Under active thyroid

[9-8-7_6]

Hi I’m new on here , I have had an under active thyroid for 22 years . I’m 57 , I’m overweight & struggle to loose it . I feel tired all the time , itchy skin & brain fog . I’m in 175 thyroxin . Can anyone advice me on how to loose weight

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Your symptoms suggest you might be undermedicated. Can you post your latest test results, with reference ranges. If you don't have them, ask at your surgery's reception for a print out, here in the UK we are legally entitled to our test results without charge.

For a full picture we need to see

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

and because we need optimal nutrient levels for thyroid hormone to work properly it's important to test

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

So if you post what you've got we can comment.

[9-8-7_6 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you so much . I will get my results from my dr . I dint think I have all the results as only have blood tests when I start to feel un well . Last tests I needed more medication .

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to 9-8-7_6]

Doesn't your GP do an annual thyroid function test? That's what should be done.

For future reference, so that you can compare test results accurately, always book the first appointment of the morning, no later than 9am, fast overnight (have evening meal/supper the night before but delay breakfast until after the test) and take last dose of Levo 24 hours before blood draw. This ensures the highest possible TSH which is needed if you're looking for an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction. It also gives the normal circulating hormone (T4). If you take Levo too close to blood draw you get a false high FT4, if you leave longer than 24 hours you get a false low.

Always take Levo on an empty stomach, one hour before or 2 hours after food, with a glass of water only (no tea, coffee, milk, etc, as they affect absorption). Also, take Levo 2 hours away from any other medication or supplements some need 4 hours.

[Hidden]

22 years is such a long time I am pleased that you have joined us Seaside Susie has given you the advice you require, good luck.

[Ziburu]

Could try cutting out Gluten and dairy and avoiding sugar.

A big commitment I know but weight dropped off me.

I’m not big but for years was a stone and a half heavier than my normal weight. It just crept on eating too much of wrong stuff. Good luck

[Mm10]

I understand the frustration. What’s your daily caloric intake? Do you exercise?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies. You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised

All thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Do not take Levothyroxine dose in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take immediately after blood draw. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or vitamins

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

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 .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

First step is to get FULL TESTING of thyroid and vitamins and antibodies

Then come back here with test results and ranges.

Members can advise on next step

Email Thyroid UK for list of recommended endocrinologist- thyroid specialists

please email Dionne


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