I am constantly too hot. Though my skin is cool to touch. It feels like I’m burning, especially my face.
I’ve been on 50mcg Levothyroxine since Nov 2017. Most recent tests in Jan 2018 show
Tsh 1.09 (normal is .4 to 4.0)
T4 16.6 (normal is 9.0 to 25.0)
T3 4.9 (normal is 3.5 to 7.8)
Do any of these figures give clue to the overheating sensation? To be honest I need constant fans on my face (and at night my body) and it’s making me reluctant to go out or socialise so I’m avoiding it. The feeling of heat is so powerful it makes me feel panicky.
I am some 6 years post menopause.
Any hints would help.
Thank you.
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FESpex
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Well, your doctor doesn't know much about thyroid, does he. He should have tested six weeks after the start of levo, and increased your dose by 25 mcg. Both your FT4 and FT3 are too low, but he is only looking at the TSH, I suspect. He is keeping you sick!
I had to ask for T3 and T4 test in first place and she took endochronolgist advice before offering it. I was pleased she made that effort as Other Docs in same practice wouldn’t. I’ve been told that from now they will only check TSH and that would be annually.
Many patients on Levothyroxine have poor TSH response in that TSH becomes much lower or suppressed at very low dose of Levothyroxine, yet FT4 and/or FT3 remain far too low
When hypothyroid this can cause low stomach acid and then as result low vitamin levels
Low vitamin levels as result of under medication can also lower TSH
Sadly all practices are full locally. NHS under huge pressure.
I’ve done a medichecks in the past and would do now, but no point if Docs won’t prescribe and won’t fully accept results other than those they do in NHS. Bit of a cleft stick.
I’m v grateful for your kind replies and your time.
I’m really interested in what you said about overheating because I’m suffering terribly from this at the moment but I’m not overmedicated. Could you explain why the overheating happens?
The thermostat is broken. The thyroid controls temperature. If the thyroid is not working correctly, you can't control your temperature adequately. Some people are always cold, others are always hot. I was always hot. Then, suddenly, I was always cold. Now, what I feel is more less equal to the ambient temperature.
The right levels for me, yes. I don't do blood tests, I dose by symptoms. How I did it was by taking control of my own health, self-treating and experimenting - something doctors rarely allow you to do because they are too ignorant. I got tired of being dictated to, and kept sick, so I went solo. And I'm much better off for it!
It took me a long time to get it right. And, of course, it's never easy if you have Hashi's. But, now my thyroid is dead it's easier to keep the dose steady. But, it's not just about hormones. Nutrients play a big part, as well.
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, 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 or vitamins
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 very important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .
It’s a little frustrating to not be able to engage with NHS doc... ultimately it serves NHS to get it under control as without I have ongoing health issues that cost their resources and time.
Getting the full Thyroid and vitamin testing via Medichecks is first step. Come back with new post once you have results for advice on what vitamin supplements you need and what the next step is
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