Newly diagnosed hypothyroidism

[MMWH]

Hi

I'm new to this forum and would like some advice please. I am 58 years old and had hyperthyroidism about 8-9 years ago and was successfully treated. In March this year I had a mental breakdown and following blood tests, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. My TSH was 10.6, T4 4 and T3 8.2. I was started on Levothyroxine 100mg. I went to see an Endocrinologist last week and awaiting the results of a series of blood tests including ACTH which I was told take about 10days.

My GP has signed me off from work for 3 months. I am currently struggling with tiredness, intermittent tachycardia, hot flushes especially at night, insomnia, stiffness and mild pain in my muscles and mood swings. Some days I have swelling in my feet and hands and brain fog. I also noticed a couple of hair strands on my pillow this morning which is unusual. The Endocrinologist said I should continue on 100mg Levothyroxine. Am I over medicated? Why am I still feeling so horrible and how long does it take for the symptoms to improve? I need to go back to work because I can't survive on statutory sick pay😣

[bantam12]

What are the ranges for those results ? Could you have muddled the T4 and T3 result ? a T3 of 8.2 doesn't look hypo unless you have a very different range.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

MMWH

Have you had more blood tests since starting on Levo? Normal protocol is to retest 6 weeks after starting and adjust dose if necessary, retesting 6 weeks after any dose adjustment. So we can't tell if you are overmedicated unless we see your latest results.

If you haven't had a follow up test then you should book one, then post your new results, with reference ranges please as ranges vary from lab to lab.

When booking thyroid tests, always book the very first appointment of the morning and fast overnight (water allowed) . This gives the highest possible TSH which is needed when looking for a diagnosis, an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction. TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day. It also lowers after eating. Also, take your Levo after the blood draw because if you take it before then your FT4 will reflect this and show higher than what is normally circulating. We usually advise 24 hours between last dose of Levo and blood draw so if you take your Levo in the mornng then delay until after the test, or if you take it at night then delay that dose until after the test.These are a patient to patient tips which we don't discuss with doctors or phlebotomists.

It would also be a good idea to get vitamins and minerals tested as these need to be optimal for thyroid hormone to work. We Hypos often have low levels which need addressing so ask for

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

and post the results with ranges when you have them.

It might have been better to start you on 50mcg Levo and build up gradually.

[MMWH in reply to SeasideSusie]

I'm awaiting the results including vitamin deficiencies and will post as soon as it is available. I went to see the Endocrinologist in the afternoon so unfortunately my bloods were taken that afternoon