Joint pain with T4 meds: I know that T4 and... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,245 members166,490 posts

Joint pain with T4 meds

Alexandrawolf profile image
6 Replies

I know that T4 and stressed adrenals are not a good match, but what exactly causes the crazy joint pain I get? I am taking NP Thyroid, and it seems better than with Nature Throid, but Levoxyl was HORRIBLE, even combined with Cytomel... My other symptoms include, weight gain, and puffy face and dry skin... TY!

Written by
Alexandrawolf profile image
Alexandrawolf
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

There's no thyroid history in your Profile - only your name. I am assuming you are hypothyroid.

I shall give you a list of clinical symptoms for hypo and it could be that you aren't on an optimum dose:-

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Your Free T3 and Free T4 could be too low

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

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

Low vitamin levels are extremely common

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, and if on T3 or NDT don't take in 12 hours prior, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

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

Alexandrawolf profile image
Alexandrawolf in reply toSlowDragon

Thank you - I am about to get all the tests above next week. However, I am currently on 100 mcg of time release T3, and 1/2 grain of NP Thyroid (the NP is more recent about a month). Actually, I JUST switched from Nature Throid to NP to see if it's the fillers that are causing me joint pain. I know I am hypo, my Dr treats according to symptoms, but the joint pain and weight gain come on like gangbusters as the .75 grain level! When I tried Levoxyl a few years ago, I gained 10 pounds in 3 weeks and could barely move at all. It is definitely the T4. However, when I can take it, my libido increases and my eyebrows start to grow in. My Ft4 levels are VERY low...

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toAlexandrawolf

There's no point testing thyroid levels until been 6-8 weeks on exactly same dose and brand

Alexandrawolf profile image
Alexandrawolf in reply toSlowDragon

Got it. He just wanted to see where I was as I had bumped up to the 100mg of T3 over 6 weeks ago.

in reply toAlexandrawolf

I'm currently on 88mcg synthyroid and 15mcg Cytomel and have had pains in my feet, ankle, calves and knees no matter what dose of Synthyroid I have been on over past 19 months now although reduced a bit with addition of cytomel but I'm still broken and good grief the weight gain is a pain in the backside. I'm looking to give armour a try but I'm not sure what to do anymore.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Joint pain

Hi I’m new on here but not new to thyroid problems! I got diagnosed with Graves/overactive thyroid...
Noisette13 profile image

Joint Pain with NDT

So just curious what others say about this issue, I’ve been on NDT for 8 years. First on Armour but...
Crogers37 profile image

Joint pain

Hi does anyone else suffer with leg pain from sitting to standing, I find I struggle to walk the...
Tulips51 profile image

Joint pain

Just wondering if there are many other hashi sufferers out there like me who get joint pain and...
hw7342 profile image

Joint pain

Hi all , so pleased to have found this site as I realise how undereducated I am about my condition...
fredasuget1 profile image

Moderation team

See all
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

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.