Hi I am a new member diagnosed with underactive thyroid in 2012. I recently changed brands of Levothyroxine because my endo said I may be able to absorb Teva Levothyroxine better than the Actavis/Wockhardt/Mercury ones and this certainly seems to be the case with my latest bloods. When on the other brands my thyroid levels are almost always low despite being on higher doses so I am confused by what's going on.
TSH 0.02 (0.2 - 4.2)
Free T4 22.7 (12 - 22)
Free T3 4.0 (3.1 - 6.8)
So I now feel like a hypochondriac with these symptoms - cold hands, constipation, pins and needles, low concentration and stamina, dry skin, dry eyes, uncontrollable weight gain, heavy periods, tiredness, splitting nails, headaches. Any advice appreciated.
Thankyou
Written by
Amie876
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Well, your FT4 is high while FT3 is low so you have plenty of Levo absorption but it's not being converted well to T3 which could be the reason for hypo symptoms. How did previous bloods and symptoms compare?
Have you had vitamin levels tested? Why did Endo think you would absorb TEVA better?
If you have absorption issues, Endo should explore reasons for poor gut function.
I haven't yet had vitamins and minerals tested, they were due to be done in September 2017. Endo thought I would absorb Teva better since I am lactose intolerant.
Nov 2016 looked like you best results. Did you feel better then and can't you go back to what you were taking then (or even a bit more T3)? Currently, you aren't converting T4 to T3 well.
No need to feel hypochondriac, symptoms don't switch off like a light once thyroid levels are good. It takes time for metabolism to improve and symptoms may lag behind good biochemistry by several months.
TSH 0.02 is suppressed and FT4 mildly over range but FT3 is low in range which indicates poor conversion. You might benefit from the addition of some T3 to raise FT3 but it will further suppress TSH.
The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.2 - 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 dionne.fulcher@thyroiduk.org if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your GP.
Thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin 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.
Your results in Jan 2017 showed you needed T3 INCREASED, not stopped.
FT3 was still too low
Extremely common for vitamin levels to crash right out when T3 is stopped. Most endo's seem to have no idea.
Essential to get them tested ASAP. Make an appointment to see GP. If they are reluctant to order vitamin tests then suggest you ask for full testing for coeliac, that would not just be a blood test (too unreliable) but an endoscopy.
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