Hi everyone - I’m hoping for some advice, please! I’m a 58 year old reasonably active, full time working woman. I was prescribed 50 mg levothyroxine sodium in June following blood tests showing TSH 8.82 (0.27 - 4.2), FT4 12.7 (12.0 - 22.0), TPO antibodies 9 = negative, Ferritin 101 (13 - 150) .
The tests were ordered as part of various tests and procedures to investigate an abdominal swelling which has subsequently been attributed to constipation. I was not aware that I had been suffering any symptoms as I had no previous detailed knowledge of hypothyroidism although my mother also had the condition for many years before she recently died. Nevertheless my GP advised treatment which I accepted.
I’ve recently had follow up blood tests TSH 2.03, FT4 15.9 and my GP suggested carrying on with 50mg levothyroxine sodium for the forthcoming 4 months which I accepted.
However, since then (10 days ago) I’ve tried to educate myself a bit more and have considered the range of symptoms in more detail. I’m now wondering whether the constipation was a thyroid related issue. Over the last two years I’ve also been putting up with annoying and aggravating pain and lack of movement in my hip which is made worse by sitting at my work desk weekdays, more recent intermittent knee weakness problems and, since February this year, had my first ever two bouts of UTI in close proximity. Over the last three weeks I now have discomforting aching in my fore arms which has impacted my ability to lift things like a kettle.
I’m planning on going back to my GP but I’m not sure if I should question whether I’ve been prescribed levothyroxine sodium too prematurely or whether I should ask my GP to consider increasing my dose?
Any thoughts or suggestions from others more familiar with this stuff than me would be very welcome!