Just diagnosed

[Arrolla]

Hi I am 27 and just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism with a TSH of 89.5 (0.2 - 4.2) FT4 10.5 (12 - 22) FT3 3.3 (3.1 - 6.8) I am also trying for a baby. My periods have been very clotty and my constipation is so bad I only passed about 1 and a half stools within a week. Advice welcome.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Presumably you've been started on Levo at 50mcg daily? Retest in 6-8 weeks, will then require increase of 25mcg and repeat retesting/increasing until you feel well. The aim of a treated hypo patient generally is for TSH to be 1 or below or wherever it needs to be for FT4 and FT3 to be in the upper part of their respective reference ranges when on Levo. For pregnancy I believe TSH should be below 2.5.

When booking thyroid tests, always book the very first appointment of the morning, fast overnight (water allowed) and leave off Levo for 24 hours. This gives the highest possible TSH which is needed when looking for an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction. TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day. It also lowers after eating. This is a patient to patient tip which we don't discuss with doctors or phlebotomists.

Take your Levo on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after food, with a glass of water only, no tea, coffee, milk, etc, for an hour either side as absorption will be affected. Take any other medication and supplements 2 hours away from Levo, some need 4 hours.

For your constipation, you could consider magnesium citrate. I use the powder, start low and build up. amazon.co.uk/Natural-Calm-S... Take in the evening, 4 hours away from Levo.

[Arrolla in reply to SeasideSusie]

Yes 50mcg daily. Thanks

[Greybeard]

I dont think it is a good idea for you to try to conceive untill your tsh is below 2.5. Were you seeking fertility treatment they would tell you to come back when your thyroid is under better control. Conception will be difficult and the chance of miscarriage or developmental problems are increased. Now you are in treatment your tsh will drop in the coming months. Good luck.

[Whitney2017]

Hello, I am wondering whether you have have your TPO antibodies checked also? X

[Arrolla in reply to Whitney2017]

Yes been told negative

TPO antibody 1200 (<34)

[Whitney2017 in reply to Arrolla]

I'm in a similar position to yourself. A lot of what I've read says to ensure TSH is reduced and TPO reduced to help fertility x

[treblecel in reply to Arrolla]

Positive surely if yours is 1200?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Arrolla]

Definitely positive for autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's. Whoever told you that was a negative result is an idiot. 100% gluten free diet and supplementing with selenium L-selenomethionine 200mcg daily can help reduce antibodies.

Hashi's can trash nutrient levels so best get vitamins and minerals tested - Vit D, B12, Folate, Ferritin.