Underactive Thyroid: I have had thyroid issues... - Thyroid UK

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Underactive Thyroid

mshouston profile image
12 Replies

I have had thyroid issues for 3 years now and have spent nearly a year getting the medication right, however, over the past couple of months I have had serious weight gain issues and also sweats and flushing are so extreme I sleep on a cold floor.

Anybody got the same problems or any advice. Thank you

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mshouston profile image
mshouston
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12 Replies
Deniseelk profile image
Deniseelk

Just a thought, please excuse if I am totally off track here.... but could it be menopause????

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Do you have recent blood test results and ranges to add?

You may have low vitamin levels or very under medicated

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 test. 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 important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

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

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

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

Those troubled by weight gain its cause is due to being hypothyroid i.e. our metabolism is so slow and weight is gained, usually when we take levothyroxine and doctor stops increasing dose due to the TSH and T4 blood test results.

If levo isn't sufficient (it is an inactive hormone and coverts to T3) (T3 is the only Active thyroid hormone) to enable a good conversion to T3, our metabolism will be too slow and weight gained.

You need a Full Thyroid Function Test - GP probably will not do so but you can get a private one from one of our three labs who do home pin-prick blood tests.

If you decide to do this make sure you are well hydrated a couple of days before drawing blood and arms/hand are warm.

The blood draw should be at the earliest, fasting and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and test and take afterwards.

You need TSH, T4, T3, free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies.

GP should definitely test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate if he's not done recently.

Put up a fresh post with your results and ranges and members will respond.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

E_lizab8 profile image
E_lizab8

I have Hashi have had all the tests, implemented lots of things re vitamins diet, gluten free etc but still get sweats and hot flushes, I'm also well over menopause age so unsure what to try next? This is by far the worst symtom for me, if anyone has any ideas please post.

Howard39 profile image
Howard39 in reply toE_lizab8

Hi

I found acupuncture fabulous for sweats- I now do them myself with my husbands help.

Sage is also helpful and Angus castus.

E_lizab8 profile image
E_lizab8 in reply toHoward39

Thanks will try the sage but not sure about the needles.

mshouston profile image
mshouston in reply toE_lizab8

I agree they are driving me mad

dtate2016 profile image
dtate2016

Yes - I get hot flashes and am well past menopause. I don’t have any links to post but Isabelle Wentz (the Pharmacist who has Hashimotos) says it has to do with the liver and the extra lbs we put on. Read all you can about “fatty liver disease”. Of course they have to come up with a new name! I find that it is lessened when I behave with diet and portions. Starting the day with hot lemon juice (organic) and water also helps (roughly 1 TBS of L. Juice to 8 oz water). Dr Oz also offers this as a weight loss remedy. When combined with a very healthy diet - it works! (Lots of veggies, fruits, healthy protein, less bread, sugar, alcohol, bad fats). Avocado is one of the healthiest fats, olive oil, coconut oil. We really can fight fat (hot flashes, fatty liver disease, etc.) with fat!

Plus, the brain loves fat and fuels itself much more readily with fat than with carbs. Tip: bacon, cold cuts, sauseges are not healthy fats.

Try the hot lemon “tea” / water for 10 days. I don’t know anyone who has that hasn’t reported at least small weight loss / increased energy! It lessons hot flashes as well.

mshouston profile image
mshouston in reply todtate2016

Thank you I will try anything

E_lizab8 profile image
E_lizab8 in reply todtate2016

Thank You will add the lemon water to my diet which is already pretty clean as I am celiac and have fructose and carb intolerance too, I only eat what I prepare from scratch myself.

Howard39 profile image
Howard39 in reply toE_lizab8

Hi

Yes the same as me.

E_lizab8 profile image
E_lizab8 in reply toHoward39

Came across this the other day by Isabel Wentz found it very interesting;

Htpps://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-common-root-cause-of-hashimotos-hives-and-ibs

It suggests Saccharomyces boulardi so I am trying it out now on day 15 at one tab a day, will post if it helps.

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