Thyroid advice

[Fudgey55]

Should I be taking my thyroid medication the same time everyday I’m bloated constantly the weight is all around my middle its so uncomfortable just need some advice thanks

[greygoose]

Well, good question… I'm not sure that's ever been determined. I believe that you can take it any time you like, as long as it's on an empty stomach, one hour before, or two hours after food and drink (except water); and well away from all other supplements and medication. Which is why most people take it in the early morning, late evening, or some time in the night.

[Fudgey55 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for that its just a friend told me medication had to be taken same time everyday

[Fudgey55 in reply to Fudgey55]

Also why am I so bloated ankles swollen to

[greygoose in reply to Fudgey55]

Could be many reasons for that. The hot weather, for one thing. You've probably sweated out all your salt. Try taking extra, with vit C.

But I doubt taking levo at different times will cause the bloat, as long as you take it every day.

[Fudgey55 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you

[greygoose in reply to Fudgey55]

You're welcome.

[Marz]

Do you have any test results to share - maybe your levels are too low ... TSH is good around 1 - FT4 & FT3 towards the upper part of the range ...

[Fudgey55 in reply to Marz]

Didn’t get my results I should have done really but doctor said since putting them up to 75 my blood test was ok

[Marz in reply to Fudgey55]

He might think they are OK but do you ? OK is an opinion and not a result 😊 Always obtain copies of all your results with ranges - they are legally yours. You need to monitor your own health and check what has been missed ! Also it makes posting here easier - people can support you when you are able to give more info. Look around at other posts and you will see what I mean. ☺

[Fudgey55 in reply to Marz]

I will get my results sorted thanks

[Hidden in reply to Fudgey55]

My ankles were swollen and it turned out to be caused by needing T3 added to my T4. Got a new good endo in April who honed in on this. The ankle situation is pretty much resolved. My endo is still slowly raising the T3 dose (next tests this Wed) and thinks the swelling will continue to improve. BTW, I had to push for a new endo and to get my T3 even tested. My GP (ex) is a dyed in the wool T4/TSH lady. Since leaving her practice my thyroid care is improving including vitamin levels and other testing she refused to do. So what else is new with thyroid care? Honestly, sometimes getting the thyroid care we need is like pulling hen's teeth! As I also have atrial fibrillation (well-controlled) she kept saying I needed more lasix. It was my Electrophysiologist who went to bat for me, found the new endo, and a new primary physician.

[sunsetalley]

I have tried it, I've been taking my levothyroxine at the same time everyday spring and summer of last year. But it didn't make much difference because I was on a low dose...

[Fudgey55 in reply to sunsetalley]

Thank you for that

[sunsetalley in reply to Fudgey55]

You're welcome...

[MONALISAWILLIAMS]

I am having the same problem as well. My level are always low, and it been 10 years since I had my surgery

[Fudgey55]

I’m going to get my results see what happens

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need enhanced access to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can no longer charge for printing out, rules changed after May 25th 2018.

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

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. When 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)

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

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's extremely important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Gut symptoms and bloating can suggest gluten intolerance or poor gut function

Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after. Many take early morning on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime

But if taking at bedtime must be 2-3 hours after dinner. Longer if huge meal. Some people take Levo in middle of night

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

Even NHS website points out no calcium rich foods within four hours of taking Levothyroxine.

See

"Is there any food I need to avoid "

beta.nhs.uk/medicines/levot...

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 or at repeat prescription

[Fudgey55]

Thanks for the advice I really appreciate it

[lolajone]

Check the fillers in the brand of t4 you are currently taking and maybe try another brand to see if that helps with bloating. I found one particular filler gives me terrible gut problems and looked like I was 7 months pregnant. Tried a number of brands before I worked out what the problem was

[jls1409]

Hi,

Have you thought about giving up gluten? There are a lot of people who suffer from sensitivities to gluten who have thyroid problems.

I was one of them..I gave up gluten a few months ago and my bloat is gone. Just a suggestion to look into.