Autoimmune Thyroiditis & 4 months postpartum

[CaroMaxx]

Hi everyone, I discovered I had autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimotos) after seeing an acupuncturist for fertility issues. She immediately suspected my diagnosis and was 100% correct once I argued with my GP to have my full thyroid panel tested. As if by chance I fell pregnant with my first child at the point of being diagnosed and although had a pretty good pregnancy I did have to take levothyroxine, 25mg to start and then 50mg during my 3rd trimester. I’m now just over 4 months postpartum. I’ve had my TSH tested twice once at 2 weeks PP and the other around 6 weeks. Both results the GP said I’m fine and within range. I felt symptomatic so started to take 25mg levothyroxine from the stash I accumulated during pregnancy. In the last month I’ve developed what I think is a frozen shoulder. I’m a single parent to my little boy and can’t seem to get my GP to take me seriously! I’m looking for support, guidance and advice to get well for my sons sake.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You really need full Thyroid and vitamin tests but not until 6 weeks after any dose change. So how long have you been on 25mcg Levothyroxine?

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test thyroid antibodies, FT3 and FT4 plus vitamins

Private tests are available

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally 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. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's