Do I need thyroid medication

[Angelblu85]

TSH 30.6 (0.2 - 4.2 mIU/L)

Free T4 10.3 (12.0 - 22.0 pmol/L)

Free T3 2.0 (3.1 - 6.8 pmol/L)

Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Absolutely yes.

Who did this test? Your GP? If so how long ago and why have they not started you on it?

Starting dose is normally 50mcgs Levothyroxine

Bloods should be rechecked after 6-8 weeks

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-...

[Angelblu85 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi GP did test 2 weeks ago, I haven't been started on it yet

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Angelblu85]

Have you got prescription yet?

Or still waiting for an appointment?

[Angelblu85 in reply to SlowDragon]

No prescription and I haven't been told to come in so I should call Monday to ask to be seen

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Angelblu85]

Absolutely definitely

Do not leave appointment without a prescription for Levothyroxine at 50mcgs and blood retest form for 6 weeks time

Ideally also on blood test form requests to test vitamin D, Folate, ferritin and B12 plus thyroid antibodies

If GP asks where you know this from - this is the NHS recommended Thyroid support group

[Angelblu85 in reply to SlowDragon]

I have thyroid antibody results already - TPO ANTIBODY 805.1 IU/mL (0 - 34 negative) TG ANTIBODY 355.3 IU/mL (0 - 115 negative)

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Angelblu85]

Your antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. Always get actual results and ranges.

Post results when you have them, members can advise

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

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

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

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

Read as much as possible about Hashimoto's

Always get actual results and ranges on all blood tests and keep good records of how feel on dose etc

[LAHs]

Yes, yes, yes!

If I had a TSH of 30 I would be in a coma! I flake out in no uncertain terms at a TSH of 1.0. I tried it once (on the instructions of a stupid Endo) and couldn't walk, stand up straight nor think properly, but the Endo said that my TSH was improving!!!!! Fired her immediately could hardly walk around to find another doc. thought that I would collapse in someone's office - which would prove my point.