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[db1970]

Hi, I've (at last) been diagnosed with auto-immune thyroid disease after spending 2 years being told by my NHS GP that "it was my age" or "just anxiety" and that TSH levels of 4.8 (at the time) were perfectly fine. I am lucky that I have a private medical through my company every two years and my TSH levels came back at 5.8 - the private doctor said that I should have my antibodies checked, which I did which came back as (Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase 465 and Anti-Thyroglobulin of 228 and a TSH of 5.8) - so she has now prescribed 50mg of Levothyroxine and a blood re-test in 6 weeks time. The relief is palpable and I'm hoping that I will start to feel normal again! D

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Well done for persevering

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

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

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise

Extremely common for these to be too low

Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten.

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

Ideally ask GP for coeliac blood test first

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

50mcg is the standard starter dose. Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase. Dose is increased in 25mcg steps, retesting each time, until TSH is around one and FT4 towards top of range and FT3 at least half way in range

NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies, sometimes only tests TSH

Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after.

Many take on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable. Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased (many don't get on with Teva brand unless lactose intolerant)

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

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

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.

If on Levothyroxine, don't take 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)

[db1970 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for your reply! I had a full blood test back in May and the ferritin level was 33 ng/mL- I have always had low iron and have been on iron tablets but have stopped them. Do you think I should start taking them again? Thanks!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to db1970]

Low iron is common when hypo, due to low stomach acid

Can also be indicative of poor gut function or gluten intolerance

Yes ferritin needs to be at good levels for thyroid hormones

Masses of posts about this on here

GP should prescribe ferrous fumerate or rerun full iron panel to test first if been a while since last tested

[db1970 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you - my GP did give me another prescription for iron tablets but not sure if they're ferrous fumerate or not - will check. Thanks again! D

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to db1970]

When you take iron taking vitamin C at same time improves absorption

See many replies by SeasideSusie about iron