Just diagnosed

I've just got back from the Dr, who told me I have an elevated TSH (can't remember the number) and a low T4 (9.7 I think).

I went for a test as my sister and dad both have thyroid issues and I have had Alopecia Areata for 3 years now. Recently, I've felt really low, have had finger joint pain, dry skin and various other symptoms. My sister mentioned she had Hashimotos so I researched it and thought I might do too! I'm glad I checked.

I have a baby 10.5 months ago, so was wondering if that could have caused this? Apparently my thyroid function was checked in 2016 and it was ok.

They're going to start me on the hormone (I've asked for a lactose-free one as I'm vegan so it'll take a week to find out if there's one for me!) but I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to try and help myself, maybe with diet? I take a 'veg1' supplement from the Vegan Society (vegansociety.com/shop/veg-1... already.

It's all a bit overwhelming, so any advice would be great. I am hopeful that this might help my hair loss though! Anyone had any experiences with that?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

First of all, that Veg1 supplement is not a good idea. It contains Iodine which is the last thing a hypo/Hashi's patient needs. Iodine is anti-thyroid and used to be used to treat overactive thyroid. If you are Hashi's then Iodine can exacerbate Hashi's flares. It also contains cyanocobalamin which is the wrong form of B12, we should have methylcobalamin, and folic acid when methylfolate is the preferred form. On the whole, multi's are a waste of time as they tend to contain too little of anything to help and generally the wrong forms of active ingredients as already mentioned.

My hypothyroidism started after my second baby, apparently it's not particularly uncommon.

If you are in the UK then the only lactose free levothyroxine tablet is Teva. You may be fine with it but many members have had awful side effects from it so you might have to rethink this if you experience side effects.

You need to know if you have Hashi's so you need thyroid antibodies tested. Thyroid Peroxidase is the usual test and if that comes back negative then you should ask for Thyroglobulin to be tested as you can be negative for TPO but positive for TG. If Hashi's is confirmed then adopting a strict gluten free diet and supplementing with selenium l-selenomethionine 200mcg daily can help reduce antibodies.

Hair loss may be due to the hypothyroidism but can also be caused by vitamin/mineral deficiencies

healdove.com/disease-illnes...

We Hypos need optimal nutrient levels and we always suggest testing

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

Come back with any test results, include the reference ranges, and members will comment and make suggestions for supplements where necessary.

[Hidden in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm even more overwhelmed now - lots of words I don't (yet) understand!

I had read that Iodine Deficiency can cause Hypothyroidism and most Iodine is found in Meat, Eggs and Dairy (and seaweed, which I don't tend to eat), which is why it's included in the Veg1 as vegans don't tend to get much of it. Is that incorrect information, then?

I've never shown deficiencies in blood tests for my alopecia, but I don't know what they were specifically testing for. I guess I can ask my Dr to do more.

With my family history of Autoimmune diseases, I thought they would already have tested for Hashimoto's, but is this not common practise? It's very confusing that I have to request things that I don't understand! I guess GPs don't specialise in these sorts of things..

Thanks for the info on Teva. I hadn't even considered that there'd be side effects from taking levothyroxine tablets; a bit scared now!

Appreciate the information and can see this forum is going to be very helpful and supportive as I learn more. Thank you.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Hidden]

Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, but as I said it shouldn't be supplemented unless tested and known to be deficient and then only under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.

The NHS rarely tests TPO antibodies, and almost never tests TG antibodies. It's possible an endocrinologist might, so if you've not seen an endo you may not have had antibodies tested.

No need to be scared of Levo, it's just that this new formula Teva (lactose free) seems to be causing a lot of people problems.