Hypothyroid and complete lack of motivation.

[Whirlwind64]

I have been hypothyroid for about 5 years, never felt completely well since way before that.

Over the last year or so I have no motivation to do anything, even get out of bed. My bloods have always been ok and never changed from 100 levothyroxine a day. I now have menopause to deal with too. I've tried all the self help tips but my weight is increasing regardless, which is making me worse. I don't even have the motivation or energy to exercise.

I have a blood test tomorrow morning. Is there any help the GP can give me if I make an appointment to see or speak to him?

[Peanut31]

Hi

You need to obtain copies of your thyroid test results from your GP surgery. GP's often say they are normal, normal to them means they are within the lab ranges, but, it doesn't mean we feel well within the lab ranges.

When having thyroid blood tests your TSH, T4 and T3 need to be tested, just testing TSH alone, which many GP's only do.

Starting dosage of Levo is 50 mcg, so 100 mcg is still quite low and you may need an increase.

Thyroid blood testing should be carried out as early as possible in the morning, before 9am, don't take your levo before your blood test, drink water only and no eating.

This tip is passed to members on here and doesn't need to be mentioned to your GP/Nurse/Endo.

your TSH is always higher in the morning, and this enables patients to obtain a much needed increase in levo, without having to battle it out with the GP.

if your surgery doesn't do full thyroid then medi checks and blue horizon offer this service.

Have you had your vitamins levels tested recently, iron, ferritin, vitamin D and B12.

Have you been tested for auto immune disease?

Best Wishes

Peanut31

[humanbean]

Getting your thyroid optimally treated and your vitamin and minerals levels optimised will help. Fixing low or high cortisol will also help.

If you are still apathetic and unmotivated (I can empathise totally!) look into how to improve your dopamine levels.

[FancyPants54]

Menopause can strip you of your engagement with the world. It removes motivation and ambition and the energy we need to function. If you are one of the unlucky ones, like me.

So if you know you are in the throws of menopause and your thyroid bloods look as they did when you felt better, then it's time to talk HRT.

[Whirlwind64]

Certainly how I feel!! Stripped of everything that made me feel good. I'll see what the GP says in the morning. Unfortunately HRT won't be an option as I have a history of uterine cancer (my mum) so have been advised against it.

Thank you for your reply. At least I'm not alone.

[FancyPants54 in reply to Whirlwind64]

There are different types of HRT and different methods of implementation and it depends if the cancer was oestrogen dominant or not. Unfortunately most doctors are a bit clueless and give bad advice. If you can, go and see a private menopause specialist who understands all the options and conditions. Transdermal application with gel or patches or even implants are the safest form of HRT there is. But the specialists will understand the specifics of your case and talk to you about options.

[Gwasanaeth]

Hi, sorry you are feeling so bad and hope you can get help. Lack of motivation can be debilitating and frustrating. I felt like this for years but since finding this site and having private blood tests done and taking advice from people here, I have started to feel better. I started taking the suggested supplements and going gluten free. I am not 100% but much better and feel more like myself. I was ill on HRT and have terrible menopause symptoms. I'm about to be retested so will see if I can make further improvements. Tiredness and sweating/hot flushes are bad. Motivation is back but energy still poor, though better. Good luck at the doctors tomorrow.

[FancyPants54 in reply to Gwasanaeth]

Consider trying a different type, dosage and method of HRT. There are many different types. It can take a while to find the one that suits you.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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

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)