Newly diagnosed

[Allyssia]

TSH 188.5 (0.2 - 4.2)

FT4 9.3 (12 - 22)

I am 25 yrs old after having symptoms of depression and anxiety been found to be underactive when will I feel better on 50mcg levothyroxine please

Thanks

[cjrsquared]

I have copy and pasted my response to a previous query.

50 mcg is a starting dose of levothyroxine which is the correct dose to start on. You will need to have repeat bloods every 6 weeks with dose increases of 25 mcg until TSH is around 1 or symptoms have gone. You will feel a lot better but it often takes up to 6 months to reach a stable dose and for your body to recover. TSH of 188 was very high, your poor body has been under immense strain struggling to function. Has your doctor tested for thyroid antibodies? If not ask for these to be tested at the next blood test, along with ferritin, folate, vit b12 and vit d.

If your antibodies are over range it means you have autoimmune hypothyroidism (also known as hashimoto’s disease) 90% of hypothyroidism is caused by this. You will need to read further on this once you know more. The vitamin and mineral levels need to be high in range in order for your body to be able to use the levothyroxine at cellular level.

You will get a lot better, be kind to yourself at present, don’t attempt aerobic exercise and try to avoid stressful situations until your TSH and ft4 are in range and symptoms have improved, otherwise you will delay recovery. Good luck.

[Allyssia in reply to cjrsquared]

Thanks antibodies are 770.5 (<34)

[Allyssia]

Been told negative

[cjrsquared in reply to Allyssia]

No they are positive, you have autoimmune hypothyroidism also called hashimoto’s disease. Your body is attacking your thyroid and will slowly destroy it. Doctors can’t do anything to stop it all they can do is treat the hypothyroidism. There is research that shows that adopting a gluten free diet even if not gluten intolerant can lower the levels of antibodies.

Your vitamins and minerals are also very low so your body will not be able to utilise the levothyroxine properly. Levothyroxine is a prohormone, that means it is an inactive pre hormone that the body converts to t3, the active hormone at cellular level. It is really important to address this and to raise your levels. Please search responses by seasidesusie who gives excellent advice.

You will have to research and learn more, but currently your body will not have the energy to retain information. Concentrate on nutrition and vitamins and as you get better then research further. Goodluck.

[Allyssia]

Ferritin 11 (15 - 150)

Folate 2.2 (4.6 - 18.7)

Vitamin B12 197 (190 - 900)

Vitamin D 22.9 (<25 severe)

[Marz in reply to Allyssia]

What has your GP said about these awful results ? You must be feeling so poorly. They all need treating and quickly .... 😊