not you really need to consider trying it.

[Dsal in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi not gluten free only because doctor wants me to undergo gluten challenge

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dsal]

Ok - at least GP is on the ball then

About 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but about 88% find gluten free diet gives significant benefit. Gluten intolerance has no test - just have to try it.

Have you got date for endoscopy.

[Dsal in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi no date yet

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dsal]

If they can not give you a definite date you may not wish to wait.

How long have you been on high gluten diet. 6 weeks is maximum needed

Especially in view of your very low vitamin levels on your other post

[shaws Administrator]

If you are taking levothyroxine, your dose is too low as your TSH is nearly 4 rather than 1 or below.

Both FT4 and FT3 are too low and both should be towards the upper part of the range.

Many doctors are unaware that low acid is more likely if the patient is hypothyroid and because symptoms are so similar they assume it is due to high acid rather than low and will prescribe antacids.

You've had links given which will be helpful from SlowDragon

[Mellow17]

Hi,

I highly recommend a probiotic called megalevure, from Spain, hard to get hold of but I have amazing results from them, sticks, little sachets, sorted my skin, gut and got rid of yeast build up in the body and but good bacteria in the stomach:))

[Hidden]

Your blood results indicate that you are very much under-dosed and need more levo as others have said.

This may very well be the cause of your problems but it is most important for anybody who has unknown pains or twinges that lasts more than a week or so to get them checked out as it is quite possible for the actual cause to be cancer.

I ignored a twinge in my side for several months thinking it was nothing important, then one day had a sudden severe pain in my side. Had to call an ambulance and was diagnosed with kidney cancer. That was 5 years ago and now have annual scan. Just had a chest X-ray and will be having another scan very soon.

The doctors fail to understand how I dismiss the cancer as a minor mishap and couldn't really give a damn about it yet continue complaining to them at every opportunity how dissatisfied I am about the thyroid problem I have.

[Phoenix605]

Hi the majority of under treated hypos have low stomach acid issues. Unfortunately the symptoms of high and low acid can be similar causing misdiagnosis. The burning in your gullet is acid reflux and can be a symptom of either. Most doctors assume it is being caused by excess acid and prescribe antacids. They do stop the acid burn but not in a good way if low acid is the problem. They block the absorption of thyroid meds and nutrients, especially the ones that 'line' the stomach and ones full of calcium carbonate.

The valve at the top of our stomachs is acid sensitive, an appropriately acidic stomach causes the entrance valve to seal tightly to protect the delicate oesophagus tissues. In low stomach acid situations the feedback loop fails so the valve does not shut as tightly as it should and allows acid to get into the oesophagus and burn it.

There is a simple home test which might help point to which is more likely.

Bicarbonate of Soda Test

Dissolve a level teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a little water and drink this on an empty stomach. If you have adequate levels of stomach acid, the bicarbonate of soda is neutralised and converted into gas – this means you should experience belching within 5 – 10 minutes after drinking the solution. If no belching occurs or there is an excessive delay, this suggests there may be insufficient acid present.

There can be other physical causes so worth getting checked out if it persists. If it is hypo related low acid the good news is it's fixable. Many find a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice with a meal helps a lot. Alternatively there are Betain HLC capsules which basically create the same hydrochloric acid as in our stomachs, obviously they are much stronger so you need to be confident you dont have a high acid issue! Lastly, get your levo and nutrients optimal. Until recently I had severe reflux and nutrient deficiencies, I assumed it was my weight causing it. Since hypo diagnosis and optimixing it has now gone unless I have a particularly heavy meal, but that's normal.