I'm new both to here and the thyroid uk forums. I'm in my mid 39s and was diagnosed hypoT earlier this year and since starting levothyroxin my periods and moods have been so irriatic. Prior to this i was regular, maybe one or two ratty days but bearable. I'm currently 2 week's late (no chance of pregnancy) and feeling so murderous and full of self hate that I had to pay for childcare for my kids as felt unable to care for them for the rest of the holidays. I'm just so tired, and so short tempered it's like eggshells for them! I'm ashamed to admit that I actually kicked in the understairs cupboard door yesterday to stop myself hurting someone... Anyone! (while kids in house) as so angry over something really petty. Just couldn't control myself. Due to see GP next week after more bloods tomorrow but just don't know where to turn or what help to ask for! I know as soon as period starts will feel 'normal' again for a couple of weeks. But this time has been the longest, most aggressive since my 20s and on the Depo. Current on citalopram 20mg which Dr on phone yesterday suggested upping to 30 and 75mg levothyroxin. I'm convinced it's all conected as it's all hormones and meds are treating symptoms and not cause. Could I be reacting to artificial thyroid hormones like i did with contraceptives? Only contraceptive which I didn't react to was marina. I'm feeling really desperate as I can see affect it's having on my kids. Or us it the thyroid issue it's self? I'm convinced its hashimotos as already have an autoimmune skin condition, but GP pretty much shrugged and said that there wasn't much they could do about it even if it was! Last time I questioned it.
Tried to explain it to husband last night and GP on phone yesterday and both put it down to long six weeks with the kids but I know it's more than that. I need help!
Sorry for long ramblings just needed to grt it out there, sorry!
Written by
mummabear10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Go to your surgery, take some photo ID and proof of address with you, and ask for online access to all your medical records and all your blood test results.
If online access is not available then ask for printed copies of all your blood test results, including reference ranges, from the last two or three years. Don't accept written results, and don't let a receptionist just read them out to you. You want a printout from the computer - far fewer chances of mistakes then.
Be aware in both cases that the receptionist will probably have to get permission from a GP to allow online access or print out results. Just smile sweetly, say thank you, and you'll be back for the information you need to register online or to pick up the printouts tomorrow afternoon. (Take your ID with you again.)
If they ask why you want the information (legally they have no right to ask but they often can't resist), just say that you want to start keeping copies for your own records.
If they refuse to give you the information you ask for then remind them that under GDPR regulations you are legally entitled to access to your own records.
If they try to charge you for the information or the printing remind them that charging people for their own information is against the law.
At all times be polite. Getting angry won't help, and the receptionist isn't responsible for the rules she is told to follow by her boss, the doctor or the practice manager.
...
The chances are high that your doctor has only tested your TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). If you've only been diagnosed this year, how often have you been re-tested since you went on Levo? What dose were you started on, when did this happen, and what dose are you on now?
It would also be useful to know whether you've ever had any nutrients tested.
Once you've got access to your results or got your printouts, write a new post and include the test name, test result and the reference range for the last year or two. The things we are interested in are TSH, Free T4 (FT4), Free T3 (FT3), any antibody results, iron, ferritin, haemoglobin, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D.
....
As someone who has also struggled with temper issues as a result of hormonal problems, I can empathise and you have my sympathies. But if you get your thyroid adequately treated, and optimise your nutrient levels it will really help.
First test was back in feb, low iron stores but not anaemic? Low vit D - wasn't hugely shocked at that one as skin has an autoimmune response to sunlight so tend to slaver on sunscreen even in sunny Northwest UK! and 'borderline' thyroid and b12 normal Advised to take iron and vit d supplements and hope thyroid rights it's self. 5-6 weeks later (April) feeling even worse, retested iron and vit d still out but improving but thyroid had "past the point of no return". I think they did full screen TSH/T4/T3 etc then. Started on 50mg and took 5 week's off work to recuperate, (I had been symptomatic since summer 17 and running myself into ground). As soon as I went back to work (June) i felt rubbish again, retested advised levels back within range but as not feeling benefits to increase to 75mg and retest September. Initially felt better until last 2-3 weeks. I think the brief episodes of improvement makes it even worse when my energy and moods hit the floor again! I remain on all the suppliments but finding it really hard to keep to healthy diet and exercise as after work and kids barely have the strength to cook. Used to love swimming but tried last month and had to spend the rest of the day in bed!
Once you have some results to give us, we can be more definite in suggesting what you can do to help yourself.
I suggest that you give up on restricting your diet and exercising a lot. Try to eat a healthy diet but without restricting your calories. Don't worry about your weight for now, you can worry about that later when your nutrients and thyroid hormone levels are optimised (if weight is an issue for you). You can do gentle exercise such as swimming, walking (no route marches), yoga. But strenuous exercise will use up your limited quantities of T3 (the active thyroid hormone), and if you don't have enough to start off with you will feel dreadful and your body won't work properly at all.
It is possible your AD could be increasing your anger too. Was reading about it only yesterday - but where ? Kelly Brogan is someone worth looking up and following ...
This article appeared in Thyroid News - a Newsletter by Lorraine Cleaver - that I receive everyday. Always something of intrest Have not read it all ! With research papers I often read the Introduction and the Conclusion/Discussion !
Come back with new post once you have results and ranges on what GP has tested
Then we can advise on next step
You sound under medicated. Quite likely cause of being hypothyroid is autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's), diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies. This often leads to low vitamin levels and fluctuating levels
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.
Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, calcium, vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from Levothyroxine
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.
Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. (Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients )
All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo 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)
Thanks, I used to work with the GP I'm seeing next week back when she was a registrar so may ask her to print out test results and bypass receptionists as they don't tend to be very helpful in my surgery.
May have taken a naughty peak at my results once in work but didn't think to write it all down. 😙
Doctors are often less likely to print out results without an argument than receptionists. They simply say they don't have the time in the course of a short appointment.
Hi, I am in my early 30's and experienced some of the symptoms you are talking about.
First I will make sure that my vitamin D level is good and get a supplement. Then magnesium and B vitamins will help to the mood disorder. See with your GP to add some t3 to the t4 or just buy it yourself and start slowly.
I know how it feels to feel like that. Dont give up. You will be fine.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Have not read it all ! With research papers I often read the Introduction and the Conclusion/Discussion !
Is this Hashimotos or Hypothyroid? help please with these results
Help please!!! Hypothyroid now not hypothyroid but subclinical thyroid dysfunction whaaaaat
Hypothyroidism Edinburgh - NEED advice - Please help!
NHS 'guidelines' preventing my GP prescribing for hypothyroidism - help please!
