i had her levothyroxine increased to 50mcg, when to feel better on this? I have puffy eyes, difficult swallowing, constipation, joint pain, depression, heavy periods, losing hair, dizziness, cold and clammy hands and feet, I had a crash back in November 2017 and I have not been taking the medication at the recommended dose advised by endocrinologist. I was diagnosed hypothyroid in 2012, thank you
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Ally006
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Your high antibodies mean that you are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's which is where antibodies attack the thyroid and gradually destroy it. The antibody attacks cause fluctuations in symptoms and test results.
Most doctors dismiss antibodies as being of no importance and know little or nothing about Hashi's and how it affects the patient, test results and symptoms. Your endo is most likely a diabetes specialist (most of them are) and doesn't know how to treat hypothyroidism. You need to read, learn, understand and help yourself where Hashi's is concerned.
You can help reduce the antibodies by adopting a strict gluten free diet which has helped many members here. Gluten contains gliadin (a protein) which is thought to trigger autoimmune attacks so eliminating gluten can help reduce these attacks. You don't need to be gluten sensitive or have Coeliac disease for a gluten free diet to help.
Supplementing with selenium l-selenomethionine 200mcg daily can also help reduce the antibodies, as can keeping TSH suppressed.
Hashi's and gut absorption problems tend to go hand in hand and can very often result in low nutrient levels or deficiencies which can be seen in your vitamin and mineral results. To address gut and absorption issues check out the information and links in SlowDragon 's post towards the end of this thread.
Ferritin - at least 70 for thyroid hormone to work
Vit D - 100-150nmol/L according to the Vit D Council
B12 - minimum 550 according to an extract from the book, "Could it be B12?" by Sally M. Pacholok:
"We believe that the 'normal' serum B12 threshold needs to be raised from 200 pg/ml to at least 450 pg/ml because deficiencies begin to appear in the cerebrospinal fluid below 550".
"For brain and nervous system health and prevention of disease in older adults, serum B12 levels should be maintained near or above 1000 pg/ml."
Folate - at least half way through range
With your current levels:
You need to discuss your ferritin level with your GP.
You could increase your oral spray and take D3's important cofactors magnesium and Vit K2-MK7.
Thyroid-wise you are currently very undermedicated, you know from your previous results that you aren't going to feel well on 50mcg Levo. You need to get back to a dose where you felt well and if necessary ask for T3 to be reinstated.
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