Hi, I am 29 and in the last year have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. While my GP has been fantastic in ensuring I have basic info on the condition and am on the right meds, 125mg levothyroxine a day. I want to know anything and everything that can help me manage this condition.
Since getting the meds right I have felt better within myself with a lot of the 'brain fog', lack of coordination, tiredness and irritability getting a lot better, I still seem to have some issues with dry skin (in particular my scalp), weight gain, thinning eyebrows and constipation are still quiet apparent.
I just wondered if anyone had any ideas on how to try and manage these a little better?
Also is it possible to find out what the condition is due to? I have read about Hashimoto's but my GP didn't mention this being the cause.
Finally I have been doing some research around iron, iodine and gluten and to say I am a little confused is an understatement!!! Are these things I should be avoiding or increasing my intake of?
Any help or info would be very much appreciated, Thank you.
Written by
Kelly_Macc
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First thing to do is get full thyroid/vitamin testing, this will tell you everything you need to know:
TSH
FT4
FT3
Thyroid antibodies
Vit D
B12
Folate
Ferritin
These can all be done with a private home test from labs recommended by ThyroidUK
eg
Medichecks Thyroid Check Ultravit medichecks.com/thyroid-func... and code MED99 gives 20% discount if used by the end of October
or
Blue Horizon Thyroid Check Plus Eleven bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/t... - I've just had a pop up discount code for 15% - oct15
If you post your results, with reference ranges, when you have them, members will help.
Finally I have been doing some research around iron, iodine and gluten and to say I am a little confused is an understatement!!! Are these things I should be avoiding or increasing my intake of?
You will know from your test results if you need to supplement iron. You will also know from your test results if it's suggested that you autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's and if so a gluten free diet can help reduce the antibodies.
As for iodine, this needs to be tested and only supplemented if found to be deficient, and then only under the guidance of an experienced practioner.
Thank you both so much for your reply, will definitely look into the testing. Can I ask if I take these results to my GP will they issue different medication if it is needed?
There's no guarantee that a GP will accept your private test results, some will, some wont. But if your GP doesn't then that's your cue to suggest he does his own tests and take it from there.
Low nutrient levels you can help yourself with suggestions from members, you just need to post your results with ranges.
If you have raised antibodies, again you will get suggestions of how to address this.
Your actual thyroid results will tell us if you are adequately medicated and, if not, what needs to be done about it. You are unlikely to get different medication from your GP, Levo seems to be all that the NHS will prescribe. But let's not jump the gun, post your results when you have them and we'll go from there
First step is to get full Thyroid and vitamin testing
Your GP may do some, but unlikely to do all required. See what they can test
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, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose 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 .
Thank you both so much for your reply, will definitely look into the testing. Can I ask if I take these results to my GP will they issue different medication if it is needed?
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