Newbie - symptoms thyroid?

[Kimmieh]

Goitre

Difficult swallowing

Constipation

Pins and needles

Joint pains

Dry skin

Tiredness

Headaches

Cold intolerance

Weight gain

Dry eyes

Heavy periods

Thankyou

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Kimmieh.

Some of your symptoms could be due to low thyroid but some could be due to B12, iron or vitD deficiency. Have you had any blood tests done?

[Kimmieh in reply to Clutter]

Yes

TSH 40.8 mIU/L (0.27 - 4.20)

Free T4 10.7 pmol/L (12.0 - 22.0)

[Clutter in reply to Kimmieh]

Kimmieh,

No wonder you feel unwell! TSH is very high high and FT4 is below range. How much Levothyroxine have you been prescribed?

[Kimmieh in reply to Clutter]

Thankyou I've been prescribed 25mcg levothyroxine

[Clutter in reply to Kimmieh]

Kimmieh,

You will need 25mcg dose increases until TSH is between 0.27 - 1.0.

NICE recommends dose initiation:

For people aged over 50 years and people with cardiac disease or severe hypothyroidism: 25 micrograms once daily, adjusted in increments of 25 micrograms every 4 weeks according to response.

cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements, magnesium and oestrogen.

It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working and it will usually take up to six weeks to feel the full impact of the dose but it is inconceivable that 25mcg will be a sufficient dose and you will need regular increases. Symptoms are likely to lag behind good biochemistry by several months.

You should have a follow up thyroid test 4 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Kimmieh in reply to Clutter]

Thankyou I don't fall into the 50 or over category so will ask for increase

[Clutter in reply to Kimmieh]

Kimmieh,

Show your GP the NICE document. GP may feel you fall into the severely hypothyroid category.