I'm new, and I recently went to the Thyroid UK conference where I learnt so much. I would like to get some opinions on my blood test results please.
I'm 32 and I've been 25 Levothyroxine tabs since 2013. I don't think I'm on enough and this morning my doctor just said my results were normal and won't change my medication. I get cold really easily and I'm just not awake or sharp as I used to be.
Also do I have hashimotos from the result of the antibodies?
If you are still symptomatic there is scope to increase dose to raise FT4 and reduce TSH. The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.27 - 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... Email louise.roberts@thyroiduk.org if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your GP.
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine treatment is for the low thyroid levels it causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.
VitD 79 is replete but needs maintenance during the winter. Vit D is optimal between 100 - 150 nmol/L. I would supplement 5,000iu D3 daily for 6 weeks and then reduce dose to 5,000iu until end of March and retest. Take VitD 4 hours away from Levothyroxine.
Ferritin 21 is low. Ferritin is optimal halfway through range. You can raise ferritin by supplementing iron taken with 1,000mg vitamin C to aid absorption and minimise constipation. Iron should also be taken 4 hours away from Levothyroxine.
With Hashimoto's, until it's under control, our gut can be badly affected. Low stomach acid can lead to poor absorption of vitamins. Low vitamin levels stop thyroid hormones working.
Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten
According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)
But don't be surprised that GP or endo never mention gut, gluten or low vitamins. Hashimoto's is very poorly understood
Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies
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