I'm Sharon, 50, diagnosed with underactive thyroid approx 4 years ago, on 100 mcg Levothyroxine/day.
Apart from the diagnosis and prescription, l have received no other advice and support and am basically sick and tired of feeling sick and tired! Any dietary advice or just hearing from others whose bloods are 'normal' but still feeling otherwise lousy would be a huge boost for me right now, plus advice on how to approach my GP about these other lingering symptoms. Thanks in advance!
The aim of thyroid medication is to be symptom free so if you still have symptoms then likely something is not optimal. If you would like to post your latest thyroid blood test results along with the laboratory ranges then people will be able to help you interpret them.
For example, you may be undermedicated. Doctors often say our results are fine when anywhere in the lab range but the experience of people on this forum is that we need our TSH lower than doctors think.
If you give as much information as possible you will get a better response. So post all tests for thyroid function, antibodies (even if the results are historical) any vitamins tested, how much thyroid medication you are taking, what type and whether you take any other medication.
I've never seen my blood results, didn't even know l could ask for them! That's a start l suppose lol!
If in ENgland you are entitled. Countries may differ but you just need to ask for a print out, make sure they include the lab ranges. If in the UK, you can register for online access to blood test results.
Let us know how you get on.
Same here
Just noticed you're new so welcome to the forum Madoldbint.
The phrase of being sick and tired of being sick and tired is so apt. It was exactly how I felt. I am nearly there though. Post your latest blood results so people can comment and they will really help you. It’s a great forum.
Have a look at the Thyroid U.K. Site. They run this forum. Loads of good info so a good start for learning and advice. Then ask questions! Nothing is too trivial! Remember we have all been where you are so ask about anything thyroid related or things that you wonder if they are! Keep pushing back the boundaries and much help is at hand.
Beware of doctors saying you are fine or normal. That tends to be Doctor speak for saying your results are in the range or even worse that you are nearly in the range!
So welcome to the forum and talk to us, share results and things that worry you and folks will do their best to help you. We are often speaking from experience rather than a text book and we understand only too well that we don't often get the best advice either from our doctors. Hopefully today is the day when things start to improve but also be aware things move slowly in the Thyroid world so often patience is needed to move forward.
Get used to asking for your results for your own records. Always post the ranges when asking for advice as the ranges differ from lab to lab so without them we would just be guessing. Make sure with every dose increase you are retested 6 weeks later to check that is enough orcyou need more.
And Welcome!
Following the other replies you need to know: TSH,FT4,Ft3 ( which is the main active hormone that your thyroid produces yet the NHS rarely test it ,why so many on this forum use private testing).
You also need : Ferritin,folate,B12 and D3 to be optimal for you to make effective use of the levothyroxine.
Glad to see you have included ?Ferritin in there....I have iron overload and cirrhosis as a result of my GP not following this up....I shall be asking for ALL of the stuff you have mentioned as it seems Heamachromatosis and Thyroid problems often coincide.
How can I get private testing if my GP tells me once again it is unnecessary ?
I am on Levothyroxine.
There are references on the ThyroidUK site( worth supporting) to private testing by Blue Horizon and by Medichecks.The latter has regular deals on a Thursday.
You can have a finger prick test.In my case I only managed enough blood on one occasion so pay more to go to local private hospital for blood draw.
Hi Sharon,
Welcome to the group and in answer to the above, always ask for the results and ranges. GP's often say it is "Normal" because they like receptionists, just read it from the script. But if you full in to the lower range of "Normal" you may be under medicated. Also you can compare each result and ask questions. Some GP's charge for print outs, but I always write my results in my diary.
I would suggest, you might ask for them to check your ferritin and folate levels as B12 deficiency, Vitamin D deficiency and anaemia have similar symptoms to thyroid problems and sometimes walk hand in hand especially if you are approaching the Menopause, we need all the help we can get lol at that stage 
They go by TSH levels, but they are not a true and accurate reading of what your medication should be for example:
I was born with only a partial non working gland, so have been on medication all my life - I am now 56. My current dose is 200 mcg of thyroxine (T4) and 20 mcg of Lithyronine (T3) - you are very unlikely to get the latter as the so called Professionals are trying to get everyone off it due to expense only, not by the theories they will tell you.
I also have B12 deficiency, Vitamin D deficiency and Pernicious anaemia. Two of these conditions, do run in the family as we have found out over the years but as I said before, do go hand in hand with thyroid conditions especially the symptoms. I was due to have a jab yesterday for B12 deficiency, but currently got a chest infection so have rescheduled my appointment. I take a iron supplement each day for the anaemia. Also on a diuretic for odema. Which can be another side affect if under medicated.
Never discuss your medication/results with the receptionist, always ask to speak to the GP regardless. Also never take your medication before a blood test.
If not happy with an opinion, always seek a second one, at the end of the day it is your body and only you know how you feel.
Hope these pointers help you out. We all understand. Take care and keep in touch 
x
Thank you for this, and also for mentioning the 'm' word - menopause and thyroid symptoms are so similar I'm not sure whether it's one, both or neither that's kicking my a** at the moment 😬 Persistent symptoms are the dreaded brain fog, fatigue (so much fatigue!), lethargy, low mood and anxiety, so l feel that some kind of supplement may be in order as well as dietary adjustments and medication, but I'll definitely make speaking to my GP a priority.
You are welcome my lovely.
If you are still have periods etc, especially if heavy, you most probably are anaemic which will cause fatigue and brain fog. I used to suffer really badly, so much so, I was nearly hospitalised twice for transfusions! it was horrendous and then suddenly it stopped two years ago. I was 54 and since then, I have not been anaemic although I still take one iron supplement most days. I have not had the brain fog either.
The other thing, I do have and it can affect Thyroid conditions, is sleep apnoea. I have since found out, that my cousin who is in his 60's and is as thin as a rake, not only has thyroid problems, but sleep apnoea too. There is a stigma to it I know, but I was told that there are hundreds of people going around undiagnosed. So potentially, if you snore, you "Could" have a form of sleep apnoea. They think in my case, I have always had it but gone undetected. I use a cpap every night and I feel great in the morning. Wake up naturally too!
My husband has been recently diagnosed with it but only mildly. We both laugh now as we synchronise our cpaps - but doesn't do much for the love life ha ha!
I would definitely check out the anaemia though. Vitamin D also for your bones especially as the "M" word shows its ugly head 
Take care
Hi Mad, I do feel menopause is connected to becoming hypo. Hormones work together and the dynamics do change but the progesterone deficiency may be the problem. We get a lot of estrogen from food believe it or not and estrogen dominance is a problem. Vitamin D3 is another one. Almost everyone needs much more and since is it a prohormone it helps all the others more effective. Gluten is always mentioned, remember that gluey texture if you ever kneaded dough? It's the same when it hits your gut.
Other medications like antidepressants interfere with thyroid hormones.
This man has 20 reasons for low thyroid on you tube, very short but highlights the problems. This one is about progesterone deficiency.
Hi Madoldbint
Welcome to the forum ... your results are “normal” is only an opinion and it’s the actual numbers for TSH, Free T4, Free T3, that are needed. (If they do test Free T3.) They are your results and by law you can get a print out of any of your blood tests at any time. I was the same as you, one year ago, but I got better and got lots of help from the forum. Good luck and keep in touch . Take care of yourself. Jane x
Hi Sharon...I think the problem is that like mine, your GP has been told to cut costs, I see my meds are being replaced with cheaper versions, also they have ten minutes to listen. You say hello, he says what can I do fir you..you think how best to reply.....there's 5 minutes gone.
If yours is like mine, he squints, looks puzzled, doesn't listen and suggests coming back in two weeks time if you feel no better !
I am underactive...my bloods get tested, but NOT for the whole range of FT s as some on this page do. I know I have nodules on my thyroid as this was picked up during a scan for something else...it was not followed up.
Neither was the fact that my ?Ferritin levels were very high...this being due to the fact that I have Heamachromatosis (iron overload) where the body cannot rid itself of iron it cannot use to transport around in the blood so the result is that it collects in the Liver (causing cirrhosis) the brain, the joints..,everywhere....you feel constantly tired, your hair starts to fall out, you feel unwell...if you have these symptoms it might be worth asking for a .ferritin and a serum saturation test (that measures the stored Iron) there are thousands of people out there suffering with this, it is mainly an inherited condition but can be co trolled by having blood taken until you get down to normal levels. Then you go on 'mainentance'
I'm not suggesting that you have it, but the 2 often go together, if you have, don't worry it's best to know and deal with it than feel crap all the time.
I am going to ask my Heamatologist next visit if I can have the full Thyroid tests done as the GP doesn't see that it is necessary....he didn't even know what Iron Overload was.
I'm trying to change my doctor to a lady doctor, they listen more closely and understand your concerns.
Hope you can get the help you need soon.
Mari.
In general, our adrenals and digestive system need as much help as our thyroid. Taking Levo is not a 'quick fix' I'm afraid. From the sounds of you, you're possibly suffering from adrenal fatigue due to an undertreated thyroid. Both will need addressing.
It's definitely worth getting blood levels checked prior to supplementing. None of my vitamin / iron levels were good enough at the start for conversion to T3 to work - and the fact that my adrenals were malfunctioning was also inhibiting the production of T3. Antibody levels should be checked as well. If these are high it's worth trialling a gluten free diet. I'm gluten / lactose / casein free and my lower gut works pretty well these days after years of IBS.
I still take a betaine Hcl supplement with meals to perk up my stomach acid when I'm eating protein. Meal-wise I start the day with some protein / fat and take vitamin d and fatty acid supplements with breakfast. I've totally given up on processed cereals with milk - the thought of them makes me feel yeughhh. However, I do end the day with some gluten free oat porridge to sustain me through the night.
hypothyroidmom.com/a-balanc...
adrenalfatiguesolution.com/...
Another thing, for me, is a stroll into the park (dog walk) in the morning; ideally, when it's relatively quiet.. In the evening, a bath with Epsom salts is very helpful. Magnesium (in the salts) can be absorbed through the skin and really helps with any cramps. Both will help reduce stress.
Switch to 1 grain/60 mg of NP Thyroid, which is a NDT and has both t3 and t4. That amount is equal to 100mg of synthetic thyroid t4 only medication, which is what you are taking. Refer to stopthethyroidmadness.com. Do a saliva test too for adrenal fatigue. Good luck!
Advice welcome
Blood test results,advice welcomed.
