I had blood work done yesterday (full panel thyroid and ferritin). I have scheduled an appointment with my new doctor next week regarding the test results. What do you guys think? My TSH has jumped from 5.5 last year to 9 this year! I definitely feel like I am running on fumes. I still haven't received medication but next week I plan to speak to my new doctor for it. Last year I was told by my previous doctor that while my TSH was a little high that all other thyroid hormones were "within range" and medication was not needed. I fear that might happen again and I won't be medicated, any tips on how to fight GP, other than with my bare hands? Also, should I start an iron supplement? Or should I just stick to eating red meat every now and then? I have been eating more meat recently along with vitamin C containing foods like orange juice to increase absorption. Additionally, I was wondering whether I should add HCL with Pepsin to my regimen or instead use apple cider vinegar, to increase vitamin and mineral absorption from food? I know hypothyroidism causes low stomach acid (I have confirmed Hashi's).
Thyroxine (T4) 9.2 Ranges: 4.5-12.0 ug/dL
T3 Uptake 29 Ranges: 24-39 %
Free Thyroxine Index 2.7 Ranges: 1.2-4.9
TSH 9.900 Ranges: 0.450-4.500 uIU/mL
Ferritin, Serum 151 Ranges: 30-400 ng/mL
My supplements: B12 1000 mcg, B complex, Zinc 15mg , Selenium 200mcg, Magnesium oil 100 MG, (Vitamin D+K 5000 IU + 90mcg). Should I tweak these?
My symptoms: Difficult time getting up in the morning, difficult time going to sleep, stiff neck, low hunger, mild depression, weight gain, muscle loss and fatigue.
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MrWellness94
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TSH 5.5 with normal T4 and T3 levels indicates subclinical hypothyroidism. 'Subclinical' should mean asymptomatic. If you were symtomatic last year your GP at the time could, and should, have prescribed Levothyroxine.
TSH 9.9 is a gnat's off being overtly hypothyroid. I doubt you will have to fight your GP for treatment with TSH 9.9. If you do, dump him/her fast and find another doctor who will treat you.
Iron is unlikely to be deficient with ferritin 151.
Your symptoms are almost certainly exclusively due to having untreated hypothyroidism.
Thanks so much for the response and advice. I will definitely change doctors if treatment is not started soon. Definitely feel changes, there are instances where I have energy then I get extreme fatigue.
Honestly my life is a struggle. I can barely function in college and it is taking a toll in all aspects. Just hope to feel better soon. Do you know if 50 is a good starting dose? Should I even ask my doctor? I know it takes time for hormones to work but I’m desperate.
NICE recommend intiating 50-100mcg in patients <50 and without heart disease. cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid... I'm not sure you'll be able to access the link outside of the UK.
The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.2 - 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_...
For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements, magnesium and oestrogen.
It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working and it will take up to six weeks to feel the full impact of the dose. Symptoms may lag behind good biochemistry by several months.
You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.
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