Given Levothyroxine

[Zetak]

Hi I have positive TPO antibodies 8400 (<34) due to thyroid bloods I have received today after calling my GP

TSH 8.9 (0.2 - 4.2)

Free T4 12.7 (12 - 22)

Free T3 3.3 (3.1 - 6.8)

I am to start Levothyroxine 50mcg with repeat bloods to be done in 6-8 weeks. Symptoms are

Goitre

Difficult swallowing

Dry skin

Eczema

Acne

Pins and needles

Hair loss

Fatigue

Cold intolerance

Weight gain

Sugar cravings

Salt cravings

Depression

Anxiety

Dry eyes

Hair growth on face and body

I will ask GP at next appointment for

Ferritin

Folate

Vit D

B12

Calcium

Does this sound ok?

Thank you

[Mary-intussuception]

Zetak

You haven't mentioned your first post from earlier on.

When putting new results in a different post also make reference to the previous post.

I had a Short Synacthen Test to check my adrenals first before I started my Levothyroxine. This seemed important to my Endocrinologist.

I have advised you to get your Adrenals checked before starting Levothyroxine.

50mcg is the usual starting dose. We cannot go straight on to full dose, that's dangerous, we have to build up gradually over time. Increases are usually by 25mcg each time after follow up bloods after 6 weeks: until your TSH is down below 2; and your symptoms improved.

This may take a few months.

It's important that you get Nutrients tested asap and any deficiencies treated properly. Your Levothyroxine will work better for you with your nutrients levels were they should be.

When starting your Levothyroxine take on it's own with water only , early morning 30 - 60 minutes before food and drink. If you get prescribed supplements then take them with lunch.

Never take any other meds at the same time as Levothyroxine.

Study the Patient information leaflet.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone 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

Ask GP for coeliac blood test first

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