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[Trina4]

Hi I was diagnosed with overt hypothyroidism Nov 2017, my bloods are

TSH 35 (0.2 - 4.2)

FT4 10.2 (12 - 22)

I take 25mcg levothyroxine, I have really hard stools, palpitations, tired, feeling cold and slow, muscle cramps.

Advice welcome

[Mary-intussuception]

Your second set of blood tests is now due (overdue) . Normally you would then receive an increase in dose. You should have had FreeT3 tested also. Was it explained to you why you were started on the 25mcg dose? Have you had a read of the Levothyroxine patient leaflet.

Ask for the following blood tests asap:

Thyroid Antibodies TPO and Tg

TSH

FreeT3, FreeT4

T3 & T4

ALSO

Nutrients levels of:

Vitamin D, Calcium

B12 & Folate

also Ferritin

Because you may have some defficiencies and need prescribed supplements.

If GP won't do the test you could ask to be referred to an Endocrinologist due to your symptoms?

Are you drinking plenty of water?

[Trina4 in reply to Mary-intussuception]

I am a bit confused by my blood results, they say there is " no biochemical evidence of primary thyroid disease".

I am on 25mcg because I am thin

Under an endocrinologist

I drink plenty of water

TPO antibodies 560 (<34)

TG antibodies 1400 (<115)

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Trina4]

Your Thyroid Antibodies indicate -

Hashimoto's Autoimmune Thyroiditis which is the cause of your Hypothyroidism.

Why are you slim? Do you have Crohn's or Colitis?

Have you ever been tested for Coeliac Disease? If not ask for tests asap.

When is your next appointment with the Endocrinologist? It should have been within 6 - 8 weeks of the November appointment?

Which date in November were the tests done.

I wonder why Endo didn't test FT3?

Google search "symptoms of deficiencies in * - NHS choices " and other sites.

* each of the above nutrients

[Trina4 in reply to Mary-intussuception]

I think I have coeliac disease, haven't been tested

Next date with endocrinologist is 11 months time, he is handing over care to GP

November bloods done on 30 November

GP says FT3 not relevant

[Trina4 in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Vitamins and minerals checked a month ago I didn't realise the importance of them, I supplement as well, do I post?

[Clutter in reply to Trina4]

Yes, post the results and ranges and say what and how much you are supplementing.

[Clutter in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Mary_intusseception,

There's no point in testing FT3 when TSH is high. TSH is high because FT4 and FT3 are low.

[Clutter in reply to Trina4]

Trina4,

Your thyroid and antibody results are prima facie evidence of biochemical primary thyroid disease.

You're not on 25mcg because you're thin. I'm thin too and was on 200mcg. There's some other reason you are on a low dose. Most likely because your endo is incompetent if he doesn't want to see you for a year after initiating such a low dose.

You should ask GP to do a follow up thyroid test because I can't believe 25mcg can be anywhere near sufficient with TSH 35 and FT4 under range.

The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.3 - 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 [e-mail] if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your GP.

Thyroid peroxidase 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.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

If you suspect you have coeliac disease ask your GP to do a tissue transglutaminase blood test. You will need to eat 2 meals containining gluten daily for up to six weeks prior to the blood test or the result will be negative.

[christa1 in reply to Trina4]

hi trina4

my friend has haschimotos hypothyroid and is very thin, she is on 100mg oroxine most of her life (51y)

I am the same, 10y older and put on 30kg in the last 25 years. on 75 oroxine and 20 t3.

it is wrong of your doc to give low dose of t4 meds because you keep your figure slim!!

x

[Singoutloud]

I was slim until I hit my thirties. In fact in my mid twenties I lost so much weight from antibody attacks dumping thyroid hormone in my blood I went under 7 stone. (I wish this was still the case)

I could only get my tests done every 3 months so worth a follow up test. Make appointment with GP for an increase of Levo. 25mcg is normally reserved for children or those with heart problems