Hi I am newly diagnosed Hashimoto. There is no family history of it in the family, just hypothyroidism that my mum has. There is also a history of diabetes, heart disease and stroke in the family, too. I have had a goitre on and off and this has affected my swallowing though I still manage to eat relatively well and maintain my weight.
I was wondering if my symptoms could mean something?
Sweats
Low heart rate
Dry skin/eczema
Splitting nails
Tiredness
Panda eyes
Dry eyes
Constipation
Irritable bowel symptoms
Periods irregular, painful and heavy
Hair growing on face and body in a male pattern
Recurring bladder infections
Dizziness
Tinnitus
Palpitations
Feeling cold
Internal shivering
Cold feet
Muscle stiffness and cramps and pain
Breathlessness/sighing a lot
Thank you!
TSH 5.2 (0.2 - 4.2)
FREE T4 17.1 (12 - 22)
FREE T3 4.2 (3.1 - 6.8)
ANTI TPO ANTIBODY 208.5 (<34)
Written by
Kezza18
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Thank you! I was started on 25mcg levo but it was increased to 50mcg levo 6 weeks ago. I read the patient information leaflet and it says I needed to be started on 25mcg if I have heart problems but I don't think I do have heart problems and I am only 32 years old.
No, doctors tend to be over-cautious, and thus delay the recovery of the patient! Still you're on 50 now.
Did your doctor tell you how to take it? On an empty stomach, leaving at least one hour before eating or drinking, and at least two hours before taking any other supplements or medication - longer for some.
When do you go for your next test? When you do, make sure your appointment is for early in the morning - before 9 am - and fast over-night. Leave a 24 hour gap between your last dose of levo and the blood draw.
Thank you. The GP didn't tell me how to take the levo. He just told me it would take a while to feel better and for levels to improve. I go for my next test in 6 weeks time. The blood test that was last done was early morning, fasting and leaving 24 hours between levo and the blood draw.
Thank you. I don't take any other medications. I was on antidepressants very briefly for anxiety but I stopped these in 2012 because I did not believe my symptoms were in my head. They were issued by a previous GP who refused to accept I had thyroid issues. I do take iron tablets, vitamin D, folic acid and I go for B12 injections every 3 months for low B12 symptoms. My B12 did not seem to rise very much on oral supplements (I was taking a sublingual B12 methylcobalamin 1000mg I think?) and that was why B12 injections were given.
Iron should be taken four hours away from levo, as should vit D. And vit D and iron should be taken two hours apart.
Folic acid is not good. You'd do better to get a B complex, containing at least 400 mcg methylfolate, and take that. B vits all work together and need to be kept balanced. Just taking one or two in isolation is not good.
Thank you. I take the levo in the morning so about 8am and then I take the iron at about 1pm because that's when I have my lunch. I take the vitamin D at night because I seem to get a much better quality of sleep if I take it that way.
Does it say on the iron to take it with food? If not, it should be taken well away from food. Vit D should, on the other hand, be taken with fat of some kind, so we usually take it with the fattiest meal of the day.
Are you also taking the vit d cofactors? Vit K2 - MK7 and magnesium?
The other conditions in your family could well be connected to thyroid issues. It is often the ROOT cause but missed at GP level again and again. They all need the tests you have had done
So now you need B12 - Folate - Ferritin & VitD tested as ALL need to be optimal and not bumping along the bottom of the range. Docs rarely have a clue about these - so report back here when you have the results - in a new post !
Thank you. Unfortunately the stroke was identified in my granddad, he has since passed away due to a failed aneurysm stent. This was in 2015. My nan has found it difficult to cope with the loss and sank into a very deep depression. She is also on statins for high cholesterol, she refuses to take antidepressants since they make her sleepy. My mum has diabetes and hypothyroidism, she refuses to take the levo. She also takes amitryptiline. I do supplement as well. I have results for vitamins etc done last month, ok for me to post?
If your gran has high cholesterol, she should definitely get tested for thyroid! And she should not be taking statins, because they will do her no good, and could do her a lot of harm. Stupid doctors!!!
Yes she has diabetes too - type 1. She had a triple heart bypass in 2001 and has a history of angina. She is very stubborn though and doesn't like being told what to do! She also has recently developed a cataract, the doctors think from the diabetes. She needs persuading somehow.
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.
Newly diagnosed 
Hypothyroidism? Not diagnosed
Thyroiditis?
Asked to reduce to 25mcg levo
Newbie!
