Hypothyroid, Normal range but still symptomatic

[SandraSims]

I have had hypothyroidism for many years. Over the past year I have started getting symptoms again, which is really frustrating after being stable for years. My TSH was high and T4 normal. My Levothyroxine was increased. It has been over 8 weeks and I had my levels checked again. My TSH is now 0.31 and T4 of 12. My symptoms are still bad, I am so tired, I literally fall asleep all the time. I am gaining weight even though my diet is good. I have cracked heels which just wont get better no matter how much moisturiser I slap on. I know my doctor (who is not at all supportive) is going to tell me that my levels are in range and there is nothing more to suggest. Has anyone got any advise for me as to what to do next? I would really appreciate it. Regards Sandra

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You need to know results for TSH, FT4 and FT3.

Do you also have high thyroid antibodies? You need to know. Did GP test these? If not ask that they are tested.

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known as autoimmune thyroid disease). About 90% of hypothyroidism in UK is due to Hashimoto's.

Hashimoto's very often affects the gut, leading to low stomach acid, low vitamin levels and leaky gut.

Low vitamins that affect thyroid are vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. Important to test these. If they are too low they stop Thyroid hormones working.

Have these been tested, if not ask that they are. Always get actual results and ranges.

If you have Hashimoto's then hidden food intolerances may be causing issues, most common by far is gluten. Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms.

If you can't get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

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

[SandraSims in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi,

Thank you so much for your reply. I asked for my T3 to be tested and was told that they only did T3 tests for people with Hyperthyroidism. I don't think I have ever had a test for Thyroid antibodies. As for vitamins I have a low vitamin D level and am on supplements and can't remember if I had the others checked.

I really appreciate all the information you have given me. I will get these tested.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to SandraSims]

If you have raised antibodies this is Hashimoto's

understanding of Hashimoto's, a very complex disease is very poor. It's not exclusively an Endocrine issue, but often (always?) equally based in digestive problems and leaky gut

Thyroid upsets gut, then gut malabsorption lowers vitamins and leaky gut causes gluten intolerance. Then low vitamins lower thyroid uptake and gluten raises antibodies

A vicious circle.

All the while thyroid tests can look "normal" as low vitamins stop Thyroid uptake, but we the patients are left in dire state and symptoms are either dismissed and worse as psychological or depression

Some recent research suggests autoimmunity may all START with the gut, rather than the thyroid

Took 22 years for anyone to check my vitamins, and that person was me, with private tests after reading and learning about their importance after finding this support group.

[SandraSims in reply to SlowDragon]

I was diagnosed 21years ago with IBS and have always had gut problems. This makes alot of sense to me. My Vit D was tested early July and was 47. I was not told to take a supplement but as I always get a printout of my results and saw my level, I started taking a supplement straight away.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to SandraSims]

I discovered (after getting online access to my medical record) that years ago mine had been good deal lower than that, under 25. Was never told or advised to supplement.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to SandraSims]

A lot of IBS is either gluten or dairy intolerance

Dairy is common intolerance with Hashimoto's

See The Thyroid Pharmacist website- lots about dairy as Isabella is dairy intolerant

[SandraSims in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks will do.