Hi everyone.. fairly new to the board and was hoping that someone can offer me some advice. Over the last month or so my health has deteriorated. I used to be able to go to the gym 4-5 days a week, walk my dog, work a 40 hour work week and all of a sudden I can’t do any of those things anymore. I am always very fatigued, and suddenly have anxiety for things that I should never be anxious about. This is coming from someone that is the least anxious person in the world.
After receiving my thyroid levels from my doctor I asked to be referred to an Endo. The endo indicated that I was subclinical hypothyroidism and told me that I also have hashimotos but did not think I needed medication despite how I was feeling. I convinced her to prescribe me 25mcg of Levothyroxine. I have been on it for 4 days so far and am not feeling any better. I fear I am going to lose my job if I cannot go back to work. Here are my latest #s:
TSH - 4.85
FT4 - 1.3
TPO AB - over 900.
On top of that I have 4 nodules on my thyroid 2 of which that I am going to have a biopsy on later this month.
Any help or advice that anyone can provide would be appreciated.
Written by
dave1jm1
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
You need to reduce your exercise while getting used to current dose and waiting for an increase
Ask GP to run test for coeliac disease and test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise
Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels are extremely common
Low vitamin levels can 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 gut connection is very poorly understood
Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies
Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after. Many take on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime
Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable. Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased
All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results
If you can afford it go to Medichecks or Blue Horizon site for information on the private blood tests you require. You need your B12, Folate, Ferritin, and vitamin D checked also your FT3.
If you have these done then post the results on this site for help and information.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.